Eric Dowling.

[arnisador]

War veteran who helped inspire The Great Escape film dies

Squadron Leader Eric Dowling was one of the last surviving members of the Stalag Luft III prison break whose actions were made into the book on which the movie was based.
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Dowling's hard work excavating tunnels [...]led to his nickname and he also contributed by forging documents and preparing maps.

His vital role bears a striking resemblance to that of Bronson's character in the movie who was nicknamed "The Tunnel King".

The Associated Press obituary also credits him with being an inspiration for the Donald Pleasance character.

 

[Brian R. VanCise]

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[morph4me]

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[shesulsa]

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[IcemanSK]

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