‘Digger’ Dowling, the war legend who inspired The Great Escape, dies, aged 92
‘Digger’ Dowling, the war legend who inspired The Great Escape, dies, aged 92
A war hero whose tunnel-digging exploits inspired the classic film The Great Escape has died, aged 92. Airman Eric “Digger” Dowling was shot down during night-time operations in April 1942 and imprisoned in Stalag Luft III, becoming a legend thanks to his role in the breakout.
But the Second World War veteran survived his ordeal and died in his nursing home just one day short of his 93rd birthday last month, it emerged
Eric ‘Digger’ Dowling (left), pictured with an inmate at the Stalag Luft camp, from which he helped organise the breakout which inspired The Great Escape
Mr Dowling, from Bristol, carved out tunnels, forged documents and prepared maps for the real-life escape which inspired the 1963 film.
But his son revealed today that the father-of-two “wasn’t a fan” of the Steve McQueen epic, and thought the famous motorbike scene - which never happened - was “well over the top”.
Mr Dowling had three roles in the March 1944 escape plan, led by PoW Roger Bushell - document-forger, map-maker and, of course, tunnel-digger.
Digger Dowling with his aircrew, before they were shot down and captured
The scheme involved hollowing out three tunnels, codenamed Tom, Dick and Harry, with each entrance carefully selected to ensure it was not spotted by guards.
Tunnelling was dangerous and the roofs could cave in without warning. Despite this, Digger was not one of the men selected for the final breakout. In January 1945 the camp was evacuated because of the Russian advance and the men were marched to a second camp where they were liberated later that year.
Mr Dowling ‘wasn’t a fan’ of the Great Escape film, in which his role was played by Charles Bronson
They just don’t make many of them like this anymore! He was a notable member of “The Greatest Generation.” I found it fascinating that he played a bigger role in “The Great Escape” than the movie gave him credit for, which is typical of Hollywood rewrites of history.
Every man and woman that admires courage and daring should pause and give the guy a hand salute on this the day of his departure from this life. I know I do!
