Germans on the Run: From Tsingtao to Skipton

Published on 14 August 2026
Submitted by Prof Anne Buckley

This presentation tells the little-known story of two German naval officers, Fritz Sachsse and Herbert Straehler, who escaped from the POW camp at Fukuoka, Japan in November 1915 and spent a year on the run.

They planned to travel west through China, Afghanistan, Persia and Turkey in order to get back to Germany. Covering an astonishing five thousand miles and almost circumnavigating the globe, they eventually arrived at a POW camp in Skipton, North Yorkshire where they spent the final part of the war.

Germans on the Run: From Tsingtao to Skipton
Key benefits of membership

Becoming a member of The Western Front Association (WFA) offers a wealth of resources and opportunities for those passionate about the history of the First World War. Here's just three of the benefits we offer:

Local Branch Icon
Your local WFA branch

With around 50 branches, there may be one near you. The branch meetings are open to all.

Trenchmaper Icon
TrenchMapper

Utilise this tool to overlay historical trench maps with modern maps, enhancing battlefield research and exploration.

Standto Icon
Stand To!

Receive four issues annually of this prestigious journal, featuring deeply researched articles, book reviews and historical analysis.

Other Articles

Gemini Generated Image Tcbxvltcbxvltcbx
24 September 2026

The War Detectives: The work of the JCCC

Read more
Map G.S.G.S. 2097 Crop (1)
17 September 2026

The Dardanelles Commission and its verdict on Gallipoli

Read more
129Th Baluchis Regiment
10 September 2026

Dulmial village in the Great War

Read more
Hadaway Stone
3 September 2026

One wife, two brothers

Read more
Picture18
22 August 2026

Roehampton orderly thrown off bus

Read more