Synopsis
"The True Story of the Wooden Horse" by Robert J. Laplander is a comprehensive historical study that delves into one of the most ingenious prisoner-of-war escapes of World War II, offering a detailed and meticulously researched account of the events surrounding the famous Wooden Horse escape from Stalag Luft III. Published in 2014, the book expands upon the classic memoir "The Wooden Horse" by Eric Williams, which chronicled the daring 1943 escape of three British prisoners—Lieutenants Michael Codner, Eric Williams, and Oliver Philpot—from the Nazi POW camp. Laplander, a military historian with a passion for POW escapes, frames this remarkable event within a broader examination of Stalag Luft III’s history, providing readers with a richer understanding of the camp’s operations, the lives of its prisoners, and the numerous escape attempts that defined its legacy. Unlike Williams’ original work, which Laplander argues was limited by a lack of historical scope and Crown regulations at the time of its writing, this book leverages newly released official documents, eyewitness testimonies, and the author’s own exhaustive research to present a more complete and factual narrative.
The story centers on the escape plan executed a year before the more widely known Great Escape from the same camp. In 1943, Codner, Williams, and Philpot devised a scheme to tunnel out of Stalag Luft III using a hollowed-out gymnastic vaulting horse as a cover. The prisoners would carry the horse to the exercise yard each day, positioning it over the tunnel entrance, while others vaulted over it to mask the sounds of digging below. This audacious plan allowed the trio to dig a tunnel over several months, eventually leading to their successful break-out and journey across Germany to freedom. Laplander’s account goes beyond the escape itself, exploring the ingenuity and determination of the men involved, as well as the broader context of camp life. He details the prisoners’ daily struggles, the interpersonal dynamics—such as squabbles and disagreements that arose from confinement—and the constant tension between the captives and their German guards, known as "Goons" to the POWs. The narrative maintains suspense as it follows the escapees’ perilous trek to the Baltic coast, even though the outcome is known, highlighting the high stakes and relentless challenges they faced.
What sets Laplander’s work apart is its commitment to historical accuracy and depth. He dismisses fictional elements introduced in Williams’ novelistic memoir, instead grounding the story in verifiable facts drawn from archival materials and firsthand accounts. The book is enriched with illustrations, including photographs of a full-scale replica of the vaulting horse that Laplander himself constructed to better understand the logistics of the escape. These visuals, combined with his detailed descriptions, bring the claustrophobic conditions of the tunnel and the complexity of the operation to life. Additionally, Laplander provides a comprehensive overview of Stalag Luft III, from its establishment in March 1942 to its eventual demise in January 1945, situating the Wooden Horse escape within the camp’s broader history of resistance and resilience. He introduces the key figures gradually, allowing readers to connect with their personal stories and motivations, while also shedding light on lesser-known aspects of POW life, such as the role of the Escape Committee and the constant vigilance of the German "Ferrets" tasked with thwarting breakouts.
Laplander’s writing is both engaging and authoritative, making the book accessible to general readers while offering significant value to those with a keen interest in military history or World War II. The narrative balances the thrilling details of the escape with a scholarly examination of its context, avoiding unnecessary embellishment in favor of a clear, concise recounting of events. Reviews praise the book as a welcome addition to the POW literature, noting its ability to illuminate the realities of camp life and correct misconceptions from earlier accounts. Though some critics have pointed out minor proofreading issues or a workmanlike prose style, the consensus is that Laplander’s rigorous research and dedication to the subject shine through, making "The True Story of the Wooden Horse" a compelling and essential reappraisal of a remarkable wartime feat. For readers familiar with the Wooden Horse story through Williams’ book or the subsequent film adaptation, Laplander’s work offers fresh insights and a deeper appreciation of the courage, ingenuity, and historical significance of this extraordinary escape.