Escape Maps Hidden In Board Games & Hairbrushes | WW2 Historian James Holland at The British Library

World War Two Historian James Holland is at the British Library's Secret Maps exhibition exploring the ingenious escape and evasion maps created for Allied servicemen and POWs during World War II.

With expert curator Nik Dykes how these life-saving maps were hidden inside everyday objects – from board games to hair brushes – helping captured airmen and soldiers escape without alerting their Nazi captors. James examines the famous silk escape maps issued to Burma aircrew, designed to be durable, silent and waterproof in jungle conditions. A fascinating look at wartime ingenuity and the intelligence battle fought behind enemy lines.

If you enjoy deep dives into the hidden stories of the Second World War, make sure to subscribe to WW2 Headquarters for more films with James Holland and Al Murray, exploring the people, places and objects that shaped our history.

Secrets Maps at the British Library is open until 18 January 2026. Tickets for Secret Maps are £20, with offpeak pricing and concessions available, more information here

With thanks to the Imperial War Museums who loaned several items featured in this film including;

Hairbrush, escape map and saw. G.B. Kent & Sons, IWM (Imperial War Museums) © The rights holder (EPH 2206)

R. Journet & Co. ADI map no.7330 (9U/R.), Air Ministry, IWM (Imperial War Museums).  © Imperial War Museums (EPH 1729)

Bra and knickers set made for Lady Mountbatten from an RAF escape map of Italy]. IWM (Imperial War Museum) © Imperial War Museums (EPH 10930)

Additional Footage of Ready 4 Duty taken by Adam Simpkins, Skytrain Media