The Great pinal Escape

About the BookAN EXPLOSIVEAND LARGELY UNTOLDTALE OF COURAGE, SURVIVAL AND THE INCREDIBLE 500 INDIAN PRISONERS OF WAR WHO ESCAPED THE CLUTCHES OF THE NAZIS.On 11 May 1944, just four weeks before D-Day, sixty-seven American heavy bombers dropped 168 tons of bombs on the sunlit French town of pinal on the Moselle river. Unbeknownst to the aircrew of the Mighty Eighth, this was the temporary home of over 3,000 Indian prisoners of warand these bombs had just taken down the walls.The escapees took food and clothes and set off for the border. If they could make it to Switzerland, neutral territory, they would be safe. But between them and their goal were thousands of Nazis, collaborators and over 100km of French countryside.The Great pinal Escape is the incredible story of the most successful escape of the Second World War. It is the story of how, during a period showcasing the worst of humanitya period marked by brutality, bloodlust and fascismordinary people were able to demonstrate the best of humanity: resilience, support and a warm welcome. Ultimately, it is a story of hope.About the AuthorGhee Bowman has a PhD from the University of Exeter. His first book, The Indian Contingent, led him to discover the little-known events at pinal. He is an experienced international researcher and seasoned public speaker, with a passion for social justice. As a historical consultant (advising on a range of projects including the BBCs The Pursuit of Love), he has established himself as an expert on the Indian Army and the Second World.