Who am I?

​

He’s more than famous for “the great escape” 

What you might call “a hero without a cape” 

 

Born in the Dutch East Indies, (but now they call it Indonesia) 

I doubt he would remember it (that's childhood amnesia) 

 

Of Dutch heritage, and proud for the cause 

He moved to the Netherlands, and started his school course. 

 

Studied to be a doctor, but here his real passion stayed: 

He was a lover of hockey, and the national team he made 

 

But his career halted in '36  - German pressure hit 

Not long after, he found himself in a cramped army cockpit 

 

A six day struggle- though it soon went pear shape 

There was but one thing on his mind- just how to escape? 

 

He made it to England on a sea-torn ship, 

With many a breeze, and a wild rip 

 

Not a month thereafter, he joined the RAF, 

He was ready to fight - not about would he faf. 

 

Shot down over France, he was taken prisoner 

No longer was he a proud and happy free runner. 

 

The POW camp was not just ‘inescapable’- it was infamous 

A day was enough to wonder when you’d next see Christmas. 

 

 Three tunnels were dug - Harry, Dick and Tom 

Well, how many escaped? The answer is just some. 

 

It was a disaster you see, as the 76th man came out 

The spotlight went over him, and with that failure was brought about 

 

But still 76 made it out, and you'd be happy to take it, 

But it was tragic - 50 escapists were murdered 

 

Which leaves just three got out, and made it to England, 

To the country they called the "Richland" 

 

Married Lucie Walter, whereupon he moved to the States, 

Where until his passing worked as a coast guard with his mates. 

 

So who's this person whose escape started within a Dutch dock? 

Who else could it be, but Bram Van Der Stok?