Episode 239: The Great Papago Escape, Part II: The Crazy Boatmen

Marker in Scottsdale near the Arizona Cross Cut Canal showing the exit for the tunnel out of the Papago Park POW Camp. Photo by Marine 69-71.

After their daring breakout on the evening of December 23, 1944, the 25 escaping German POWs tried various methods to get to freedom. They would be hampered by things like rain, cold, patrols, wary citizens, cactus and a dry river bed, ultimately resulting in all 25 being back in custody just over a month after breaking out.