Remarkable story lifts the lid on the lives of RAF heroes in PoW camps

The remarkable story of two men who were shot down over Germany - and then survived in prisoner of war camps-has been told in a new book.

- by Chris Cordner

Boldon man Sgt Albert Walton and Flight Officer Weston Craig, from South Shields, were part of a Lancaster bomber's eight-strong crew which was deep behind enemy lines in 1944.

It was shot down over Berlin and only four of the crew survived.

The two North East men baled out and parachuted to the ground but were captured.

Albert was sent to Stalag IV-B, and Weston to Stalag Luft III, the camp made famous by the Great Escape, because he was an officer.

Both survived the war and were liberated to return home to their families.

Now their story has been told in a new book called 'From Bomber County to Berlin-An RAF airman's wartime story'.

It has been written by sisters Ingrid Shepherd, a researcher specialising in Bomber Command history, and Dawn Woodward, who is a historian working with RAF veteran families.