The Story of POWs Who Hijacked an Airplane at Mittelbau-Dora Concentration Camp During WWII

During World War II, the Mittelbau-Dora camp served as a site of forced labor and suffering. The camp was deeply tied to the German war effort, producing V-2 rockets and other advanced weaponry. The prisoners, drawn from various Allied nations, lived under brutal conditions, enduring starvation, disease, and relentless work schedules. Among them were Soviet prisoners of war, whose daring actions in early 1945 led to one of the most extraordinary escapes of the war.

Life at Mittelbau-Dora was harsh and unforgiving. Prisoners worked in underground tunnels, assembling weapons under constant surveillance. Guards were quick to punish any perceived disobedience, often with severe beatings or execution. Food rations were meager, typically consisting of a small piece of bread, thin soup, and a few potatoes, leaving the prisoners in a perpetual state of hunger. Disease spread rapidly in the cramped and unsanitary barracks, and many prisoners succumbed to illness or exhaustion. For most, the only escape appeared to be death.

The Escape Plan Takes Shape

Among the prisoners at Mittelbau-Dora was a Soviet pilot, Mikhail Devyatayev. Before his capture, Devyatayev had been an accomplished military pilot with a reputation for bravery. He had been captured after his aircraft was shot down and was later transferred to Mittelbau-Dora. Despite the grim environment, Devyatayev’s experience and determination made him a natural leader. Over time, he began to organize a group of fellow prisoners who shared his desire for freedom.

Devyatayev and his comrades spent weeks observing the camp’s routines and security measures. They identified a potential opportunity: the German airfield nearby. The airfield contained several aircraft, including the Heinkel He 111 bomber, which they decided to target for their escape. The plan was audacious, but Devyatayev’s background as a pilot gave them a chance to succeed. His team—carefully chosen to include only trusted individuals—worked together to refine the details, knowing any mistake could cost them their lives.

On the day of the escape, the prisoners put their plan into motion. Using tools and materials they had secretly gathered, they managed to overpower a guard, taking his weapon and eliminating him quietly. They buried his body in a freshly dug pit to avoid detection. Timing was critical; the conspirators waited until the airfield’s technical staff left for their midday break before making their move.

Devyatayev led the group to the Heinkel bomber, their pre-selected target. As a trained pilot, he knew how to operate the aircraft, but he still faced challenges. The prisoners quickly removed the camouflage coverings and prepped the plane for takeoff, but a major obstacle arose: the aircraft’s batteries were missing. This unexpected complication threatened to derail the entire operation.

A Race Against Time

The situation grew increasingly tense as the prisoners searched for a solution. Luck was on their side when one of the group spotted a maintenance cart nearby, which carried spare batteries. Working quickly and with growing urgency, they retrieved the batteries and connected them to the plane. After several failed attempts, the engines finally roared to life.

Devyatayev took the pilot’s seat, guiding the bomber toward the runway. His comrades scrambled aboard, knowing the guards could discover them at any moment. With adrenaline coursing through their veins, they managed to take off, leaving the camp behind. It was a moment of triumph but also of great peril; they still had to navigate German air defenses and make their way to safety.

Flying the Heinkel bomber required precision and nerve. Devyatayev relied on his extensive training and experience to evade detection. The escapees’ destination was the advancing Soviet front lines, where they hoped to find refuge. Their flight was fraught with tension as they avoided German patrols and anti-aircraft fire.

Aftermath of the Escape

After a harrowing journey, the group finally reached Soviet territory. Their arrival was met with skepticism at first, as their story seemed almost too incredible to believe. However, their knowledge of the German aircraft and their detailed account of the escape eventually convinced Soviet authorities of their authenticity.

Devyatayev’s daring escape not only saved his life and the lives of his comrades but also provided valuable intelligence to the Soviet Union. The aircraft they commandeered contained information about advanced German technology, which proved useful to the Soviet war effort. Devyatayev’s actions earned him recognition and honors after the war, though his story was not widely known for many years.