Update 23/12/24:
We’re delighted with the support we’ve received so far for the campaign – thank you!
James was inspired to take part in this march due to his passion for and connection to its heritage. His Great Uncle, Tony Parsons, was shot down in December 1941. After spending four days in an open dinghy in the North Sea, he was rescued by the German Army and spent the next year in various hospitals being treated for frostbite. In January 1943, he arrived at Stalag Luft III, and among other activities, he made compasses for The Great Escape. He was one of those who took part in The Long March of 1945, and who was supported by The Joint War Committee.
James has asked us to share the following message to the campaign:
I am so grateful to everyone who has donated. I would love to thank everyone individually, so if you are comfortable sharing your name, it would be appreciated.
Our Campaign:
James will be taking part in the 80th Anniversary of The Long March, a 3-day march from Stalag Luft III to Spremburg in Germany. The march from Sagan in Poland, will start at the site of Stalag Luft III on Friday 24th, and will finish at Spremburg in Germany on Sunday 26th January. This march recreates the Long March of 1945, when 10,000 allied prisoners of war marched in treacherous conditions to reach safety. James told us:
“During the three-day march, I will be proud to carry the flag of the Defence Medical Welfare Service in tribute to the prisoners of war and the support they received. As a Royal British Legion Standard Bearer, I am keen to show my support of the Armed Forces Community.”
To learn more about DMWS and our heritage, click here: https://dmws.org.uk/what-we-do/our-history/
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