Last survivor of the 'Great Escape' dies aged 97

As this week marked the 66th anniversary of the D-Day landings it is somewhat fitting that the Second World War has dominated the history headlines over the last few days.

The last known survivor of the ‘Great Escape’ died this week, aged 97. Scotsman Jack Harrison was part of the break out from German war camp Stalag Luft III in 1944, which claimed 50 lives and inspired the 1963 film The Great Escape, starring Richard Attenborough and Steve McQueen.

In Oxfordshire, two teenagers have suffered second-degree burns after an explosion in a World War II bunker. Investigations are underway as to whether chemicals were purposely left to injure children who smoked in the pill box, and a retired colonel and former local mayor has been arrested pending further inquiries.

On a lighter note, an unusual photograph of the Battle of Normandy came to light this week. The image captures the moment a short Allied soldier frisked the German army’s tallest member, who stood at a towering 7ft 6ins. Corporal Bob Roberts recalls the meeting as a 'moment of light-heartedness’ amidst the harsh realities of war.

On the international front, Sir Andrew Burns has been named as the Government’s first post-Holocaust envoy. The former UK ambassador to Israel and BBC governor will be involved in a range of matters to encourage ongoing remembrance of the Holocaust and its lessons for the future.

In Russia authorities are planning to remove Nazi shells from a sunken wartime arms ship. The wreck, under a mile off the Baltic coast, holds over 10,000 shells containing explosives, but no detonators.

Elsewhere, an 18th-century diary on display in a London exhibition has reinforced recent suggestions that baseball was founded in England. The diary, belonging to a Surrey lawyer, details a visit to ‘play at base ball’ and supports the theory that English settlers transported the sport to the American colonies.

It’s been a mixed week for heritage in the UK. A National Lottery scheme has given £17million towards the training of heritage employees. Over 800 places across 54 projects will be created by the scheme, where trainees will be taught a mixture of traditional and modern skills.

However, over in Uffington the ancient White Horse has been damaged by vandals. The head and eye of the 3,000 year-old chalk monument were sprayed purple only a week after it was re-chalked by community volunteers.

Finally, as the future of the Royal Mail remains uncertain, there’s a look back at the history of the postal service, from Henry VII to recent decisions by the new coalition. And ever wondered what medieval times could do for us? The answer lies in debt-free living, according to recent suggestions.