The Most Mind Blowing Escape of World War II

During World War II, thousands of pilots were shot down and taken prisoner. As Allied forces advanced, many Allied airmen eventually escaped or were liberated. What almost never happened was a German fighter pilot escaping from Allied captivity and returning to combat. Franz von Werra became the only Axis airman to accomplish that feat.

Born in Switzerland, von Werra joined the Luftwaffe in 1936 and quickly established himself as an aggressive fighter pilot. Flying the Messerschmitt Bf 109, he scored his first victory in May 1940 during the Battle of France. By August, during the Battle of Britain, he had become an ace with seven confirmed victories.

Shot Down Over England

On September 5, 1940, von Werra was engaged in combat over southern England when his aircraft was damaged by a Spitfire. Unable to return to France, he made a forced landing in a field near Kent. He was captured shortly afterward and became a prisoner of war.

From the beginning, von Werra attempted to escape. He made multiple efforts, including impersonating a pilot and nearly gaining access to a British fighter aircraft. Each attempt ended in recapture, but his persistence made him a constant problem for British authorities.

Escape Through North America

In early 1941, von Werra was transferred to Canada to reduce the risk of escape from Britain. During transport by train in Ontario, he jumped from a moving rail car and disappeared into the countryside. Traveling more than 30 miles on foot in winter conditions, he crossed a frozen river and made his way into the United States.

At the time, the United States was still neutral. Von Werra was charged only with illegal entry. With help from German diplomats, he secured release and continued south into Mexico. From there, he traveled through South America, crossed the Atlantic to Spain, and then reached Italy before finally returning to Germany in April 1941.

Back to Combat and Final Flight

Von Werra was awarded the Knight’s Cross and returned to flying, this time on the Eastern Front. In July 1941 alone, he claimed 13 victories, bringing his total to 21. Only weeks later, during a training flight over the Netherlands, his Bf 109 suffered engine failure and crashed into the sea. He was 27 years old.