It was sad to read of the death of Marcel Zillessen (Evening Press, January 13). I was a POW in Stalag Luft 3 at the same time - although in a different "compound".

I cannot accept the comment, however, that the prisoners were "weak and emaciated". They were hungry indeed but lean and hungry and generally very fit.

The weak do not dig tunnels or engage in similar very strenuous activities.

R A Ayres,

(Ex RAF Bomber Command),

Ridgeway,

York.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.