Escape at the Museum!
Brothers in arms
By Dave Clearwater, Communications Manager, Air Force Museum of New Zealand
The bravery and courage of 76 men during World War II’s Great Escape, was the inspiration for the latest event at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand—Escape at the Museum.
The Great Escape from Stalag Luft III at Sagan (present-day Poland) in March 1944, was the largest prisoner-of-war breakout ever attempted, and has particular relevance for Kiwis.
Flying Officer Poroturu ‘Johnny’ Pohe, also known as ‘lucky Johnny’, was the first Māori bomber pilot in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, and one of the 50 airmen captured and executed after the Great Escape. ‘Johnny’ Pohe’s story is told in the Air Force Museum of New Zealand’s recently refurbished Horizon to Horizon Gallery, where visitors can view letters written by Pohe during his captivity in Stalag Luft III.
Free at last!
Escape at the Museum allowed visitors to explore the Museum’s galleries by torchlight as they journeyed back in time to complete a series of challenges based on the Great Escape.
There was also a grand prize up for grabs—everyone attending who completed the challenges went in the draw to win a city scenic flight for two on the historic DC-3 AMY—built in the same year as the Great Escape—courtesy of the Southern DC-3 Trust.
Escape at the Museum was a great success. Programme organiser, Naias Mingo, hopes that it will become an annual event, with each year bringing new challenges or themes.
Proceeds from the event went towards supporting free admission at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand.