A plaque commemorating the astonishing story of the only German prisoner of war to escape Britain during the First World War has been unveiled at the spot where he made his daring break for freedom.

The memorial was unveiled at The Three Daws pub, in Royal Pier Road, on Saturday on a balcony area at the back of the pub overlooking the river.

It commemorates Gunther Pluschow’s Great Escape, which earned him a place in history.

He absconded from the town in 1915. The intrepid aviator lay low on the banks of the River Thames before he finally managed to scramble aboard a Dutch steamer destined for neutral Holland – and made his way back to the Fatherland.

"We are talking about an amazing, larger-than-life character – a real life Biggles – and a remarkable event in wartime history" - Historian Victor Smith

Historian Victor Smith, from Northfleet, was determined to commemorate Pluschow’s incredible adventure with a plaque and has spent more than five years in talks with the German Embassy, Gravesham MP Adam Holloway and history groups to get the memorial installed to mark the centenary of Pluschow’s freedom bid.

With the help of Peter Torode of Ebbsfleet Printing Solutions, who made the plaque, and history enthusiasts Circle of Friends of Gunther Pluschow, Mr Smith was finally allowed to pay Pluschow the homage he felt he deserved.

His mission started after he read an article penned by his wife Lynda, a fellow historian, 20 years ago.

Mr Smith, of Stonebridge Road, who is in his 60s, said: “I had heard vaguely about Pluschow, but didn’t really take much notice at the time.

“I soon became convinced that something should be done here in Gravesend.”

With some uncertainty he approached authorities in Germany for their thoughts.

He said: “They were delighted with the idea. I was amazed how interested they were.

“I was a little nervous that some people might think that I was trying to glorify the deadly Hun.

“I have researched and Pluschow had no connection to the Nazi movement.

“But we are talking about an amazing, larger-than-life character – a real life Biggles – and a remarkable event in wartime history.

“Love him or hate him, he would not let any obstacles get in his way, he just steam-rollered through.”

Mr Smith’s project also had the backing of fellow historian Christoph Bull, who is also chairman of Gravesham Town Twinning Association, and both men were at the unveiling.

Mr Bull said: “A plaque was also unveiled on the other side of the river at Tilbury and the Mayor of Thurrock came to that unveiling.

“Then over on this side the Mayor of Gravesham, Cllr Michael Wenban, joined us for this unveiling and this plaque was especially made by Peter Torode.”

Other guests at the ceremony included Germany’s naval attache to London, Cdr Jan Hackstein and other enthusiasts from Germany who were interested in the PoW’s story.

Mr Bull added: “It was quite emotional, not only for me, but for Mr Smith and our German guests.

“It will now be there for future generations to see and it shows how much of a hero he was.

“His story is really amazing. His escape started in China when he was a prisoner of war there and took him to America, Gibraltar and then Gravesend. It really is unique.”

by Lynn Cox and Alex Matthews