The Escape of a Princess Pat / Being the full account of the capture and fifteen months' imprisonment of Corporal Edwards, of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, and his final escape from Germany into Holland

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

25683

Title

The Escape of a Princess Pat / Being the full account of the capture and fifteen months' imprisonment of Corporal Edwards, of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, and his final escape from Germany into Holland

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A gripping firsthand account of Corporal Edward Edwards' capture, fifteen months of imprisonment in German camps, and his daring double escape with two comrades. Blending harrowing war details with personal letters, this memoir offers an authentic, emotionally resonant look at resilience, brotherhood, and the desperate struggle for freedom during World War I.

Summary up to 500 words

The Escape of a Princess Pat chronicles the harrowing true story of Corporal Edward Edwards of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, a narrative co-authored by his friend George Pearson based on Edwards' diary and letters. The account begins with the regiment's catastrophic defeat at the Battle of the Somme on May 8, 1915, where Edwards was captured along with many comrades. Following the battle, the prisoners endured months of harsh conditions in German camps, including Giessen and the punishment camp at Vehnmoor. Life in these camps was defined by severe overcrowding, poor sanitation, inadequate food, and the constant threat of brutality from guards. The book exposes the psychological toll of imprisonment and highlights the presence of traitors among the prisoners, such as a sergeant-major who collaborated with the Germans to report on his own men and facilitate their mistreatment. Driven by a desire for freedom and fueled by loyalty to his fellow soldiers, Edwards, along with comrades Tom Brumley and Mervin Simmons, attempts to escape. Their first effort fails when Brumley is recaptured, but the group eventually succeeds in a daring second escape. Traveling over 150 miles through enemy territory, they navigate swamps, dense woods, and the constant pursuit of German dogs and patrols. Despite the dangers, the narrative emphasizes themes of endurance, brotherhood, and the stark contrast between official records marking Edwards as dead and his actual survival. After weeks of hiding and evasion, the trio finally reaches Holland, where they receive a warm welcome from the local population and are escorted by a brass band to the British Consul. The book serves as both a historical document detailing the realities of World War I captivity and a testament to human resilience against overwhelming odds, ultimately revealing the fate of a soldier long presumed lost.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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data/epubs/pg25683.epub

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Categories

• Adventure
• Biography
• History