The Great Escape II

In June 2011, seven Triumph riders will be travelling across 2,500miles of Western Europe re-enacting the Great Esape all in the name of charity. The basis of this ride is the historical fact behind the film classic The Great Escape. Although the characters portrayed in the film were fictional, they are based on real men, who gave their lives during World War II.

One of these men, played by Lord Richard Attenborough in the film, was Squadron Leader Roger Bartlett, who in real life was based on Squadron Leader Roger Bushell. Roger was a South African national who loved life; an international skier, who rose to become a Squadron Leader of 92 Squadron based at RAF Biggin Hill, Kent. On 23rd May 1940 he flew across the Channel to assist with the evacuation of Dunkirk. After downing two Messerschmitt 110's, he was in turn shot down and landed on a beach in France. Taken prisoner, by the Luftwaffe, he was to become one of their major problems. After various escape attempts, which so nearly succeeded, he was sent to Stalag Luft III in Zagen, Poland. Now under the threat of death if he attempted to escape again.

He became "Big X" and was one of the masterminds of The Great Escape.

A team of seven motorcycle riders, including a relative of Roger Bushell, intend to follow his route, from a starting point of former RAF Biggin Hill, to the National Battle of Britain Memorial at Capel-le-Ferne, Folkestone before going via Dover to the beaches of Dunkirk.

They will travel through The Netherlands, following the route of "Operation Market Garden" and meet up with two groups of Second World War enthusiasts. They will guide the team through this area in their genuine WWII vehicles and over the Arnhem Bridge (“A Bridge Too Far”) before the team will stop over night with local residents. This will happen on a very special day...wait for it...the 5th June.

They will then travel into Germany to visit the site of the former Gestapo Headquarters, Prinz-Albrecht-Street in Berlin where prisoners, including Roger Bushell, were 'questioned'. They will pay their respects to the single grave here of the fifty prisoners executed (the remiaining forty nine graves are located near to Stalag Luft III). The team will be given a guided tour of Berlin by members of the local Blue Knights (a motorcycle club which three of the riders belong to) before going to the former camp, Stalag Luft I, at Barthe on the North coast.

Travelling to the former Stalag Luft III camp at Sagan in Poland, the team will stay for three nights and visit all the nearby tracks and stations used by the escapees. They will be entertained by the Mayor of Sagan who is looking forward to their visit. During their time, they will visit the remaining forty nine graves of those executed.

They will travel back into Germany via Dresden, where they will pay their respects of reconciliation, as the father of Peter, one of the riders, took part in the raids of this city. Peter will be laying flowers to show that what happened happened, but that we live in hope now for it to never happen again.

Then the team will head off to the south and to Hitler's Obersalzburg, Berghoff in the mountains. This is where the order was signed, by Hitler himself, to murder 50 of the escapees. A nearby pass where the most famous bike jump ever in the history of filmmaking was made. The great jump of Steve McQueen over the wire (in fact a stunt rider, but don't mention it); then through Switzerland, where most of the escapees intended to reach.

The team will then return into France and home to England where they will participate in a reception to celebrate their achievements. Phew!!

The charity ride is planned to begin 4th June 2011 which gives us a while to plan the exact route, but the team will be covering a massive 2,500 miles in two weeks.

Here at Laguna's, we are supplying a special edition exact replica Triumph as the one used in the original Great Escape as well as being the event's main sponsor.

All proceeds from this event will be going towards two magnificent charities - Help For Heroes and The Royal British Legion. Both of which provide financial as well as emotional support for veterans and families of those who have fought, are still fighting, or sadly lost their battle for our country.

The riders taking part in this are Peter Spowage, David Spowage, FltLt Kevin Donaghue RAuxAF, John Cooke, Richard Waters, Alex Fleming, Pete Lambourn, Sqn Ldr Bob Ankerson, Dave Muckle, Dave Veldhoven and David Southworth.

We wish them the very best of luck with their endeavours and we will keep you updated on any further news. For any further information or if you're interested in donating any money to their chosen charities, please do not hestitate to either contact Laguna's directly via email, telephone (01622 681765) or in-store; or you can donate directly by visiting www.justgiving.com/GE2 for Help for Heroes or www.justgiving.com/G-E-2 for The Royal British Legion.