Book decodes World War II's daring mass escape

Image
Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : Nov 18 2014 | 2:22 PM IST
The most audacious mass escape of World War II by 40 officers from Britain, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa from a German prisoner-of-war camp is now being described in details in a new book.
On the night of August 30, 1942, these officers staged the boldest and riskiest mass escape during the war by crossing the huge perimeter fences of the Oflag VI-B camp in Warburg using wooden scaling contraptions instead of tunnelling.
"Zero Night: The Untold Story of the Second World War's Most Daring Great Escape" by historian Mark Felton is billed as the first book published on the most dangerous mass escape of World War II.
This was the notorious 'Warburg Wire Job', described by fellow prisoner and fighter ace Douglas Bader as 'the most brilliant escape conception of this war'.
Months of meticulous planning and secret training hung in the balance during three minutes of mayhem as the prisoners charged the camp's double perimeter fences.
Published by Icon Books, the rip-roaring "Zero Night is distributed by in India by Penguin Books.
Telling this remarkable story in full for the first time, historian Felton evokes the suspense of the escape itself and the adventures of those who eluded the Germans, as well as the courage of the civilians who risked their lives to help them in enemy territory.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Nov 18 2014 | 2:22 PM IST

Next Story