One famous escape story is that of the 'Great Escape' from Stalag Luft III. Allied prisoners dug tunnels to try to escape from the German POW camp. Although many were recaptured, it showed the indomitable will of the prisoners. Some managed to reach freedom for a short time, like a few who made it to neutral countries.
There was a story of a nurse who was trapped in a German - occupied town. She disguised herself as an old woman and walked right through the German checkpoints. She had altered her appearance so well that the soldiers didn't suspect a thing. She then made her way to a forest where she met up with partisans who helped her get to Allied territory.
During the Battle of Dunkirk, while it was mainly a large - scale evacuation, there were also individual acts of escape. Soldiers found ways to get on boats or makeshift rafts to cross the English Channel. Their determination to escape the advancing German forces and return to fight another day was truly heroic.
There was also the escape of some Allied airmen who crashed in enemy - held territory. They often had to rely on the help of local civilians. These civilians, at great risk to themselves, hid the airmen and helped them find their way back to Allied lines. It was a story of courage and cooperation between the military and the local people.
There were also many soldiers who tried to escape from prisoner - of - war camps. Some tunnelled their way out. They would carefully dig tunnels under the barbed wire fences and guards' watch, often using makeshift tools. It was a very dangerous and painstaking process, but some were successful and managed to make their way back to their own lines.
The story of a pilot who bailed out over enemy territory and managed to evade capture for days by hiding in the forest and using his wits to find food and water is quite heroic.
The war stories also influenced the way countries rebuilt. Take Germany for instance. The stories of the destruction and suffering in Germany during the war led to a new approach in its reconstruction, both physically and socially. It had to face up to its past and build a more democratic and peaceful nation.
One interesting World War Two war story is about the Battle of Dunkirk. The Allied forces were trapped on the beaches of Dunkirk, but through a heroic effort of civilian boats coming to the rescue, a large number of troops were evacuated. It was a remarkable display of courage and tenacity in the face of great danger.
There was also the story of Raoul Wallenberg. He managed to save thousands of Hungarian Jews during World War 2. He issued protective passports and sheltered them in buildings he declared Swedish territory. His actions were a form of escape for those Jews from the certain death that awaited them in the Nazi - run extermination camps.
Often, these books have a sense of adventure. For example, in 'The Great Escape', the prisoners' elaborate plan to break out involves tunneling and outwitting the guards, which is full of adventure.