This is some interesting history. During World War II, the British secret service found an ingenious way to help Allied prisoners of war escape from German camps: by smuggling escape kits inside Monopoly game sets.
The Escape Kits Included:
- Silk maps of European countries like Norway, Sweden, Germany, France, and Italy
- Metal files, miniature compasses, and other tools disguised as playing pieces
- Real currency hidden beneath the Monopoly money
The silk maps were ideal for escape because they were quiet, durable, and could be easily hidden. Waddingtons, the Leeds-based manufacturer of Monopoly in the UK, had the capability to print on silk and worked with the British government to create the special “escape edition” boards.
Under the Geneva Convention, Germany allowed humanitarian groups to send care packages containing games and pastimes to POWs. The British secret service exploited this by creating fake charities to distribute the Monopoly sets containing the hidden escape kits.
Before being sent on missions, RAF aircrews were informed that if captured, they should look for the special Monopoly sets in the care packages and use the concealed escape aids. The boards used a coded system to indicate which map was inside – a full stop after certain properties corresponded to different maps.
Once the prisoners retrieved the escape kit, they were instructed to destroy the Monopoly game to keep the secret from the Germans. British historians estimate this ingenious ruse helped thousands of captured soldiers break out of POW camps. It’s an incredible example of how even a simple game can be repurposed for extraordinary ends in a time of war.
Some Geman guards at the time no doubt saw the boring slow paced game as an inexplicable American obession with pretending to be wealthy.
25 Little Known Facts About the WWII Monopoly Sets That Helped POWs
1. Origin of the Idea: The concept was initiated by Christopher Clayton Hutton, an MI9 officer who had a background in escapology, having once challenged Harry Houdini to escape from a box made by his family’s timber mill.
2. Collaboration with Waddingtons: British intelligence worked with John Waddington, Ltd., the British manufacturer of Monopoly, to design special edition sets specifically for Allied POWs.
3. Distribution Method: The modified Monopoly boards were sent through fictitious charities, like the Licensed Victuallers Prisoner Relief Fund, to avoid German scrutiny over Red Cross packages.
4. Contents of the Game: The sets contained hidden tools such as metal files disguised as playing pieces, miniature compasses, and real currency concealed beneath the fake Monopoly money.
5. Silk Maps: The boards included silk maps that were lightweight, waterproof, and could be easily concealed, allowing POWs to navigate their escape routes without making noise.
6. Standardized Weight and Size: The escape boards were designed to match the original Monopoly boards’ weight and dimensions to avoid suspicion from guards.
7. Marking System: Each game had a specific marking system to indicate which map was hidden inside, ensuring that the correct maps were sent to the intended recipients.
8. Game Pieces as Tools: The small playing pieces included items like metal files and tiny compasses, which were essential for cutting through fences or navigating.
9. Counterfeit Documents: POWs would alter the game’s play money to mimic real currency, using it for bribes or to acquire supplies from guards or locals.
10. Historical Context: The use of Monopoly for escape efforts became particularly significant after the fall of France in 1940, leading to many British airmen being captured.
11. Impact on POW Morale: Playing Monopoly provided a distraction and a sense of normalcy, fostering camaraderie and hope among the prisoners.
12. Volume of Distribution: Thousands of these modified Monopoly boards were produced and distributed to various POW camps, aiding many escape attempts.
13. Intelligence Gathering: The game board was used to represent actual locations, helping POWs plan their escapes by identifying guard patrols and fortifications.
14. Secrecy Maintained: The Germans were largely unaware of the true purpose of the Monopoly sets, believing they were merely games to keep POWs occupied.
15. Post-War Recognition: After the war, the role of these games in aiding escapes was highlighted in various historical accounts, documentaries, and books.
16. Legacy of Innovation: The clever use of everyday items for escape purposes reflects the ingenuity of POWs and British intelligence during the war.
17. Hutton’s Role: Hutton’s diverse background in journalism and escapology influenced the design of the escape kits, making them effective and clever.
18. Game as a Cover: The Monopoly game served as an excellent cover for transporting sensitive materials without raising suspicion from guards.
19. Involvement of Other Companies: Besides Waddingtons, other game manufacturers like John Jaques & Son produced similar modified games, including chess sets and Snakes and Ladders.
20. Prisoner Networks: The existence of these escape kits fostered networks among prisoners, who shared information about their contents and usage.
21. Enduring Popularity: The story of Monopoly’s role in WWII has contributed to the game’s cultural relevance and popularity, leading to various commemorative editions.
22. Educational Use: This aspect of Monopoly’s history is often included in educational materials about WWII, illustrating the intersection of games and serious historical events.
23. Media Inspiration: The clever use of games for espionage has inspired various media portrayals, including films like The Great Escape and the TV series Hogan’s Heroes.
24. Hutton’s Innovations: Hutton’s inventions included compasses that could fit inside buttons and maps that could be sewn into uniforms, showcasing his creativity in escape planning.
25. Destruction of Evidence: After the war, most of the modified Monopoly boards were destroyed to prevent the Germans from discovering the methods used for escapes, ensuring the secrecy of the operation.
