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  • The Colditz Story

  • By: P.R. Reid
  • Narrated by: Tim Woodward
  • Length: 7 hrs and 13 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (472 ratings)
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The Colditz Story

By: P.R. Reid
Narrated by: Tim Woodward
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Summary

Colditz - the dreaded POW camp was supposed to be impregnable. It was the German fortress from which there was no escape. It had been escape-proof in the 1914-18 war and was to be again in the Second World War, according to the Germans... This is the true story that has passed into legend: the story of the incredible courage and daredevil ingenuity of those who refused to admit defeat - those who burrowed, leapt and ran their way to freedom. It is the story of the finest escapers of World War Two, culminating in the author’s own dramatic escape in 1942.

©2001 P.R. Reid (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

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What listeners say about The Colditz Story

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  • J
  • 07-07-14

A Great Escape From Life!

Fantastic, plain and simple. Having read the original book numerous times I was slightly sceptical whether I would enjoy this audiobook. I need not have worried as the audio helped bring the experience to life. I normally only listen to my audiobooks when driving but with this book I found myself sitting in the car even when my journey had finished just to hear the next little bit!

Amazing book and flawlessly narrated a must have for anyone with an interest in military history or real life stories. Having visited Colditz myself the visit only added to how much I enjoyed this audio and i cannot recommend enough for people to take that pilgrimage like I did.

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14 people found this helpful

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Why Poles Were at Colditz

Many will be surprised that the large contingent of Poles at Colditz. This is not because they were parts of mass breakouts – but rather because they were political prisoners. To understand the situation at Colditz, a quick historical recap is needed regarding Polish-Nazi German history. Between 1917-1920 a right-wing Poland opposed the Socialism (following the dictates of the Catholic Church) of the 1917 Russian Revolution – with Lenin granting Poland ‘Independence’ in 1920. Italian fascism was popular in Poland between 1922 (and the rise of Mussolini) and 1930 and the election of an openly ‘fascist’ government in Poland (following the 1929 ‘Lateran Treaty’ which saw Mussolini granting the Vatican City ‘Independence’ and ‘Sovereignty’ from Italy). Hitler’s coming to power in 1933 is celebrated throughout Poland – with Joseph Goebbels receiving a state visit in early 1934. This led to a Concentration Camp being constructed and opened in late 1934 at Bereza in Eastern Poland. This was intended for use to corral and eradicate the Russian population in that area. In 1938, Polish troops triumphantly enter the Czech Republic alongside Nazi German troops! During 1939, Hitler betrays Poland and militarily annexes Western Poland (with Eastern Poland returning to the Russia it was separated from in the 1920 ‘Independence’ settlement. History today tends to omit all of this pre-1939 history of a ‘fascist’ Poland. This is why the author of this book talks of a number Polish prisoners held in Colditz as being ‘untrustworthy’ - as the relationship between the Poles and the Nazi Germans had been very good prior to 1939.

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11 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Ordinary men in an extraordinary situation

Having grown up in the late 60s and early 70s, I have memories of British TV (especially Sunday Afternoons!) having a lot of old War films and TV shows on, including The Colditz Story (the film), and Colditz (BBC TV). What we have here is the real story, told by one of the men who were incarcerated there. I've been listening to this over the last couple of weeks on my commute, and I flick between amazement at the schemes and inventiveness of these men, amusement at some of the "Goon-baiting" they got up to , and sheer admiration of the men who were PoWs during the second World War. This is an enthralling book, and I really hope that we can have the follow-up book soon.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

The Classic old war story

This is one of the classic stories from the war. Written by one of the former prisoners the writing style is not the easiest to follow with huge amounts of information being delivered at rapid pace. The detail is extraordinary. The story has been told in film and TV series and remains one of the greats. This is only the first half of the story. The second book the “Later days on Colditz “is not yet available here but would a good addition if available. The recording has a dated feel about it but that maybe because I knew much of the story anyway. If you don’t know the story and you like stiff upper lip British stuff with school boy humour you’ll love this.

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Almost unbelievable

If P.R Reid had recast his book about Colditz as a work of fiction, it would have been thought a far-fetched fantasy. The ingenuity, adaptation and technical brilliance shown by the prisoners in their elaborate escape attempts is astonishing; they are seemingly able to source or manufacture anything needed within the thick walls of their prison. The Colditz Story is highly entertaining, as well as offering a unique window on life in a POW camp. Tim Woodward has just the right voice for narration, but could have prepared the material more closely. The inflection he gives to many sentences is confusing, especially when dealing with logistical details. Be prepared for a lot of skipping back.

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Riveting and compelling

A fantastic glimpse into history that brings the stories to life. Gripping and immersive. My hats off to the hero’s of the allied forces.

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Very enjoyable and nicely read.

A classic account written just after the events. Very nicely read. I'm looking forwa4d to the next installment, The Latter Days at Colditz that I've just bought.

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Truly a classic tale of triumph over enormous odds

I listened to this story over a number of nights and lost a lot of sleep. Just one more chapter..... It is the story of a P. O. W ca. P during the first half of WW2. It is a great book about ordinary men doing extraordinary things. As it ends with the story of the authors own escape to freedom I, therefore, have to listen to what amounts to part 2 of the story. The Latter Days at Colditz is my next listen. I can hardly wait to start.

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Top rank

what a book! exellant narration too.
Can strongly reccomend for WW2 personal account buffs.
A shame it is not longer.

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loved it will read more

it's a really good hook. really funny at times. makes you feel lucky and happy to British.

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