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Prisoner of War escapee’s charm

Carrying a rabbit’s foot as a good luck charm is a tradition in many countries, although it is not very lucky for the rabbit!

This rabbit’s foot was carried by RAF engineer Warrant Officer John Murrell during an attempt to escape from his prisoner of war camp during World War Two.

During a forced march in April 1945, Murrell was able to slip away un-noticed from his German captors. He spent 12 days “on the run” before reaching Allied troops, and freedom.

He donated the rabbit’s foot to the Museum in 1974, having kept it as a memento of his escape for nearly 30 years.

Accession Number: 78/C/646