The real Big X, head of the escape committee at Stalag Luft III, however, was a far more compelling character than the man portrayed by Hollywood and renamed Roger Bartlett. Bushell was a Cambridge-educated criminal barrister and the fastest skier in Europe before he was shot down in his Spitfire over Dunkirk in 1940. A talented linguist who spoke fluent French and German, he turned Stalag Luft III into an unlikely outpost of British Intelligence and organised the digging of the famed tunnels Tom, Dick and Harry.
Simon is a former obituaries editor of The Times where he held senior positions for more than 30 years. He has also worked for the Daily Telegraph, the Sunday Times and the South China Morning Post. His latest book, written with his wife, Fiona Gorman, in 2023 is a biography of the pioneering heart surgeon Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub.
For Friends and guests, please use our online booking system - https://membermojo.co.uk/orfordmuseum/store
For non-Friends, please use our booking form - https://orfordmuseum.org.uk/non-friends-booking-form/
If you have any queries please email us at info@orfordmuseum.org.uk
How to get here
By Car: Whether travelling from the North or South, follow the A12 in the direction of Woodbridge. Take the A1152 towards Melton. Stay on the A1152 and turn right at the first sign for Butley Priory. Continue until you reach our private drive and follow signs for parking.
Nearest Rail Station: The closest rail station is Melton.
By Taxi: Woodbridge rail station has a taxi service - pre-book with M&R Cars on 01394 380034