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Zero Night

Mark Felton recounts the ladder escape of forty officers from Oflag VI-B in August 1942.

Zero Night book cover
Author
Mark Felton
Publisher
Faber & Faber
Price
£18.00
ISBN
9781848318472
Published
2013

Zero Night by Mark Felton

“Zero Night” reveals a largely forgotten mass breakout from Oflag VI-B, Warburg. On 30 August 1942 forty British, Australian, New Zealand, and South African officers abandoned tunnels for a daring over-the-wire plan, assembling collapsible ladders hidden until escape night. Within three minutes they were over the perimeter and sprinting for freedom.

Felton follows their routes across occupied Europe: three reached Belgium and, via the Comète Line, Spain; others were recaptured and sent to Colditz, only to attempt escape again. The story celebrates ingenuity, discipline, and the networks that kept the escape spirit alive.

Faber & Faber. £18.00. ISBN 9781848318472.