Author tells story of his dad - Coventry airman Kenneth George Price involved in the 'Great Escape' - The Coventry Observer

Author tells story of his dad - Coventry airman Kenneth George Price involved in the 'Great Escape'

Coventry Editorial 6th Jul, 2022 Updated: 6th Jul, 2022   0

A BOOK about a Coventry airman who served in the RAF during the Second World war and played a part in the ‘Great Escape’ from the Stalag Luft 111 prisoner of war camp is in print again after selling out its first run.

Kenneth George Price DFC and BAR was written by the navigator’s son Alistair Price and was published in September.

All 150 copies in the first batch sold out but it has now been reprinted.

Kenneth was born in Swan Lane, Coventry, on October 4, 1919, and was educated at King Henry VIII Grammar School before joining the Midlands Daily Telegraph as a reporter.




Forseeing war was about to break out Ken joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAFVR) and was based at Ansty.

He was called up in September 1939 at the age of 20 and was based at Catterick.


During the Second World War, the Telegraph ran a ‘Welfare Record’, reporting on its members of staff involved in the conflict.

In the RAF, Ken flew in 14 different aircraft – each one detailed in the book – and was involved in the Battle of Britain.

In 1943, whilst in a two-man Mosquito reconnaissance aircraft, Ken and his pilot were hit by ‘chance flak’ and had to bail out.

His family were informed he was missing and he ended up in the Dulag Luft prisoner of war camp before being transferred to Stalag Luft 111.

The book takes the reader through Ken’s life in the camp, how the ‘Great Escape’ took place and Ken’s role within it.

When he did get free, Ken’s first ‘port of call’ was his home city of Coventry.

Alistair also details in the book Ken’s life post the POW camp and his remaining years in peacetime.

The author also gives talks on his father’s fascinating life to community groups and societies, such as WIs, Rotary and Probus.

Any profits, after costs, go to the RAF Benevolent Fund.

Kenneth George Price DFC and BAR is available from amazon.co.uk for £9.95 or direct from Alistair by emailing [email protected]

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