Howard Douglas WardleMC (15 August 1915 – 30 January 1995),[1] commonly known as Hank, was a Canadian pilot in the Royal Air Force during World War II. He is notable for being (along with the "Medium Sized Man", Dominic Bruce) one of the only two men who escaped from both Spangenberg and Colditz prison camps during World War II.
Pilot Officer Wardle was shot down near Crailsheim, Germany on 20 April 1940 while conducting a reconnaissance mission in a Fairey Battle light bomber. He was the only member of the crew of three to survive bailing out of the aircraft and after being interrogated at a nearby Luftwaffe base was transferred to the POW camp Oflag IX-A/H at Spangenberg Castle. While a prisoner at this camp, Wardle made the first of his escapes but was recaptured after 24 hours on the run.