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David Stirling: How Long A POW? The Untold Story!

Inside the real David Stirling's time as prisoner of war TV & Radio

Jul 11, 2025
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Inside the real David Stirling's time as prisoner of war TV & Radio
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Ever wondered about the fate of a war hero, trapped behind enemy lines? David Stirling, the legendary founder of the SAS, endured a significant period as a prisoner of war, a testament to the harsh realities faced even by the most ingenious and courageous leaders.

Archibald David Stirling, born on November 15, 1915, at Keir House, near Doune, Perthshire, Scotland, lived a life far removed from the confines of a prison camp for much of his early years. His childhood in the Scottish Highlands instilled in him a love for freedom and honed his skills as a hunter. Strikingly tall and athletically built, Stirling initially seemed an unlikely candidate to revolutionize warfare. As World War II loomed, Stirling abandoned his mountaineering aspirations and joined the Scots Guards in 1939. An early, almost comical, end to his military career nearly occurred when he fell asleep during an officer’s class after a late night, almost leading to his expulsion. However, fate had other plans for the young Stirling.

David Stirling: Biographical and Professional Information
Full Name Archibald David Stirling
Date of Birth November 15, 1915
Place of Birth Keir House, Doune, Perthshire, Scotland
Date of Death November 4, 1990
Place of Death London, England
Age at Death 75
Military Career
  • Scots Guards (1939)
  • Founder of the Special Air Service (SAS)
Key Achievements
  • Founded the SAS, revolutionizing modern warfare
  • Led daring raids behind enemy lines in North Africa
  • Demonstrated innovative and unconventional military strategies
Prisoner of War Captured in Tunisia, January 1943; held in various POW camps, including Colditz.
Awards and Honors OBE, DSO
Family Brother: Bill Stirling
Reference Imperial War Museums - David Stirling
Inside the real David Stirling's time as prisoner of war TV & Radio
Inside the real David Stirling's time as prisoner of war TV & Radio
Inside the real David Stirling's time as prisoner of war TV & Radio
Inside the real David Stirling's time as prisoner of war TV & Radio
Inside the real David Stirling's prisoner of war ordeal and escape attempts
Inside the real David Stirling's prisoner of war ordeal and escape attempts

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