How one POW's unbreakable spirit carried him home

14 hours ago

Hsin-Yi LoSouth East

Gunther Pluschow was hailed as a hero in Germany for his incredible escape from Britain

Getty Images A black and white photo of a man sitting on a desk. He is holding a quill. — Gunther Pluschow was hailed as a hero in Germany for his incredible escape from Britain

There are countless extraordinary stories of survival from the world wars, including one prisoner whose unbreakable spirit carried him home against all odds.

Gunther Pluschow (1886 to 1931) was a German soldier imprisoned in Donington Hall, Leicestershire, before making his personal great escape.

His plan involved masquerading as a dockworker and stealing a boat at Gravesend before his final triumphant return to his homeland.

His feat made him the only German POW to escape Britain in either world war, but his journey began in China, according to historian Christoph Bull.

Pluschow was stationed at the port city of Qingdao which became a loaned territory to Germany in 1894.

"When the First World War broke out, Britain and Japan allied to target the strategic trade centre," Bull explained.

German soldiers defended the territory but when it fell to enemy hands in November 1914, Pluschow had to flee.

Pluschow's remarkable story began in Qingdao, China, in November 1914

Getty Images A black and white photo of a soldier, who is sitting down and looking to the side. — Pluschow's remarkable story began in Qingdao, China, in November 1914

Bull said with the assistance of local Chinese officials, he was smuggled out of the country and travelled to the United States.

He then used false documentation to gain access onto a steamer to Europe.

However, during an unscheduled stop in Gibraltar, he was arrested by British authorities.

"They recognised him as that famous aviator from Qingdao," Bull said.

Pluschow was transported to Donington Hall in May 1915 before escaping two months later.

"He disguised himself as a dock worker, living around London and Gravesend," Bull said.

"It was dangerous as authorities were looking for him and his accent and mannerisms could have given him away.

"Yet he somehow blended into the crowd and he had even joined the Tilbury Docking Union."

Pluschow's exploits are on display in the Three Daws pub in Gravesend

Lester Banks/Three Daws A display featuring photos and information of a German soldier. — Pluschow's exploits are on display in the Three Daws pub in Gravesend

While in Gravesend, Pluschow stole a boat and rowed to the Princess Juliana, a Dutch vessel, where he could be a stowaway.

Bull said the Netherlands was a neutral country at the time, and Pluschow returned to Germany on 13 July 1915.

"He was hailed as a hero, the Kaiser was so impressed by him," Bull said.

He explained Wilhelm II used the aviator's story to promote German tenacity and defiance against the enemy.

Bull said Pluschow's remarkable feat was little known in the UK as it was considered "an embarrassment".

"This is a compelling personal story. He showed unbelievable strength and resilience," the historian added.

"At its heart, this is a story of one man's determination and endurance being put to the ultimate test."

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