Schools

“I help the old to remember and the young to understand”

[Gervase Cowell MBE 1926-2000]

Sir Lewis Hodges, Sir Lewis, or Bob Hodges, as he was often known, was without doubt one of life’s “gentleman warriors”. Kind, generous, always helpful, approachable, he treated everyone equally. His life story could have been written for ‘Boys Own’; without doubt, one of WW2’s top warriors

His wartime experience as an escaper and evader, and his work with Resistance Forces, the Special Duties Flights and his agents, left Sir Lewis with great respect for ordinary people who carry out dangerous work in the name of freedom. As the last President of the RAFES, he ensured that the debt we owe them must never be forgotten. Until the end of his life he was in constant touch with the helpers of the escape lines, and his wartime agents and Resistance friends in France, Belgium, Holland, and Luxembourg.

This award helps us to continue to repay that debt and to keep alive the memories of all involved in the Escape Lines.

The task:

To share the stories of the Escape Lines and those involved with the widest audience of young people possible, helping them to understand and to remember.

Entries can be made individually or working in groups by people 18 years and under.

You will need to:

• research the topic to ensure you are sharing accurate information
• share evidence of the outcomes of your work

Consider:

• how to engage people so that they want to find out more
• how you can reach a wide audience
• which stories to share

How? You decide!

You can focus on an individual, an event or a particular trail. Use your imagination!

You might want to:

• make a film
• write an article for a newspaper or magazine
• do an assembly or a presentation
• hold a themed event
• write/ perform a play based on events

Judging criteria:

• quality of research/ level of understanding
• quality of presentation/ project
• quantifiable results - did your information reach many people to help them understand more - how can you show this?

Send your completed entry to info@ww2escapelines.co.uk by Sunday 28th February 2027

THE HODGES CUP

ELMS needs YOU!

Challenge…

We need your help to keep alive the memory of all those involved in the Escape Lines to help future generations to understand and remember the bravery and sacrifice of all involved.

prizes

1st PLACE
Your name on The Hodges Cup + £100*

3 runners up
Gift Card & Certificate*

(Plus invites to the ELMS Reunion)

Deadline

Sunday 28th Feb 2027

INFORMATION

go to our website for more information or for help to access resources
https://ww2escapelines.co.uk/research/escape-evasion-sites/

*If a group entry - award goes to the group to share