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How pilot Bram Vanderstok found his way to freedom in the Great Escape
Seventy-five years ago to the day, a group of POWs were preparing to crawl to freedom through a 300-foot long tunnel in what would become known as the Great Escape. One of the inmates at Stalag Luft III was Bram Vanderstok, a Dutch Spitfire pilot, and one of only three men to make a 'home run'.
"Without the film, who'd remember the 50 who were murdered?"
Of the 76 who escaped from Stalag Luft III, 50 were handed over to the Gestapo and shot dead. In this blog, former PoW Charles Clarke tells us how The Great Escape film has helped ensure that these men are never forgotten.
"We did it the easy way" – Great Escape film actor meets Stalag Luft III veteran
When John Leyton, now 83, starred in one of the most iconic war films of the 20th century, he knew the story they were telling was a real one.
Air Cadets run 'log marathon' to fundraise for RAF welfare charity
A group of Air Cadets from Tonbridge completed the challenge of racing the course of a marathon whilst carrying a heavyweight log – a CCF tradition to fundraise for military charities.
"The plan was for 200 men to get out"
In an interview with the late RAF veteran Jack Lyon. he explained how the PoWs at Stalag Luft III were split into three groups as they carefully planned their escape.
Tornado Diamond Nine – from the first to the last
Following the disbandment of the Tornado, Group Captain (Rtd) Ray Goodall shares his memories of flying as a navigator in this much-loved aircraft as part of the Diamond Nine formation.
RAF personnel to scale London's Gherkin tower for charity
On 11 April 2019 a team of RAF fundraisers are planning to scale the heights of one of London's most iconic skyscrapers for the second time, in support of the RAF Benevolent Fund in commemoration of their centenary year.
Tribute to Jack Lyon
The RAF Benevolent Fund is saddened to hear of the loss of 101-year-old RAF veteran Jack Lyon, who passed away on Friday. Jack joined the RAF aged 23 and flew with Bomber Command during the Second World War. The Fund spoke to Jack in what could be his last interview as part of its commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Great Escape.
Press Release
RAF Sergeant raises funds for charity despite horrible injury
Sergeant Innes Manson has raised £1,395 for the RAF Benevolent Fund, despite being seriously injured during his Man Vs. Typhoon challenge at RAF Lossiemouth.
"Big X – one of the greatest of his generation"
The mastermind of the Great Escape was Squadron Leader Roger Bushell. Described by his Commanding Officer as 'one of the greatest of his generation', Bushell was born and brought up in South Africa but went to school in England, studied law at Cambridge and became a London barrister.
