Wally Layne's YMCA prisoner of war log book
Title
Wally Layne's YMCA prisoner of war log book
Description
Includes certificates as a prisoner at Dulag Luft and Stalag Luft 6, sketch map showing locations of prisoner of war camps, list of crew with brevets, Churchill's speech, cartoons of prisoner life, contents of Red Cross parcels, notes, signatures, names and addresses, poems and sayings, sketches of Hampden and caricature, photographs of family and friends, sketch of Lancaster and train box cars (third tour), German cash certificates and other writing and sketches.
Creator
Date
1943-12
1944-05-11
1944-08-26
1944-08-07
1944-09-26
1944-07-27
1945-04
1944-10-17
Temporal Coverage
Spatial Coverage
Format
Seventy-seven page book
Publisher
Rights
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Contributor
Identifier
MLayneWH963102-170607-01
Transcription
A WARTIME LOG
[page break]
P.409001/5.
AIR MINISTRY [deleted] November [/deleted], [inserted] December [/inserted] 1943
THIS IS TO CERTIFY that 963102 W/O. W.H. Layne, R.A.F. born on 5th December, 1916 at present a prisoner of war in Dulag Luft and whose prisoner of war number is [deleted] unknown [/deleted] [inserted] 605 [/inserted] has been granted a commission in the rank of Pilot Officer with effect from 13th September, 1943 His official number is now 158255
This requisite notification has been published. [signature] Group Captain for Director of Personal Services [deleted] Asst. Secretary [/deleted]
AIR MINISTRY 11 MAY 1944 194
THIS IS TO CERTIFY that 158255 P/O. W.H. Layne (D.F.C.) R.A.F. born on 5th December, 1916 at present a prisoner of war in StalgLuft 6 and whose prisoner of war number is 605 has been promoted to Flying Officer with effect from 13th March, 1944. and the requisite notification has been published. [deleted] P.158255/43. [/deleted] [inserted] P.409001/43 [/inserted] [signature] Group Captain for Director of Personal services.
[page break]
[blank page]
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[blank page]
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[boxed] A WARTIME LOG FOR BRiTISH PRISONERS Gift from THE WAR PRISONERS’ AID OF THE Y.M.C.A. 37, Quai Wilson GENEVA - SWITZERLAND [/boxed]
[page break]
[greek text] R. Utteridge 4.10.44
[page break]
[boxed] THIS BOOK BELONGS TO P/O. W. H. Layne. D.F.C. Royal Air Force. Stalag Luft III, Germany. [Y.M.C.A. logo] [/boxed]
[page break]
[sketch map showing Stalag Luft locations]
[page break]
[underlined] 1 [/underlined]
[pilot wings drawing] F/Lt. Fletcher D.F.C. D.F.M. [observers brevet drawing] S/Ldr. Foster D.F.C. [bomb aimers brevet drawing] F/Sgt. Beasley. [wireless operators badge drawing] [air gunners brevet drawing] P/O. Layne D.F.C. [air gunners brevet drawing] S/Ldr. McKinna. D.F.C. [engineers brevet drawing] F/Sgt. Nelson [air gunners brevet drawing] F/Sgt. Page.
[page break]
3
The Spirit of Britain
We shall go on to the end - we shall fight in France. We shall fight on the seas and in the oceans - we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air - we shall defend our island whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on the beaches and on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and streets, and in the hills. We shall never surrender, and if, which I do not for a moment believe, this island, or even a part of it, is subjugated and starving, then our Empire accross [sic] the seas, armed and guarded by the British fleet, will carry on the struggle, until in Gods good time, the new world, in all its strength and might, sets forth to the rescue and liberation of the old. Britain will fight the menace of tyranny for years, and, if necessary, alone. Winston Churchill 1940
[page break]
5
A man who grumbles, because he doesn’t catch something every day, is a fool not an angler.
Gordon R. W. Albright
“Wiltshire House”
Hungerford
Berkshire
[page break]
[cartoon sketch of collapsing prisoners bunkbed] Good luck. Wally. [underlined] J. Beasley SEP 44 [/underlined]
[page break]
9
Jim. D. Skinner
10 Earl St.
New Brumby
Scunthorpe
Lincs.
[underlined] 26.8.44 [/underlined]
[page break]
12
Starkle starkle little twink
Who the hell you are think
I’m not under the alcofluence of inkohol
Though some think peep I am
I fool so fealish
I don’t know who is me
That the drunker I sit here
The longer I get.
[page break]
13
[cartoon sketch of prisoner life] “Do you think they’ll think we’ve changed?” Lots of Luck Wally -
Johnny Howes.
Peacehaven
- Sussex -
[page break]
14
[underlined] CONTENTS OF RED CROSS PARCELS [/underlined]
[list] [underlined] AMERICAN [/underlined]
8ozs COCOA OR 2 ‘D’ BARS 6 JAM 1oz SALT & PEPPER 12 BISCUITS ‘K2’ 1LB PRUNES 12ozs BULLY BEEF 12ozs MEAT & VEG OR SPAM 6ozs MEAT PÂTE 8ozs CHEESE 1LB POWDERED MILK 8ozs SUGAR 1LB OLEO MARGERINE 4ozs SOLUBLE COFFEE 2 SOAP 80 CIGARETTES 7 VIT C TABLETS
[underlined] CANADIAN [/underlined] 5ozs CHOCOLATE 1lb JAM 1oz SALT & PEPPER 12 BUSCUITS 6 ozs PRUNES 12ozs BULLY BEEF 10ozs KAM 7ozs RAISINS 4ozs CHEESE 1lb POWDERED MILK 8ozs SUGAR 1lb BUTTER 6ozs COFFEE OR 4ozs TEA 8ozs SALMON 1 SARDINE 1 SOAP
[page break]
15
[list] [underlined] ENGLISH [/underlined]
4ozs CHOCOLATE 8ozs JAM 1 TIN EGG POWDER (2ozs APPROX) 8ozs PRUNES OR APRICOTS 12ozs MEAT ROLL 16ozs MEAT & VEG 4ozs OAT MEAL 1 SOAP 3ozs CHEESE 1 TIN CONDENSED MILK 4ozs SUGAR 8ozs MARGERINE 4ozs COCOA 2ozs TEA 8ozs SALMON OR 8ozs BACON 1 PANCAKE POWDER OR 1 CREAMED RICE OR 1 APPLE PUDDING
[underlined] ARGENTINE BULK [/underlined]
3ozs BULLY BEEF 5ozs MEAT & VEG 3ozs RAGOUT 2ozs CORNED MUTTON 4ozs PORK & BEANS 5ozs BUTTER 2ozs LARD 2ozs HONEY 5ozs JAM 2ozs MILK JAM 4ozs CONDENSED MILK 8ozs SUGAR 7ozs CHEESE 8ozs BISCUITS 1oz PEA & LENTIL FLOUR 3ozs CHOCOLATE 2ozs COCOA 1oz TEA 1 SOAP 3ozs DRIED FRUIT
[page break]
17
[sketch of lincolnshire regiment cap badge] Best Wishes Wally
George. W. Hand,
Morcott,
Nr Uppingham
[underlined] Rutland [/underlined]
[page break]
19
[cartoon sketch of prison life] They also serve, who only stand and wait! John Milton
[signature]
CANTERBURY,
KENT.
[page break]
23
Sincerely Yours -
Laurie. W. Collins,
“Sackville House”,
4 Littlefield Lane,
Grimsby,
[underlined] Lincolnshire. [/underlined]
7-8-44
[page break]
24 BLOCK 22 ROOM 3 STALAG-LUFT 3 TARMSDEDT
[prisoner names and addresses]
[page break]
COMBINE 25
[food parcel contents drawings] [prisoner names and addresses]
[page break]
27
R. Coulbeck,
97 Ravendale Street,
Scunthorpe,
[underlined] Lincs. [/underlined]
P. [indecipherable name].
Sturton
Brigg.
[underlined] Lincs [/underlined]
[page break]
28
E hoa ka whawhai tonu ahau ki a koe ake! ake! [Maori for “friend, I shall fight against you, for ever! for ever!”]
[page break]
5/ Sept 44 [underlined] [signature] [/underlined] [various baseball cartoon caricatures] “PUT THE LITTLE APPLE DOWN HERE KID” 2 AND 1
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31
IF
IF YOU CAN SAVE YOUR BREW WHEN ALL AROUND YOU HAVE FINISHED THEIRS AND BORROWED MORE FROM YOU IF YOU CAN RUN A RACKET WHEN THEY DOUBT YOU BUT MAKE ALLOWANCE FOR THEIR RACKETS TOO IF YOU CAN WAIT AND NOT GET TIRED OF WAITING WHEN SOMEONE MAKES A BOOB WHILE ON PARADE OR STAND OUT IN THE COLD IN YOUR PYJAMAS WHILE HAUPTMANN MÜLLERS WEEKLY SEARCH IS MADE IF YOU CAN HIDE WHEN DUTY STOOGE IS ON YOU IF YOU CAN WASH YOUR SHIRT SAY TWICE A YEAR IF YOU CAN KEEP YOUR MIND ON HARMLESS PASTIMES AND NOT DANCING, WOMEN, WINE AND BEER IF YOU CAN LISTEN TO ANOTHER AIRMAN TELLING YOU HIS CROW IS ON THE WAY AND NEVER BREATHE A WORD WHILE HE IS MOANING WHILE YOU HAVE GOT AT LEAST THREE YEARS BACK PAY IF YOU CAN SAY “WIE GEHTS” OR ELSE “KARTOFFEL” OR ASK A GERMAN IF HE HAS A LIGHT YOURS IS THE CAMP AND ALL THATS IN IT HERE’S TO YOUR HAPPY FUTURE CLEAR AND BRIGHT
With apologies to Kipling Fallingbostel. Oct 11/44
[page break]
33
E. J. Hillman (Hilly.)
20, East Court Ave.
Earley.
[underlined] Reading. [/underlined]
J. Kenny
27, Featherstall Rd. N.,
Oldham
[underlined] Lancashire. [/underlined]
[page break]
35
And not by eastern windows only, When daylight comes, comes in the light; In front the sun climbs slow, how slowly! But westward, look, the land is bright.
Arthur Hugh Clough. [underlined] Rog. [/underlined]
[page break]
[facial caricature}
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39
[sketch of a Hampden bombing] Best wishes Wally, J. A. McDonald, 24 Brooklands Rise, London N.W.11. 26/9/44
[page break]
43
[cartoon caricature] MEDITATION [underlined] WAD [/underlined]
[page break]
46
THE PRISONERS LAMENT
BLOODY TIMES IS BLOODY HARD BLOODY WIRE AND BLOODY GUARD BLOODY DOGS IN BLOODY YARD BLOODY BLOODY BLOODY
BLOODY TEA IS BLOODY VILE BLOODY COFFEE MAKES YOU SMILE BLOODY COCOA MADE IN STYLE BLOODY BLOODY BLOODY
BLOODY ICE-RINKS BLOODY MUD BLOODY SKATES NO BLOODY GOOD SAT WHERE ONCE I BLOODY STOOD BLOODY BLOODY BLOODY
BLOODY SALMONS BLOODY QUEER LOOKS AT YOU WITH BLOODY LEER IS IT GOOD? NO BLOODY FEAR BLOODY BLOODY BLOODY
BLOODY BRIDGE ALL BLOODY DAY LEARNING HOW TO BLOODY PLAY BLOODY BLACKWELL’S BLOODY WAY BLOODY BLOODY BLOODY
[page break]
47
NOW AND THEN THO’ BLOODY STALE CENSOR HANDS OUT BLOODY MAIL BETTER DRAW THE BLOODY VEIL BLOODY BLOODY BLOODY BLOODY GIRLFRIEND DROPS ME FLAT LIKE A DOG ON BLOODY MAT GETS A YANK LIKE BLOODY THAT BLOODY BLOODY BLOODY
BLOODY SAWDUST IN THE BREAD MUST HAVE COME FROM BLOODY BED BETTER ALL BE BLOODY DEAD BLOODY BLOODY BLOODY
DON’T IT GET YOUR BLOODY GOAT WAS IT SHAW WHO BLOODY WROTE WHRE THE HELL’S THAT BLOODY BOAT BLOODY BLOODY BLOODY NOW I’VE REACHED THE BLOODY END NEARLY AROUND THE BLOODY BEND THATS THE GENERAL BLOODY TREND BLOODY BLOODY BLOODY
[page break]
49
[sketch of cottage style pub]
[underlined] THORN CAMP 357 JULY 27/44 [/underlined]
[page break]
51
[cartoon sketch of prisoners reading news bulletin] IT SAYS “THE ONLY RESULT OF THE ALLIED ADVANCE IN THE WEST IS TO MOVE THE FRONT FURTHER EAST.”[underlined] Beasley 44 [/underlined]
[page break]
[2 x photographs of family and friends]
[page break]
[2 x photographs of family and friends]
[page break]
[2 x photographs of family and friends]
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[2 x photographs of family and friends]
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[2 x photographs of family and friends]
[page break]
[2 x photographs of family and friends]
[page break]
[2 x photographs of family and friends]
[page break]
[photograph of family]
[page break]
[3 x photographs of family]
[page break]
[2 x photographs of family and friends]
[page break]
[photograph of family]
[page break]
[photograph of family]
[page break]
[2 x photographs of family]
[page break]
[drawing of lancaster bomber] [underlined] All the Best Mick [/underlined]
[page break]
[2 x photographs of prisoners]
[page break]
FOLLINGS BOSTAL, [sic] GERMANY. 29/8/44 55
[sketch] O GOD OUR HELP IN AGES PAST, [sketch] OUR HOPES FOR YEARS TO COME, [sketch] THE SHELTER FROM THE STORMY BLAST, [sketch] AND OUR ETERNAL HOME.
REMEMBER ME!! [sketch]
Mr. GEORGE F. CALVERT,
11, MALLET CRESCENT,
BOLTON,
[underlined] LANCS. [/underlined]
[underlined] Drop around any time Wally. [/underlined]
[page break]
56
[sketch of prison guard tower]
Postern box S E [indecipherable word] Heydekrug [underlined] Stalag Luft 6 [/underlined] Oct 11/44
[page break]
58 Best Wishes to my friend THE MAIL HOG from H Ringham.
[3 x comical cartoon sketches depicting mail delivery]
[page break]
59
[underlined] TO: A THREE-TOUR MAN. [/underlined]
[underlined] 1ST. TOUR [/underlined] [coloured sketch of hampden bomber]
[underlined] 2ND. TOUR [/underlined] [coloured sketch of lancaster bomber]
[underlined] 3RD. TOUR [/underlined] [coloured sketch of cattle truck train]
[underlined] Best wishes Wally from Les Calvert. Jan 45 FALLINGBOSTEL [/underlined]
[page break]
62
[2 x german money vouchers]
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63
[german money certificate]
Prisoner of war camp money VOUCHER FOR 1 REICHMARK
This chit is valid for a means of currency for P.O.W.s and must be used by them for exchange only within the camp or on a working party in the expressly authorised canteens.
This exchange of this chit for actual currency can only take place by the express permission of the accounts officer.
Contravention, forging or any falsification will be punished
The Chief of the Supreme command of the defence forces
[page break]
[cartoon sketch] [underlined] W. PETCH [/underlined] 23, HAMILTON RD, SCUNTHORPE
[page break]
69
[6 x comical cartoon angling sketches] [underlined] WHL [/underlined]
[page break]
71
[sketch of circled red cross] EACH LIFE HAS IT’S CROSSES AND AN AIRMAN GETS HIS SHARE FROM A TRIP ACROSS THE OCEAN TO THE ENVIED “CROIX DE GUERRE
THERE ARE CROSSES BY THE CENSOR FAR TO MANY SO IT SEEMS THERE ARE CROSSES IN HIS LETTERS FROM THE GIRL FRIEND OF HIS DREAMS
THERE’S A CROSS THATS WORN BY HEROES WHO HAVE FACED A HAIL OF LEAD THERE’S A CROSS WHEN HE IS WOUNDED AND ONE WHEN HE IS DEAD
BUT THERE’S A LITTLE CROSS OF MERCY THAT QUITE A FEW MAY OWN TO A PRISONER IT IS SECOND TO THAT OF GOD’S ALONE
IT’S A CROSS THATS WORN BY WOMEN WHEN WE SEE IT WE BELIEVE WE RECOGNISE AN ANGEL BY THE RED CROSS ON HER SLEEVE
[page break]
72 [sketch of a country house]
[page break]
75
[sketch of a spitfire] J M Lockyer 1945
[page break]
76
1939 [raf crest] 194
BOMBER COMMAND
All the Best Bob Beaston 12-10-44
[page break]
78
S. S. KRIEGIE
SHE’S TREMENDOUS, SHE’S GIGANTIC, LOOKING TRIM IN EVERY LINE SHE’S MAGNIFICENT, COLOSSAL, SHE’S YOURS YET ALSO MINE. SHE’S GLORIOUSLY MAJESTIC, MOST REFRESHING TO THE EYE SHE’S EXCITING IN HER NEARNESS, FOR WE KNOW SHE’S STANDING BY. THERE’LL BE SEVERAL RED CROSS NURSES LINING UP BESIDE THE QUAY WITH A CHOICE OF DRINKS TO CHOOSE FROM, NAAFI BEER OR NAAFI TEA ITS GOODBYE TO RED CROSS PARCELS, NO MORE VITAMINISED JAM NO MORE BULLY BEEF OR SALMON, NO MORE APPETISING SPAM NO MORE PERSONALS FOR LISTING CIGARETTES OR CENSORED MAIL WHEN THE SHIP CALLED S.S. KRIEGIE SPEEDS ALONG THE HOMEWARD TRAIL NO MORE ROLL CALLS, NO MORE POSTERNS SEEKING BREW NO MORE BLOWERS OUTSIDE BILLETS, NO MORE AIR RAIDS ALL DAY THROUGH NO MORE BELT UPS NO MORE ARBEIT WHEN YOUR STOMACHS NOT SO GOOD NO MORE CONTINENTAL SAUERKRAUT. NO MORE SCROUNGING BITS OF WOOD NO MORE VISITS DOWN TO SICK BAY. NO MORE RACKETS NO MORE STEW NO MORE READING PROPAGANDA LIKE THE “GERMAN POINT OF VIEW” NO MORE BED BOARDS NO MORE COMBINES NO MORE OVERCROWDED SPACE NO MORE CATTLE TRUCKS TO GREET US AS WE MOVE FROM PLACE TO PLACE NO MORE BARBED WIRE NO MORE SEARCH LIGHTS NO MORE PINE TREES ALL AROUND NO MORE COMPOUNDS, NO MORE CIRCUITS, WHEN AT LAST WE’RE [underlined] HOMEWARD BOUND [/underlined]
[page break]
79
THERE IS PLENTY OF GOOD IN THE WORST OF US, AND PLENTY OF BAD IN THE BEST OF US, SO IT DOES NOT BEHOVE ANY OF US TO TALK ABOUT THE REST OF US.
William A. Roe, STALAG LUFT III, APRIL, 1945.
[page break]
80
[sketches] [underlined] DIE STEM [/underlined]
UIT DIE BLOU VAN ONSE HEMEL UIT DIE DIEPTE VAN ONS SEE, OOR ONS EWIGE GEBERGTES WAAR DIE KRANSE ANTWOORD ONS, DEUR ONS VER VERLATE VLAKTES MET DIE KREIN VAN OSSEWA RUIS DIE STEM VAN ONS GEUEFDES VAN ONS LAND SUID AFRIKA [Afrikaans for: From the blue of our sky, from the depth of our sea, over eternal mountains where the wreaths answer us, through our desolate plains with the cry of Ossewa Ruis the voice of our friends of our country South Africa]
[underlined] BEST WISHES, WALLY. GORDON. B. JACK TARMSTEDT, 1945.
[page break]
[indecipherable word] R2864 81
H Ringham,
133 Barden Rd,
Tonbridge,
Kent.
Essen 17.7.42. Halifax
J. R. Holsbourn,
Santiago
Chile.
South America.
Donald Walker
106 Sunderland Street
Tickhill
Doncaster
[page break]
[underlined] THE SAGA OF THE OLDEST KRIEGIE [/underlined]
OH WERE YOU OUT IN THE GRIM NORTH EAST WAY UP ON THE BALTIC SHORE WHERE THE WINTER NIGHTS ARE SIX MONTHS LONG AND THE DAYS ARE EVEN MORE. WHERE THE BITTER BLAST, A SNOW TOOTHED FIEND HOWLS DOWN FROM THE RUSSIAN STEPPES WHERE SOX GET FROZEN TO THE FEET AND THE HANDS ARE COVERED IN CHAPPES WHERE THE GREAT WHITE SILENCE COVERS ALL AND THE ONLY SOUND THEY SAY IS THE SONG OF THE DROSKI SINGING HIS LOVE IN THE MOUNTAINS FAR AWAY
THATS WERE THE OLDEST KRIEGIE LIVES A MAN BOTH SEEN AND HOARY LIVING ON NUTTY AND POLAR BEAR SOUP THE HERO OF THIS STORY
TWAS MANY MANY YEARS AGO WAY BACK IN 1940 THAT THE OLDEST KRIEGIE IN HIS PLANE EMBARKED UPON A SORTIE
TWAS THE SORTA A SORTIE A BRAVE MAN SHUNS AND THE COWARD RUNS AWAY FROM THE KIND OUR HERO HOPED TO CHRIST HE’D LIVE TO DRAW HIS PAY FROM
IN THE BRIGHT MOONLIGHT OF A SUMMER NIGHT OUR HERO CROSSED THE SEA HE BOMBED THE TARGET AND TURNED FOR HOME BUT WAS JUMPED BY A LOAN M.E.
[page break]
AND THEN THERE CAME A WEARY TIME A TIME MOST WONDOROUS [sic] [deleted] frying [/deleted] TIRING THEY TOOK HIM TO A KRIEGIE CAMP ALL RINGED ABOUT WITH WIRING THEY COUNTED OH THEY COUNTED HIM BY DAY AS WELL AS NIGHT SIDEWAYS DIAGONALLY BACKWARDS BUT THEY COULDN’T GET IT RIGHT AT LAST THEY HIT UPON A WHEEZE THAT SEEMED BOTH CUTE AND NEAT THEY FELL THE KRIEGIES IN AGAIN AND COUNTED ALL THEIR FEET AND WHEN THE FEET WERE COUNTED THEY DIVIDED THEM BY TWO BUT STILL THE ANSWER WASN’T RIGHT SO THEY THOUGHT OF SOMETHING NEW
THEY WENT AND GOT EXCITED AND SHOUTED WITH MUCH ZEST BUT IT DIDN’T DO THEM ANY GOOD FOR THE KRIEGIES WEREN’T IMPRESSED
THEN THEY LINED UP ALL THE KRIEGIES AT A TIME WHEN MOST FOLKS SLEEP AND MADE THEM FILE BETWEEN TWO POSTS SO THE KRIEGIES BAAED LIKE SHEEP AND WHEN THE COUNT WAS FINISHED AND THEY ADDED UP THE SCORE THEY FOUND THEY’D FAR MORE KRIEGIES THAN THEY’D EVER HAD BEFORE
FOR IN A WELL RUN KRIEGIE CAMP YOU MAY GET LOTS OF FUN BUT NO FUN QUITE AS POPULAR AS MUCKING UP THE HUN
[page break]
[sketch] E.A.L. SHORE MAR. 1945.
[page break]
86 SUSPENSE.
The prison camp so grim and bare within the hated wire In barracks prisoners drawn and grey Crouch huddled round the fire. What will the German verdict be? What will their minds conspire?
Outside the rain in torrents fall Heavens ripped open wide Hell! The suspense is terrible If only one could hide. At last, long blasts, the silence breaks. Thank God! Roll Calls inside.
J. E. Nelson,
15 Parkfield Road,
Bolton,
[underlined] Lancs [/underlined]
C. Hanrahan
5 Norbreck Close
Cinder Hill
Notts
[page break]
87
J. Beesley
76 Woodland Road
Handsworth
[underlined] Birmingham 21 [/underlined]
[underlined] A G Benson [/underlined]
“O.K”
Goondiwindi
Queensland.
J K Denton
4 The Terrace
Chyandour
Penzance
Cwll
Chas Allen (Tim)
70 Warren Rd
Washwood Heath
Birmingham
J. Seedhouse
C/O Morton
Skillington
Nr Grantham
R J Jackson
20 Maytree Crescent
Watford
Herts
(Odhams Press watford)
[page break]
89
O QUID SOLUTIS EST, BEATIUS CURIS, CUM MENS ONUS REPONIT ET PEREGRINO LABORE FESSI VENIMUS LAREM AD NOSTRUM DESIDERATOQUE ACQUIESCIMUS LECTO Louis B. Gunter. [underlined] Easter 1945. [/underlined]
[page break]
90
[circled red cross] From every prisoner’s lonely soul Thanksgiving does ascend; No matter what religious goal His ego may pretend; For this alone relieves the pall And helps monotony rend; The constant aid, the hope, & all Which you unfailing send. [/circled red cross] [underlined] Compost by F. Webster Written by J. Pryd [/underlined]
IT
IS A MELANCHOLY STATE
You are in the power of the enemy You owe your life to his humanity Your daily bread to his compassion You must obey his orders Await his pleasures Possess your soul in his patience The days are very long The hours crawl like paralized [sic] centipedes
Moreover, the whole atmosphere of prisons even the most easy and best regulated prison is odious. Companions quarrel over trifles and get the least possible pleasure from each others society. You feel a constant humiliation in being fenced in by railings and barbed wire, watched by armed men and webbed about By a triangle of regulations & restrictions. [underlined] Winston Churchill 1899. [/underlined]
[page break]
PRISONER OF WAR
IS A MELANCHOLY STATE. YOU ARE IN THE POWER OF THE ENEMY. YOU OWE YOUR LIFE TO HIS HUMANITY, YOUR DAILY BREAD TO HIS COMPASSION.
YOU MUST [deleted] AW [/deleted] OBEY HIS ORDERS, AWAIT HIS PLEASURE; POSSESS YOUR SOUL IN HIS PATIENCE.
THE DAYS ARE LONG, THE HOURS CRAWL LIKE PARALYZED [CENTIPEDES, MOREOVER THE WHOLE ATMOSPHERE OF PRISONS IS ODIOUS.
COMPANIONS QUARREL OVER TRIFLES AND GET THE BEST POSSIBLE PLEASURE OUT OF EACH OTHERS COMPANY. YOU FEEL A CONSTANT HUMILIATION IN BEING FENCED IN BY RAILINGS AND WIRE, WATCHED BY ARMED MEN AND WEBBED IN BY A TRIANGLE OF REGULATIONS & RESTRICTIONS. AND SO BE IT WINSTON CHURCHILL P.O.W. BRITISH EAST AFRICA NOVEMBER 1899.
[page break]
94 [underlined] Food for Thought [/underlined]
Twice I found this little book on my desk in Stalag 357 and I have come to the probably erroneous conclusion that you wish me to ‘do’ something in it, Wally. I hope one day to meet you again but, in case I don’t - do you remember -
[list] “ A journey from Heydekrug to Sagan? “ A pitoploly argument when we came back? “ hiding the “brew” from the Abwehr? “ my practice on the guitar? “ the day after the tunnel was discovered? “ the night of the Theatre Fire? “ the Abwehr steam-roller? “ the runaway coach in a German station? “ the second team’s centre-half? “ the pumps and spud peeling at Heydekrug? “ the evacuation of Heydekrug?
We could have gone on for hours, but the above will be enough - All the best - Wal
from R C Hancock
Woodhouse Farm
Leconfield E. Yorks.
[page break]
96 97
[Europe sketch map showing camp locations]
[page break]
98
[underlined] O FEELTHY FLY. [/underlined]
[underlined] 1 [/underlined] The fly flew in to the grocery store, He flew right in - by the front door, he fluttered round the bacon, and he fluttered round the ham, and finally lit on the strawberry jam.
[underlined] Ref. [/underlined] Oh, feelthy fly, Oh, feelthy fly, Oh, filthy fly, Repulsive parasite.
[underlined] 2 [/underlined] the fly looked here, the fly looked there, under the table & under the chairs, and into the office which was nearly dark, and there he spied the lady clerk - Oh feelthy [missing word]
[underlined] 3 [/underlined] That fly lit on the lady’s shoe, Then up her stockings both brand new. And when it reached above her knee, He sat down to see what he could see. Oh [missing word]
[underlined] 4 [/underlined] That lady clerk when she felt that fly, Settled upon her starboard thigh, She closed her knees & held her breath, And squashed that feelthy fly to death - Oh feelthy [missing word]
To be sung in slow, solemn time, with full Bar room accompaniment. All the best of luck Wally [underlined] Phillip Hyden [/underlined]
[page break]
99
[sketch of silhouetted female] [underlined] JACK SMITH [/underlined] 11-9-44.
[page break]
100 DIE MORDBRENNER VON WALLENDORF
[sketch of US soldier firing village] For no apparent reason U.S.A. troops burned down the village of Wallendorf before the eyes of the inhabitants. [underlined] Das Licht der Demokratic leuchtet VOLKISHER BEOBACHTER [/underlined] 17 OCTOBER 1944
102
AS A RESULT OF REPEATED APPLICATIONS FROM BRITISH SUBJECTS FROM ALL PARTS OF THE WORLD WISHING TO TAKE PART IN THE COMMON STRUGGLE AGAINST BOLSHEVISM, AUTHORISATION HAS RECENTLY BEEN GIVEN FOR THE CREATION OF A BRITISH VOLUNTEER UNIT. THE BRITISH FREE CORPS PUBLISHES HEREWITH THE FOLLOWING SHORT STATEMENT OF THE AIMS AND PRINCIPLES OF THE UNIT.
[underlined] I. [/underlined] THE BRITISH FREE CORPS IS A THOROUGHLY BRITISH VOLUNTEER UNIT [indecipherable word] AND CREATED BY BRITISH SUBJECTS FROM ALL PARTS OF THE EMPIRE, WHO HAVE TAKEN UP [missing word] AND PLEDGED THEIR LIVES IN THE COMMON EUROPEAN STRUGGLE AGAINST SOVIET RUSSIA.
[underlined] II. [/underlined] THE BRITISH FREE CORPS CONDEMNS THE WAR WITH GERMANY AND THE SACRIFICE OF BRITISH BLOOD IN THE INTEREST OF JEWRY AND INTERNATIONAL FINANCE AND REGARDS THIS CONFLICT AS A FUNDAMENTAL BETRAYAL OF THE BRITISH PEOPLE AND BRITISH IMPERIAL INTERESTS.
[underlined] III. [underlined] THE BRITISH FREE CORP DESIRES THE ESTABLISHMENT OF PEACE IN EUROPE AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF CLOSE FRIENDLY RELATIONS BETWEEN ENGLAND AND GERMANY AND THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING AND COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE TWO GERMANIC PEOPLES.
[underlined] IV. [/underlined] THE BRITISH FREE CORP WILL NEITHER MAKE WAR AGAINST BRITAIN OR THE BRITISH CROWN, NOR SUPPORT ANY ACTION OR POLICY DETRIMENTAL TO THE INTERESTS OF THE BRITISH PEOPLE. PUBLISHED BY THE BRITISH FREE CORP.
[underlined] IN AN ENDEAVOR [SIC] TO FORM A BRITISH UNIT TO FIGHT AGAINST THE RUSSIANS, THE GERMANS CAUSED A PAMPHLET TO BE CIRCULATED IN CERTAIN PRISON CAMPS, A COPY OF THIS IS GIVEN ABOVE. [/underlined]
104 GEGEN ENGELAND
HEUTE WOLLEN WIR EIN LIEDLEIN SINGEN, TRINKEN SOLEN WIR DEN KÜHLEN WEIN, UND DIE GLÄSEN SOLLEN DAZU KLINGEN, DENN ES MUSS ES MUSS GESCHIEDENSEIN
REFRAIN
GIB MIR DIENE HAND DEINE WEISSE HAND, LEB WOHL MEIN SCHATZ, MEIN SCHATZ LEB WOHL, LEB WOHL DENN WIR FAHREN, DEN WIR FAHREN DENN WIR FAHREN GEGEN ENGELAND
UNSER FLAGGE UND DIE WEHT VOM MASTE SIE VERKUNDET UNSERES REICHES MACHT DENN WIR WOLLEN ES NICHT LANGER LEIDEN DASS DER ENGELANDER DARAÜBER LACHT
REFRAIN
GIB MIR DEINE ……………..USW.
KOMMT DIE KUNDE DASS ICH BIN GEFALLEN DASS ICH SCHLAFE IN DER MEERES FLUT WEINE NICHT UM MICHT MEIN SCHATZ UND DENKE FÜR DAS VATERLAND DA FLOSS SEIN BLUT
REFRAIN
GIB MIR DEINE ……………..USW.
[page break]
[sketch of a country cottage] WHL
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107
[underlined] Mail Extracts [/underlined]
A P.O.W. wrote home to his mother saying “Please send me a pair of slippers, size 9”. Six months later he received a letter saying, “what colour would you like”
Letter from mother to son, “chocolate is now almost unobtainable so I am sending you a postal order so you can buy it in Germany
Letter from wife to husband (POW 3 years) I” have had a baby darling, but don’t worry the American officer is paying all the expenses and is going to send you some cigarettes”
“After you were reported missing I was ill for a long time and unable to leave my bed, but when the news that you were a POW arrived I jumped out and polished the floor and felt better at once.
A sister to her brother. “Can you buy beer or do you only get wine
[page break]
Father to son. “I am glad you were shot down before flying became dangerous.”
Fiancée to P.O.W. “I could not stand the disgrace of your being a prisoner of war, so I broke off our engagement.”
From lady who enclosed his name and address in hand knitted pullover and was sent a letter of thanks. “I was annoyed when I read where it had gone to, I meant it for someone on active service not a scrounging P.O.W.”
“The first batch of repatriated troops arrived yesterday, horribly mutilated. Hope to see you on the next.”
[page break]
PRINTED BY ATAR S.A., GENEVA 1944
[page break]
[german poster]
[page break]
P.409001/5.
AIR MINISTRY [deleted] November [/deleted], [inserted] December [/inserted] 1943
THIS IS TO CERTIFY that 963102 W/O. W.H. Layne, R.A.F. born on 5th December, 1916 at present a prisoner of war in Dulag Luft and whose prisoner of war number is [deleted] unknown [/deleted] [inserted] 605 [/inserted] has been granted a commission in the rank of Pilot Officer with effect from 13th September, 1943 His official number is now 158255
This requisite notification has been published. [signature] Group Captain for Director of Personal Services [deleted] Asst. Secretary [/deleted]
AIR MINISTRY 11 MAY 1944 194
THIS IS TO CERTIFY that 158255 P/O. W.H. Layne (D.F.C.) R.A.F. born on 5th December, 1916 at present a prisoner of war in StalgLuft 6 and whose prisoner of war number is 605 has been promoted to Flying Officer with effect from 13th March, 1944. and the requisite notification has been published. [deleted] P.158255/43. [/deleted] [inserted] P.409001/43 [/inserted] [signature] Group Captain for Director of Personal services.
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[boxed] A WARTIME LOG FOR BRiTISH PRISONERS Gift from THE WAR PRISONERS’ AID OF THE Y.M.C.A. 37, Quai Wilson GENEVA - SWITZERLAND [/boxed]
[page break]
[greek text] R. Utteridge 4.10.44
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[boxed] THIS BOOK BELONGS TO P/O. W. H. Layne. D.F.C. Royal Air Force. Stalag Luft III, Germany. [Y.M.C.A. logo] [/boxed]
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[sketch map showing Stalag Luft locations]
[page break]
[underlined] 1 [/underlined]
[pilot wings drawing] F/Lt. Fletcher D.F.C. D.F.M. [observers brevet drawing] S/Ldr. Foster D.F.C. [bomb aimers brevet drawing] F/Sgt. Beasley. [wireless operators badge drawing] [air gunners brevet drawing] P/O. Layne D.F.C. [air gunners brevet drawing] S/Ldr. McKinna. D.F.C. [engineers brevet drawing] F/Sgt. Nelson [air gunners brevet drawing] F/Sgt. Page.
[page break]
3
The Spirit of Britain
We shall go on to the end - we shall fight in France. We shall fight on the seas and in the oceans - we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air - we shall defend our island whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on the beaches and on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and streets, and in the hills. We shall never surrender, and if, which I do not for a moment believe, this island, or even a part of it, is subjugated and starving, then our Empire accross [sic] the seas, armed and guarded by the British fleet, will carry on the struggle, until in Gods good time, the new world, in all its strength and might, sets forth to the rescue and liberation of the old. Britain will fight the menace of tyranny for years, and, if necessary, alone. Winston Churchill 1940
[page break]
5
A man who grumbles, because he doesn’t catch something every day, is a fool not an angler.
Gordon R. W. Albright
“Wiltshire House”
Hungerford
Berkshire
[page break]
[cartoon sketch of collapsing prisoners bunkbed] Good luck. Wally. [underlined] J. Beasley SEP 44 [/underlined]
[page break]
9
Jim. D. Skinner
10 Earl St.
New Brumby
Scunthorpe
Lincs.
[underlined] 26.8.44 [/underlined]
[page break]
12
Starkle starkle little twink
Who the hell you are think
I’m not under the alcofluence of inkohol
Though some think peep I am
I fool so fealish
I don’t know who is me
That the drunker I sit here
The longer I get.
[page break]
13
[cartoon sketch of prisoner life] “Do you think they’ll think we’ve changed?” Lots of Luck Wally -
Johnny Howes.
Peacehaven
- Sussex -
[page break]
14
[underlined] CONTENTS OF RED CROSS PARCELS [/underlined]
[list] [underlined] AMERICAN [/underlined]
8ozs COCOA OR 2 ‘D’ BARS 6 JAM 1oz SALT & PEPPER 12 BISCUITS ‘K2’ 1LB PRUNES 12ozs BULLY BEEF 12ozs MEAT & VEG OR SPAM 6ozs MEAT PÂTE 8ozs CHEESE 1LB POWDERED MILK 8ozs SUGAR 1LB OLEO MARGERINE 4ozs SOLUBLE COFFEE 2 SOAP 80 CIGARETTES 7 VIT C TABLETS
[underlined] CANADIAN [/underlined] 5ozs CHOCOLATE 1lb JAM 1oz SALT & PEPPER 12 BUSCUITS 6 ozs PRUNES 12ozs BULLY BEEF 10ozs KAM 7ozs RAISINS 4ozs CHEESE 1lb POWDERED MILK 8ozs SUGAR 1lb BUTTER 6ozs COFFEE OR 4ozs TEA 8ozs SALMON 1 SARDINE 1 SOAP
[page break]
15
[list] [underlined] ENGLISH [/underlined]
4ozs CHOCOLATE 8ozs JAM 1 TIN EGG POWDER (2ozs APPROX) 8ozs PRUNES OR APRICOTS 12ozs MEAT ROLL 16ozs MEAT & VEG 4ozs OAT MEAL 1 SOAP 3ozs CHEESE 1 TIN CONDENSED MILK 4ozs SUGAR 8ozs MARGERINE 4ozs COCOA 2ozs TEA 8ozs SALMON OR 8ozs BACON 1 PANCAKE POWDER OR 1 CREAMED RICE OR 1 APPLE PUDDING
[underlined] ARGENTINE BULK [/underlined]
3ozs BULLY BEEF 5ozs MEAT & VEG 3ozs RAGOUT 2ozs CORNED MUTTON 4ozs PORK & BEANS 5ozs BUTTER 2ozs LARD 2ozs HONEY 5ozs JAM 2ozs MILK JAM 4ozs CONDENSED MILK 8ozs SUGAR 7ozs CHEESE 8ozs BISCUITS 1oz PEA & LENTIL FLOUR 3ozs CHOCOLATE 2ozs COCOA 1oz TEA 1 SOAP 3ozs DRIED FRUIT
[page break]
17
[sketch of lincolnshire regiment cap badge] Best Wishes Wally
George. W. Hand,
Morcott,
Nr Uppingham
[underlined] Rutland [/underlined]
[page break]
19
[cartoon sketch of prison life] They also serve, who only stand and wait! John Milton
[signature]
CANTERBURY,
KENT.
[page break]
23
Sincerely Yours -
Laurie. W. Collins,
“Sackville House”,
4 Littlefield Lane,
Grimsby,
[underlined] Lincolnshire. [/underlined]
7-8-44
[page break]
24 BLOCK 22 ROOM 3 STALAG-LUFT 3 TARMSDEDT
[prisoner names and addresses]
[page break]
COMBINE 25
[food parcel contents drawings] [prisoner names and addresses]
[page break]
27
R. Coulbeck,
97 Ravendale Street,
Scunthorpe,
[underlined] Lincs. [/underlined]
P. [indecipherable name].
Sturton
Brigg.
[underlined] Lincs [/underlined]
[page break]
28
E hoa ka whawhai tonu ahau ki a koe ake! ake! [Maori for “friend, I shall fight against you, for ever! for ever!”]
[page break]
5/ Sept 44 [underlined] [signature] [/underlined] [various baseball cartoon caricatures] “PUT THE LITTLE APPLE DOWN HERE KID” 2 AND 1
[page break]
31
IF
IF YOU CAN SAVE YOUR BREW WHEN ALL AROUND YOU HAVE FINISHED THEIRS AND BORROWED MORE FROM YOU IF YOU CAN RUN A RACKET WHEN THEY DOUBT YOU BUT MAKE ALLOWANCE FOR THEIR RACKETS TOO IF YOU CAN WAIT AND NOT GET TIRED OF WAITING WHEN SOMEONE MAKES A BOOB WHILE ON PARADE OR STAND OUT IN THE COLD IN YOUR PYJAMAS WHILE HAUPTMANN MÜLLERS WEEKLY SEARCH IS MADE IF YOU CAN HIDE WHEN DUTY STOOGE IS ON YOU IF YOU CAN WASH YOUR SHIRT SAY TWICE A YEAR IF YOU CAN KEEP YOUR MIND ON HARMLESS PASTIMES AND NOT DANCING, WOMEN, WINE AND BEER IF YOU CAN LISTEN TO ANOTHER AIRMAN TELLING YOU HIS CROW IS ON THE WAY AND NEVER BREATHE A WORD WHILE HE IS MOANING WHILE YOU HAVE GOT AT LEAST THREE YEARS BACK PAY IF YOU CAN SAY “WIE GEHTS” OR ELSE “KARTOFFEL” OR ASK A GERMAN IF HE HAS A LIGHT YOURS IS THE CAMP AND ALL THATS IN IT HERE’S TO YOUR HAPPY FUTURE CLEAR AND BRIGHT
With apologies to Kipling Fallingbostel. Oct 11/44
[page break]
33
E. J. Hillman (Hilly.)
20, East Court Ave.
Earley.
[underlined] Reading. [/underlined]
J. Kenny
27, Featherstall Rd. N.,
Oldham
[underlined] Lancashire. [/underlined]
[page break]
35
And not by eastern windows only, When daylight comes, comes in the light; In front the sun climbs slow, how slowly! But westward, look, the land is bright.
Arthur Hugh Clough. [underlined] Rog. [/underlined]
[page break]
[facial caricature}
[page break]
39
[sketch of a Hampden bombing] Best wishes Wally, J. A. McDonald, 24 Brooklands Rise, London N.W.11. 26/9/44
[page break]
43
[cartoon caricature] MEDITATION [underlined] WAD [/underlined]
[page break]
46
THE PRISONERS LAMENT
BLOODY TIMES IS BLOODY HARD BLOODY WIRE AND BLOODY GUARD BLOODY DOGS IN BLOODY YARD BLOODY BLOODY BLOODY
BLOODY TEA IS BLOODY VILE BLOODY COFFEE MAKES YOU SMILE BLOODY COCOA MADE IN STYLE BLOODY BLOODY BLOODY
BLOODY ICE-RINKS BLOODY MUD BLOODY SKATES NO BLOODY GOOD SAT WHERE ONCE I BLOODY STOOD BLOODY BLOODY BLOODY
BLOODY SALMONS BLOODY QUEER LOOKS AT YOU WITH BLOODY LEER IS IT GOOD? NO BLOODY FEAR BLOODY BLOODY BLOODY
BLOODY BRIDGE ALL BLOODY DAY LEARNING HOW TO BLOODY PLAY BLOODY BLACKWELL’S BLOODY WAY BLOODY BLOODY BLOODY
[page break]
47
NOW AND THEN THO’ BLOODY STALE CENSOR HANDS OUT BLOODY MAIL BETTER DRAW THE BLOODY VEIL BLOODY BLOODY BLOODY BLOODY GIRLFRIEND DROPS ME FLAT LIKE A DOG ON BLOODY MAT GETS A YANK LIKE BLOODY THAT BLOODY BLOODY BLOODY
BLOODY SAWDUST IN THE BREAD MUST HAVE COME FROM BLOODY BED BETTER ALL BE BLOODY DEAD BLOODY BLOODY BLOODY
DON’T IT GET YOUR BLOODY GOAT WAS IT SHAW WHO BLOODY WROTE WHRE THE HELL’S THAT BLOODY BOAT BLOODY BLOODY BLOODY NOW I’VE REACHED THE BLOODY END NEARLY AROUND THE BLOODY BEND THATS THE GENERAL BLOODY TREND BLOODY BLOODY BLOODY
[page break]
49
[sketch of cottage style pub]
[underlined] THORN CAMP 357 JULY 27/44 [/underlined]
[page break]
51
[cartoon sketch of prisoners reading news bulletin] IT SAYS “THE ONLY RESULT OF THE ALLIED ADVANCE IN THE WEST IS TO MOVE THE FRONT FURTHER EAST.”[underlined] Beasley 44 [/underlined]
[page break]
[2 x photographs of family and friends]
[page break]
[2 x photographs of family and friends]
[page break]
[2 x photographs of family and friends]
[page break]
[2 x photographs of family and friends]
[page break]
[2 x photographs of family and friends]
[page break]
[2 x photographs of family and friends]
[page break]
[2 x photographs of family and friends]
[page break]
[photograph of family]
[page break]
[3 x photographs of family]
[page break]
[2 x photographs of family and friends]
[page break]
[photograph of family]
[page break]
[photograph of family]
[page break]
[2 x photographs of family]
[page break]
[drawing of lancaster bomber] [underlined] All the Best Mick [/underlined]
[page break]
[2 x photographs of prisoners]
[page break]
FOLLINGS BOSTAL, [sic] GERMANY. 29/8/44 55
[sketch] O GOD OUR HELP IN AGES PAST, [sketch] OUR HOPES FOR YEARS TO COME, [sketch] THE SHELTER FROM THE STORMY BLAST, [sketch] AND OUR ETERNAL HOME.
REMEMBER ME!! [sketch]
Mr. GEORGE F. CALVERT,
11, MALLET CRESCENT,
BOLTON,
[underlined] LANCS. [/underlined]
[underlined] Drop around any time Wally. [/underlined]
[page break]
56
[sketch of prison guard tower]
Postern box S E [indecipherable word] Heydekrug [underlined] Stalag Luft 6 [/underlined] Oct 11/44
[page break]
58 Best Wishes to my friend THE MAIL HOG from H Ringham.
[3 x comical cartoon sketches depicting mail delivery]
[page break]
59
[underlined] TO: A THREE-TOUR MAN. [/underlined]
[underlined] 1ST. TOUR [/underlined] [coloured sketch of hampden bomber]
[underlined] 2ND. TOUR [/underlined] [coloured sketch of lancaster bomber]
[underlined] 3RD. TOUR [/underlined] [coloured sketch of cattle truck train]
[underlined] Best wishes Wally from Les Calvert. Jan 45 FALLINGBOSTEL [/underlined]
[page break]
62
[2 x german money vouchers]
[page break]
63
[german money certificate]
Prisoner of war camp money VOUCHER FOR 1 REICHMARK
This chit is valid for a means of currency for P.O.W.s and must be used by them for exchange only within the camp or on a working party in the expressly authorised canteens.
This exchange of this chit for actual currency can only take place by the express permission of the accounts officer.
Contravention, forging or any falsification will be punished
The Chief of the Supreme command of the defence forces
[page break]
[cartoon sketch] [underlined] W. PETCH [/underlined] 23, HAMILTON RD, SCUNTHORPE
[page break]
69
[6 x comical cartoon angling sketches] [underlined] WHL [/underlined]
[page break]
71
[sketch of circled red cross] EACH LIFE HAS IT’S CROSSES AND AN AIRMAN GETS HIS SHARE FROM A TRIP ACROSS THE OCEAN TO THE ENVIED “CROIX DE GUERRE
THERE ARE CROSSES BY THE CENSOR FAR TO MANY SO IT SEEMS THERE ARE CROSSES IN HIS LETTERS FROM THE GIRL FRIEND OF HIS DREAMS
THERE’S A CROSS THATS WORN BY HEROES WHO HAVE FACED A HAIL OF LEAD THERE’S A CROSS WHEN HE IS WOUNDED AND ONE WHEN HE IS DEAD
BUT THERE’S A LITTLE CROSS OF MERCY THAT QUITE A FEW MAY OWN TO A PRISONER IT IS SECOND TO THAT OF GOD’S ALONE
IT’S A CROSS THATS WORN BY WOMEN WHEN WE SEE IT WE BELIEVE WE RECOGNISE AN ANGEL BY THE RED CROSS ON HER SLEEVE
[page break]
72 [sketch of a country house]
[page break]
75
[sketch of a spitfire] J M Lockyer 1945
[page break]
76
1939 [raf crest] 194
BOMBER COMMAND
All the Best Bob Beaston 12-10-44
[page break]
78
S. S. KRIEGIE
SHE’S TREMENDOUS, SHE’S GIGANTIC, LOOKING TRIM IN EVERY LINE SHE’S MAGNIFICENT, COLOSSAL, SHE’S YOURS YET ALSO MINE. SHE’S GLORIOUSLY MAJESTIC, MOST REFRESHING TO THE EYE SHE’S EXCITING IN HER NEARNESS, FOR WE KNOW SHE’S STANDING BY. THERE’LL BE SEVERAL RED CROSS NURSES LINING UP BESIDE THE QUAY WITH A CHOICE OF DRINKS TO CHOOSE FROM, NAAFI BEER OR NAAFI TEA ITS GOODBYE TO RED CROSS PARCELS, NO MORE VITAMINISED JAM NO MORE BULLY BEEF OR SALMON, NO MORE APPETISING SPAM NO MORE PERSONALS FOR LISTING CIGARETTES OR CENSORED MAIL WHEN THE SHIP CALLED S.S. KRIEGIE SPEEDS ALONG THE HOMEWARD TRAIL NO MORE ROLL CALLS, NO MORE POSTERNS SEEKING BREW NO MORE BLOWERS OUTSIDE BILLETS, NO MORE AIR RAIDS ALL DAY THROUGH NO MORE BELT UPS NO MORE ARBEIT WHEN YOUR STOMACHS NOT SO GOOD NO MORE CONTINENTAL SAUERKRAUT. NO MORE SCROUNGING BITS OF WOOD NO MORE VISITS DOWN TO SICK BAY. NO MORE RACKETS NO MORE STEW NO MORE READING PROPAGANDA LIKE THE “GERMAN POINT OF VIEW” NO MORE BED BOARDS NO MORE COMBINES NO MORE OVERCROWDED SPACE NO MORE CATTLE TRUCKS TO GREET US AS WE MOVE FROM PLACE TO PLACE NO MORE BARBED WIRE NO MORE SEARCH LIGHTS NO MORE PINE TREES ALL AROUND NO MORE COMPOUNDS, NO MORE CIRCUITS, WHEN AT LAST WE’RE [underlined] HOMEWARD BOUND [/underlined]
[page break]
79
THERE IS PLENTY OF GOOD IN THE WORST OF US, AND PLENTY OF BAD IN THE BEST OF US, SO IT DOES NOT BEHOVE ANY OF US TO TALK ABOUT THE REST OF US.
William A. Roe, STALAG LUFT III, APRIL, 1945.
[page break]
80
[sketches] [underlined] DIE STEM [/underlined]
UIT DIE BLOU VAN ONSE HEMEL UIT DIE DIEPTE VAN ONS SEE, OOR ONS EWIGE GEBERGTES WAAR DIE KRANSE ANTWOORD ONS, DEUR ONS VER VERLATE VLAKTES MET DIE KREIN VAN OSSEWA RUIS DIE STEM VAN ONS GEUEFDES VAN ONS LAND SUID AFRIKA [Afrikaans for: From the blue of our sky, from the depth of our sea, over eternal mountains where the wreaths answer us, through our desolate plains with the cry of Ossewa Ruis the voice of our friends of our country South Africa]
[underlined] BEST WISHES, WALLY. GORDON. B. JACK TARMSTEDT, 1945.
[page break]
[indecipherable word] R2864 81
H Ringham,
133 Barden Rd,
Tonbridge,
Kent.
Essen 17.7.42. Halifax
J. R. Holsbourn,
Santiago
Chile.
South America.
Donald Walker
106 Sunderland Street
Tickhill
Doncaster
[page break]
[underlined] THE SAGA OF THE OLDEST KRIEGIE [/underlined]
OH WERE YOU OUT IN THE GRIM NORTH EAST WAY UP ON THE BALTIC SHORE WHERE THE WINTER NIGHTS ARE SIX MONTHS LONG AND THE DAYS ARE EVEN MORE. WHERE THE BITTER BLAST, A SNOW TOOTHED FIEND HOWLS DOWN FROM THE RUSSIAN STEPPES WHERE SOX GET FROZEN TO THE FEET AND THE HANDS ARE COVERED IN CHAPPES WHERE THE GREAT WHITE SILENCE COVERS ALL AND THE ONLY SOUND THEY SAY IS THE SONG OF THE DROSKI SINGING HIS LOVE IN THE MOUNTAINS FAR AWAY
THATS WERE THE OLDEST KRIEGIE LIVES A MAN BOTH SEEN AND HOARY LIVING ON NUTTY AND POLAR BEAR SOUP THE HERO OF THIS STORY
TWAS MANY MANY YEARS AGO WAY BACK IN 1940 THAT THE OLDEST KRIEGIE IN HIS PLANE EMBARKED UPON A SORTIE
TWAS THE SORTA A SORTIE A BRAVE MAN SHUNS AND THE COWARD RUNS AWAY FROM THE KIND OUR HERO HOPED TO CHRIST HE’D LIVE TO DRAW HIS PAY FROM
IN THE BRIGHT MOONLIGHT OF A SUMMER NIGHT OUR HERO CROSSED THE SEA HE BOMBED THE TARGET AND TURNED FOR HOME BUT WAS JUMPED BY A LOAN M.E.
[page break]
AND THEN THERE CAME A WEARY TIME A TIME MOST WONDOROUS [sic] [deleted] frying [/deleted] TIRING THEY TOOK HIM TO A KRIEGIE CAMP ALL RINGED ABOUT WITH WIRING THEY COUNTED OH THEY COUNTED HIM BY DAY AS WELL AS NIGHT SIDEWAYS DIAGONALLY BACKWARDS BUT THEY COULDN’T GET IT RIGHT AT LAST THEY HIT UPON A WHEEZE THAT SEEMED BOTH CUTE AND NEAT THEY FELL THE KRIEGIES IN AGAIN AND COUNTED ALL THEIR FEET AND WHEN THE FEET WERE COUNTED THEY DIVIDED THEM BY TWO BUT STILL THE ANSWER WASN’T RIGHT SO THEY THOUGHT OF SOMETHING NEW
THEY WENT AND GOT EXCITED AND SHOUTED WITH MUCH ZEST BUT IT DIDN’T DO THEM ANY GOOD FOR THE KRIEGIES WEREN’T IMPRESSED
THEN THEY LINED UP ALL THE KRIEGIES AT A TIME WHEN MOST FOLKS SLEEP AND MADE THEM FILE BETWEEN TWO POSTS SO THE KRIEGIES BAAED LIKE SHEEP AND WHEN THE COUNT WAS FINISHED AND THEY ADDED UP THE SCORE THEY FOUND THEY’D FAR MORE KRIEGIES THAN THEY’D EVER HAD BEFORE
FOR IN A WELL RUN KRIEGIE CAMP YOU MAY GET LOTS OF FUN BUT NO FUN QUITE AS POPULAR AS MUCKING UP THE HUN
[page break]
[sketch] E.A.L. SHORE MAR. 1945.
[page break]
86 SUSPENSE.
The prison camp so grim and bare within the hated wire In barracks prisoners drawn and grey Crouch huddled round the fire. What will the German verdict be? What will their minds conspire?
Outside the rain in torrents fall Heavens ripped open wide Hell! The suspense is terrible If only one could hide. At last, long blasts, the silence breaks. Thank God! Roll Calls inside.
J. E. Nelson,
15 Parkfield Road,
Bolton,
[underlined] Lancs [/underlined]
C. Hanrahan
5 Norbreck Close
Cinder Hill
Notts
[page break]
87
J. Beesley
76 Woodland Road
Handsworth
[underlined] Birmingham 21 [/underlined]
[underlined] A G Benson [/underlined]
“O.K”
Goondiwindi
Queensland.
J K Denton
4 The Terrace
Chyandour
Penzance
Cwll
Chas Allen (Tim)
70 Warren Rd
Washwood Heath
Birmingham
J. Seedhouse
C/O Morton
Skillington
Nr Grantham
R J Jackson
20 Maytree Crescent
Watford
Herts
(Odhams Press watford)
[page break]
89
O QUID SOLUTIS EST, BEATIUS CURIS, CUM MENS ONUS REPONIT ET PEREGRINO LABORE FESSI VENIMUS LAREM AD NOSTRUM DESIDERATOQUE ACQUIESCIMUS LECTO Louis B. Gunter. [underlined] Easter 1945. [/underlined]
[page break]
90
[circled red cross] From every prisoner’s lonely soul Thanksgiving does ascend; No matter what religious goal His ego may pretend; For this alone relieves the pall And helps monotony rend; The constant aid, the hope, & all Which you unfailing send. [/circled red cross] [underlined] Compost by F. Webster Written by J. Pryd [/underlined]
IT
IS A MELANCHOLY STATE
You are in the power of the enemy You owe your life to his humanity Your daily bread to his compassion You must obey his orders Await his pleasures Possess your soul in his patience The days are very long The hours crawl like paralized [sic] centipedes
Moreover, the whole atmosphere of prisons even the most easy and best regulated prison is odious. Companions quarrel over trifles and get the least possible pleasure from each others society. You feel a constant humiliation in being fenced in by railings and barbed wire, watched by armed men and webbed about By a triangle of regulations & restrictions. [underlined] Winston Churchill 1899. [/underlined]
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PRISONER OF WAR
IS A MELANCHOLY STATE. YOU ARE IN THE POWER OF THE ENEMY. YOU OWE YOUR LIFE TO HIS HUMANITY, YOUR DAILY BREAD TO HIS COMPASSION.
YOU MUST [deleted] AW [/deleted] OBEY HIS ORDERS, AWAIT HIS PLEASURE; POSSESS YOUR SOUL IN HIS PATIENCE.
THE DAYS ARE LONG, THE HOURS CRAWL LIKE PARALYZED [CENTIPEDES, MOREOVER THE WHOLE ATMOSPHERE OF PRISONS IS ODIOUS.
COMPANIONS QUARREL OVER TRIFLES AND GET THE BEST POSSIBLE PLEASURE OUT OF EACH OTHERS COMPANY. YOU FEEL A CONSTANT HUMILIATION IN BEING FENCED IN BY RAILINGS AND WIRE, WATCHED BY ARMED MEN AND WEBBED IN BY A TRIANGLE OF REGULATIONS & RESTRICTIONS. AND SO BE IT WINSTON CHURCHILL P.O.W. BRITISH EAST AFRICA NOVEMBER 1899.
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94 [underlined] Food for Thought [/underlined]
Twice I found this little book on my desk in Stalag 357 and I have come to the probably erroneous conclusion that you wish me to ‘do’ something in it, Wally. I hope one day to meet you again but, in case I don’t - do you remember -
[list] “ A journey from Heydekrug to Sagan? “ A pitoploly argument when we came back? “ hiding the “brew” from the Abwehr? “ my practice on the guitar? “ the day after the tunnel was discovered? “ the night of the Theatre Fire? “ the Abwehr steam-roller? “ the runaway coach in a German station? “ the second team’s centre-half? “ the pumps and spud peeling at Heydekrug? “ the evacuation of Heydekrug?
We could have gone on for hours, but the above will be enough - All the best - Wal
from R C Hancock
Woodhouse Farm
Leconfield E. Yorks.
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96 97
[Europe sketch map showing camp locations]
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98
[underlined] O FEELTHY FLY. [/underlined]
[underlined] 1 [/underlined] The fly flew in to the grocery store, He flew right in - by the front door, he fluttered round the bacon, and he fluttered round the ham, and finally lit on the strawberry jam.
[underlined] Ref. [/underlined] Oh, feelthy fly, Oh, feelthy fly, Oh, filthy fly, Repulsive parasite.
[underlined] 2 [/underlined] the fly looked here, the fly looked there, under the table & under the chairs, and into the office which was nearly dark, and there he spied the lady clerk - Oh feelthy [missing word]
[underlined] 3 [/underlined] That fly lit on the lady’s shoe, Then up her stockings both brand new. And when it reached above her knee, He sat down to see what he could see. Oh [missing word]
[underlined] 4 [/underlined] That lady clerk when she felt that fly, Settled upon her starboard thigh, She closed her knees & held her breath, And squashed that feelthy fly to death - Oh feelthy [missing word]
To be sung in slow, solemn time, with full Bar room accompaniment. All the best of luck Wally [underlined] Phillip Hyden [/underlined]
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99
[sketch of silhouetted female] [underlined] JACK SMITH [/underlined] 11-9-44.
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100 DIE MORDBRENNER VON WALLENDORF
[sketch of US soldier firing village] For no apparent reason U.S.A. troops burned down the village of Wallendorf before the eyes of the inhabitants. [underlined] Das Licht der Demokratic leuchtet VOLKISHER BEOBACHTER [/underlined] 17 OCTOBER 1944
102
AS A RESULT OF REPEATED APPLICATIONS FROM BRITISH SUBJECTS FROM ALL PARTS OF THE WORLD WISHING TO TAKE PART IN THE COMMON STRUGGLE AGAINST BOLSHEVISM, AUTHORISATION HAS RECENTLY BEEN GIVEN FOR THE CREATION OF A BRITISH VOLUNTEER UNIT. THE BRITISH FREE CORPS PUBLISHES HEREWITH THE FOLLOWING SHORT STATEMENT OF THE AIMS AND PRINCIPLES OF THE UNIT.
[underlined] I. [/underlined] THE BRITISH FREE CORPS IS A THOROUGHLY BRITISH VOLUNTEER UNIT [indecipherable word] AND CREATED BY BRITISH SUBJECTS FROM ALL PARTS OF THE EMPIRE, WHO HAVE TAKEN UP [missing word] AND PLEDGED THEIR LIVES IN THE COMMON EUROPEAN STRUGGLE AGAINST SOVIET RUSSIA.
[underlined] II. [/underlined] THE BRITISH FREE CORPS CONDEMNS THE WAR WITH GERMANY AND THE SACRIFICE OF BRITISH BLOOD IN THE INTEREST OF JEWRY AND INTERNATIONAL FINANCE AND REGARDS THIS CONFLICT AS A FUNDAMENTAL BETRAYAL OF THE BRITISH PEOPLE AND BRITISH IMPERIAL INTERESTS.
[underlined] III. [underlined] THE BRITISH FREE CORP DESIRES THE ESTABLISHMENT OF PEACE IN EUROPE AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF CLOSE FRIENDLY RELATIONS BETWEEN ENGLAND AND GERMANY AND THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING AND COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE TWO GERMANIC PEOPLES.
[underlined] IV. [/underlined] THE BRITISH FREE CORP WILL NEITHER MAKE WAR AGAINST BRITAIN OR THE BRITISH CROWN, NOR SUPPORT ANY ACTION OR POLICY DETRIMENTAL TO THE INTERESTS OF THE BRITISH PEOPLE. PUBLISHED BY THE BRITISH FREE CORP.
[underlined] IN AN ENDEAVOR [SIC] TO FORM A BRITISH UNIT TO FIGHT AGAINST THE RUSSIANS, THE GERMANS CAUSED A PAMPHLET TO BE CIRCULATED IN CERTAIN PRISON CAMPS, A COPY OF THIS IS GIVEN ABOVE. [/underlined]
104 GEGEN ENGELAND
HEUTE WOLLEN WIR EIN LIEDLEIN SINGEN, TRINKEN SOLEN WIR DEN KÜHLEN WEIN, UND DIE GLÄSEN SOLLEN DAZU KLINGEN, DENN ES MUSS ES MUSS GESCHIEDENSEIN
REFRAIN
GIB MIR DIENE HAND DEINE WEISSE HAND, LEB WOHL MEIN SCHATZ, MEIN SCHATZ LEB WOHL, LEB WOHL DENN WIR FAHREN, DEN WIR FAHREN DENN WIR FAHREN GEGEN ENGELAND
UNSER FLAGGE UND DIE WEHT VOM MASTE SIE VERKUNDET UNSERES REICHES MACHT DENN WIR WOLLEN ES NICHT LANGER LEIDEN DASS DER ENGELANDER DARAÜBER LACHT
REFRAIN
GIB MIR DEINE ……………..USW.
KOMMT DIE KUNDE DASS ICH BIN GEFALLEN DASS ICH SCHLAFE IN DER MEERES FLUT WEINE NICHT UM MICHT MEIN SCHATZ UND DENKE FÜR DAS VATERLAND DA FLOSS SEIN BLUT
REFRAIN
GIB MIR DEINE ……………..USW.
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[sketch of a country cottage] WHL
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107
[underlined] Mail Extracts [/underlined]
A P.O.W. wrote home to his mother saying “Please send me a pair of slippers, size 9”. Six months later he received a letter saying, “what colour would you like”
Letter from mother to son, “chocolate is now almost unobtainable so I am sending you a postal order so you can buy it in Germany
Letter from wife to husband (POW 3 years) I” have had a baby darling, but don’t worry the American officer is paying all the expenses and is going to send you some cigarettes”
“After you were reported missing I was ill for a long time and unable to leave my bed, but when the news that you were a POW arrived I jumped out and polished the floor and felt better at once.
A sister to her brother. “Can you buy beer or do you only get wine
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Father to son. “I am glad you were shot down before flying became dangerous.”
Fiancée to P.O.W. “I could not stand the disgrace of your being a prisoner of war, so I broke off our engagement.”
From lady who enclosed his name and address in hand knitted pullover and was sent a letter of thanks. “I was annoyed when I read where it had gone to, I meant it for someone on active service not a scrounging P.O.W.”
“The first batch of repatriated troops arrived yesterday, horribly mutilated. Hope to see you on the next.”
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PRINTED BY ATAR S.A., GENEVA 1944
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[german poster]
Collection
Citation
W H Layne, “Wally Layne's YMCA prisoner of war log book,” IBCC Digital Archive, accessed April 16, 2024, https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/collections/document/30829.
Item Relations
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