On March 24, 1944, Flight Sergeant Nicholas Stephen Alkemade jumped from a burning Lancaster bomber without a parachute, figuring it was preferable to him burning alive.
To his great surprise, he survived a fall of over 5500 metres, cushioned by pine trees and a deep snow bank, suffering only a sprained ankle.
He was captured and interrogated by the Gestapo who suspected him of making up the story to cover up the fact that he was a spy.
However, their investigation convinced them that he was telling the truth and before sending him to a prison camp they gave him an official document certifying his statement:
"Because no one will believe you after the war."
