Hugh Lambie

Hugh Lambie began as a linotype operator for the Herald and Weekly Times newspaper in Melbourne. In 1941, aged 23, Lambie joined the Royal Australian Air Force, where he served as a flight lieutenant. Whilst flying with the 458 Squadron over Europe he was taken as a prisoner of war in March 1943. He was held by the Germans at the Stalag Luft III prison camp in western Poland, where the now-famous Great Escape took place. Lambie survived the ordeal, arriving back in Australia in September 1945.

After the war Lambie joined the Banks Rowing Club in Victoria, winning the interstate eight championship in 1947. The following year he travelled back to Europe as part of Australia’s delegation for the London Olympics. At the Games he competed in the coxed fours, where the Australian crew were eliminated in the repêchage round. Lambie was 95-years-old when he died in December 2012.