On 11th March 1945 up to 84 German officers escaped from Hut 9 within Island Farm (also known as camp 198). This is the largest successful escape ever made by German prisoners of war in mainland Britain.
The tunnel used stretched for over 60 feet and was even equipped with a basic ventilation system. When investigations were carried out it was discovered that the earth from the excavation had been taken out, yard by yard, and stored in one of the huts. The prisoners actually constructed a partition wall in front of the waste, in order to hide it.
The whole of the Bridgend area became alive with people keen to capture a German prisoner. In Laleston, two miles west of Island Farm along the A48, the church bells were rung for the first time since Winston Churchill had ruled in 1940 that they were to be used as a warning that Britain had been invaded. All the escapees with quickly recaptured locally, but some had travelled as far as Southampton and Birmingham.
The area of Camp 198 is now in a state of disrepair and all huts have been demolished with the exception of Hut 9 that has a preservation order. In 2010 a submission was made to the council to create a Sports Village for the people of Bridgend with Rugby, Football, Swimming, Squash and Tennis facilities. Progress has stalled over the last few years but it does raise the question - Should a site of historical significance be re-developed or retained?
The area can get a little muddy in wet weather, so please wears boots/wellies. I have marked this as tourist friendly - it may not be the most scenic of areas, but the significance of the history of Island Farm is well worth the visit.
Breaking News: There is an open day on the 17th and 18th October 2015. Look at www.islandfarm.fsnet.co.uk for more info.