ColditzCastle.Net - ‘Keeping alive the spirit of Colditz’
Oflag IVC, Colditz, the WW2 POW Sonderlager or ‘Bad Boys Camp’ for Allied Officers.
“The whole story of Colditz will, no doubt, one day be told, and it will make an enthralling story; but it must be written by one of the men who was there.”
‘Escape and Liberation, 1940-1945′ by A.J.Evans.
These words, by the author of The Escape Club, one of the greatest escape books of the First World War and one which inspired Major Pat Reid, British Escape Officer at Colditz from 1940-1942, to ultimately make a ‘Home Run’ succinctly describe my own personal views of the Colditz Story. Therefore, wherever possible, this website is narrated by the words of the prisoners who were there who went on to describe their experiences in their own words. Quotations are attributed to the relevant author and I would urge all those who view this website, and who feel inspired by it, to go on to read all the relevant books and do what they can to keep the memory of these men, of all nationalities, on whatever ’side’ to live on through generations to come.
To help you in this quest there is a comprehensive booklist in the ‘Links’ section, as well as information on how to visit Colditz and make the most of your stay in the ‘Trips to Colditz’ section.This website has been constructed with a view to generate interest in the history of Colditz Castle as a WW2 POW camp and also encourage today’s generation and generations to come to visit the Castle and the surrounding area.
The website project is a long one and the areas which have been concentrated on first are ones which people might not know as well as the more famous escapes - which will be covered in due course.
Gavin Worrell
Gavin Worrell - pictured left, standing outside the Chapel - is an accountant, trained barrister and Colditz Historian and lives in Sunbury on Thames, near London, with his wife two children. Regarding Colditz, he acted as an advisor & guide to the MOD and British Armed Forces, has worked with various aspects of the media (newspaper, magazines, TV), computer games companies, gives private lectures on Colditz and occasionally takes groups and private tours to Colditz. From time to time he also gives short talks to schools/Cub Scouts etc on a voluntary basis. He also helps wherever possible in providing whatever information he may have to relatives of former ‘residents’.
If you are an enthusiast and have any questions please just e-mail.
VISIT COLDITZ WITH US - e mail for details info@militaryhistorytours.co.uk
Dates of next trip to Colditz:
ESCAPE TO COLDITZ for just £299!!!
Friday September 24th to Sunday 26th - 2 ROOMS REMAINING!!!
For just £299 including flights and just £12.50 a night single room supplements*
To celebrate the magnificent escaping activity of Mike “The Red Fox” Sinclair, regarded by many - on both sides - as the most prolific escaper of WW2 - Military History Tours Limited are running a 1/2 price trip, including single room supplements and flights*, on the anniversary of Mike being ’shot while trying to escape’.
During these financially challenging times we are running this trip at 1/2 price as we feel very strongly that it is important we continue to remember what was done for us in times past.
Places are strictly limited to so contact us today to book your place.
*terms and conditions apply, contact us for details
Why not play Robert Farnon’s Colditz BBC TV Series Theme whilst browsing the site: colditz-tv-theme-click.wma Or watch a brilliant snippet from the classic John Mills/Pat Reid old black & white film:
We have hundreds more unique photos to scan and put on the site and we will do as soon as we can so please come back soon.
Check out Colditz Webcam: LINK
Check out the BBC Colditz Weather Forecast: LINK
Check out this interesting Computer Model of the Castle. It lacks many of Oflag IVC’s features as it is based on the way the castle looked a few years ago but it gives the viewer a fairly good idea of the basic castle layout: