Delousing break

It occurred on 12 June 1943 from the North Compound of Stalag Luft III Prisoner of War Camp in Germany.

[1] The plan was masterminded by Squadron Leader Roger Bushell RAF, who also organized the Great Escape from the same camp.

[2] Twenty-four officers, escorted by two fake guards (Allied POWs disguised as Germans), left the camp through the main gate to proceed to the neighbouring compound to be deloused.

Twenty-four of them were returned to the camp, but Flight Lieutenant Lorne Welch and Pilot Officer Walter Morison were sent to Oflag IV-C at Colditz for attempting to steal an aircraft.

[4] A second party of six officers, again escorted by a fake guard (Flight Lieutenant Bram van der Stok), also attempted to escape whilst en route to the neighbouring compound shortly after the main party had left, however, the forged pass carried by Van der Stok was out-dated, and the alarm was raised.