Castle of the Eagles: Escape from Mussolini's Colditz

Description

High in the Tuscan hills above Florence, the menacing Vincigliata Castle - a very special prisoner-of-war camp converted on Mussolini's personal orders - held thirteen of the most senior British and Commonwealth officers captured during the campaign in North Africa. Against insuperable odds, these extraordinary middle-aged POWs drove a complex tunnel beneath the castle, and by March 1943 it was ready... Six men would attempt the impossible: an air marshal, three brigadiers, two lieutenant-generals. Three were knights of the realm and two held the Victoria Cross. One was missing a hand and eye, another suffered a gammy hip. The youngest was 48, the oldest 63. During that rainswept night, three teams burst out of the earth and slipped away, intent on reaching neutral Switzerland. Acclaimed historian Mark Felton, author of Zero Night and The Sea Devils, tells the amazing true story of their adventures on the run. But did any of them make it to freedom?

Mark Felton has written twentybooks on World War Two, including ZeroNight ('the story of the greatest escape of World War II has been told forthe first time' - Daily Mail) and The Sea Devils ('A thrilling page-turner... It will leave your fingernails significantly shorter' - History of War). His Japan'sGestapo was named 'Best Book of 2009' by The Japan Times. He alsowrites regularly for publications including MilitaryHistory Monthly and World War IIand has appeared in many major television and radio documentaries around theworld. After a decade spent working in Shanghai, Mark now lives in Norwich. Visitwww.markfelton.co.uk

Another excellent example of [Felton's] growing library of sensational true war stories. -- Soldier Felton really brings this tale of incredible wartime daring and heroism to life. -- Family Tree A remarkable story of wartime bravery and escape. -- The Herald [A] stunning true story. -- Daily Record Keeps up the suspense to the end. -- Times Literary Supplement A gripping account. -- Let's Talk! An extraordinary, and largely forgotten wartime story -- brought back to life in this Boys' Own account. -- The Daily Mail This tale romps along, tumbling over itself with excitement. -- The Daily Mail