Helpline: 0300 102 1919
"Something's afoot!"
Former Flight Lieutenant Jack Lyon, 96, was 25 when he entered Stalag Luft III's north compound. He became involved in the Great Escape after being moved from the east to the north compound but, he says, escape information was strictly on a 'need to know' basis and he had no idea how truly audacious the plan was.
Students clock up 172km in tribute to RAF personnel killed during Second World War
A team of students from 57 Squadron at RAF Cranwell will pay tribute to personnel killed during the Second World War, at the same time as raising funds for the RAF Benevolent Fund.
Press Release
"Flying in a Tornado was a dream come true"
As the RAF bid farewell to the Tornado fast jet with its final flight, Lead Area Director Neil Tomlin recalls his time stationed with the iconic aircraft at RAF Marham which led to the realisation of a boyhood ambition.
"The trouble with prison life is that we were all very young people. It seemed an age for us"
Former PoW Charles Clarke tells us what life was like for the prisoners at Stalag Luft III during World War Two.
Proceeds from Great Escape books to be donated to the Fund
To mark the 75th anniversary of the Great Escape which will be commemorated next month, the Greenhill Books will be donating 15% from the sale of four historical books to the RAF Benevolent Fund.
"Our aircraft had been observed liked a great torch in the sky'"
Former Flight Lieutenant Jack Lyon was just 23 when he joined the RAF as an Aircraftman. He entered Stalag Luft III, the scene of the Great Escape, in 1942 when it opened and was later moved to the north compound, home to the tunnels 'Tom' , 'Dick' and 'Harry'.
"The game is up"
As the PoWs began to escape through the tunnel on the night of 24 March 1944, it was a long wait for the late Jack Lyon as he stood in the queue in Hut 104. In an interview, Jack told us about that historic night and the eventual discovery of the tunnel by the guards.
Former Tornado aims high for RAF Benevolent Fund
A runner inspired by the loss of colleagues during his RAF career will run the Cambridge Half Marathon next month in aid of the RAF Benevolent Fund.
"It was every boy's ambition to join the Air Force"
Former Flight Lieutenant Charles Clarke was 20 years old when he was shot down over enemy territory serving in Bomber Command. He was captured whilst trying to flee to safety in Switzerland and imprisoned in Stalag Luft III during the time of the Great Escape. Charles shares his recollections of life in the RAF and as a PoW in Stalag Luft III.
A final farewell to the Tornado
As the Tornado is retired from the RAF this month, the Fund's very own Tom Cruise aka Area Director Baz Dale looks back on his RAF career which included four tours on this fearsome aircraft.
