Description:

('THE GREAT ESCAPE') JIMMY JAMES
BERTRAM A. 'JIMMY' JAMES (1915–2008) British survivor of The Great Escape. He was an officer of the Royal Air Force, ultimately reaching the rank of Squadron Leader. He shot down over the Netherlands on 5 June 1940 and he was then taken prisoner. He made thirteen efforts to escape from various prisons and camps, including Stalag Luft III, the site in March 1944 of the so-called Great Escape. A central figure in escape, James, together with Peter Fanshawe, was largely responsible for depositing the soil from Tunnel Harry under seat 13 in the camp theater. He and his escape partner were captured, his partner executed. A.Ms. (unsigned), 6pp. 4to., Worcester, Nov. 30, 1998, notes on a speech he gave describing his incredible military career. In very small part: '...I wasn't planning to spend 5 years behind barbed wire...just after crossing the Dutch coast we were caught in a searchlight cone and shot down in flames...Stalag Luft I...dusty, dreary little compound...wooden barrack huts surrounded by a double row of barbed wire...warning wire about 8' inside wire...[sentries] ready to shoot if you step over it...we had no food, no clothing...no freedom & no hope - nadir of existence...we got on with life...2 successful escapes...Stalag Luft III...designed for security...North Compound...to hold increased number of aircrew prisoners resulting from bomber offensive...Three enormous tunnels Tom, Dick & Harry had been started - 30' deep - air pumps from kit bags, line [?] milk tins, electric lighting, a railway for removal of sand from face of tunnel, 3 chambers at base of shaft, wood shoring. This had been planned & put into operation by Roger Bushell - charismatic, forceful character helped by Wally Floody [?], Peter Fanshawe, & George [?]...Two main factors for success...Dispersal...Security...Back Up Sections Carpentry Eng. Forging Maps Compasses Intelligence...Tom discovered...Harry opened up max 3 teams 12 = 36 Dispersal under theatre...tiles on which stove stood had been taken up & stuck onto a board which was then made to hinge up & own & handles lifted the stove...items used in construction 4,000 bed & floor boards 90 double bunks 1,000' of electric wiring...24 Mar. Break Out...'. James' notes are thereafter a bit briefer, relating to his capture, internment at Sachsenhausen, construction of yet another tunnel, transfer to Flossenburg and commandant's desire to have him shot, burning of bodies, transfer to Dachau, and eventual liberation. Hastily penned on the verso of real estate flyers, in fine condition.

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December 4, 2024 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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