Great Escape’s 75th Anniversary To Be Marked With Special Film Screening

Britain's Got Talent finalists, 'The D-Day Darlings', will perform live at the event (Picture: Snappin Turtle). 

In March 1944, 76 Prisoners of War (POWs) - mainly from the RAF - staged a mass break out from Germany’s Stalag Luft III prison camp.

Their deeds were immortalised in the Hollywood blockbuster ‘The Great Escape’ and, with the 75th anniversary of the escape approaching, the RAF Benevolent Fund is keen that the milestone is celebrated.

A gala screening of the film is scheduled for 24 March at the Eventim Apollo theatre in London.

Hosted by TV historian Dan Snow, the evening will also feature a live performance by 'The D-Day Darlings'.   

The iconic motorcycle from the film, made famous by Steve McQueen, will make an appearance - as will the motorcycle enthusiast, Dick Shepherd, who rescued it many years ago from a Norfolk farm. 

Also attending will be 95-year-old Air Commodore Charles Clarke, who spent time at Stalag Luft III as a POW.

He arrived a month before the escape and recalls hearing the shot fired when prison guards found the escape tunnel.

Tickets for the event may be purchased online.