Arizona Tales: The Great Escape Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

RoadRunner: Hi
This cache has been under the weather for quite some time. I am going to archive it to clear the area. If you repair/replace this cache, please let me know by e-mail and i will check it it for un-archiving.

Thanks
RoadRunner@GeocachingAdmin.com

More
Hidden : 10/9/2007
Difficulty:
2.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size: other (other)

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Geocache Description:


This is a camouflaged cache that contains a log only. This is all you need to find to claim this cache. If you wish to trade swag or travel bugs, a nearby ammo can has been placed for that purpose (coordinates for this are listed on the cache log). You MUST find the log container to claim credit for this cache. If you forgot to bring a pen, some pens are in the swag ammo can. Please return the pens to the ammo container once you sign the log. Please read cache page for a brief history lesson at this cache location.

If you came to this cache from 64th St, you passed by the Scottsdale Elks Club. The Elks Club is the only remaining building from a World War II POW camp located in Papago Park. It was the Officer's Club. This camp was the site of the largest escape of prisoners from an American POW camp, a scene that could have come right from the TV sitcom Hogan's Heroes.

December 1944, approximately 1,700 German prisoners of war lived in a large encampment east of Phoenix, Arizona. Among them, U-boat Captain Jurgen Wattenberg.

In September 1944, the prisoners asked for permission to build a volleyball court. Instead they built a tunnel to freedom 178 feet long and 3 feet in diameter. The exit was behind a bush merely 15 feet from Cross Cut Canal. The exit was covered by a plant filled lid.

Wattenberg ordered the men in the adjacent compound to celebrate loudly the night of December 23rd, to cover up the sounds of the escape. He had the names of people in Mexico who would help them return to Germany. Their plan was to escape to Mexico via the Cross Cut Canal, to the Salt River, to the Gila River, to the Colorado River and down to Mexico. They had a canoe that could be carried in 3 pieces. Everything was carefully planned. Except for one small detail.

By the early morning hours on Dec 24th, 12 officers and 13 enlisted submarine men had escaped. They arrived at the Salt River only to discover that in Arizona, rivers are typically dry riverbeds. Not to be deterred, they marched onwards 20 miles to the Gila River. And found it a dry bed as well.

At this point, some gave up. They returned to camp, which was not even aware that there was an escape. Tempe residents began calling the camp, telling of prisoners who showed up at their homes to surrender. One man, after being free for a month, decided to sneak back into camp and see how everyone was. He was there for 3 days before any guard realized it. Eventually all prisoners were caught and returned to the camp.

The detailed account on the website link is quite funny. I recommend reading it. (visit link)

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

[Email me if you need a hint, after you post a DNF.]

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)


Attributes

No attributes available

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