Civic leaders got together to remember a Shropshire war hero who was executed on Hitler’s orders for his role in the Great Escape.

The Mayor of Wem, Councillor Pauline Dee, laid a posy of fresh spring flowers at the town’s Cenotaph to mark the 65th anniversary of the escape.

Wem airman Cyril Swain, known as Sid, was one of 76 Allied prisoners-of-war who dug their way out of Stalag Luft III in March, 1944. The Great Escape has become one of the most famous incidents of World War II. Mr Swain was one of 50 Allied airmen later executed by the Nazis.

Wing Commander Tim Owens, deputy station commander at RAF Shawbury, laid a wreath of fresh flowers and the ceremony was also attended by Squadron Leader Neil Hope from the base, members of the Royal British Legion, Rotary and Probus clubs and other Wem Town Councillors.

County, district and town councillor Chris Mellings was also present. Prayers were led by the Rector of St Peter and St Paul Church, the Reverend Christopher Cooke and a two-minute silence was held.

Mr Swain became a pilot during the Second World War. He was shot down over Germany and ended up in the prison camp near Zagan in Poland.

Councillor Dee said: “I was thinking during the two-minute silence there was so much traffic going by and it was thanks to people like Flight Lieutenant Swain and the others who gave their lives for us so that we could have this freedom.

“I just thought it was thanks to them that we were able to stand there to commemorate their sacrifice and that life is still going on around us in freedom.”

Meanwhile, former RAF Prisoners of War yesterday gathered at the site of tunnel Harry at Stalag Luft III, to mark the 65th anniversary of the 50 RAF officers executed by the Gestapo following their escape in 1944.