The One That Got Away

On September 5th, 1940, Luftwaffe pilot Franz von Werra met his fate when his aircraft was shot down over Winchet Hill in Kent, England. His capture occurred during the intense aerial confrontations of the Battle of Britain, marking the beginning of a significant chapter in his life as a prisoner of war.

After being captured, von Werra was taken to a military interrogation center where he boldly proclaimed the unbreakable spirit of the German forces. His fervent declaration of the 'unyielding will to victory' resonated despite the dire circumstances he faced as a POW.

Initially housed at the notorious London Cage, von Werra made a daring wager with his RAF interrogator. He claimed he could escape within six months, offering a magnum of champagne for merely ten cigarettes, not realizing the stakes he was playing with.

While at Trent Park House, where he resided with other captured officers, his conversations were secretly monitored by the RAF. His flippant remarks, including a playful 'calling RAF, calling RAF,' hinted at his escape plans and defiance.

Von Werra attempted his first escape from Grizedale Hall in Lancashire but was unfortunately recaptured. This initial setback did not deter his determination, fueling his resolve to break free from captivity.

After being transferred to a high-security POW camp near Swanwick, Derbyshire, von Werra collaborated with fellow prisoners to dig a tunnel for escape. Their meticulously planned endeavor was executed under the threat of a German raid, showcasing their cunning and determination.

During a subsequent attempt to escape, von Werra posed as a Dutch pilot at Codnor Park railway station. He spun a fabricated tale about a crashed Wellington bomber, successfully manipulating the Station Master's concerns into a notification to the authorities.

Von Werra's attempt to hijack a Hawker Hurricane at an airfield led to his capture once more. His luck fluctuated like the war around him, as he seemed to teeter on the edge of success and failure.

Eventually, von Werra found himself in Canada alongside fellow prisoners. Seizing an opportunity during a train transit to escape, he leaped from the moving car near Smiths Falls, Ontario, demonstrating quick thinking and audacity.

Navigating his way toward the St. Lawrence River, von Werra commandeered a small boat and pushed it across treacherous icy waters. This daring maneuver allowed him to float downstream towards the United States, highlighting his survival instincts in extreme conditions.

Amid the turmoil of the war, a postcard reached the UK featuring the Statue of Liberty and a message from Oberleutnant Franz von Werra. The card hinted at his success in the wager made with the RAF, adding mystery to his escape saga.

As the war progressed, Canadian authorities collaborated with their American counterparts to locate the elusive von Werra. Despite this intensive manhunt, he managed to cross into Mexico and navigate through various South American countries.

After several months of evasion, von Werra finally reached Berlin on April 18, 1941, completing his astounding journey. His return to the heart of Germany marked an end to his long escape from captivity, but not without remarkable adventures along the way.

Von Werra's thrilling saga came to a tragic end on October 25, 1941, when his aircraft crashed into the sea during a patrol mission. Despite extensive search efforts, he remained lost at sea, leaving behind a legacy of daring exploits and resilience.