The Red Fox of Colditz - Vere Hayes

The Red Fox of Colditz recounts the tale of Lt AM Sinclair KRRC, from his capture post-Calais' fall in May 1940 to his demise in September 1943 while attempting an escape from Colditz Castle, the notorious prison camp for tenacious escape artists. He was WWII's most prolific British escapee, enjoying more freedom in occupied Europe than any other, yet never completing a successful 'home run' to his dismay. His most famous escape attempt involved impersonating a red-haired German guard commander, complete with a notable moustache, resembling Emperor Franz Joseph—a feat inaccurately credited to the Senior British Officer in the film 'The Colditz Story'. After extensive preparation, Sinclair, in disguise alongside two prisoners in German uniforms, rappelled from a window, replacing the sentries. However, their plan was foiled when a soldier at the moat gate sounded the alarm. Amidst the chaos, Sinclair was shot but recovered. Despite six escape attempts from Colditz, reaching the borders of Switzerland and Holland, he never achieved his objective of returning to England for active service. Tragically, in September 1944, he discovered the deaths of his younger brother at Anzio and his friend and escape partner, Ronnie Littledale, in Normandy.In a final, desperate attempt to rejoin his Regiment and contribute to Germany's defeat, Sinclair chose to mimic Maurice LeBrun's successful park escape. On September 25, 1944, cloaked in an overcoat to hide his civilian attire and declining his close friend Gris Davies-Scourfield's offer of companionship, Sinclair merged with the prisoners heading to the park. Once settled, he discarded his overcoat, dashed to the perimeter wire fence, and started climbing. Disregarding the German sentries' 'Halt' commands, he clambered over the fence and fled amid gunfire, one bullet striking his elbow and ricocheting into his heart, killing him instantly. Days later, he received a burial with full military honors in the local cemetery, attended by officers from Colditz on parole and several German guards.As Sinclair's possessions were gathered for his family, a hidden note was discovered: "I take full responsibility. Safe home to you, all you good chaps." For his numerous valiant escape attempts and determination to return to active service, Sinclair was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO).