For the Great Escape operation Cochran was one of the primary tunnellers .
That factor coupled with one 's 's command of the German one Cochran him the favourable position No. 16 in the line of the two hundred men hoping to escape through the tunnel .
For the Great Escape operation Cochran was one of the primary tunnellers and that factor coupled with his command of the German language gained him the favourable position No. 16 in the line of the two hundred men hoping to escape through the tunnel .