The Colditz Story (1955) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

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1. 1

   Colditz becomes a high-security POW camp

   Colditz Castle is transformed into a high-security POW camp, designated as Oflag IV-C to hold Allied prisoners who have attempted escapes from other camps. The Kommandant warns that escaping is verboten, but the inmates remain determined to try. Among the prisoners are British, Polish, Dutch and French officers, all under the watch of Priem, the efficient security chief.

   When

   World War II

   Where

   Colditz Castle

2. 2

   Nighttime escape attempts begin

   Reid and a British group attempt to open a manhole cover during the night, hoping for a breakthrough. A simultaneous French attempt creates confusion, triggering alarms and alerting the guards. The lack of coordination underscored how fragile escape schemes could be inside the fortress.

   When

   Night

   Where

   Colditz Castle

3. 3

   Tunnels progress and a costly collapse

   A British tunnel makes some progress but runs into Dutch efforts, and a collapse halts the operation. The setback demonstrates the dangerous and collaborative nature of multi-national escape plans. It also highlights how close the prisoners are to a breakthrough, only to be thwarted by structural failure.

   When

   During tunnel construction

   Where

   Colditz Castle

4. 4

   National escape officers to coordinate plans

   Richmond proposes appointing an escape officer from each nationality to prevent cross-currents and interference. Reid accepts the British post, taking responsibility for coordinating British escape efforts. The idea is to streamline attempts and reduce competing ambitions within the camp.

   When

   After initial attempts

   Where

   Colditz Castle

5. 5

   Franz Josef impersonation plan takes shape

   Richmond devises an elaborate plan to impersonate the German feldwebel Franz Josef, leveraging his resemblance to the former emperor to aid an escape. The scheme initially seems to be gaining traction, but trouble arises when the guards intervene. The ambitious ruse collapses at a critical moment.

   When

   Key moment

   Where

   Colditz Castle

6. 6

   Escape attempt ends with a gunfire incident

   Harry Tyler, disguised as a German goon, is shot and wounded while the escape attempt unfolds. The guards' response foils the operation and raises the stakes for future plans. The incident underscores the personal risk each prisoner faces in every scheme.

   When

   During attempted breakout

   Where

   Colditz Castle

7. 7

   Solitary confinement for the escape team

   Richmond, Reid, and about a dozen others are placed in solitary confinement for a month. The guard's concern about an informer grows, causing heightened paranoia and scrutiny. The punishment further sours morale among the prisoners.

   When

   One month later

   Where

   Colditz Castle

8. 8

   Winslow hides among palliasses; Polish officer colludes

   After being released, Jimmy Winslow is hidden among palliasses being removed from the castle and avoids immediate capture. A Polish officer, whose family has been threatened by the Gestapo, is revealed to be collaborating with the guards, prompting the Kommandant to transfer him away at Richmond's urging.

   When

   Two weeks later

   Where

   Colditz Castle

9. 9

   Winslow recaptured; solitary and La Tour’s escape

   Two weeks on the run, Winslow is recaptured and returned to Colditz in solitary confinement. During a physical exercise session, he talks with La Tour, who later, aided by a compatriot, leaps over the barbed wire and escapes in a subsequent attempt.

   When

   Two weeks after initial attempt

   Where

   Colditz Castle

10. 10

    Frustration grows over lack of a complete escape

    Richmond expresses growing annoyance that no British officer has achieved a complete escape. The lack of a successful breakout weighs on morale and pushes the leadership to consider new tactics. The sense of urgency fuels further plotting.

    When

    Between attempts

    Where

    Colditz Castle

11. 11

    Mac McGill proposes a conspicuous new plan

    Mac McGill approaches with a bold plan to disguise as German officers and approach guards from the German mess, claiming it could work if Reid is relieved from his duties so they can attempt together. The plan is controversial because of McGill’s tall stature and history of reckless behavior. Richmond weighs the risk and potential payoff before deciding how to proceed.

    When

    Lead-up to revue

    Where

    Colditz Castle

12. 12

    McGill’s fatal decision and death

    Richmond decides McGill cannot be used effectively and asks him to stand down, a move that devastates McGill. The next day, McGill scales the wire in broad daylight and is shot dead by the guards. The event highlights the brutal costs of leadership choices in the escape efforts.

    When

    Following plan evaluation

    Where

    Colditz Castle

13. 13

    Reid joins the plan after initial reluctance

    Reid initially refuses to join the new plan, but Richmond persuades him that McGill’s death would be wasted otherwise. He ultimately agrees to participate, and the group prepares to execute the escape during the planned theatre revue. The decision marks a turning point as the remaining inmates rally around a last major attempt.

    When

    Before the revue

    Where

    Colditz Castle

14. 14

    The escape during the theatre revue

    During the theatre revue, Reid, Winslow, Tyler and Lutyens escape from Colditz. Tyler and Lutyens are soon recaptured, but the escape succeeds enough to deliver a message. A cryptic postcard later reaches Richmond, announcing that Reid and Winslow have crossed into neutral Switzerland, validating the risk and sacrifice of the attempt.

    When

    During the theatre revue; days after

    Where

    Colditz Castle