Watch belonging to Squadron Leader James Catanach

Squadron Leader James Catanach was one of 76 men who escaped from Stalag Luft III prison camp on the night of 24 March 1944. This watch, worn by Catanach during his time as a prisoner, was retailed through the Catanach family's jewellery store and is engraved with Catanach's name on the reverse. During the preparations for his escape he entrusted the watch to a Norwegian friend, Roy Nielsen, as he did not want to be caught carrying any item that would reveal his identity. In 2014 the Nielsen family contacted James’ family through their jewellery business and returned the watch that had been in their safekeeping for 70 years.