I recently toured Poland and visited a section of the Ost Wall between the Warta and Oder rivers along the pre-war German/Polish border. Originally built in the late 1930's as a defence against Poland they were put to use against the Red Army Advance west in 1945. The various fortifications are linked underground to a labyrinth of tunnels. Its make for a fascinating visit. However, the Polish authorities are closing up the entrances to many of the bunkers to prevent injuries and possible fatalities whilst turning some into tourist sites.
The bunkers are accessible from the Frankfurt (Oder)to Poznan highway and the road from Kostrzyn to Poznan also bisects the defence line. I went to see two sites open to the public at Miedzyrzecz and Boryszyn. I was given a conducted tour in Polish of which I did not understand a word!! but it was worth it just to see the underground sites. However, I have to say it was much more exciting and interesting going 'off track' and exploring those sites not yet 'locked up' I was with a man who knew what he was doing and was aware of the dangers that could trap the unwary.
The position in the foreground has been described to me as a vent? for a mortar. Beyond it about 100m away can be seen a flamethrower bunker
'Dragon's Teeth'in the middle of a forest. Note the anti-tank ditch in front of them
A section of the ventilation ductwork
This bunker was blown up by the Russians in 1945. The 'chimney' in the centre of upper block was a defensive flamethrower vent
If anyone is interested in a trip I would be happy to facilitate it having travelled to Poznan on many occasions
On a different note the remains of the 'Great Escapees' are buried in the military cemetery in Poznan, Poland which is 200 kms north east of the camp location. For some reason there are only 48 graves (no headstones for N Fuglesand or D O Street) and I have been unable to find out why. It is well known that the 50 were all cremated and their ashes interred.
One of the most chilling lines from the whole episode is the scenario where the senior British officer is summoned to the Camp Commandant's office after the murders. 'How many were shot?' ' Forty-one' ' How many were wounded?''I think no one was wounded' 'Do you mean to tell me forty-one can be shot in those circumstances and that they were all killed and no one was wounded?'
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