http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/31/world/eu...per&oref=sloginThe above link is to an obit for Jimmy James, aged 92, another of the many veterans of the "Great Escape" of 1944 that inspired the 1963 film (one of my all-time favorites since seeing it back then). I always find it fascinating to read the obits of these guys, esp. when I can connect them to a specific character in the film. This one would be reflected in the character David McCallum played, who came up with a way to get rid of the dirt dug up from the tunnels. Of course, the real guy had a much different fate from McCallum's character.
That was a very interesting story--especially the part about him escaping 11 times---whew! This dude had major perseverance like I don't know what! I found this article worth reading mainly because I saw THE GREAT ESCAPE a couple of months back (as well as KELLY'S HEROES & DAYS OF GLORY,which featured an Arab/African perspective on World War II---both are worth tracking down) and found to be a fun/exciting war thriller to watch,despite the downbeat ending. I love history anyway---mad props for finding that link!