Escape attempt at Oflag XXIB (28th February 1943)

[WojciechZ]

I am looking for some details of escape attempt of W/Cdr Stefan Janus (Polish Air Force) from Oflag XXIB at Schubin. According to his account it happened on 28th February 1943.
I have seen his reports from National Archives & Polish archives in London, but he does not give any details there; just mentioned that this escape was done in "refuse cart".

Are there are any accounts about this attempt in allied sources (at Oflag XXIB there were many allied airmen then; some or even most were transferred subsequently to famous Stalag Luft 3 at Sagan) - I mean either historical books of recollections of ex-PoWs.

My research in this direction however failed, so I was wondering if anyone reading this thread could help here.


Thank you
Wojciech Zmyslony

[Col Bruggy]

Hello,

Get yourself a copy of Aidan Crawley's "Escape From Germany"* (there are several editions). Go to Chapter 22, entitled OFLAG XXIB, SCHUBIN and read pages 204-5. It relates the story of an unnamed Polish Flight Lieutenant and a friend who escaped in one of the carts used for cleaning out the cesspools. The date given for this escape is 4th March, 1943. The next day a tunnel was used for another escape attempt. It was assumed that the two officers had got out through the tunnel, their true method of escape was never discovered. However, like those who had escaped through the tunnel, they were eventually recaptured.

*
Escape From Germany: The Methods of Escape used by R.A.F. Airmen during the Second World War.
Crawley,Aidan.
London:H.M.S.O.,1985 (P/B.) - A later version of this book was edited by Graham Pitchfork.

Could this be your event?

Col.

[Bruce Dennis]

Col, is the second escaper, the 'friend', named or nationality confirmed?

Bruce

[Col Bruggy]

Bruce,

Unfortunately, no.

Col.

[WojciechZ]

Thank you.

[Col Bruggy]

Hi Wojciech,

Here is the transcription from "Escape from Germany" (pp.204-5):

The third escape through the gate was timed to coincide with the tunnel, which was successful. A Polish Flight Lieutenant who had been the main liaison between the prisoners and the Poles outside had arranged hiding places for himself and a friend and wanted twenty-four hours start before the mass escape occurred. Accordingly he entered into an arrangement with the Polish driver of one of the tanks used for emptying the cesspools. These tanks were long and tubular, sealed by round bulkheads on top, and looked rather like small petrol wagons. Without hesitation the driver agreed to enlarge the bulkhead sufficiently to allow a man to climb into it, to clean the tank and to drive the two men out in it. In order to make a success certain he brought the tank back into the camp, and having parked it in a place out of sight of any German guards, carried out a dress rehearsal.

The prisoners intending to escape climbed into the tank and sat on a small stool. They found there was just enough room for them but discovered that although the tank had been cleaned carefully the fumes were overpowering,. However, this difficulty was overcome by the construction of a special gauze masks which were treated with strong disinfectant.

On 3 March, 1943, two days before the tunnel was due to be used, the tank was deliberately left overnight in the camp. The next day a second similar tank was driven in and after doing its rounds of the cesspools was substituted for the one which had been left. Meanwhile the two escapers had climbed into this and were driven through the gates and out to their pre-arranged rendezvous. The next day the tunnel was used and the Germans naturally assumed that the two officers concerned had gone out with the others. Their true method of escape was never discovered. However, like those who had escaped through the tunnel, they were recaptured eventually.

Col.

[WojciechZ]

Thanks again, I appreciate very much.

[WojciechZ]

It seems that the "Polish" F/Lt was in fact Czechoslovak fighter pilot Josef Bryks who escaped together with S/Ldr Morris.

At least this is the story available at:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josef_Bryks