UBB.threads Forums General Interest Period History Forum Czech Colonel Petr Uruba

..the oldest living member of RAF 311th squadron dieds at 1st of March in his 92 years.
Born 15.12.1916 in Rusava village, joined Czechoslovak Army in 1935 and finished his bomber training.
After occupation he escaped through Poland and France to England, being one of the first 311th Sqdrn memmbers. From November 1940 he flied as co-pilot at Captain Cigos crew. During his 7th flight they were forced to emergnecy landing in occupied France near Flerce. Complete crew was captured.
In next four years he came through Dulag Luft I Framkfurt a/M, Stalag Luft I Barth and Stalag Luft III Sagan, where he helped to organise famous escape. Later moved to Prague, investigated by Gestapo, sentenced to death for armed resistance against Germany. Then moved to Oflag IVC Colditz, where British Army liberated him.
After the war he worked as flying instructor. 1949 kicked off work and appartment with his family... In next years he and his family lived under supervision of State Security, each night at 1AM they had to switch on lights in complete house to prove they did not escape from Czechoslovakia. Till 1963 he worked as totally unqualified worker.
In 60's he was partially rehabilitated and called back to army, but soon in 1969 he hade to leave it again.
He had the luck to live to see so called "Velvet revolution" in 1989. Was fully rehabilitated and recieved a Colonel rank. In 2006 Jacques Chirac awarded him with Legion of Honor Award.
Hope these people will never be forgotten.

Jan

Grat story Jan, thanks for sharing