Shot down Spitfire pilot returning to lines with German prisoners; Peter During 

My father was a Medic in WWII. Towards the end of the war when it was pretty clear that the war was coming to an end with a German defeat, my dad found a German soldier on the battlefield left for dead. His leg had been blown off and he was barely conscious. My dad stabilized him and began talking to him. The man had relatives in the US and told my dad that his dream was to move to Florida and buy an orange grove. My dad happened to have a few oranges from a care package his own father had sent to him, and he wrapped them up and gave them to the German before the German was officially taken prisoner. Before my dad moved on, the man asked for my dad’s name. My dad thought there was no harm in sharing his name and the fact that he lived in Queens, NY. Five years later, after i was born, a crate of oranges arrived at our house in NY --attached to it was a note that said “Jerry (my father’s name), i made it! Thanks for the oranges.” The man had made it, and made it to Florida and did buy an orange grove farm. They became great friends, and on the day the man died, my father had a premonition and called the man’s wife. The wife said that one of the last things the man said was to “call Jerry and thank him again....tell him i had a great life and he made it possible”. A little humanity goes a long way. Given a chance, we should all treat each other as just another human being trying to survive and live a decent life. There are some evil people in the world, but not many, and most people, wherever they are, are decent and, given a chance, kind. Just wanted to share a story that still brings tears to my eyes.

I had a guy who worked for me who was a spitfire pilot during WW2 proud to even mention his name. Al Campbell. Was on a mission and had some problems with his engine and couldn't complete the task at hand. Informed the squadron he was returning back to base. He couldn't get altitude so flew low knowing he had the alps in front of him had to find a opening. Suddenly he had this feeling he wasn't alone. He glanced over his shoulder and a German plane was right behind him leveling off to fire on him. He seen a short burst of fire from the German aircraft which tore off a section of his wing. He knew he was going down. The German pilot came up beside him and saluted to him and pulled ahead leaving him to land. He landed his plane with little damage other than his pride and was captured and taken to a hospital. Low and behold the German pilot visited him with a bottle of champagne in hand. He mentioned to him that he knew his plane was disabled and sure wasn't going to make it over the mountains. Basically saving his life.

My grandfather, who is Scottish, fought the full length of the war. He said that they didn't like the German soldiers, but they respected them. He gets very angry if anyone calls them Nazis, because as he said, 'they weren't Nazis, they were just common soldiers, like us'.

Pete says "Thank you for your comments. God was very good to me. It has worried me that I have never been able to contact these guys.I am very humbled by all the comments. God bless and thank you"

Hi. Peter was 21 yrs at the time of capture. He is a fit, healthy 90 yr old and just moved into a n old age home having lived by himself up until a month ago. He is mentally completely competent and suffers from slight hearing loss only. The German soldiers name's were Fritz Mader and Otto Wagner (?). He has not been able to track them down.

Good people are good people... german, american, british....

Man that would make a great movie' but without any Hollywood BS.

My mother hid two American bomber pilots in her family barn for almost a yr, her father was a Wehrmacht General. This was very risky and dangerous. Later, they helped her immigrate to the US, legally.

What a great story. It reminds me of my grandfathers story of fighting the Germans all day and all night each taking heavy casualties. The next morning early hours his platoon was on one ridge when they crossed paths with the German division on the other side. Both within shooting range. Both armies looked at one another in disbelief and then waved to one another and proceeded to go their seperate paths without firing a shot. It was a mutual respect of fighting me no matter the nationality.

Thank you Tinus and Peter for this delightful story. It's so important to record such memories before the inevitable occurs. It was great to see actual photos. Wouldn't be wonderful if one of the Germans saw this, and made contact. Wishful thinking I suppose. I hope Peter is still with us.

Pete During served in the 7th Squadron South African Air Force in North Italy in late 1944-1945. They were flying Spitifire Mk.IX fighter aircraft in ground support of Canadian operations. My late father-in-law, Arnold "Bassie" Basson, flew in the same squadron at the time and was also shot down by the fierce ground fire. I have his flight log for this period, and it bears the following entry on 26 April 1945: "Cabrank Rover Jack. Pete During shot down behind lines but came back 4 days later with 4 Jerries & loot. Bombed village of Masi on N Bank of Adige. D/H’s on 3 buildings, 3 fires started. Hacked 1 semi track flamer - Led by Maj Brebner" The entry for the 22nd of April states, "Armed recce from Estiglia on the Po to N of Ferrara. Bags of M/T S of Po Nil North. Bombed some H.D.I’s 1 damaged Bod in slit trench. Bombed V.H.H Led by Pete Potter. Clueless sortie rained bombs on us while we were straffing" . This is very likely the recce on which Pete During went down. As folks can see, honourable opponents of the Germans did not call them "Nazis". These were fighting men who had earned the respect of one another. It would be ever so much better if the makers of trite TV programmes could show half the respect these men had for one another. Unfortunately, as is always the case with those who were not there, they have big mouths and make derogatory comments. Bassie told me personally that a German Me262 jet pilot, instead of shooting him down, moved in next to him, tipped his wing and showed him "thumbs up", and flew off. It made him feel as though his Spitfire was standing still in the air. These were proper men; not ignorant children attaching derogatory epithets to their respected enemy. Bassie's plane was struck by 40mm anti-aircraft fire on 3 January 1945 near San Alberto, exploding the ammo box in his wing and jamming his aileron. He also had a huge gaping hole in this starboard wing. His 'plane was forced into flying in circles through the German anti-aircraft fire. He eventually figured out how to turn that into a spiral path and made his way to Bertinore, where he baled out, narrowly missing the power lines and hurting his back for life on landing. His flying boot had got stuck in the cockpit, so he jumped shoeless. The next day he was in the air again. The entry for 30 April states: "Basil Guest comes back after being POW. Jerry let him go as they could not take him with them in their retreat." Guest had been shot down on 20 April.

This story shows that the madness of a war is only ever initiated by a few idiots and that millions of innocent people unintentionally fight each other and ultimately die. My grandfather, who fought in VerdunWWI and later my father, who was a soldier in Stalingrad and was able to return home in 1949, told me about similar occurrences in WWI - II. Both had always spoken with great respect about the opposing soldiers. Both of them had repeatedly shown us children the horrors of war and made it clear that war is and can never be a solution.

Such an amazing story. Thank you so much for sharing this.

Great work again Tinus.. This just shows the power of the human spirit. Thanks again.

Thank you Tinus for bringing this awe inspiring story of Peter During, Fritz Mader and Otto Wagner into limelight. These kind of videos should be preserved for RU-vid's Golden Globe and should be watched by everyone. The trio's escapades indeed bring back the meaning to humanity - here's wishing them all the best from Toronto - Canada!

Not only a fantastic story, but his narrative is so compact. Nothing extraneous; it keeps you riveted. You should keep him talking (while filming). There is no replacement for first hand accounts of events that shaped the modern world.

What an amazing story he told ....hope he and his German soldiers returned safely home .

Thanks for bringing us this outstanding story. Made me sentimental as well as laughed.

basically he got shot down and then partyed his way back to his lines

This story highlights the humanity we all share, no matter the flag we represent.

What an incredible story. Just goes to show that conflict notwithstanding, honourable people are still honourable people. I echo other posts that suggest this would make a great film - it would. I hope Peter is still well and as a serving soldier myself have the greatest respect for him, his comrades, and the Germans - many of who fought with chivalry, honour and incredible bravery aswell. Thank you so much for sharing this.

what can you say,I hope his drinking friends lived long lives.

The reason i love RU-vid, you can stumble on some real gems like this, real people with real stories.. cheers Peter..

Thank you for making this video, it was a lovely story.

Thank you for this, it is a tribute to all involved. God bless all.

Thankyou very much for that amazing and incredible story Pete! And thankyou Tinus Le Roux for conducting the interview and posting this incredible story.

Great job of editing, blending in the pictures, telling the story so well. Hard to believe this was 2013, as Peter During must have been about 88 or so and he doesn't look quite that old. So good that you were able to document this little thread of WWII history.

My uncle, too, had fought the Germans during WW2 (he being half German at that), serving with the artillery in the MN Red Bulls, from Africa (invasion, Kasserine Pass), into Italy (Monte Cassino, Salerno, Anzio), then on into Germany -- five years in all. However, during my extensive interview with him, and which I had filmed the year before died (in '99), he said nothing derogatory at all about the Germans, even though he came close to dying when one of his own guns exploded (a Howitzer), and (twice) from an incoming German '88. Even later still he survived stepping on a German landmine at war's conclusion. To date no purple heart has ever been awarded to Sgt. Lewis A. J. Witte. So now in 2018, RIP uncle, from your loving nephew (and fellow veteran) Bill.

Fascinating story. It's a shame he never got to reunite with those guys and return the Germans camera. Now that would've been another party altogether.. I hope the Germans survived and lived long lifes.

Thank you and Peter for posting excellent primary source material with a warm and interesting personal perspective.

Tinus, thank you for sharing this beautiful piece of reminiscent history. God bless you! 💛🙏🏼

You should contact some news show in Germany. I'm sure it would mean a lot to any surviving family of these young German soldiers to hear this story.

South African, he was still alive in 2015, what a wonderful story

Great story, these war testimonies are getting rare now a days. My grandfather served in World War Two in the pacific. He never told us much about it. Fortunately my grandmother made many scrap books of his war time experience. And we still have his uniform. Thank you for sharing.

This shows again that the regular German soldier was a soldier of honor. Another good story is the one from Lt Lengfeld in the Huertgen Forest.

One of many of inspiring stories that came out of a terrible war....good on you Peter.

True story I was taking three German prisoners to hq at night. I fell into a bomb crater. The three Germans jumped in the crater too. I thought they were going to kill me. But, the picked me up, dusted me off, and handed back my rifle. Stories from dday. Great book!

Absolutely phenomenal watch. What a fantastic story, and told in a very lovely way.

Thank you for your service, bravery and humility. Bless you Sir

Thank you, Peter During, for sharing this fascinating story and to Tinus Le Roux without him would never have heard of Peter During experience.

Incredible story. The man you're shooting at in battle could be your best friend in different circumstances

Tthanks for sharing this. A good story to come out of what was an aweful war.

Thank you, Peter, for your dedication and service. A great debt of gratitude is due to all our servicemen and women who served and suffered in the World Wars. Thank you. /

Tinus, did you make this video yourself of Peter? Amazing. The world is a better place because of it!

my dad was in the pacific theater of ww2. he was in guam after it had been 'secured,' anyway, the soldiers would have outdoor movies and some of the natives would tag along and watch. my dad was quartermaster depot non-com and had access to a big supply of candy. he would always give out some to who he thought were the island villagers. well, the brass can say that something is secure, but really isn't. japanese soldiers were still about and needed to be captured or killed. a small group of them surrendered and two of them kept pointing to my dad, saying 'good man, good man.' turns out that those enemy soldiers were coming down and watching movies and getting fed by my dad. he didn't want to kill anyone, he had been a college kid, playing baseball at ucla when the war started, went to work at douglass aircraft and finally had to go in when his deferment ran out. they treated the japanese well, and it was just another story of basic humanity.....

A very brave man, like so many. Respect, and thank you for sharing your story Sir. 🏆

Humbling , a true hero and above all it shows they were all humans

Hats off to Mr During, and the German guys who were with him what an incredible story

Wow, that was so interesting, I have never heard an account of someones WW2 experience quite like this. The photos are amazing. Thanks for sharing this.

Wow, one more brave story coming put of a dire situation. Thank you and you colleague for all you did and the sacrifices you made. This should be a film.Respect

A heartwarming recollection by a brave man. Uplifting to hear this.

Great narrative and a wonderful positive message! Very best wishes to Peter and to his Deutsche friends, if they are still alive and kicking. Lovely photos, too!

Tinus, thank you for tracking down these wonderful men and making this record. I have always had the highest regard for SA aircrew whether in the SAAF or RAF. Malan, Pattle and Le Roux were some of the greats.

Thank you for your service Sir, and thank you for the great story. Lest we forget.

it is a beautiful story, it is always moving to listen to a veteran talk about his episodes of war.

If only we could find Herr Otto Wagner to add his piece to this very fascinating story of how they worked out a deal to stay alive.

By his accent I'd guess Lt. During is South African, or possibly Rhodesian. Very little credit is given to the massive contribution in blood of these two countries during WWII. I think the UK -in these politically correct times - is even ashamed to admit it. South African soldiers in particular were well respected by friend and foe alike. Thank you Peter During.

Just found this...wow it would of been so nice to see a reunion.. The fact you have the camera and the pictures this will mean it will be shared....thank you so much for sharing an Incredible story.. God bless you all..

These interviews are so important to collect and preserve so we never forget the bravery and selflessness of the heroes who fought in the most epic conflict the planet ever saw.

i have never been so proud to be south African what an amazing story

What a dude and great representation of mankind the sort of level headed man needed in politics not the brats that generally run things.

Another fascinating story from another hero. I love hearing the accounts and am always moved by their humility. Thank you for sharing.

Thank you for sharing your experiences though the war.

One for the grandchildren-------and everyone else. Great story/history and the fotos are superb!!!

moral of the story... war, it never solves anything. it's respect, agreement, booze and more booze.

truly an amazing story - thank you for sharing

Never forgotten. Thank you.

Amazing story thank you for sharing it

Wow! Such an amazing story of men compromising and setting sides apart to survive together no matter.

This is great what your doing! I was in South Africa shooting my tv show Baggage Battles..I love SA! Thank you...Billy

Incredible story thank you for posting

a friend of mine ... her father was captured at Stalingrad & got back to Germany in 1951 .... he was initially treated with disgust as being a survivor when he returned .....like previously said ... he wasn't a Nazi, just a soldier following orders

This is awesome !!! Thx for sharing . Hope those German soldiers survived and got home

Fantastic story and RU-vid video. THANK YOU!

Great story. Thank you for posting. WF

What a great story. When I got to Germany, in '72, I was made the driver for the Btn. Command Sgt. Major. He was well decorated & wore a "Screaming Eagle" patch om his right (facing backward). He had a Germany accent and it turned out that He was a Nazi Youth. He turned himself into the Allies in the streets of Berlin. Long story short. He joined the US Army and served in Korea & 'Nam . According to TO&E he was not assigned a Jeep. When I was done, He the best looking Jeep in the Army !

nice one. Glad I found this video My Uncle was a P51 Mustang pilot and survived being shot down in Yugoslavia. I'd be interested if he'll do a similar video

Tinus, you're a legend...This part of History is now part of our collective and will not be forgotten. Thank you Peter...Respect!

Awesome. I hope that whole crew prospered in long healthy lives for their compassion for life.

As a German I know well the mindset of my people and I know well that most Germans are very different to all the stories of propaganda we hear as long as I live. It was strange to realize that most people are lying about my people and that it was forbidden to say something good about German soldiers - I found out were and how my grandfather (who was opposing the National soialists) died - he was a hero and gave his life for others. It has been dfficult for me to bear all the stories about my country and the dark picture painted so very passionately. i learnt from all the stories behind the curtain that my people were more honourable in warfare than their opponents and wondered why nobody was daring to tell the truth. Nowadays I know better and I understand what "Good and Bad" really are - they are interpretations of people who see themselves as "Good" - they urgently need the "Bad" ones and that is why they need to blame others for their own darkness.

Pragtig verhaal Tinus , mooi man ! Good to hear a positive ww2 story!

Fantastic, thank you for posting this, what a Man. How brave were these people? Wars should never happen but they did and will. Unfortunately

Glad this is on the record. Great to hear these stories.

This man's story makes me think of my past 20 career in the US Army and how everyone now thinks I must be a complete war loving hawk when it comes to fighting and war. Having, myself, been stationed in both Japan (3 years) and Germany (6 years) nothing could be further from the truth as while in those places I traveled about, learned (pretty fluently) the language, met many people and made many friends. What I realized was that IN WAR, the big politicos and the elite are typically NOT who does the fighting and dying on EITHER SIDE----IT IS THE COMMON MAN, MOSTLY---people just like you and me who are, really, not too excited to go out and fight for "their country" (as we are all propagandized and led to believe and ESPECIALLY not inclined to kill men just like ourselves or do be killed along with our buddies in SOMEONE ELSE'S war. I DO, however, understand that in some situations war is a last resort and is sometimes the only possible way, SADLY, to settle things and go forward into the future. A PRIME example is that NOW BOTH the Germans and the Japanese are our friends and allies----Who would have even in their wildest dreams imagined THAT in about 1943 or 1944???

A heartwarming story, it's fairly unlikely the German soldiers are still alive after so much time, but it would be wonderful if this story and the pictures could find its way to their families.

What a great story, Peter. Thank you.

Thank you for sharing your story.

This would be a great story for a movie! I'm sick of all the WW2 films that portray ALL Germans as evil. Then again if Hollywood did make a film about this guy...he wouldn't be South African....they'd turn him into an American!

Thanks Peter, thanks Tinus. God Bless.

Thank you for your service, Peter During. I wish all wars would end up like that.

A true hero. Thank-you for your heroic bravery and selflessness.

Hi Tinus! Vielen Dank für diese bewegende Geschichte! I wish all participants in this adventure they have found a long life in peace. Please greet Mr. During from me. My father had to fight on the German side in this painful war. He was lucky, as an American prisoner of war to survive this orlog. Are the names of German soldiers known? Even 70 years after the war the fate of the men can be found.

Sounds like fun :) Drunken road-trip through the last days of the Reich.

thank you for your service! amazing story

Wow. what a great story.. thank you for sharing!

what a wonderful story , Nice to see humanity shine over war . Peter may I thank you for your service , much appreciated .

Bravo Mr. le Roux! Unglaublich, as they would say in German, but it really did happen. So many worthy stories from WW2. What do the present generations have to say for themselves. Let us pray & hope that we can rise to the courage & goodness of those who came before us.! FD, Bethesda Maryland USA

Thank you for such a lovely story and original photos. Very lucky man to come across such nice German soldiers.

Dankie dat jy dit met ons gedeel het!

Wine is the answer...