Ralph Churches BEM (22 November 1917 – 18 October 2014) was an Australian army private who planned and carried out the biggest and most successful POW escape of World War II.

Watching his fellow soldiers die of starvation and disease, in unconscionably grim conditions, hardened Ralph's resolve to devise of a large-scale escape plan.

[1] The long trek took them through dense forests, over mountains and fording multiple rivers, with German scouting parties trailing close behind.

Suffering hunger, exhaustion, injuries and in-fighting, some of Ralph's fellow POWs, fearing for their lives, wanted to return to the prison camp.

Ralph turned down an offer to spy for the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS), instead resuming his pre-war employment with the bank, where he achieved notable success in the insurance industry.

On 24 March 1944, Squadron leader Roger Bushell organized the escape from Stalag Luft III, where 3 POWs made it home alive.