The True Story of the Wooden Horse
Book Details
Author(s)Robert J Laplander
PublisherPen and Sword
ISBN / ASIN1783831014
ISBN-139781783831012
AvailabilityUsually ships in 24 hours
Sales Rank2,148,594
MarketplaceUnited States 🇺🇸
Description
Whilst there have been many accounts from specific escapees who took part in the famed Wooden Horse escape from Stalag Luft III, there have been few objective historical studies of the camp as a whole. Many attempts at escape characterized its history, and the story of its establishment is a fascinating one. Now, historian Robert Laplander attempts to provide a comprehensive history of the camp and compound, framed around the ingenious Wooden Horse escape.
The author describes Eric Williams' classic book The Wooden Horse as merely an introduction to the escape, arguing that its creation was impeded by both a lack of necessary historical scope and regulations of the Crown. Today, however, there is much more material to take advantage of, including official documents that have been released and eyewitnesses that have spoken out – enough to justify this reappraisal of the events at Stalag Luft III. The author's rigorous approach to the subject matter is evident from the outset. Supplemented throughout by a range of fascinating illustrations, including shots of a full scale replica of the vaulting horse used which the author constructed specifically for the purposes of understanding the logistics of the escape yet further, the book represents a competent and exhaustive account of the escape in its entirety, set solidly in context in order to provide an overview of the camps history from establishment to demise.
REVIEWS
"illustrated by a number of fascinating photos...an in depth account of the Wooden Horse escape authoritatively set within the context of Stalag Luft III's brief history from March 1942 to January 1945"
Toy Soldier and Model Figure Magazine
Laplander, a military historian, documents the Wooden Horse escape from Stalag Luft III, when 76 Royal Air Force officers attempted to escape the German prisoner-of-war camp during World War II. Three were successful in escaping through a tunnel, and the others were recaptured, some murdered by the Nazis. He describes the initial capture of the British soldiers, their captivity, and the escape and aftermath.
Protoview
The author describes Eric Williams' classic book The Wooden Horse as merely an introduction to the escape, arguing that its creation was impeded by both a lack of necessary historical scope and regulations of the Crown. Today, however, there is much more material to take advantage of, including official documents that have been released and eyewitnesses that have spoken out – enough to justify this reappraisal of the events at Stalag Luft III. The author's rigorous approach to the subject matter is evident from the outset. Supplemented throughout by a range of fascinating illustrations, including shots of a full scale replica of the vaulting horse used which the author constructed specifically for the purposes of understanding the logistics of the escape yet further, the book represents a competent and exhaustive account of the escape in its entirety, set solidly in context in order to provide an overview of the camps history from establishment to demise.
REVIEWS
"illustrated by a number of fascinating photos...an in depth account of the Wooden Horse escape authoritatively set within the context of Stalag Luft III's brief history from March 1942 to January 1945"
Toy Soldier and Model Figure Magazine
Laplander, a military historian, documents the Wooden Horse escape from Stalag Luft III, when 76 Royal Air Force officers attempted to escape the German prisoner-of-war camp during World War II. Three were successful in escaping through a tunnel, and the others were recaptured, some murdered by the Nazis. He describes the initial capture of the British soldiers, their captivity, and the escape and aftermath.
Protoview
