In January 1945, thousands of Allied Prisoners of War were force-marched west, away from the advancing Russians. Over 10,000 were evacuated from Stalag Luft III, and marched 60 miles to Spremberg in Germany, in temperatures of –25 °C.
They included FAA aircrew who had been captured from the Mediterranean to Norway.
Many POWs died from cold, maltreatment by their guards, and fire from strafing Allied aircraft. Frostbite and dysentery crippled many others who had to carry their personal possessions and food.
From 24th to 26th January 2025 this march will be re-enacted by military personnel and families of original marchers who will follow the same route and visit the farms, stables, factories and churches where the POWs slept.
Many of the POWs were eternally grateful to the Red Cross and the Order of St John, for the support that they received throughout their incarceration in the form of food parcels, clothing and mail from home. This amalgamation still exists as the ‘St John and Red Cross Defence Medical Welfare Service’, commonly known as the DMWS.
As a Royal British Legion Standard Bearer, James Castle has decided to complete the 60 mile walk from Stalag Luft III to Spremburg, while carrying the flag of the DMWS on a ceremonial pole. Through various ventures he has raised over £25,000 for charity, and he would like to raise awareness of, and support the DMWS by marking their involvement in the Long March of 1945.
Any help that you are able to give will be very gratefully received. https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/dmwsthelongmarch?utm_medium=CA&utm_source=CL
