On the night of 24th March 1944, seventy-six men took part in the world famous Great Escape from Stalag Luft III in Germany. An escape of this scale was recognised as a grave threat to national security, and Hitler was informed. An estimated five million people prepared to take part in the largest manhunt of the war – with tragic consequences. Almost one year to the day later, seventy German POWs escaped from the high security camp in Bridgend in Wales and were tracked by a motley collection of armed soldiers, Home Guard, dogs, local children and Girl Guides. One of the largest manhunts of the whole war was dramatic, serious and comic in turn – but not tragic.
