Arnold G. Christensen, Great Escaper, Letters Now Online

[Dave Homewood]

On my New Zealanders At War Facebook group, the following great news has been posted by member Kathryn Pulman:

A while ago I asked for advice about saving and sharing letters that my great uncle sent home during WWII. I'm happy to report that my brother was able to scan them for me, and as a Christmas surprise, my younger son made a website dedicated to Uncle Arnie (Arnold Christensen) who was in 'The Great Escape' from Stalag Luft 3. My son isn't sure how much traffic the site can handle, so sorry if it's a bit slow.

lovefromarnoldg.co.nz

[Dave Homewood]

Kathryn also added these terrific photos, which i share here with her permission:

"Following on from my earlier post, my son and I were going through Arnold Christensen's photos, and came across a 'portrait gallery' of fellow airmen. I thought that people on here might be interested."

P/O Bill Hewitt


P/O Bill Hopkins


P/O Ian Speirs


P/O Mac Head


P/O Pat Finlay in disguise


P/O Ray Mellsop


P/O Whiz Twentyman


Sgt-Pilot Keith Fleming


Sgt-Pilot Peter Day


Thomas Culling-Mannix (one of Uncle Arnie's closest friends)

[Dave Homewood]

It seems that Bill Hopkins, Ian Speirs, Ray Mellsop, Wilson 'Whiz' Twentyman and Thomas Culling-Mannix all lost their lives in WWII, along with Arnie Christensen. Really sad.

[typerated]

Just looking at the title reminds me of Frank Gatland.

His book was entitled Escape- the best sport ever!

airforcemuseum.co.nz/shop/escape-the-best-sport-ever-by-frank-gatland-dfm/

Perhaps not the greatest book but amazing exploits to read.