Life as a free man
Pat's book on his adventures was published first in 1952. It was a sensational success, selling more than 500,000 copies.
Inevitably, Hollywood also called and in 1955 the The Colditz Story was turned into a popular film.
He was also awarded an MBE from the Queen of England for his efforts in helping allied soldiers escape from Colditz. Before his death in 1991, Pat wrote four more books about his wartime experiences.
His original book still sells shops today. There will probably never be another story like it.