Squadron Leader Eric Dowling

This is on a house named after him in Clifton which we spotted on a walk. Yes, another walk!

He was a Squadron Leader in the Second World War and became a Prisoner and participant in the ‘Great Escape ‘ where 250 prisoners created 3 escape tunnels named Tom, Dick and Harry.

76 prisoner escaped before they were detected but not Eric. Only 2 got home and of those recaptured 50 Officers were executed by the Nazis as the extreme punishment and deterrent for those attempting to escape.

Fortunately he lived to fight another day and pursued a flying career after the War.