The “Hostages At Colditz” Expedition

12th to 17th April 2009.

An event, inspired by the book of the same name*, to raise money for the Red Cross - the organisation which provided so much hope and relief for the prisoners at Colditz as well as POWs of all nations on all sides during WW2 and many other conflicts since. Their good work continues to this day mainly in the form of humanitarian aid.  

At 0130 on the night of 12/13th April 2009 Gavin Worrell and his team will be leaving Colditz Castle, the infamous ‘Bad Boys’ Camp for Allied Officer POWs during WW2, and will follow the Prominente’s route down through Germany, the former Czechoslovakia, Germany again and then to Austria.

The team will retrace the journey taken by the Prominente on their way to Hitler’s National Redoubt in the Alps. Here it was expected the Nazis would make their last stand and use the men - relatives of British Royalty, Churchill and military leaders - who had been gathered at Colditz as bargaining chips in Hitler’s and Himmler’s last roll of the dice. It is an amazing story involving leadership, comradeship, a never say die spirit and highlights the role played by the Swiss. The story culminates in one section of the SS providing the Prominente with protection from another before handing them over to the advancing American troops. It is often said that fact is stranger than fiction and the story of the Hostages at Colditz is a true example.

On the way such infamous locations as Konigstein, Tittmoning, Laufen, Berchesgaden and more will be visited by the team as they make their way down to the Bavarian mountains to retrace the journey and relive the story. 

Permission has been obtained from the Castle authorities for the team to leave at the same time and on the same date and from the same place - i.e. at 0130 from the Castle yard in vehicles, as per the original Prominente. In addition permission has also been obtained to return to the Castle on Liberation Day, the 16th April, and hold a celebration in the Sick Bay (which is now a function room).

The object is to raise money for the Red Cross and raise awareness of Colditz Castle’s connection with Oflag IVC. In order to do this we are currently talking to the media and television production companies. Anyone wishing to discuss corporate sponsorsphip should contact us by e-mail. In addition we will be writing an account of the expedition.

For more details visit www.colditzcastle.net

Thank you for visiting our fundraising page. Please dig deep and sponsor us online.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: British Red Cross will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

So please sponsor us now!

Many thanks for your support.

Gavin Worrell

info@colditzcastle.net

Member of the Colditz Society

Member of The Escape Line Memorial Society