Francis Steinmetz
Francis Steinmetz (20 September 1914 – 2 January 2006) was an officer in the Royal Netherlands Navy who escaped from Oflag IV-C, Colditz Castle, a German POW camp, during World War II.
In August 1941, Steinmetz, along with another Dutch POW, Lieutenant Hans Larive, hid under a manhole cover in the exercise yard of Colditz castle. Whilst the other prisoners were playing a game of soccer, lieutenant Gerrit Dames cut a small hole in the wire fence, allowing the two men to escape after the other prisoners left for roll call and supper. The two came up out of hiding after nightfall, took a train to Gottmadingen, Germany, and reached Switzerland in three days.
Two other Dutchmen followed Steinmetz's actions; one Major C.Giebel and a Lieutenant O.Drijber used the same escape route. The method was discovered on the third attempt when two more Dutch officers tried to use it and were discovered by guards.
Mr Steinmetz's escape was classed as one of the most daring escapes of World War II.