Golden Mile (POW camp)

The "Golden Mile" was a colloquial term used during World War II to refer to the area along a specific stretch of road near the Stalag Luft III prisoner-of-war camp in Sagan (now Żagań, Poland). Specifically, it described the area immediately outside the camp's perimeter fence where prisoners could walk and interact, to a limited degree, with German guards and civilian workers.

The term likely originated due to the perceived opportunities for communication and potential escape activities that this relatively accessible area presented. While strict regulations governed interaction, the "Golden Mile" represented a space where prisoners could observe the outside world, attempt to glean information, and potentially establish contact with individuals who might be sympathetic to their plight.

It's important to note that conditions along the "Golden Mile" varied depending on the specific camp section (North, South, East, West compounds) and the prevailing security situation. Interaction was risky, and any unauthorized behavior could result in punishment. However, it remained a significant focal point for many prisoners held at Stalag Luft III, offering a limited connection to the outside world within the confines of their captivity. The area was heavily patrolled and monitored.