Colditz - Softcover

P. R. Reid

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0330509993 ISBN 13: 9780330509992

Publisher: Pan, 2009

Synopsis

In The Full Story, Major Pat Reid brings together the many dramatic discoveries resulting from research that has covered the five continents. From all walks of life, Belgian, Czech, Dutch, French, German and Polish prisoners - as well as those from the British Commonwealth and USA - were incarcerated in suffocating intimacy for five years in an alien and hostile land. Under these conditions, they proved that men could live together and that loyalty and generosity could thrive, transcending the natural prejudices of race, creed, language and intellectual diversity. There were more than 300 escape attempts at Colditz and in this fascinating portrayal, Reid vividly describes this unique period in Second World War history. Furthermore, he reveals the code systems between the War Office and Colditz; shows how he obtained information on Germany's secret weapons; and investigates the existence of traitors and the situation of non-collaborators in the castle. This is a true story, which nonetheless possesses the mythical qualities that cause a legend to live forever.

About this title

About the Author

P.R. Reid (1910–1990) was a British Army officer who was held captive at Colditz Castle when it was designated Oflag IV-C during the World War II era. Reid was one of the few to escape from Colditz, crossing the border into neutral Switzerland in late 1942 after two years as a prisoner of war. After the war ended, Reid became a diplomat and administrator before eventually returning to his prewar career in civil engineering. He is the author of several books on his time at Colditz Castle, which together were the basis for movies, television series, and a board game.

Review

"[T]his book is highly recommended reading."

--The New York Times

Edition details

• Publisher: Pan
• Publication date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0330509993
• ISBN 13: 9780330509992
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 368