Join us for this fascinating event marking the 82nd anniversay

On the night of March 24–25, 1944, 76 Allied prisoners of war staged a mass breakout from Stalag Luft III, a high-security Nazi POW camp in Sagan, Germany (now Żagań, Poland). Orchestrated by Squadron Leader Roger Bushell, it involved hundreds of prisoners digging three incredibly sophisticated tunnels—codenamed "Tom," "Dick," and "Harry". 

The True Story vs. The Legend

While the famous 1963 Hollywood film featured a fictionalised motorcycle chase with Steve McQueen, the reality of the 1944 event was a grim but staggering tale of ingenuity, courage, and tragedy. Jon Williams will be discussing the reality and lesser known facts about the ANZACs, compare different generations and Australian service people and provide many examples of the ANZAC Spirit and explain some enduring customs and traditions of the Australian Army. 

Some interesting facts:

• The Tunnels: Built roughly 9 meters (30 feet) underground to avoid German microphones, the tunnels were equipped with wooden shoring, electric lighting, and air ventilation systems. 
• The Escape: The mass break-out was scheduled for March 24, 1944, but due to an exit obstruction and the freezing night, only 76 of the intended 200 men managed to slip through "Harry" before a guard discovered the tunnel.
• The Aftermath: An intensive manhunt involving 60,000 to 70,000 Axis troops was launched. Only three men successfully made it to neutral territory. 
• The War Crime: Of the 73 men recaptured, Adolf Hitler ordered the Gestapo to execute 50 of them in direct violation of the Geneva Convention. After the war, an Allied investigation tracked down those responsible for the murders, leading to successful war crimes trials.

Presentation includes refreshments - $25 per person.