The son and grandson of a former PoW are organising a nine-day Liberty Trail in September 2012 to introduce a new generation to the epic escape of 600 Fontanellato camp prisoners in 1943, and show aspects of modern Italian life and culture along the way.

Bill Bowder, whose father, Capt. Geoff Bowder of the Royal Artillery, was among the 600, is organising the UK end of the expedition, which leaves for Italy on 7 ^th September for nine days. His son, Espin, an experienced tour leader, will lead the Trail in Italy.

The Trail is particularly aimed at younger adults from 18 up to 35, though it does not exclude some older people. It will start in Fontanellato, near Parma, and the participants will visit the former Camp PG49, now the Cardinal Ferrari neurological centre, in the town before they walk to the place where the PoWs hid from German soldiers after the camp’s gates were thrown open.

They will join in the town’s 69^th anniversary celebrations of the Italian Armistice on 9^th September and explore the town and the countryside. From there the Trail will shift to the hills and woods below Modena through which many escapees made their way in their attempts to join the Allies fighting their way up from the south.

The Trail also visits Parma and Modena, castles, markets, restaurants and cafes, and will include talks, Italian lessons, visits and exhibitions – including one on cooking!

Bill and Espin estimate that the cost to come on the Trail will be between £800 and  £1,000. That would include all transport while in Italy, accommodation, breakfast and a main meal each day.

The organisers expect to work closely with the Monte San Martino Trust and to find ways to support its £1m Appeal.

Anyone who is interested in joining the Trail or would like to find out more should contact Bill Bowder at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   or by phone on 07985772083