What's happened
Observances were held in Poland to mark the 80th anniversary of the 'Great Escape' during World War II, where 76 prisoners tunneled out of a German POW camp. A new exhibition at the UK National Archives also pays tribute to the escapees.
Why it matters
The 'Great Escape' anniversary serves as a poignant reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of those involved in the escape attempt. It highlights the resilience and determination of prisoners of war during WWII and the importance of commemorating historical events to honor those who fought for freedom.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel and The Independent reported on observances in Poland, emphasizing the solemn remembrance of the escape attempt. Metro provided historical context, discussing the impact of the 'Great Escape' film and its accuracy. The Guardian revealed a new claim by a RAF officer about potential betrayal during the escape.
How we got here
The 'Great Escape' occurred in 1944 when 76 prisoners escaped from Stalag Luft III, with most being recaptured and executed. The event has been immortalized in film and continues to be commemorated annually. The escape attempt symbolizes the courage and defiance of Allied prisoners of war during WWII.
More on these topics
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World War II, also known as the Second World War, was a global war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the vast majority of the world's countries—including all the great powers—forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis.
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Nazi Germany, officially known as the German Reich until 1943 and Greater German Reich in 1943–45, was the German state between 1933 and 1945, when Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party controlled the country which they transformed into a dictatorship.
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Poland, officially the Republic of Poland, is a country located in Central Europe. It is divided into 16 administrative subdivisions, covering an area of 312,696 square kilometres, and has a largely temperate seasonal climate.