It has been widely regarded as one of the greatest war films ever made, but the real-life story behind its creation is just as remarkableJane Lavender07:00, 04 May 2026View 4 ImagesThe film is now considered a classic(Image: Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock)A Second World War hero's harrowing account of his experiences as a fighter pilot and prisoner of war became the inspiration behind one of cinema's most iconic war films.Australian Paul Brickhill worked as a journalist before joining up to fight after Germany invaded France. He was shot down over Tunisia in 1943 and taken as a prisoner of war.During his captivity, he watched...