NOVA Online | Nazi Prison Escape | Escaping Colditz 21

"Franz Josef" (left) and his impersonator

Escaping Colditz
21: September 2, 1943

About midnight, the grandiosely moustachioed Sergeant-Major whom the prisoners had nicknamed Franz Josef appeared at the eastern gate with two sentries. Claiming the camp had had an air-raid distant warning, he relieved the two sentries on duty at the gate early, replacing them with his own. For reasons he could not explain later, the second relieved sentry asked for Franz Josef's pass. It seemed to be in order, but Franz Josef didn't know the password when asked. The sentry pressed his warning bell. A German corporal appeared and demanded Franz Josef's revolver. A scuffle apparently ensued, and the corporal shot Franz Josef. "Good God," cried one of the sentries. "You've shot our Sergeant-Major." But no: It was English Lieut. Michael Sinclair, who survived and went on to attempt two other escapes (see #22 and #24).

Previous escape | Next escape | See the map