Francis Steinmetz

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Francis Steinmetz (born September 20, 1914 in Batavia, Dutch West Indies - died January 2, 2006)was a commander of the Royal Netherlands Navy who escaped from Colditz Castle, a German POW camp, during World War II.

In August 1941, Steinmetz, along with another Dutch POW, Lieutenant F. Larive, hid under a manhole cover in the exercise yard of Colditz castle. Whilst the other prisoners were playing a game of soccer, a prisoner cut a small hole in the wire fence, allowing the two men to escape after the other prisoners left for roll call and supper. The two came up out of hiding after nightfall, took a train to Gottmadingen, Germany, and reached Switzerland in three days.

Two other Dutchmen followed Steinmetz's actions; one Major Giebel and a Lieutenant by the name of Drjiber used the same escape route. The method was discovered on the third attempt when two more Dutch officers tried to use it and were discovered by guards.

Mr Steinmetz's escape was classed as one of the most daring escapes of World War II.

[edit] External links

• Jewish POW's at Colditz - from the Jewish Virtual Library