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'Great Escape' war veteran dies 'Great Escape' war veteran dies
(about 2 hours later)
A World War II veteran who took part in the prison camp breakout immortalised in the film The Great Escape has died.A World War II veteran who took part in the prison camp breakout immortalised in the film The Great Escape has died.
Jimmy James, of Ludlow, Shropshire, died on Friday after being admitted to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital. Jimmy James, 92, of Ludlow, Shropshire, died on Friday after being admitted to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.
Mr James, 92, was one of 76 men who escaped from a Nazi prison camp in 1944 in Poland, which was remembered in the 1963 film starring Steve McQueen. Sqn Ldr James was one of 76 men who escaped from a Nazi prison camp in 1944 in Poland, which was remembered in the 1963 film starring Steve McQueen.
Military historian Howard Tuck said the ex-RAF squadron leader had been "the country's greatest living war hero". Military historian Howard Tuck said the ex-RAF Squadron Leader had been "the country's greatest living war hero".
Mr James took part in 13 escape attempts from prisoner camps during the war and witnessed a number of horrific acts of brutality, Mr Tuck said. Sqn Ldr James took part in 13 escape attempts from prisoner camps during the war and witnessed a number of horrific acts of brutality, Mr Tuck said.
The veteran retired from the RAF in 1954. He leaves a wife, Madge.The veteran retired from the RAF in 1954. He leaves a wife, Madge.