THE GREAT ESCAPE: STALAG LUFT III., HUMPHREYS, EDGAR. 1914-1944.

THE GREAT ESCAPE: STALAG LUFT III.
HUMPHREYS, EDGAR. 1914-1944. Group of 8 postcards and a portrait photograph of "Great Escape" participant Edgar Humphreys, to Mr. & Mrs. Ratcliffe, each card 97 x 148 mm, from Stalag Luft I and Stalag Luft III, September 30, 1941 to January 30, 1944, written in pencil, with ink cancellations, Luftpost, and British "Passed" stamps, the photo 137 x 89 mm, on post-card stock, cards with fold creases (some nearly separating), all with some handling wear and soiling.

SHOT BY THE GESTAPO AFTER THE "GREAT ESCAPE." Edgar Humphreys was the pilot of a Bristol Blenheim bomber that was shot down on the night of December 19, 1940, and the crew made prisoners of war. Humphreys was among the group of 76 men who escaped from Stalag Luft III on the night of March 24-25, 1944. Within 24 hours, Humphries was re-captured. He was one of 50 escapees who were later shot by the Gestapo. The cards were addressed to the Ratcliffe family, who had billeted Humphreys in their home while he was stationed at the RAF base in Blackpool.