A MILITARY time capsule from a war hero who took part in the Great Escape breakout plot in the Second World War is set to go to auction.
The lot, which includes former RAF squadron leader, Peter Cairns, log book, a letter written home from the Stalagluft 3 prisoner of war camp, his jacket and goggles will go under the hammer on September 17 at Stanley Gibbons Baldwin’s.
There are also a number of the former Berkswell resident’s medals included in the lot – including a Distinguished Flying Cross with reverse dated 1940; 1939-45 Star; Air Crew Europe Star; and 1939-45 War Medal with Mentioned in Despatches oak leaf emblem.
Peter was just 18 when he first flew in the war, and in a heroic career as a pilot he won several medals for his courage under enemy fire.
Many daring wartime exploits define him as a war hero, but his most spectacular came in 1943, when he crash landed his blazing Wellington at night on an enemy aerodrome, with every member of his crew either dead or wounded. He was captured at the scene of the crash and after a brief period in hospital, followed by interrogation, he was sent to Stalagluft 3 – the infamous German PoW camp.
Peter’s hut was the very one from which the tunnel for Operation Escape 200 was dug in the spring of 1944.
He was due to be the last man out, charged with shutting the trap door behind him, but the breakout was discovered before his turn came.
He and his comrades’ actions in the breakout became known as The Great Escape and was later immortalised in the eponymous Hollywood classic, starring Steve McQueen and Donald Pleasance.
Peter Cairns died in 2002, aged 81, after a battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
His collection is expected to sell for £15,000 to £20,000.
For more information, please visit www.sgbaldwins.com
