Ludlow Probus Club member uncovers story of ‘Great Escape’ hero

A fascinating piece of wartime history was uncovered by Ludlow Probus Club member Mike Read while researching war graves at Henley Road Cemetery.

While checking the number of graves in the cemetery, Mike noticed a headstone bearing the RAF insignia and began investigating why it was not located within the designated war cemetery area. His research revealed the remarkable story of Bertram James (1915–2008), a Royal Air Force officer, prisoner of war and one of the key participants in the famous “Great Escape” from Stalag Luft III during the Second World War.

Born in India and educated at The King’s School, Canterbury, James endured personal hardship after losing both parents and seeing the family business collapse during the Great Depression. After travelling across North America and working in Canada, he volunteered for RAF pilot training in 1939.

Shot down over the Netherlands in June 1940 while serving with No. 9 Squadron RAF, James was captured and spent almost five years as a prisoner of war. During his captivity, he became one of the most determined and resourceful escapers in the German POW system, taking part in several tunnel projects at Stalag Luft I and Stalag Luft III.

He played a major role in the preparation of Tunnel “Harry”, which allowed 76 officers to escape in March 1944. Recaptured soon afterwards, he narrowly escaped execution during the reprisals that followed and was instead sent to Sachsenhausen concentration camp. There he endured solitary confinement, interrogation and severe deprivation before escaping once again in September 1944.

Recaptured for a second time, James remained imprisoned until the final weeks of the war before being liberated in South Tyrol in May 1945.

For his bravery, determination and repeated escape attempts, James was awarded the Military Cross and Mentioned in Despatches. After the war he continued his RAF career, later serving in intelligence and diplomatic roles across Europe and Africa before retiring in 1975.

In later life, James became a leading figure in preserving the memory of wartime captivity, supporting former prisoners and historians in commemorating Stalag Luft III and Sachsenhausen. He continued to share his experiences publicly and served on the International Sachsenhausen Committee until shortly before his death in 2008.

Bertram James’s connection with Ludlow was remembered at his funeral at St Peter’s Catholic Church on January 31, 2008. A party of RAF Regiment gunners from RAF Honington acted as pallbearers, hundreds of local people lined the procession route, and four Tornado GR4 aircraft from 9 Squadron performed a missing man formation flypast in tribute to the war hero.

Report by Paul Serrell-Cooke

Spring lunch brings members together

Thirty-eight Ludlow Probus Club members and guests gathered for a spring lunch at The Queen’s Head in Ludlow.

On a warm Wednesday, members enjoyed good food and conversation in a convivial atmosphere, helped by a gentle breeze through the open windows.

Thanks were given to Jane and her staff for their efficient service in serving the group so promptly, and to Tony for organising the successful event.