SAGAN-The Great Escape Print & Book

The Great Escape was perhaps the most daring escape attempt of the war, involving the mass breakout of more than 200 Allied Airmen by digging three long tunnels (nicknamed Tom, Dick, and Harry), an audacious feat of tunneling that would be long and dangerous.

After tunnels Tom and Dick were discovered by the German guards the prisoners concentrated on tunnel Harry and just after 22.00hrs on the night of 24th March 1944, the first escapee broke through to the surface – only to find it well short of the surrounding trees and next to a guard tower. The escapees would have to crawl to the cover of the trees right under the noses of the patrolling sentries.

Despite a number of setbacks seventy six POW's managed to crawl out of the tunnel before it was discovered and most of them headed for the Sagan train station. However with no knowledge and the local area and in virtual darkness most were unable to find the entrance to the station which was recessed in an underground pedestrian tunnel. Consequently many missed their night time trains and were forced to wait until daylight.

Richard Taylor's superb new drawing, completed in his trademark graphite and paint combination, recreates the scene as escaped POW's, dressed in plain clothes, mix with local civilians in an attempt to catch the early morning train and make their bid for freedom.

Every print in this new edition is hand numbered and personally signed by the artist together with FOUR veterans that played an integral part in the Great Escape. They were all members of the 200 who were to escape:

Signatures:

• Flight Lieutenant WILLIAM “TEX” ASH - The American flew Spitfires with the RCAF scoring 3 victories before being shot down. He was a stooge and was about to enter the tunnel when it was discovered.
• Flight Lieutenant JACK LYON - Involved as a stooge he was waiting to enter the tunnel at number 88 when the escape was discovered.
• Flight Lieutenant ALAN BRYETT - Involved as a penguin he was waiting in hut 104 to enter the tunnel when it was discovered.
• Warrant Officer RON WADE - He was involved in digging the tunnels but due to the guards suspicions was one of a number that were moved just before the escape took place.
  
  Each of the remarqued editions is issued conservation matted to include the original signatures of a further six veterans who took part in the Great Escape creating a highly desirable TEN signature collectors piece.