Colditz Castle

Ralph Cowen, The Barber of Colditz Castle

Gavin — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 14:51:54 +0000

I have been fortunate enough to have recently corresponded with the daughter of one of the last Colditz veterans, Ralph Cowan.

Above. Ralph Cowen, Private, Kings Royal Rifle Corps, as drawn by Earl Haig.

Through our e-mails Lorraine and I have been able to piece together some information and pictures of Ralph which any Colditz enthusiast will be delighted to see. Some have rarely, if ever, been seen before.

In the ‘Men of Colditz’ section of this site there is a new ‘Individuals’ section of which Ralph’s is the first story. Please take the time to read Ralph’s story in his own words and enjoy his fantastic photos from Mooseburg & Colditz.

Our Colditz Castle Article in Military History Magazine

Gavin — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 16:03:50 +0000

I am delighted to say “Skirmish - The Living History Magazine” has published an article written by myself on Colditz Castle. It is a 2 page spread and covers not just the history of the castle but also it’s uncertain future.

I have scanned it on to 2 word docs as it is hard to put it on here. If anyone wants to buy a copy of the mag it can be purchased from WH Smiths. If anyone wants me to e-mail them the word docs I can do so, please e mail me.

A scanned version is featured below but it is not a great copy.

The Arctile also features 2 photos from guests who have been on my trips, Melvyn Lawes (night shot) & Alan Worrell (day shot).

Double VC winner Capt. Charles Upham’s stolen medals recovered

Gavin — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 09:43:10 +0000

Today the Telegraph on-line carries the following interesting story:

“Nine stolen Victoria Crosses and other military medals have been recovered after Lord Ashcroft, the Conservative Party’s deputy chairman, paid a £75,000 reward.”

LINK to story

Among the haul was ex Colditz POW Capt. Charles Upham’s double VC.

On a personal note Upham was heavily involved in the defence of Sfakia, Crete allowing servicemen to evacuate. My paternal Grandfather, RAF, was one of them.

Colditz Veteran Walter Morison interviewed

Gavin — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 19:25:38 +0000

Dave Windle, a fellow Colditz Society member, had the opportunity to video Walter Morison, a veteran of Stalag Luft III, Sagan and Oflag IVC, Colditz. Here is a short exert from his interview. I had the pleasure of meeting Walter last year and am delighted to say I am the owner of a signed copy of his excellent book ‘Flak & Ferrets’.

Colditz Veterans Peter Allan & Kenneth Lockwood interviewed

Gavin — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:40:34 +0000

A short film by Dave Windle, a fellow Colditz Society member. Dave had the privilege of knowing some of the veterans and had the opportunity to interview some of them. He is currently transferring the videos to DVD.

AWM acquires Lt. Jack Millet’s escape maps

Gavin — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 16:31:46 +0000

The Australian War Memorial (AWM) has acquired a selection of rare escape maps made by an Australian prisoner of war, Lt. Jack Millet who was captured in Crete in 1941 and sent to the Oflag IVC two years later after several escape attempts.

Here is a LINK to an article in ABC News (with subsequent links to AWM).

Colditz on TV

Gavin — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 15:41:47 +0000

On Sunday 17th February on BBC1 the Antiques Road Show will be featuring:

”fragments that will tell the story of a daring escape from Colditz”.

Military History Show

Gavin — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 09:52:45 +0000

Saturday May 3rd 2008, Olympia London

I will be visiting the Military History Show at London’s Olympia on Saturday 3rd May if anybody wants to meet up.

More details can be found via this LINK

Tickets are £2o but you can get 2 for £20 if you book in advance and quote BAW241

Tony Rolt Obituaries

Gavin — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 17:07:04 +0000

Sadly former Colditz POW Tony Rolt passed away on February 6th 2008.

Please see below a selection of obituaries with some information on Tony’s life: