Nick Alkemade

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Nick Alkemade (died June 22, 1987) was a tail gunner for an Royal Air Force Avro Lancaster Bomber during World War II who survived a fall of 18,000 feet without a parachute after his plane was shot down over Germany.

On March 23, 1944, Alkemade's plane was flying near Berlin, Germany, when it was attacked by a Luftwaffe Junkers Ju 88 fighter plane, caught fire and began to spiral out of control. Because his parachute was in the cabin, Alkemade opted to jump from the aircraft, preferring his death to be quick.

Alkemade fell from 18,000 feet to the ground below. His fall was broken by pine trees and a soft snow cover on the ground. He was able to move his arms and legs and suffered only a sprained leg.

He was subsequently captured by the Gestapo and was a celebrated POW.

Legend has it that upon landing he sat quietly in the snow and smoked a cigarette.