Apple TV+'s 'Masters of the Air' sheds light on grueling realities of Stalag Luft III
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: John Shiban and John Orloff, the creators of Apple TV+'s 'Masters of the Air,' brilliantly illustrate the atrocities of World War II.
The series, based on Donald L. Miller's novel of the same name, features a remarkable ensemble cast that includes Austin Butler, Callum Turner, Anthony Boyle, and Barry Keoghan, among others.
In episode 6, it was established that following the Munster Raid, Major John Egan (Callum Turner) and a squad of pilots were discovered behind German lines and ultimately transported to Stalag Luft III, a prisoner-of-war camp.
However, amidst the challenges, a glimmer of hope appears when John discovers his presumed-dead friend Gale 'Bucky' Cleven (Austin Butler) among the detainees of the cruel camp.
The harsh conditions of the camp, where the detainees were struggling to meet even their basic needs, were further exposed in episode 7.
The truth behind POW camp Stalag Luft III
Stalag Luft III was not a fragment of imagination but existed in real life as well and was used to house American and British soldiers who were subjected to inhumane conditions.
The camp was constructed in March 1942 and was considered an ideal location for housing prisoners due to its sandy terrain, which made it more challenging for the inmates to dig tunnels.
What was fed to the prisoners in Stalag Luft III?
Aircrew members were often among the war captives, enduring severe hardships in their struggle for survival within the POW camp.
At its peak, the camp housed a total of 10,000 members, leading to severe food scarcity. The campers were normally given three meals each day, with bread and sawdust for breakfast and potato soup for lunch.
The dinner usually consisted of a small quantity of meat and a potato roll, which was insufficient for a soldier.
Were there any escapees from Stalag Luft III?
There were two successful camp escapes. The first occurred in October 1943 and involved the construction of a contemporary Trojan Horse to conceal troops, equipment, and soil containers.
On October 19, Lieutenant Michael Codner, Flight Lieutenant Eric Williams, and Flight Lieutenant Oliver Philpot successfully escaped to the port of Stettin, eventually making their way back to England.
The second escape attempt took place in March 1944, and three tunnels codenamed Tom, Dick, and Harry were dug. The plan, which was led by Royal Air Force Squadron Leader Roger Bushell, involved around 600 POWs.
However, prisoners were forced to abandon the idea for months due to a lack of critical resources.
Despite many obstacles, 76 men were able to secure their freedom.
‘Masters of the Air’ Episodes 1–7 are now streaming on Apple TV+