Paul Royle, Australian lieutenant and pilot (d. 2015)

Flight Lieutenant Paul Gordon Royle: A Hero of The Great Escape

Flight Lieutenant Paul Gordon Royle, born on 17 January 1914 and passing away on 23 August 2015, was an extraordinary figure in military history. This Australian Royal Air Force (RAF) pilot earned his place in the annals of World War II as one of the last two surviving members of the 76 Allied airmen who achieved a momentous escape from the formidable German prisoner-of-war (POW) camp, Stalag Luft III. This daring feat, meticulously planned and executed, became legendary as "The Great Escape." Royle's incredible longevity and his direct involvement in this iconic event made him a living link to one of the most remarkable acts of defiance during the war.

The Australian RAF Pilot and His Capture

Paul Royle, originally from Perth, Western Australia, enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force before transferring to the Royal Air Force. He served with distinction as a bomber pilot, flying Vickers Wellington aircraft on critical missions over enemy territory. His wartime service, however, was tragically interrupted when his bomber was shot down over the Netherlands in May 1941. Captured by German forces, he was subsequently interned as a prisoner of war, eventually finding himself at Stalag Luft III, a camp specifically designed to hold captured Allied air force personnel.

Stalag Luft III: A High-Security POW Camp

Stalag Luft III, located near the town of Sagan (now Żagań, Poland), was established by the Luftwaffe specifically for captured Allied airmen. The Germans believed its sandy soil, which easily collapsed, would deter tunneling, and its elevated structures would provide clear views of any escape attempts. Despite these perceived security advantages, the highly motivated and ingenious prisoners, many of whom were experienced pilots and navigators, began planning the most ambitious escape attempt of the war almost immediately upon their arrival. This environment, intended to be secure, instead fostered an incredible spirit of resistance and collaboration among the Allied POWs.

The Great Escape: An Audacious Plan of Freedom

The operation, known as "The Great Escape," was a monumental undertaking involving hundreds of prisoners working tirelessly for over a year. Their objective was to dig three incredibly long tunnels – codenamed "Tom," "Dick," and "Harry" – out of the camp, under the watchful eyes of their German captors. The prisoners meticulously organized themselves into various departments, responsible for everything from digging and shoring up the tunnels, to forging documents, tailoring civilian clothes, and creating a sophisticated intelligence network to monitor German movements. Flight Lieutenant Paul Royle was a key participant in this clandestine operation, contributing to the tunneling efforts and the complex logistical challenges. On the night of 24-25 March 1944, using the tunnel "Harry," a total of 76 Allied airmen, including Paul Royle (Prisoner Number 579), successfully emerged from beneath the barbed wire and into the darkness outside the camp.

Paul Royle's Fate After the Escape

While 76 men initially made it out, the pursuit by German forces was swift and relentless. Paul Royle, like the vast majority of the escapees, was recaptured within a few days of his breakout. However, he was spared the tragic fate of 50 of his fellow escapees, who were executed by the Gestapo on direct orders from Adolf Hitler – a heinous act that constituted a war crime. Royle was among those returned to Stalag Luft III and later endured the brutal "Long March" in the harsh winter of 1945, as the Germans evacuated POW camps ahead of the advancing Soviet forces. His survival through these harrowing experiences underscored his resilience and fortitude.

A Lasting Legacy and Enduring Memory

Paul Royle's passing in 2015 marked the end of an era, as he was one of the final two survivors of the 76 men who famously broke free from Stalag Luft III. His life served as a poignant reminder of the incredible courage, ingenuity, and sacrifice of Allied servicemen during World War II. The story of "The Great Escape" continues to captivate audiences worldwide, notably through the iconic 1963 film of the same name, which, while dramatized, brought the essence of this remarkable event to a global audience. Royle's contributions, both to the escape itself and to preserving its memory, ensure that the bravery of all involved will never be forgotten.

Frequently Asked Questions About Paul Royle and The Great Escape

Who was Flight Lieutenant Paul Gordon Royle?

Paul Gordon Royle was an Australian Royal Air Force (RAF) pilot who became a prisoner of war during World War II. He is most famously known as one of the last two surviving members of the 76 Allied airmen who escaped from the Stalag Luft III German POW camp in what is known as "The Great Escape."

What was Paul Royle's role in The Great Escape?

Flight Lieutenant Royle was one of the 76 prisoners who successfully escaped from Stalag Luft III via the "Harry" tunnel on the night of 24-25 March 1944. He actively participated in the extensive planning and digging efforts that made the escape possible.

What happened to Paul Royle after the escape?

Paul Royle was recaptured by German forces within days of his escape. Fortunately, he was not among the 50 escapees who were executed by the Gestapo on Hitler's orders. He was returned to Stalag Luft III and later survived the forced "Long March" during the harsh winter of 1945.

Where was Stalag Luft III located?

Stalag Luft III was a German prisoner-of-war camp located near the town of Sagan, which is now known as Żagań in present-day Poland.

How many men escaped during The Great Escape?

A total of 76 Allied airmen successfully escaped from Stalag Luft III through the "Harry" tunnel. However, only three of these men ultimately managed to evade recapture and reach freedom.