In Spring 1943, Squadron Leader Robert Bushell devised a daring escape plan from Stalag Luft III, a German POW camp believed to be escape-proof. After nearly a year of tunnelling, 76 airmen escaped on March 24, 1944, inspiring the 1963 film The Great Escape.

Among them, Bram Van Der Stok, the most decorated Dutch aviator, was the 18th man out and one of only three to reach freedom. Shot down in April 1942 while flying Spitfire Mk.Vb BL595, he crossed occupied Europe, re-joined the RAF, and flew over Normandy on D-Day. Post-war, he became a doctor and worked with NASA in the 1970s.