Today's Object of the Week is a rare handwritten document which has returned 'home'.
A modern history museum in North Yorkshire has welcomed back a rare and invaluable artefact - the Jimmy James Table of Measurements.
This handwritten document, created by Flight Lieutenant Bertram 'Jimmy' James, one of the most notable figures of the Great Escape from Stalag Luft III, records the meticulous dimensions of the escape tunnels famously codenamed 'Tom,' 'Dick,' and 'Harry'.
Recently featured in The National Archives' exhibition 'The Great Escapes: Remarkable Second World War Captives,' this artefact is now back in its rightful home at Eden Camp, in Malton, where it continues to inspire visitors.
Alongside the return of the artefact, Eden Camp also received a letter from The National Archives thanking them for their participation in the display.
The museum received the table among other documents from a private donor.
The significance of these documents was unknown until museum staff looked through them and found the table of measurements amongst an array of tax documents and Christmas cards, which together told Jimmy's remarkable story.
Jimmy James was shot down over the Netherlands on June 5, 1940, and was then taken prisoner by Germans.
Over the next five years, he made 13 efforts to escape from various prisons and camps, including Stalag Luft III, the site of the so-called Great Escape in March 1944.
A central figure in the story of the Great Escape, Jimmy James, together with Peter Fanshawe, was largely responsible for depositing the soil from Tunnel Harry under seat 13 in the camp theatre - built by prisoners.
On the night of the escape - March 24, 1944 - Jimmy and his partner, Pilot Officer Sotirios (Nick) Skantzikas, were disguised as Yugoslavian workers trying to get home.
After a treacherous night of walking through deep snow, the pair found their way to Hirschberg West railway station. Whilst attempting to purchase a ticket south, the two were arrested and taken to the Gestapo Headquarters in the town.
Following a transfer to the local prison, Skanzikas was taken out to be shot, whilst Jimmy remained in his cell totally unaware of why he was saved from execution.
In Berlin, SS-Gruppenführer Nebe was ordered by Heinrich Müller, Chief of the Gestapo, to select and kill 50 of the 73 recaptured prisoners in what became known as the 'Stalag Luft III murders.
Fifty were then executed, Jimmy being one of a handful sent instead to the Sachsenhausen concentration camp.
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Summer O'Brien, collection and engagement manager at Eden Camp, said: “The museum is deeply honoured to have been a part of The National Archives exhibition. This incredible opportunity has allowed us to share Jimmy James' unique artefact and story with a wider audience.
"Being featured alongside such a significant collection is a testament to our ongoing commitment to keeping the past alive for future generations. We are proud to have contributed to this meaningful exhibition and to have worked with such esteemed partners.”
Discover the story behind this remarkable document and explore the extensive collection of unique Second World War artefacts, including interactive exhibits and the original preserved huts of Britain’s only remaining prisoner of war camp, Eden Camp. For more details visit www.edencamp.co.uk
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