Alfie Fripp, English soldier and pilot (b. 1913)

Alfred George Fripp: A Distinguished RAF Veteran and Enduring WWII Prisoner of War

Alfred George Fripp, born on 13 June 1914 and passing away on 3 January 2013, was an extraordinary figure in British military history. Known affectionately as "Alfie" or "Bill" to his comrades and family, Fripp distinguished himself as a Royal Air Force (RAF) squadron leader, though his most significant wartime service began as a flight sergeant. His remarkable life story is intrinsically linked with the harsh realities faced by Allied airmen captured during the Second World War.

Early War Capture and Extensive Imprisonment

Fripp's harrowing journey as a prisoner of war commenced very early in the conflict. While serving as a flight sergeant, he was shot down by the formidable German air force, the Luftwaffe, in 1939. This capture occurred during the initial stages of World War II, specifically on 18 December 1939, when his Vickers Wellington bomber was attacked during a raid over the German Bight. This early capture thrust him into a long and arduous period of confinement, enduring the challenging conditions of no fewer than twelve different prisoner of war (POW) camps across Nazi-occupied Europe. Such frequent transfers were common, often driven by security concerns, Allied advancements, or the logistical challenges faced by the German High Command.

Among the various internment facilities he experienced was the infamous Stalag Luft III. This particular camp, located near Sagan in Silesia (now Żagań, Poland), was specifically established by the Luftwaffe to hold captured Allied air force personnel. Stalag Luft III gained worldwide notoriety as the meticulously planned and executed "Great Escape" took place there on the night of 24–25 March 1944. While Fripp was held at the camp, he was not directly involved in the mass escape attempt, which primarily involved Allied officers, but his presence there underscores the widespread and severe nature of the POW experience for airmen.

The Last of the "39ers" and a Record of Resilience

Alfred Fripp held a unique and poignant distinction as the last of the "39ers." This informal, yet deeply significant, designation referred to those British servicemen who were taken prisoner in the very first year of World War II. Their early capture meant they endured the full duration of the war as POWs, facing years of uncertainty, deprivation, and psychological strain. Fripp's capture in December 1939 meant he spent over five years in captivity, until the war's end in Europe in May 1945.

His longevity after the war further cemented his place in history. He became the oldest surviving British prisoner of war from World War II and, consequentially, also the longest-serving British POW from the conflict. His post-war career saw him rise to the rank of squadron leader, a testament to his continued dedication and service to the Royal Air Force. Fripp's life story is a powerful narrative of endurance, reflecting the extraordinary resilience of those who faced prolonged captivity during one of history's most devastating conflicts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Alfred George Fripp

Who was Alfred George Fripp?
Alfred George Fripp was a British Royal Air Force (RAF) veteran, known by his nicknames "Alfie" or "Bill." He served as a flight sergeant during World War II and was later promoted to squadron leader. He is primarily remembered as a long-serving prisoner of war (POW) during the conflict.
When was Alfred George Fripp captured during World War II?
Alfred Fripp was shot down and captured by the German Luftwaffe very early in World War II, specifically on 18 December 1939. This made him one of the "39ers," those taken prisoner in the war's first year.
How long was Alfred George Fripp a prisoner of war?
Alfred Fripp was held as a prisoner of war for over five years, from his capture in December 1939 until the end of World War II in Europe in May 1945.
What was Stalag Luft III's significance in relation to Fripp?
Stalag Luft III was one of the twelve different prisoner of war camps where Alfred Fripp was held. This camp became historically famous as the site of the "Great Escape," a mass escape attempt by Allied airmen in March 1944.
Why was Alfred Fripp considered a unique WWII veteran?
Alfred Fripp held a unique distinction as the "last of the 39ers," meaning he was the last surviving British serviceman captured in the first year of World War II. This made him both the oldest surviving and the longest-serving British POW from the conflict.