Squadron Leader Lamason was our natural leader… In the railyard at Gare de l’Est in Paris he took his first beating when he objected to a German guard about the treatment we were being given as POWs… He received a rifle butt to the head which caused him a lot of pain… As time went on, he could have drifted off into the shadows… but no, he didn’t, and we ended up with a splendid natural leader.
Squadron Leader Lamason epitomized all that is good in a leader and there is no doubt in my mind that his commendable, sustained effort as the front man of our group during the trials and tribulations at the hands of the SS and Gestapo was a major contributing factor in us getting recognised as prisoners of war under the provisions of the Geneva Convention and transferred in October 1944 to a recognised POW Camp… His actions were completely selfless – always positive, no matter what the danger – and by direct interaction far above the normal call of duty, were most worthy of official recognition by the Allied authorities at the end of the Second World War.
(1995)
Fl Lt Thomas H Blackham, 78380 RAFVR DFC OBE Air Commodore 1973-75; ADC to Queen Elizabeth II, 1975-77. (Buchenwald survivor who acted as Phil Lamason’s support leader in regard to the RAF prisoners in the group of incarcerated Allied airmen)
All of us would follow him almost anywhere because he was that kind of person… I consider it one of the greatest blessings of this challenging time (in Buchenwald) to have Squadron Leader Lamason as our commander. His quiet, strong but aggressive leadership was a critical factor not only in holding us together but also in facilitating our eventual release.
(2009)
1st/Lt Joseph (Joe) F. Moser O-755999 USAAF (Buchenwald survivor)
In early 1994 we (KLB Club) were only too pleased to join with (fellow New Zealander) Malcolm Cullen 78388 in his effort to get some long neglected recognition for the outstanding work that Phil Lamason did for our party of 168 (Allied Airman in Buchenwald). What Phil accomplished makes us all very grateful that he was at our helm. It was very unfortunate that the New Zealand Government found that it was too late for any action on their part. What he did for us may have gone unrecognised by the authorities but not by us. Our efforts to speak out in 1945 about our experiences went unnoticed by the Government and the military of that day, so we found our statements, which were difficult for others to believe, went into hibernation for 35 years. The fact that the latter action was not taken is difficult to comprehend, and, I think, can only have been because all of us deposed to our respective countries when the war was finished and got on with our careers as best we could.
(1999)
F/O Art Kinnis J/6216 RCAF (Buchenwald survivor and co-author of '168 Jump Into Hell')
I was inspired by the leadership of Squadron Leader Phil Lamason RNZAF, who motivated 168 captured Allied Airmen to find an inner strength to withstand the horrors and brutality of everyday life in Buchenwald in 1944. He was a true hero and role model.
(2022)
F/O Stanley A. Booker 51872, RAF (Buchenwald survivor and co-author of '168 Jump Into Hell')
Squadron Leader Lamason was a pretty brave guy… he’d stand up to the German officers… he’d be right in their face… they didn’t like that at all… they weren’t used to that… they were used to everyone cowering down to them.
(2009)
Sgt Chasten (Chas) L. Bowen 39569672 USAAF (Buchenwald survivor)
Phil Lamason, our senior officer, was absolutely the best leader you could ever find… this broken nosed New Zealander didn’t take shit from any of them even though he was pushed around a fair bit.
(2009)
Fl/Lt James A. Stewart 128449 RAF (Buchenwald survivor)
Phil Lamason was a very, very, very brave man… The boys in Buchenwald with Phil in 1944 would have followed him anywhere… I’ve tried for years to have him considered for a Victoria Cross for what he did.
(2018)
Ailsa Cullen, widow of Fl/Lt Malcolm F. Cullen NZ421963, RNZAF, the only other Kiwi in Buchenwald with Phil Lamason in 1944.
Phil Lamason was a wonderful man who should have received far more recognition in his lifetime.
(2018)
Colin Burgess, author “Destination Buchenwald”
I do hope you will be able to come to England again soon. I have always wanted to meet you and I know Tommy had the greatest respect for you and would have loved to have seen you again.
(1989)
Barbara Yeo Thomas, (widow of Wing Commander Yeo Thomas – The White Rabbit – with whom Phil Lamason interacted in a leadership context in Buchenwald) letter to Phil and Joan Lamason, June 1989.
I am amazed by the story of Phil’s defiance – still amazed and I’ve watched this film hundreds of times.
I tell people that Phil’s actions over those two months (in Buchenwald) were a lesson in leadership. His story should be required reading for everyone from the military to the corporate boardroom. And we must remember… he did this in his 20’s!
There were 82 Americans, 48 Brits, and 26 Canadians, but they all decided that they would take orders from one of only two New Zealanders in their group. What does that tell you about Phil’s presence and leadership?
I asked Phil if he was afraid of being shot, but he said that he knew there were other men behind him ready to pick up where he left off. I think about how many of his men survived Buchenwald – nearly all of them. And I think about how much of that survival rate would have suffered had he capitulated and sent them to the factories.
(2016)
Mike Dorsey, Maker of the Film/Documentary “Lost Airmen of Buchenwald” (2011). Grandson of 2nd Lt Elmer Clayton Freeman O/805432 USAAF (Buchenwald survivor)
I have a memory of when I was about 14, walking down the farm with my Grandfather and we were discussing something we had heard on the news that morning about a violent robbery. I remember he was walking in front of me and I mumbled something like "if it happened to me, I’d give them anything they asked for and run." My normally relaxed, fun loving Grandfather turned on me, face red and fists balled and shouted at me "you never, ever give into bullies and evil people – you always stand up to them Anita."
I was shocked at his reaction and the depth of his anger my words had provoked and ashamed of myself too. I thought about that moment a lot and understood that for him, taking the easy way out was never an option and cowardice in any form was intolerable and unacceptable. You always do what is right and stand up to tyranny, no matter the cost to yourself. I think that code of honour and heart and courage was at the essence of my Grandfather.
(2012)
Anita Taylor, Granddaughter of Phil Lamason
I can honestly say, I never took a step backwards.
(2005)
Squadron Leader Phillip J (Phil) Lamason 403460 RNZAF