OH Sean Feast (E 80) has co-authored a compelling new book that shines a light on one of the most poignant chapters of the Second World War.

The Fifty – The Fallen Heroes of the Great Escape, published by Fighting High, tells the stories of the fifty Allied airmen who were executed by the Gestapo after escaping from Stalag Luft III in March 1944. Rather than retelling the famous escape itself, the book focuses on the lives of the men who paid the ultimate price, the impact their deaths had on their families, and the legacy they left behind.

Sean explains:

“It is not a re-telling of the escape but rather the story of all of the men shot whilst escaping from Stalag Luft III in March 1944 and the aftermath, the impact on their families and more.”

The Great Escape saw 76 prisoners successfully break out of the German prisoner-of-war camp. Among them was one of Haileybury’s most distinguished Old Haileyburians, Wing Commander Harry ‘Wings’ Day (C 1912), whose remarkable wartime story is well known.

After being recaptured, Harry Day escaped execution and was instead sent to a concentration camp. Demonstrating extraordinary courage and determination, he later escaped from there as well before eventually returning safely to Britain.

Sean’s book not only commemorates the fifty men who lost their lives but also provides fresh insight into the human stories behind one of history’s most famous wartime events.

We congratulate Sean on this significant achievement and wish him every success with the publication.

Interested in reading more? The Fifty – The Fallen Heroes of the Great Escape by Steve Darlow and Sean Feast is available to purchase from Amazon or directly from the publisher, Fighting High Books