Herbert Massey
| Herbert Martin Massey | |
|---|---|
| Born | 19 January 1898 Hilton, Derbyshire, England |
| Died | 1976 (aged 78) Barnstaple, Devon, England |
| Allegiance |
 United Kingdom
|
| Service/branch |
 Royal Air Force
|
| Years of service | 1915 – 22 June 1950 |
| Rank | Air Commodore |
| Battles/wars | World War I, Arab Revolt, World War II |
| Awards |
CBE DSO MC |
Air Commodore Herbert Martin Massey CBE DSO MC (19 January 1898 – c. 1976). On 4 February 1917, while serving with No. 16 Squadron RAF, Massey was wounded and his observer killed by Werner Voss. He was a senior officer in the Royal Air Force during World War II. After being captured by the Germans, Massey became the Senior British Officer at Stalag Luft III, and authorised the "Great Escape".
After Massey's death, a memorial service in his honour was held on 22 May 1976 at St Clement Danes Church.
Massey was the basis for the character Group Captain Ramsey in the film The Great Escape (who also walks with a stick), played by actor James Donald.
In 2016 a Blue Plaque was unveiled at the Hilton House Hotel where Massey was born, the first Blue Plaque in the village of Hilton.
He received the following awards and honours:
He was also Mentioned in Dispatches three time, 23 Jul 1937, 1 Jan 1941 and 24 Sep 1941.
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Wikipedia