A day of celebration has been held to honour a man who made a daring escape over the River Thames disguised as a dock worker.

The second Gunther Pluschow International event was held at the Clarendon Royal Hotel in Gravesend to celebrate the aviator, explorer and adventurer who was the only German POW to escape from Britain during either world war.

It was organised by a newly-formed Gravesham Heritage Forum (GHF), whose aim is to promote the history of Gravesham. Its members include leading historians and experts involved in Gravesham’s unique past.

Gunther escaped from Gravesend in 1915, using a stolen rowing boat and rowing right underneath a bridge teeming with soldiers, and to acknowledge this and his many achievements, naval attachés from countries involved in his lifetime adventures were invited from Germany, Argentina, Chile and Netherlands to honour him.

Guests included the Mayor of Gravesham Cllr Lyn Milner as well as members of The GHF and Gravesend Historical Society.

The day included a tour by historian Christoph Bull, who delighted guests with stories and anecdotes of the Gravesend Riverside, followed by refreshments at one of the town's oldest pubs, The Three Daws.

International guests were presented with a selection of beers from The Iron Pier Brewery, named after Gravesend's structure which is the oldest cast iron pier in the world.

The day ended at the Clarendon hotel for dinner, with music from sea shanty duo, Impressed.

Captain Matthias Schmidt, of the German Navy and Naval attaché to the German Embassy in London, said: "All the international guests really appreciated the day which was well organized by the newly-formed Gravesham Heritage Forum.

"There were many highlights but certainly Christoph's tour was well received by all concerned.

"The traditional English sea shanties folk music was also well liked and finished the day on a nautical note. This was a unique event which I trust will become a regular international occasion in the future."

The GHF intends to hold this international event again next year, on Saturday, July 9. If you wish to know more, contact Peter Torode, founder of The Gravesham Heritage Forum, on 07827 885453 or email peter.torode5@outlooklook.com

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