How Did a Fake Soldier Fool German Guards in World War II?
Allied prisoners created a fake soldier named Albert RN to trick German guards during daily roll calls. By stuffing uniforms with straw and blankets, prisoners made it look like everyone was present. This clever trick hid the fact that real soldiers were busy digging tunnels or escaping the camp.
Quick Facts
- Prisoners used everyday items like blankets for dummies.
- The fake soldier was nicknamed 'Albert RN'.
- Roll calls happened several times a day.
- Guards were often distracted by noise.
- The deception bought extra hours of freedom.
Countries Involved
Historical Context
During World War II, the German army held thousands of captured Allied soldiers in prisoner camps. One major camp was called Oflag VII-C. It was located in a castle in Germany. The Germans had strict rules to keep the prisoners inside. They used fences, guard towers, and daily headcounts to watch them. The guards wanted to prevent any soldier from escaping to freedom. These prisoners were often officers from Britain and other Allied nations. They spent their days planning ways to trick the Germans. This became a battle of wits between the captives and their captors.
What Happened?
In June 1942, British prisoners at Oflag VII-C needed a secret plan to escape. They wanted to hide the fact that some men were missing during morning roll call. The prisoners built a fake soldier using scraps of wood and old uniforms. They stuffed the clothes with straw and rags to give it shape. They named the dummy Albert RN. During the daily headcount, they placed Albert in the back rows of the lineup. They moved him carefully so the guards would only see a crowd of men. The guards counted the heads and believed everyone was present. This trick gave the escapees extra time to climb over walls and hide in the woods. The ruse fooled the guards for several days. Eventually, a guard noticed something strange about the dummy. He realized Albert was not a real person. The guards were very angry when they found the trick. However, the plan had already worked well. Several British officers had used those precious days to get far away from the camp.
Why Did It Matter?
This story shows how smart and brave soldiers could be under pressure. It highlights how important teamwork was for soldiers trying to get back home.
Forces and Units Involved
Frequently Asked Questions
1What exactly was the entity known as Albert RN during the Second World War?
2Why did the prisoners need to create a fake soldier to trick the guards?
3Did the German guards ever figure out that Albert RN was actually a fake?
4How did the prisoners make the dummy look like a real person to the guards?
5Was it common for soldiers to try and escape from these prison camps?
6What was the reason behind naming the dummy Albert RN for the camp escape?
7How many guards were typically stationed at the camp to watch the fence?
8Was using a dummy the only trick that the prisoners used to escape?
9Did the soldiers who used these tricks ever manage to get back home?
10Is the story of Albert RN a true event from the history of World War II?
Historical Sources
Allied prisoners used a straw-filled dummy named Albert RN to trick guards during roll call so soldiers could sneak out and escape.
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