21 Escapes of Lt Alastair Cram: A Compelling Story of Courage and Endurance in the Second World War

Lt Alastair Cram was a Scotsman who was taken prisoner in North Africa in November 1941. He was a serial escapee who fled his captors twenty-one times, including from Gavi, the 'Italian Colditz.' He met David Stirling, the legendary founder of the SAS, and cooked up the plan for the 'Cistern Tunnel,' one of the most audacious but little-known mass escape attempts of the entire war.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 448 pages
\n Publication date: 13 June 2019
\n Publisher: Pan Macmillan
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Lt Alastair Cram was a Scottish officer who was taken prisoner in North Africa in November 1941 during the Second World War. He endured a four-year ordeal, passing through twelve different POW camps, three Gestapo prisons, and one asylum. His determination to regain his freedom led him to become a serial escapee, fleeing his captors twenty-one times. The most remarkable of these attempts was from Gavi, the "Italian Colditz," a maximum-security prison built inside a thousand-year-old stone fortress. It was here that Alastair met David Stirling, the legendary founder of the SAS, and together they conceived the plan for the "Cistern Tunnel," one of the most audacious but little-known mass escape attempts of the entire war.

The 21 Escapes of Lt Alastair Cram


by David M. Guss




A truly novel Second World War story, The 21 Escapes of Lt Alastair Cram by David M. Guss is a captivating account of the wartime exploits of the Scotsman. It is a tale of courage in the face of extraordinary odds and a testament to one man's unwavering determination to never give up.


"The greatest serial escaper of the Second World War" - The Times


Endlessly fascinating. Cram's story sizzles with adventure. - Giles Milton, Sunday Times


In November 1941, Lt. Alastair Cram found himself captured in North Africa, amidst the unfolding chaos of Operation Crusader, as the forces struggled to relieve Tobruk. His capture marked the beginning of a four-year odyssey, as he traversed through twelve distinct POW camps, three Gestapo prisons, and one asylum. Undeterred by his circumstances, Cram harbored an unyielding resolve to reclaim his freedom, and he embarked on a remarkable series of escape attempts, fleeing his captors no fewer than twenty-one times.


Among these daring escapades, the most dramatic occurred at Gavi, the renowned "Italian Colditz." Constructed within a thousand-year-old stone fortress, Gavi was reserved for the most perilous and relentless prisoners, those deemed the "most dangerous" due to their unwavering determination to escape. It was within the confines of this maximum-security prison that Cram crossed paths with David Stirling, the legendary founder of the SAS. Together, they conceived and executed the plan for the "Cistern Tunnel," a daring and audacious mass escape attempt that remains one of the lesser-known yet remarkable feats of the entire war.


"Fascinating" - Daily Express


An enthralling portrait of true courage - Sunday Express S Magazine


Lt. Alastair Cram, a Scottish officer, found himself imprisoned in North Africa in November 1941, amidst the Second World War. He endured a four-year ordeal, navigating through twelve different POW camps, three Gestapo prisons, and one asylum. His unwavering determination to regain his freedom fueled his relentless pursuit of escape. Twenty-one times, he successfully fled his captors, showcasing his extraordinary courage and resilience.


The most remarkable of these escape attempts took place at Gavi, known as the "Italian Colditz." Built within a thousand-year-old stone fortress, Gavi was reserved for the most dangerous and relentless prisoners, those deemed the "most dangerous" due to their unwavering determination to escape. It was within the confines of this maximum-security prison that Cram crossed paths with David Stirling, the legendary founder of the SAS. Together, they conceived and executed the plan for the "Cistern Tunnel," a daring and audacious mass escape attempt that remains one of the lesser-known yet remarkable feats of the entire war.


The "Cistern Tunnel" was a meticulously planned and executed escape route that involved digging a series of tunnels beneath the prison walls. The tunnels were constructed using hand tools and ingenuity, with the prisoners working in shifts to avoid detection. The route was designed to bypass the prison's stringent security measures, including reinforced concrete walls, armed guards, and surveillance cameras.


After months of arduous work, the tunnel network was finally completed. On the night of the escape, Cram and a group of fellow prisoners, including Stirling, made their way through the tunnels, navigating through narrow passageways and avoiding detection. They emerged from the prison walls into the surrounding countryside, free at last.


The escape from Gavi was a significant turning point in Cram's life and the Second World War. It not only marked his first successful escape from captivity but also solidified his reputation as a daring and resourceful escape artist. The success of the "Cistern Tunnel" inspired other prisoners to follow in his footsteps, and it played a crucial role in the eventual liberation of Europe.


"An enthralling portrait of true courage" - Sunday Express


An enthralling portrait of true courage - Sunday Express S Magazine


In conclusion, The 21 Escapes of Lt Alastair Cram by David M. Guss is a captivating and inspiring account of the wartime exploits of a remarkable Scotsman. It is a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the unwavering determination to overcome adversity. Cram's story of courage, resilience, and ingenuity serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless individuals during the Second World War and the enduring legacy of their bravery and resilience.

\n Weight: 344g\n
Dimension: 176 x 145 x 29 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781509829590\n \n