Unity Club met Oct. 10 at the Frederick Funston Meeting Hall with eight members.
After a short business meeting, Donna Houser gave a report on the book “The Great Escape” by Neal Bascomb.
The many escapes from German prison camps during the first World War are staggering, and little recognition has been given to those efforts. The brave soldiers who planned the escapes were often caught and punished by being put in a worse camp, with lack of food and drink. However, these men felt like it was worth taking a chance.
When some soldiers did escape by digging an underground tunnel through sheer will and determination, they made it to Holland. Those soldiers met for a reunion 20 years later, on July 23, 1938.
Historians estimate 192,848 British prisoners of war were held in Germany during WWII. There were 10,000 escape attempts; 573 were successful with 54 officers and 519 others finding a way out.
Many of their techniques were taught to soldiers during World War II.
The club will meet at 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 14 at the Frederick Funston Meeting Hall. Karen Lee will have the program.
