Von Ryan's Express — David Westheimer

A thousand British and American POWs learn to hate the American colonel who singlehandedly shapes them up. His strict discipline brings order to the camp; it also earns him a derisive "von." When Italy surrenders, German guards herd the men into boxcars for shipment to the Reich. Ryan has other ideas. He reckons to take the train to Switzerland...and freedom.

"A taut, exciting and well-keyed war novel...Ryan is a difficult hero to like, but he is a hero nonetheless. An exciting, authentic book." (Book Week)