2
25
144
-
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Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Wareing, Robert
R Wareing
Description
An account of the resource
258 items. The collection concerns Flight Lieutenant Robert Wareing DFC* (86325 Royal Air Force) and contains his flying logbooks, prisoner of war log book, memoirs, photographs, extensive personal and official correspondence, official documents, pilots/handling notes, decorations, mementos, uniform badges and buttons. He flew operations as a pilot with 106 Squadron. After a period of instructing he returned to operations on 582 Squadron but was shot down and became a prisoner of war.
The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Andrew Wareing and catalogued by Nigel Huckins.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2016-10-05
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Wareing, R
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
TO:- 86325, S/L Robert Wareing,
British P.O.W.
C/O STALAG LUFT. 1.
[underlined] GERMANY [/underlined].
FROM:- Mrs. Joan Wareing,
56, West Common Gardens,
Old Brumby,
Scunthorpe,
[underlined] Lincolnshire. ENGLAND. [/underlined]
25th October, 1944.
My Darling Bob,
I am so [underlined] relieved to hear of your message over the radio last [/underlined] night, stating that you were safe and well and completely recovered from your burns etc. [underlined] Many people have been to tell us this news within half and hour of the actual announcement. [/underlined] I straightway went down to tell your Mum and Dad, and were they excited!!! Gosh!. I am still trembling from the excitment. [sic]
I had already written to you via Geneva, so I expect you will receive those letters in due course. Please do not worry about anything here, I have contacted everyone – officially or otherwise. The correspondence I have had to cope with during these very trying weeks has been amazing. You know darling, everyone has been so very kind and helpful especially your Pop, my Mum and Dad, the Penney’s and Mr. Jackson. I have had every assistance from them possible. This is my third letter to you and I am anxiously awaiting one from you.
Please do not worry about anything here. Everything is in hand including your legal papers for the car. All your kit arrived home intact last week-end and there is [underlined] nothing [/underlined] missing. Your watch (Wrist), Pocket watch and signet ring arrived specially packed on Saturday. I do so much like your new suit – I have hung it in the wardrobe with the new suit I bought the last weekend I saw you [inserted] in [/inserted] Kettering. I shall save it for celebrations. That will be marvellous. I have checked all your kit etc. and it is all cleaned ready for use again. It will not be long now, don’t worry too much. I am feeling much better again, my nerves seemed to get the worst of it, but I am at work after having had 10 days off after receiving the first telegram and later a week of at Mr. Jacksons’ orders: I spent the latter at Crowle. That was good. They are all planning a celebrations may be the Berkley. I have been with your Pop to visit all at Blyton, Messingham and Scotter. All our Scunthorpe friends keep dropping in to cheer me up as they say!! Gerald and Madge took me to the flicks last week.
I have had a very long and interesting letter from Alan and is coming to see me in the near future as soon as the plaster is off his leg. All our mutual friends at M.H. keep writing to me and offer me every assistance.
All at the Anchorage send their love including Wynne Bell. Jean’s husband is busy again.
Mum and Dad have worried very much but are feeling better again now we have had this re-assuring news. I hope you have met
[page break]
-2-
some people you know. I know exactly where you are from the Prisoner of War Maps, so my thoughts are with you although distance actually divides. us.
Naturally Scunthorpe is just full of ‘Bob Wareing’ gossip as you can well imagine. Talk about being the wife of a hero, I think that is an adequate description of me. Still, when all this is over and we are together again, we are still the same Bob and Joan to ourselves and everyone else. I love you so very much and am eagerly awaiting the day when we shall be to-gether [sic] for always. It will be worth waiting for I am quite sure.
Chas has written to me, he is busy as usual. Sue keeps calling round. Anthony is growing up to be a grand lad. I wonder if Brian will be like him? When he arrives.
With regards to the financial situation – please do not worry, everything is alright and I am being kept informed of this by the Air Ministry and the Bank. They are looking after our affairs quite well. I have saved quite a lot with not going places now. Still it will all be useful for us when we are able to make our home together as we planned. Don’t you agree?
I should add, I was alone the day the telegram arrived as Mum and Dad had gone to Crowle. The Standerline’s took care of me until Mum and Dad got home. Wilf and Rev. Shimmin came immediately. Everyone remarks on your charmed life. It is prayer I am sure that has saved you and given strength to bear this burden. I was always confident that things would work out alright in the end, as you have always re-assured me by saying ‘Don’t worry darling, I’ll never leave you’ and I have kept that thought in mind.
I received an airgraph from Bob King’s wife, she has received no news about Bob as yet. I replied to her letter this last weekend.
Another visitor I had the first week was a local Air Commodore’s wife. She was a grand person. I often hear from her too.
Mr. Jackson has put everything at my liberty and has taken me around the shops with him so that I was never left alone to think. He even sent his son up the second day to see if I would like to take supper with he and his wife. Naturally I declined as I did not feel like visiting folk. Still the thought was there. I still keep drawing graphs!!!
Well I must say Cheerio for now and so all the best and trusting it will not be long before we are re-united as we both wish so very much. God Bless and Keep you.
Yours for ever darling,
I thought the enclosed picture might help to keep you company.
[signature]
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from Joan Wareing to her husband Robert Wareing in Stalag Luft 1
Description
An account of the resource
She writes that she was relieved to hear of his message over the radio and stating that he is safe and well and recovered from his burns. She has been in touch with the authorities, friends and family and tells him not to worry as all is fine. She mentions friends and family and says that her financial position is fine and that the Air Ministry and Bank have helped her.
She also writes that she has had many friends and family looking after her and hopes it will not be long before they are together again.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
J Wareing
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1944-10-25
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Tricia Marshall
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Two page typewritten letter
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Correspondence
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
EWareingJWareingR441025
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Civilian
Royal Air Force
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Great Britain
England--Lincolnshire
England--Scunthorpe
Germany
Germany--Barth
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1944-10-25
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
prisoner of war
Stalag Luft 1
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1414/27834/EClarkGFWareingJ441030-0001.2.jpg
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Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Wareing, Robert
R Wareing
Description
An account of the resource
258 items. The collection concerns Flight Lieutenant Robert Wareing DFC* (86325 Royal Air Force) and contains his flying logbooks, prisoner of war log book, memoirs, photographs, extensive personal and official correspondence, official documents, pilots/handling notes, decorations, mementos, uniform badges and buttons. He flew operations as a pilot with 106 Squadron. After a period of instructing he returned to operations on 582 Squadron but was shot down and became a prisoner of war.
The collection has been donated to the IBCC Digital Archive by Andrew Wareing and catalogued by Nigel Huckins.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2016-10-05
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Wareing, R
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
AIR MINISTRY,
73-77 OXFORD STREET,
LONDON, W.1.
P.421332/1 P.4 P/W. B.5
30th October, 1944
Madam,
I am directed to refer to our telegram of October 25th and to inform you that the message from your husband, Acting Squadron Leader Robert Wareing, was as follows:-
"Hullo, [sic] Joan darling, I am now feeling much better after having recovered from my burns. You can now write to me at Stalag Luft 1. I am sorry I was not able to make my last leave but my next one will mean that we shall always be together. Give my regards to our parents and everyone. All my love, dearest,
Yours always, Bob".
Official confirmation that your husband is a prisoner of war is awaited.
/A
Mrs. R. Wareing,
56, West Common Gardens,
Old Brumby,
Scunthorpe,
Lincolnshire.
[page break]
A handbook and pamphlet regarding communications with prisoners of war are enclosed for your information.
I am, Madam,
Your obedient Servant,
[signature]
for Director of Personal Services.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter to Joan Wareing from the Air Ministry
Description
An account of the resource
Passes on contents of telegram from her husband Robert that he had recovered from burns and she could write to him at Stalag Luft 1.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
G F Clark
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1944-10-30
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Joy Reynard
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Two page typewritten letter
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Correspondence
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
EClarkGFWareingJ441030
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Civilian
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Great Britain
England--London
England--Lincolnshire
England--Scunthorpe
Germany
Germany--Barth
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1944-10-30
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
prisoner of war
Stalag Luft 1
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1385/25680/SBakerDA19210428v20102-0001.2.jpg
bafbbd17740d4341ffbfa62226df9bce
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fb001e3cf4baef93f630758f90b2b7e9
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Baker, Donald Arthur
D A Baker
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2018-11-13
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Baker, DA
Description
An account of the resource
187 items. Donald Arthur Baker (b. 1921) travelled from Southern Rhodesia to England in 1940 to join the Royal Air Force. Trained as a pilot in 1941 he was operational with 144 Squadron at RAF North Luffenham flying Hampdens. He was shot down on 5 November 1941 and remained a prisoner of war mostly in Stalag Luft 3 until 1945. He return to farm in Southern Rhodesia after the war. The collection contains letters to his mother throughout the war as well as other correspondence and documents including his prisoner of war log with photographs and notes.
The collection was loaned to the IBCC Digital Archive for digitisation by June Baker Maree and catalogued by Nigel Huckins.
Access Rights
Information about who can access the resource or an indication of its security status. Access Rights may include information regarding access or restrictions based on privacy, security, or other policies.
Permission granted for commercial projects
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
[three ink stamps]
[postmark]
Kriegsgefangenenepost
Postkarte
LUFT POST
AIR MAIL
Gebuhrenfrei!
Absender:
Vor- und Zuname:
DONALD ARTHUR BAKER
Gefangenennummer: 665
Lager-Bezeichnung:
M.-Stammlager Luft 1
Deutschland (Allemagne)
MR. J. BAKER.
CARY HILL HOUSE
CASTLE CARY
SOMERSET
ENGLAND
[page break]
13.1.42.
Dear Uncle Jack, A few lines to let you know that I am still in the land of the living and quite well and happy. No letters from anyone yet but hope to hear from someone within a month or so. We had a Merry Christmas as the Reich allowed us some beer. We also had a few concerts produced by the other prisoners and there are also two bands, one by the Sergeants, which entertain us occasionally. Although not in riotous fashion we also saw the New Year in. Contact the Red Cross or Post Office for the most suitable writing paper. Love & best wishes to you all. Your affectionate nephew Donald
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Postcard from Donald Baker to Uncle Jack
Description
An account of the resource
Writes that he is well and that he had received no letters as yet. Writes that they had a merry Christmas as were allowed some beer. Mentions entertainment and seeing new year in. Says contact Red Cross or post office for most suitable writing paper.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
D A Baker
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1942-01-13
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Handwritten postcard
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Correspondence
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
SBakerDA19210428v20102
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Civilian
Royal Air Force
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Great Britain
England--Somerset
England--Castle Cary
Germany
Germany--Barth
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1942-01-13
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Tricia Marshall
prisoner of war
Red Cross
Stalag Luft 1
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1385/25621/SBakerDA19210428v20077-0001.2.jpg
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9cfccd0df7a283e270a032c0a8dee5fe
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Baker, Donald Arthur
D A Baker
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2018-11-13
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Baker, DA
Description
An account of the resource
187 items. Donald Arthur Baker (b. 1921) travelled from Southern Rhodesia to England in 1940 to join the Royal Air Force. Trained as a pilot in 1941 he was operational with 144 Squadron at RAF North Luffenham flying Hampdens. He was shot down on 5 November 1941 and remained a prisoner of war mostly in Stalag Luft 3 until 1945. He return to farm in Southern Rhodesia after the war. The collection contains letters to his mother throughout the war as well as other correspondence and documents including his prisoner of war log with photographs and notes.
The collection was loaned to the IBCC Digital Archive for digitisation by June Baker Maree and catalogued by Nigel Huckins.
Access Rights
Information about who can access the resource or an indication of its security status. Access Rights may include information regarding access or restrictions based on privacy, security, or other policies.
Permission granted for commercial projects
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
Avion
[three ink stamps]
[two postmarks]
MRS C. BAKER
“CHARLTON”, INYAZURA, S. RHODESIA
VIA. [deleted] MRS KNATCHBULL-HUGESTON
C/O BRITISH LEGATION.
ANKARA
TURKEY [/deleted]
[postmark]
[ink stamp]
Absender:
Vor und Zuname: DONALD ARTHUR BAKER
Gefangenennummer: 665
Lager-Bezeichnung: M.-Stammlager Luft [deleted] 2 [/deleted] [inserted] 1 [/inserted]
Deutschland (Germany)
[page break]
[missing word] 10TH MARCH 1942
My Dearest Mother, Last Tuesday was delighted to receive your first letter written since I arrived here & also to hear that you had had news of me soon after. I hope you have received my other letters long ere this but will just reassert that am perfectly fit happy. Have hopes of getting home fairly soon but maybe that is your optimism coming out in me. Rhodesia House has forwarded letters from you Jack & Harry – all written when you were on holiday. Rather late but very welcome. Have had mail from Lewis set & various girl friends – don’t panic, am not engaged but was saved by the gong, so to speak. Life here much the same but snow is thawing and weather considerably warmer. Received snaps from Harry taken at Inyanga & one of his house. Very cosy it looks. Also one of you & Dad taken in Jo’burg. Have shaved off my “Goatee” as it annoyed me. I believe I resembled [two indecipherable words]. There are a few South Africans here from the Libyan campaign. One fellow by the name of Stevens claims acquaintance with the Donalds of Kloof St. Heard from Dan that Mr Stickland died in January. Trust you will have received excellent prices for the tobacco, & also that this finds you in the very best of health & spirits. Regards to friends & best love to you all from
Donald
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from Donald Baker to his mother
Description
An account of the resource
Received her first letter recently and reiterates that he is fit and quite happy. Writes of other mail received. Mentions that life was much the same but that snow was thawing. Says he received photographs from his brother. Writes that there are a few South Africans there from Libyan campaign. Hopes that tobacco prices were good.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
D A Baker
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1942-03-10
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Handwritten prisoner of war letter form
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Correspondence
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
SBakerDA19210428v20077
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Civilian
Royal Air Force
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Germany
Germany--Barth
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe--Manicaland Province
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1942-03-10
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Tricia Marshall
prisoner of war
Stalag Luft 1
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1385/25620/SBakerDA19210428v20076-0001.1.jpg
f596276a2583f4602a83aca9298a84b4
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1385/25620/SBakerDA19210428v20076-0002.1.jpg
ac74c85141efa10c23c30aaafb39c334
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Baker, Donald Arthur
D A Baker
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2018-11-13
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Baker, DA
Description
An account of the resource
187 items. Donald Arthur Baker (b. 1921) travelled from Southern Rhodesia to England in 1940 to join the Royal Air Force. Trained as a pilot in 1941 he was operational with 144 Squadron at RAF North Luffenham flying Hampdens. He was shot down on 5 November 1941 and remained a prisoner of war mostly in Stalag Luft 3 until 1945. He return to farm in Southern Rhodesia after the war. The collection contains letters to his mother throughout the war as well as other correspondence and documents including his prisoner of war log with photographs and notes.
The collection was loaned to the IBCC Digital Archive for digitisation by June Baker Maree and catalogued by Nigel Huckins.
Access Rights
Information about who can access the resource or an indication of its security status. Access Rights may include information regarding access or restrictions based on privacy, security, or other policies.
Permission granted for commercial projects
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
[three ink stamps]
[postmark]
[underlined] Kriegsgefangenenpost [/underlined]
MRS C, BAKER,
“CHARLTON,” INYAZURA, S. RHODESIA.
INYAZURA.
[underlined] S. RHODESIA [/underlined]
[postmark]
Absender:
Vor und Zuname: DONALD ARTHUR BAKER.
Gefangenennummer: 665.
Lager-Bezeichnung: M. Stammlager Luft 1
Deutschland (Allemagne)
[page break]
22.2.42
My Dearest Mother,
A few lines to let you know that I am O.K. and trust that this finds you all well and happy. Have not heard from you yet but have received letters from Uncle Jack, Aunt Bess and Roy also from a few girls whose friendship was cultivated when in England so that is one thing I can show for what I did there. Uncle Jack says you were informed fairly soon that I am a prisoner so that relieved me considerably. Life here is much the same. We have made an open-air ice skating ring which you probably heard about before from me. Anyway we have some good fun and I can now skate tolerably well. A few fellows, mostly Canadians play ice hockey so we have some fairly exciting times. Do you ever hear anything of Anthony Parker. Have so far been unable to get in touch with him. Well Cheerhio [sic] for the present dear mother. Much love to all from Donald
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from Donald Baker to his mother
Description
An account of the resource
Writes he has not received mail from her but has had letters from relatives and friends in England. Says life there is much the same but have made an open air ice skating rink. Asks after friend.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
D A Baker
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1942-02-22
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Handwritten prisoner of war letter form
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Correspondence
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
SBakerDA19210428v20076
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Civilian
Royal Air Force
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Germany
Germany--Barth
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe--Manicaland Province
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1942-02-22
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Tricia Marshall
prisoner of war
Stalag Luft 1
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1385/25619/SBakerDA19210428v20075-0001.1.jpg
3c2e47adceb043080807a4988b69eefb
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1385/25619/SBakerDA19210428v20075-0002.1.jpg
b491296f9945d0ca51b8f411e4861014
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Baker, Donald Arthur
D A Baker
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2018-11-13
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Baker, DA
Description
An account of the resource
187 items. Donald Arthur Baker (b. 1921) travelled from Southern Rhodesia to England in 1940 to join the Royal Air Force. Trained as a pilot in 1941 he was operational with 144 Squadron at RAF North Luffenham flying Hampdens. He was shot down on 5 November 1941 and remained a prisoner of war mostly in Stalag Luft 3 until 1945. He return to farm in Southern Rhodesia after the war. The collection contains letters to his mother throughout the war as well as other correspondence and documents including his prisoner of war log with photographs and notes.
The collection was loaned to the IBCC Digital Archive for digitisation by June Baker Maree and catalogued by Nigel Huckins.
Access Rights
Information about who can access the resource or an indication of its security status. Access Rights may include information regarding access or restrictions based on privacy, security, or other policies.
Permission granted for commercial projects
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
[seven postmarks]
[four postage stamps]
[three ink stamps]
[underlined] Avim [/underlined]
[underlined] Kriegsgefangenpost [/underlined]
MRS C. BAKER
“CHARLTON” INYAZURA. SOUTHERN RHODESIA
[deleted] c/o MRS KNATCHBULL-HUGESON.
BRITISH EMBASSY
ANKARA
TURKEY [/deleted]
[postmark]
Absender:
Vor und Zuname: P/O DONALD ARTHER BAKER
Gefangenennummer: 665.
Lager-Bezeichnung: Stalag Luft 1
Deutschland (Allemagne)
[page break]
JAN 11. 1944
My Dearest Mother,
No letter from you yet but am not really expecting one for another two months. However I trust you are all in the very best of health and spirits. Am addressing this letter differently so please let me know which reaches you quickest. We had a beer allowance for the “Festive Season.” On Xmas morning I attended a Communion Service in the Sergeants Dining Hall. A New Zealand Church Army Padre took the service which was very well attended. In the afternoon the Sergeants Band gave a concert which we all enjoyed very much. In the evening we cooked the delicasies [sic] of our Red Cross parcels and with a Xmas Pudding we had a pretty good meal. Later on we drank our beer in the common room and soon there was quite a good party on the go which ended in a terrific Sing Song. At New Year the Sergeants put on a pantomime “Jack and the Beanstalk.” This leaves me pretty well and bearing up. Hope to receive letters from England soon Am writing to Anthony Parker. Love to the family and regards to Inyazura people. Ever your loving son Donald
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from Donald Baker to his mother
Description
An account of the resource
Writes that he has not yet received any letters from her. Mentions he is addressing letter differently (through British Embassy Ankara, Turkey) to see which is quickest. Mentions activities over festive season including party with sing song on new year's eve.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
D A Baker
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1942-01-11
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Handwritten prisoner of war letter form
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Correspondence
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
SBakerDA19210428v20075
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Civilian
Royal Air Force
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Germany
Germany--Barth
Turkey
Turkey--Ankara
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe--Manicaland Province
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1942-01-11
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Tricia Marshall
prisoner of war
Stalag Luft 1
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1385/25615/SBakerDA19210428v20065-0001.2.jpg
c040081516b0e99dda369cc9b3a20392
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1385/25615/SBakerDA19210428v20065-0002.2.jpg
ce877360b1df5e91a140292abea71080
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Baker, Donald Arthur
D A Baker
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2018-11-13
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Baker, DA
Description
An account of the resource
187 items. Donald Arthur Baker (b. 1921) travelled from Southern Rhodesia to England in 1940 to join the Royal Air Force. Trained as a pilot in 1941 he was operational with 144 Squadron at RAF North Luffenham flying Hampdens. He was shot down on 5 November 1941 and remained a prisoner of war mostly in Stalag Luft 3 until 1945. He return to farm in Southern Rhodesia after the war. The collection contains letters to his mother throughout the war as well as other correspondence and documents including his prisoner of war log with photographs and notes.
The collection was loaned to the IBCC Digital Archive for digitisation by June Baker Maree and catalogued by Nigel Huckins.
Access Rights
Information about who can access the resource or an indication of its security status. Access Rights may include information regarding access or restrictions based on privacy, security, or other policies.
Permission granted for commercial projects
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Post card from Donald Baker to his mother
Description
An account of the resource
Christmas post card from Stalag Luft 1. Drawing of prisoner of war / Father Christmas on a Red Cross box.
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Artwork on postcard
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Artwork
Text
Text. Correspondence
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
SBakerDA19210428v20065
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Civilian
Royal Air Force
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Germany
Germany--Barth
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe--Manicaland Province
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1941-12
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
arts and crafts
prisoner of war
Stalag Luft 1
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1385/25614/SBakerDA19210428v20064-0001.1.jpg
7443dca6610bab897dc2ef6344703266
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1385/25614/SBakerDA19210428v20064-0002.1.jpg
9729a667e526d3f0904f3a99bb329470
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Baker, Donald Arthur
D A Baker
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2018-11-13
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Baker, DA
Description
An account of the resource
187 items. Donald Arthur Baker (b. 1921) travelled from Southern Rhodesia to England in 1940 to join the Royal Air Force. Trained as a pilot in 1941 he was operational with 144 Squadron at RAF North Luffenham flying Hampdens. He was shot down on 5 November 1941 and remained a prisoner of war mostly in Stalag Luft 3 until 1945. He return to farm in Southern Rhodesia after the war. The collection contains letters to his mother throughout the war as well as other correspondence and documents including his prisoner of war log with photographs and notes.
The collection was loaned to the IBCC Digital Archive for digitisation by June Baker Maree and catalogued by Nigel Huckins.
Access Rights
Information about who can access the resource or an indication of its security status. Access Rights may include information regarding access or restrictions based on privacy, security, or other policies.
Permission granted for commercial projects
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
Kriegsgefangenenpost
Postkarte
LUFT POST
[underlined] AIR MAIL [/underlined]
[postmark]
[three ink stamps]
MRS. C. BAKER
CHARLTON
INYAZURA
S. RHODESIA
SOUTH AFRICA.
Gebuhrenfrei!
Absender:
Vor und Zuname:
DONALD ARTHUR BAKER
Gefangenennummer: 665
Lager-Bezeichnung:
Stalag Luft 1
Deutschland (Allemagne)
[page break]
Kriegsgefangenenlager
Datum: 29TH NOV. 1941.
Dearest Mother, Just to let you know that am well and happy. At a new camp & am pretty comfortable & well treated so DON’T worry as am perfectly O.K. The Red Cross do us excellently but please send some cigarettes. Hope you all enjoyed your holidays also that the tobacco crop is good. Anthony Parker is O.K. but not with me. Keep Smiling. Love – Donald
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Post card from Donald Baker to his mother
Description
An account of the resource
Writes that he is OK and in camp and well treated. Says Red Cross do them well and asks her to send cigarettes. Mentions friend who is OK.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
D A Baker
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1941-11-29
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Handwritten post card
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Correspondence
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
SBakerDA19210428v20064
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Civilian
Royal Air Force
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Germany
Germany--Barth
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe--Manicaland Province
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1941-11-29
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Tricia Marshall
prisoner of war
Red Cross
Stalag Luft 1
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1385/25613/SBakerDA19210428v20063-0001.1.jpg
0851f30175509abd0fc061ef2ecd0096
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1385/25613/SBakerDA19210428v20063-0002.1.jpg
99ed33762fd6a4dbe4c58e3dc0f6ee07
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Baker, Donald Arthur
D A Baker
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2018-11-13
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Baker, DA
Description
An account of the resource
187 items. Donald Arthur Baker (b. 1921) travelled from Southern Rhodesia to England in 1940 to join the Royal Air Force. Trained as a pilot in 1941 he was operational with 144 Squadron at RAF North Luffenham flying Hampdens. He was shot down on 5 November 1941 and remained a prisoner of war mostly in Stalag Luft 3 until 1945. He return to farm in Southern Rhodesia after the war. The collection contains letters to his mother throughout the war as well as other correspondence and documents including his prisoner of war log with photographs and notes.
The collection was loaned to the IBCC Digital Archive for digitisation by June Baker Maree and catalogued by Nigel Huckins.
Access Rights
Information about who can access the resource or an indication of its security status. Access Rights may include information regarding access or restrictions based on privacy, security, or other policies.
Permission granted for commercial projects
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
[underlined] Kriegsgefangenenpost [/underlined]
[postmark]
LUFT POST
AIR MAIL
[two ink stamps]
MR HARRY BAKER
“CHARLTON”
INYAZURA
S. RHODESIA
SOUTH AFRICA
Absender:
Vor und Zuname: DONALD ARTHUR BAKER.
Gerangenennummer: 662
Lager-Bezeichnung: M.-Stammlager Luft 01
Deutschland (Germany)
[page break]
28th November 1941
Dear Harry,
Just a few lines to let you know that I am well and to ask you to persuade Mum and Dad that I am absolutely O.K. as it must have been a shock to you all that I was missing especially Mother who always worries so much. Of course I miss the freedom & life generally but we are well treated and Red Cross parcels augment our food rations so that, honestly, we have tons to eat. Was afraid that time would hang heavily but not so. Games, lectures and opportunity to learn something useful take up time & we cook most of our own food. Don’t know yet what to learn. Opportunity permitting it would be grand if I could meet Mum & Dad in England after this and go back with them. How is Betty? Tell the family to write, as letters will be most welcome. Censorship is strict which you must remember. Get details from Red X. & send some cigarettes. Again must stress that you really must not worry about me. Keep smiling. See you after the war. Much love to all – Donald.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from Donald Baker to brother Harry
Description
An account of the resource
Writes he is OK and asked that he persuade mother and father that he was OK despite shock when he was reported missing. Says he misses freedom and worried that time would hang, but in fact he had plenty to do. Hopes he would see them all in England after war. Say tell family to write to him and reminds of strict censorship. Get details from Red Cross and send cigarettes.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
D A Baker
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1941-12-28
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Germany
Germany--Barth
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe--Manicaland Province
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1941-12-28
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Handwritten prisoner of war letter form
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Correspondence
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
SBakerDA19210428v20063
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Civilian
Royal Air Force
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Tricia Marshall
prisoner of war
Red Cross
Stalag Luft 1
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1385/25612/SBakerDA19210428v20062-0001.1.jpg
40299fd71509b7ac612e6c02779aa2e3
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1385/25612/SBakerDA19210428v20062-0002.1.jpg
46a8be8a497e841ce6a54ab363d59ada
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Baker, Donald Arthur
D A Baker
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2018-11-13
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Baker, DA
Description
An account of the resource
187 items. Donald Arthur Baker (b. 1921) travelled from Southern Rhodesia to England in 1940 to join the Royal Air Force. Trained as a pilot in 1941 he was operational with 144 Squadron at RAF North Luffenham flying Hampdens. He was shot down on 5 November 1941 and remained a prisoner of war mostly in Stalag Luft 3 until 1945. He return to farm in Southern Rhodesia after the war. The collection contains letters to his mother throughout the war as well as other correspondence and documents including his prisoner of war log with photographs and notes.
The collection was loaned to the IBCC Digital Archive for digitisation by June Baker Maree and catalogued by Nigel Huckins.
Access Rights
Information about who can access the resource or an indication of its security status. Access Rights may include information regarding access or restrictions based on privacy, security, or other policies.
Permission granted for commercial projects
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
[ink stamp]
[underlined] Kreigsgefangenenpost [/underlined]
[three postmarks]
[two ink stamps]
MRS C BAKER
“CHARLTON,” INYAZURA
S. RHODESIA
SOUTH AFRICA
Absender:
Vor un Zuname: DONALD ARTHUR BAKER
Gefangenennummer: 665.
Lager-Bezeichnung: Stalag Luft 01
Deutschland (Allemagne)
[page break]
SECOND LETTER 13 DECEMBER 1941.
My Dearest Mother, Am keeping very well & happy & trust this finds you all the same, & not worrying too much about me. There is not very much to write about from here. Spend a lot of time reading and also do a spot of cooking. There were a couple of concerts here recently, one by the officers and another by the sergeants, both of which were good and an excellent break. Had a game of rugger a week ago which was quite enjoyable. We have a fairly good programme of concerts laid out for Christmas and believe we are having some beer which will be very welcome and an extra Red Cross parcel will provide a feast. Anthony Parker is in camp somewhere near here but dont [sic] expect I shall be able to see him. Am looking forward very much to receiving your letters, but don’t expect one before three months from now. Please send some snaps occasionally. Am enclosing a snap of myself taken when we first got here. Somewhat dishevelled what. Will send another one of my roommates and self when it is developed. Trust you will have a happy Xmas etc & also many happy returns – better late than never. Very much love to you all dear Mother. Keep smiling! from Donald
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from Donald Baker to his mother
Description
An account of the resource
Second letter. Says not much to write about but does a lot of reading and a bit of cooking. Mentions concerts and playing rugby. Writes of concerts, possibly beer and extra Red Cross parcels for Christmas. Mentions friend in camp and that he is looking forward to letters from home and asks for photographs. Seasons greetings.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
D A Baker
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1941-12-13
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Handwritten prisoner of war letter form
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Correspondence
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
SBakerDA19210428v20062
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Civilian
Royal Air Force
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Germany
Germany--Barth
Zimbabwe
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1941-12-13
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Tricia Marshall
prisoner of war
Stalag Luft 1
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1630/25464/SBakerDA19210428v10015.2.jpg
6a95359354f29010f1b6d5c5e8148ce7
Dublin Core
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Title
A name given to the resource
Baker, Donald Arthur. Prisoner of war photographs
Description
An account of the resource
Eight Items. Photographs of prisoners of war at Stalag Luft 1, Oflag XXIB and Stalag Luft 3 from Donald Baker's prisoner of war wartime log.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Date
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2018-11-13
Identifier
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Baker, DA
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
South Africans at Barth, Stalag Luft 1'
Room 17, West Block, Barth
Photographs of prisoners of war
Description
An account of the resource
Left side. Top - titled 'South Africans at Barth, Stalag Luft 1'. Eight men standing in line in snow. Fence in the background. Captioned '[....], 41/42, McGarr (killed),Charlie Black, Eric Clyde Harley, John Stevens, Roxburgh, George Framley, Roy Wilkins, Self'. Bottom - four men in a room, one standing on left and others sitting at table with mugs and plates. In the background a window on left and wardrobe and shelves left. Captioned ''[.....(..).], Bill Houghton [(..)..].[..] Sanders, [....]'. Right side. titled 'Room 17, West Block, Barth'. Four men in a room wearing battledress, three with brevet, Three are sitting at table with mugs and book, The other is standing. In the background a window. Captioned 'Piotr Konalski, Self, Les Butt, [...] (killed Mar 43)'. Bottom - top caption 'R J Squire, [....], George Framley, Self'. Seven men in two rows, four standing and three sitting. with hut in the background. Indecipherable text either side.
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Four b/w photographs mounted on two book pages
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Photograph
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
SBakerDA19210428v10015
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Germany
Germany--Barth
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1941
1942
1943
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
military living conditions
prisoner of war
Stalag Luft 1
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1630/25447/SBakerDA19210428v10014.2.jpg
8fdda1b90d6b13a3d2f4c5694199674d
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Baker, Donald Arthur. Prisoner of war photographs
Description
An account of the resource
Eight Items. Photographs of prisoners of war at Stalag Luft 1, Oflag XXIB and Stalag Luft 3 from Donald Baker's prisoner of war wartime log.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2018-11-13
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Baker, DA
Dublin Core
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Title
A name given to the resource
Seven prisoners of war
Description
An account of the resource
Seven men wearing variety of uniform, four with brevet. Three sitting in front, four standing behind. Donald Baker is back left. Captioned 'Barth, Self, Roxy, Bill [...], George Harvey, Steve, Les Bull, Piotr [...]'.
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
One b/w photograph mounted on a book page
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Photograph
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
SBakerDA19210428v10014
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Germany
Germany--Barth
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
aircrew
pilot
prisoner of war
Stalag Luft 1
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1385/25434/SBakerDA19210428v1.2.pdf
71e513893c2b39fd3b2a2e4f79b1d545
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Baker, Donald Arthur
D A Baker
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2018-11-13
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Baker, DA
Description
An account of the resource
187 items. Donald Arthur Baker (b. 1921) travelled from Southern Rhodesia to England in 1940 to join the Royal Air Force. Trained as a pilot in 1941 he was operational with 144 Squadron at RAF North Luffenham flying Hampdens. He was shot down on 5 November 1941 and remained a prisoner of war mostly in Stalag Luft 3 until 1945. He return to farm in Southern Rhodesia after the war. The collection contains letters to his mother throughout the war as well as other correspondence and documents including his prisoner of war log with photographs and notes.
The collection was loaned to the IBCC Digital Archive for digitisation by June Baker Maree and catalogued by Nigel Huckins.
Access Rights
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Permission granted for commercial projects
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
[ink stamp lion] A WARTIME LOG
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
A WARTIME LOG FOR BRITISH PRISONERS
Gift from THE WAR PRISONERS’ AID OF THE Y.M.C.A. 37, Quai Wilson GENEVA – SWITZERLAND
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[ink stamp lion] THIS BOOK BELONGS TO DONALD A. BAKER. (123/5) Gef. 665
[Y.M.C.A logo]
[page break]
[list] W. G. Grisman Leslie Bull R. A. Marks L. Kerfoot Brownson H. Daffern-Seal Norman Shuttleworth F. Wellburn N. W. MacLeod S. S. Jock Fielden Ken Pollard Somerton Somerset N. J. Lewis K. Pollard
[page break]
[ink stamp lion] 1 [ink stamp lion]
[underlined] ENGLAND [/underlined]
[list] [underlined] W. G. Grisman [/underlined] Cornwallis, Bodenham RD. Hereford [underlined] L. Bull. [/underlined] Godalming, Surrey. [underlined] R. A. Marks. [/underlined] Meadow Court, Guildford RD. [sic] Leicester [underlined] L. Kerfoot Brownson [/underlined] Collina, Heversham, Milnthorpe Westmorland [underlined] H. Daffern-Seal [/underlined] Westhorpe House Nr. Rugby. [underlined] Norman Shuttleworth [/underlined] 28 Revell Road, Coombe Hill, Kingston-on-Thames, Surrey, (Kingston 0385) [underlined] F. Wellburn. [/underlined] Rose Villa, 25, Eden St, Stanwix, Carlisle, Cumberland.
[page break]
2 N. W. McLeod, Wingrove
[list] [underlined] N. W. McLeod. [/underlined] “Wingrove”, Seahouses. Northumberland [underlined] S. S. “Jock” Fielden, [/underlined] Newton Cottage, Bracknell Berks. Ken pollard. Somerton, Somerset. [underlined] N. J. Lewis [/underlined] 27 The Grove, Ickenham, M.Sex. [underlined] K. Pollard [/underlined] 3 Langport Rd, Somerton. Som.
[page break]
3
[blank page]
4 [underlined] South Africa [/underlined]
[list] [underlined] C. D. Jackson, [/underlined] Broadwater. Via Belmont, C.P. [underlined] G. R. Haller. [/underlined] Barclays bank, East London. [underlined] G. A. Francey [/underlined] 134, 8th Street, Orange Grove, Jo’burg. [underlined] Hugh Keartland Jr. [/underlined] Valley View, Fairway Avenue, Linksfield (Nth) Jo’burg [underlined] Bush M. Kennedy [/underlined] [indecipherable word], Ocean View Drive, cape Town. [underlined] B. G. Roxburgh [/underlined] C/O J. W. Roxburgh, Tele Manager, Field St. Durban [underlined] W. J. Chase (Charlie) [/underlined] [underlined] Heaton-Nicholls [/underlined] [underlined] Tony Ruffell [/underlined] Box 4557 Jo’bg. Zul.
[page break]
5
[underlined] J. E. Parsonson [/underlined] S.A.A.F. C/O Garrison Officers Mess, [indecipherable name] Hts. TVL. S.A. [underlined] J. P. [indecipherable name] [/underlined] P.O. Box 1, Zwastruggend, TVL, S.A. [underlined] D. N. Tweedie [/underlined] Eldoret Estate, P.O. [indecipherable name] Kenya.
[page break]
6 AUSTRALIA.
[list] [underlined] A. M. Edwards. [/underlined] Royal Auto Club, Queens St, Melbourne [underlined] H. E. Holland. [/underlined] Rampsbeck, Armadale, [sic] N.S.W. [underlined] H. G. H. Roberts. [/underlined] 98 Grand Parade, Bedford Park, W. Austr.
[page break]
CANADA. 7
[list] [underlined] G. D. Hughes. [/underlined] 514 Riverside Drive, Toronto, [underlined] J. A. Ferguson [/underlined] 380 Van Norman St. [deleted] Toronto [/deleted] Port Arthur, Ontario.
[page break]
8 U.S.A.
[list] John P. Lyons Portland Oregon. Howard Parton 108 Sth Portland Avenue Brooklyn 17 N.Y.
[page break]
9
[underlined] Syd Smith [/underlined] [indecipherable word] Caixa Postal, Sao Paulo Brazil
[page break]
10
[weight & account summary]
[page break]
[missing pages]
13
[weight & account summary]
[page break]
14
[weight & account summary]
[page break]
15
[weight & account summary]
[page break]
[weight & account summary]
16
[weight & account summary]
[page break]
[missing pages]
19
[weight & account summary]
[page break]
20
[calculations]
[page break]
21
[calculations]
[Page break]
[missing pages]
52
[blank page]
[page break]
London. 53
Rhodesia House (Fags, Chocolate, Fly Concession? Tobacco, Clothing, Opera Tickets. Lloyds Bank. (Transfer to Rhodesia, Bonds & Certificates. Statement 133 Regent Street. (Hadaways). Covent Garden
[page break]
54
National History Museum, Kensington
[page break]
[photograph 7 aircrew] [underlined] Barth [/underlined] Self, Roxy, Bill Kloster, George Francey Steve, Les Bull, Piotr Kowalski.
[page break]
South Africans at Barth. Stalag Luft I Winter 41/42
[photograph 8 aircrew] McGarr, [inserted] (Killed) [/inserted] Charlie Chase, Eric Clyde Marley, John Stevens, Roxburgh, George Francey, Ray Wilkins, Self.
[photograph 4 aircrew] Stevens (N.Z.) Bill Houghton (N.Z.) Vic Saunders (Can) Don Webster (Can)
[page break]
Room 17, West Block, Barth [photograph 4 aircrew] Piotr Kowalski, self, Les Bull, Grisman [inserted] Killed Mar. ’43. [/inserted]
[photograph 7 aircrew] R. J. Stevens, Grisman, George Francey, Self, Roxy, [indecipherable name], Hughes
[page break]
South Africans at Schubin. Oflag XXIB. Winter 42-43
[photograph 19 aircrew] Reg Allwood (S.R). Bush Kennedy, Ken Davies, Jim [indecipherable name], Heaton-Nicholls, Taylor, Eustace Newborn, “Pop” Wright, Tony Parker, George Haller, Tony Ruffell, Tiger Catzee. Front Row. Small, C. Chase, Jackie Perkins, Jacko Jackson, Self.
[page break]
[photograph play scene 1 airman] [indecipherable word] Play 1941
[photograph 10 aircrew attending burial service]
[page break]
[photograph 14 aircrew attending burial service]
[photograph 14 aircrew attending burial service]
[page break]
[photograph aircrew carrying coffin] Rt. Hand Side Back to Front. Jack [space] [space] Willis Charlie Chase Don Lush Rusty Hawthorne Left Ken Toft
[page break]
Rhodsns [sic] at Stalag Luft III North Compound, Dick Bennett & Ray Hill not present.
[photograph 16 aircrew] Ken Wilson, Grew Sodden, Jack P’Wood, Butch C. Cooker, Chain Spence, Jim [indecipherable name], Ron Michell, Nev Banker, Tony Parker. Front Row. C. Chase, Dave Hogg, [indecipherable name] Stewart, Bill [indecipherable name], Self, John Travers, Hugh [indecipherable name]
[page break]
[photograph 2 civilians on property steps]
[page break]
[photograph group of 8 civilians]
[page break]
[photograph group of children on property steps]
[photograph 19 aircrew]
[page break]
[photograph 19 aircrew]
[Page break]
65
[underlined] Das Völkischer Bëobachter [/underlined] (The National Observer) [underlined] Deutsche Algemeine (sic) Zeitung [/underlined] (German General Newspaper) [German text] 5 lines
[Page break]
66
[German text] 10 lines
[page break]
67
[German text] 16 lines
[page break]
68
[German text} 10 lines
[page break]
69
[German text} 7 lines
[page break]
112
[missing pages]
[blank page]
[page break]
113
[table weekly rations by weights before & after 2/3/45]
[page break]
[non-descript text]
[Page break]
[non-descript text]
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Donald Baker's wartime log for British prisoners
Description
An account of the resource
A gift from the war prisoners aid of the YMCA, it contains notes in German and English, and names and addresses of people in Australia, Brazil and Canada, tables, figures and calculations, weekly rations with list of food, and photographs of prisoners of war at Stalag Luft 1 and Stalag Luft 3.
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
One booklet
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Log book and record book
Photograph
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
SBakerDA19210428v1
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Australia
Brazil
Canada
Germany
Great Britain
Poland
South Africa
Switzerland
United States
England--London
Germany--Barth
Poland--Szubin
Poland--Żagań
Switzerland--Geneva
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1941
1942
1943
1944
1945-03-02
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Donald Baker
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Robin Christian
aircrew
entertainment
final resting place
military living conditions
pilot
prisoner of war
Stalag Luft 1
Stalag Luft 3
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/501/22593/MCurnockRM1815605-171114-022.2.pdf
7926a26f45c20e495523731963048cc3
Dublin Core
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Title
A name given to the resource
Curnock, Richard
Richard Murdock Curnock
R M Curnock
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Curnock, RM
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2016-04-18
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Description
An account of the resource
92 items. An oral history interview with Warrant Officer Richard Curnock (1924, 1915605 Royal Air Force), his log book, letters, photographs and prisoner of war magazines. He flew operations with 425 Squadron before being shot down and becoming a prisoner of war.
The collection has been licenced to the IBCC Digital Archive by Richard Curnock and catalogued by Barry Hunter.
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
THE
Prisoner of War
[Symbol] THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE PRISONERS OF WAR DEPARTMENT OF THE RED CROSS AND ST. JOHN WAR ORGANISATION, ST. JAMES’S PALACE, LONDON S.W.1.
VOL. 3 No. 35. Free to Next of Kin MARCH, 1945
The Editor Writes –
MANY inquiries are, naturally, reaching the Prisoners of War Department from anxious relatives for news of the camps in Poland and Western and Eastern Germany, which have either been overrun by the victorious advances of the Russian Army or else lie in the direct path of the Allied Armies both in the east and west. The progress of the Allied attacks, accompanied as they have been by terrific air bombardment, have necessarily resulted in the mass movement by the Germans of camps and prisoners towards the centre of Germany under difficult conditions, and in almost complete disorganisation of the German transport system. The resulting effects on the condition of our prisoners is discussed in the statement made by Sir James Grigg, the Secretary of State for War, on February 28th, which is printed in full on page 3, and the Chairman of Red Cross and St. John Prisoners of War Department on p. 2.
Liberated Prisoners
It is now possible from the various official statements that have been made to gain a fairly clear picture of what is happening as regards prisoners of war who have been overtaken and liberated by the Russian advance. Information has been received from the Soviet authorities that 2,661 British Commonwealth prisoners of war (of whom 70 are officers) recovered from German camps were on their way by rail to Odessa and that they were to be assembled in a transit camp which was under construction. Since that news arrived, Sir James Grigg has stated in the House of Commons that the Soviet authorities are giving facilities for officers in our military mission to visit the camp in Lublin where prisoners are awaiting transfer to Odessa. Officers from the mission are also on their way to Odessa and their first task on arrival will be to collect and make lists of names and then telegraph them home at the earliest possible moment. The Service Departments will inform next of kin of any news of individual prisoners immediately it is received. A list of the camps involved and information of German plans for their transfer will be found on page 16.
[Photograph of five men in uniform] A group of prisoners at Stalag IIID which was situated at Berlin-Steglitz and to which the Postmaster-General advises that no more parcels should now be sent.
I must call readers’ attention to the important announcement on page 16 concerning parcels and letters to these camps and emphasising that no new parcels should be sent.
Red Cross Depot at Odessa
In accordance with the agreement recently concluded in the Crimea, the Soviet authorities are providing food, clothes and any necessary medical attention for our men. These basic supplies which the Russians are providing will be supplemented by the food, medical parcels, cigarettes, tobacco, chocolate and soap to the value of £77,000, which was sent to Russia last year by Red Cross and St. John. Red Cross and St. John are preparing to co-operate wholeheartedly with the Soviet Government in caring for our ex-prisoners of war until they can be repatriated. They are desirous of setting up a depot at Odessa, with stocks of Red Cross comforts and a team of women Welfare Officers. Already over 400 cases of Red Cross comforts have been shipped to Odessa and further shipments will take place in the future.
A Word of Warning
I would advise nest of kin to watch the papers for statements made in the House of Commons or issued as official announcements, but to be sceptical of any unofficial reports about prison camps or prisoners of war until they have been officially confirmed. The newspapers indicate the sources of reports which reach them from time to time through neutral countries, and it is easy to distinguish these reports from the official statements.
[Page break]
2 The Prisoner of War MARCH, 1945
Prisoners Exchange
Mr. Eden has announced in the House of Commons that a fresh proposal regarding the exchange of able-bodied long-term prisoners of war has been handed to the Swiss Government for communication to the German Government providing for the direct repatriation through Switzerland of a number of British prisoners of war from the Navy, Army, Air Force and Merchant Service captured before July 1st, 1940, in exchange for an equal number of German prisoners.
Priority for Discharge
In answer to a question in the House of Commons of February 6th as to whether prisoners of war repatriated to this country are required to undergo training, with a view to their services being used again in other theatres of war, and whether any long period of imprisonment by the enemy will entitle released prisoners to immediate or early discharge from the Army either now or at the conclusion of hostilities in Europe, Sir James Grigg said: “Returned prisoners will be given no formal priority for release, but as a large number of them joined the services in the early years of the war their priority will be high.”
Medical Attention
Those people who have any fears that the medical attention supplies to prisoners of war upon their return to this country is not fully adequate may be reassured by the recent statement of the Minister of Health, Mr, Henry Willink. “Returning prisoners of war,“ he said, “have the benefit of all the resources of the Emergency Hospital Scheme, when the Service Department concerned requests that they be treated under that scheme.” As for those suffering from tuberculosis whose condition calls for sanatorium treatment, special measures are taken to secure their admission to a sanatorium and they need treatment, but it is not always possible to avoid a short waiting period at home, during which the patient is under the expert care of the tuberculosis officer.
The Best Yet
“The best since I have been a prisoner of war” was the verdict on Christmas pronounced in a letter from Stalag IVG. “We had from Saturday mid-day to Tuesday night holiday. We spent the time with concerts, dancing and singing. We cleared one of the barrack rooms out which we used for the shows and dancing. The sixteen lads in our room clubbed together and had a high tea on Christmas Day.” The Entertainment Committee in Stalag XIA have kindly sent a special report of their Christmas festivities. I am sorry that it arrived too late for it to be printed in full. They say: “To all our loved ones at home it will be very pleasant to know that this Christmas and New Year was certainly the best we have ever had during our captivity.”
Studied by Margarine Light
A vivid impression of the difficulties under which students in camps have to work is given in a letter received from a warrant officer in Stalag 357. He writes: “Those students who can afford sufficient margarine from their ration or who have enough cigarettes to purchase one of these lamps work in the dim, uncertain light of a ‘Fat Lamp’ for periods of four to five hours.” In spite of the handicaps (which include overcrowding and “paralysing cold”), all the students “display a keenness that is surprisingly alive.” Another typical instance of difficulties conquered comes from Stalag IVB, where the lack of chalk precipitated a minor crisis until one prisoner, after experimenting privately with plaster of paris and tooth powder baked in the oven, produced a successful substitute.
Spectacles from England
In 1942 the Joint War Emergency Committee of the Optical Profession offered to provide spectacles with Army standard-type frames, free of charge, for prisoners of war. Up to the end of December the Invalid Comforts Section of the Red Cross Prisoners of War Department received no fewer than 3,340 pairs of spectacles from the committee. These represent an extremely valuable gift to our prisoners of war, and a deep debt of gratitude is owed to all members of the committee for their kindness. When spectacles cannot be obtained at the camps the senior medical officers send lists of optical prescriptions to the Invalid Comforts Section. These are then sent to the committee and distributed amongst its members for dispensing.
Reception in Cyprus
On November 16th last 300 repatriated prisoners of war arrived in Famagusta, Cyprus. These men were escapees to Switzerland, where they had been for a year, and they were full of praise for the kindness shown them. All the workers of the Prisoners of War Bureau in Cyprus assisted in the reception that was given to them by the Red Cross and at which the Governor, the Officer Commanding the Area, and the Deputy Commissioner, British Red Cross, were present. From all accounts the ex-prisoners of war were in very good heart and health and much appreciated the special Cyprus food and drink given to them. The men, I am told, have since been to the Prisoners of War Bureau, and were most grateful to the Red Cross for the parcel which kept them alive in Italy. There are still 1,500 Cypriot prisoners of war in Germany.
TRANSPORT OF FOOD PARCELS By Sir Richard Howard-Vyse, K.C.M.G. D.S.O.
IN the February number of this journal I told our readers that the flow of parcels via the Mediterranean and the Baltic had improved sufficiently to allow the resumption of the full issue of a parcel a week as soon as sufficient stocks were available in camps. I said that it was entirely a question of rail transport through Germany, as to which we had reason at the moment to feel hopeful, but I added that in view of the Russian advance it was dangerous to prophesy.
These words were written in the first half of January, since when it has become clear that the successes of the Russians, coupled with bombing attacks from this side have thoroughly disorganised the German railway system. Matters have been complicated, of course, by the fact that the men from many of the camps overrun by the Russians were moved away beforehand by the Germans. Details of these moves, so far as they are known, have been published in the Press, and I understand that supplementary information will be issued from time to time; reports of statements by the Secretary of State for war appear elsewhere in this journal.
We now know that in December and early in January supplies arrived at some camps, for instance, Oflag VA, Oflag VIIIB, and Stalags IVD, XIA, XXB and Stalagluft III (since moved) and 357; they may have reached others, and geographically it seems likely that they may have done so; but we have no information one way or another.
The position to-day – and I am writing on February 28th – is that hardly any despatches are being made from Switzerland, but that, after a total cessation of several days, there is, for the moment at any rate, a flow through the Baltic port of Lubeck, though nothing like sufficient.
The supplies, as all know, are there. As regards food parcels the steps which are being taken to produce the transport so vitally necessary, I have little to add to the statement made by Sir James Grigg to-day. It will be seen from that statement that all available resources have been enlisted, including the active co-operation of S.H.A.E.F., and, of course, the good offices of the International Red Cross Committee. The War Organisation has authorised that Committee to incur, on our behalf, any expenditure which may be necessary to procure and operate additional transport and we are in the closest possible contact with all concerned.
One thought I would offer which may be comforting. The prisoners know, as well as we do, that this is the dawn of victory and of release.
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MARCH, 1945 The Prisoner of War 3
EMERGENCY SUPPLIES
For the Camps
Statement by Sir James Grigg, Secretary of State for War, in the House of Commons on February 28th
THE House is already aware that the progress of the Allied attacks on Germany by land and from the air has resulted in mass movements of prisoners and civilians from the perimeter toward the central districts, particularly from the eastern side of Germany. The conditions under which such movements must take place have largely been created by the military success of the Allies. But inevitably these conditions involve for large numbers of our prisoners in Germany movement on foot, under difficult conditions, with inadequate provision on the road for accommodation at night and for food, and eventually overcrowding in the camps to which they are moved back.
The representatives of the Protecting Power in Germany are doing all they can to secure improvements from the Germans; and their efforts have not been without some results. For example, they have been assured that in future sick or weak prisoners will be moved by train or lorry, and we know for certain that this has been done in some recent cases. Between February 19 and 24 their inspectors were due to pay special visits to certain camps to which British prisoners of war have been transferred, and I will give the substance of their reports to the House as soon as they arrive.
FOOD RESERVES.
The Government and the British Red Cross War Organisation had foreseen that as the weight of attack on Germany was pressed home this situation might arise. Efforts had therefore been made to establish substantial reserves in the camps of Red Cross food parcels, medical supplies and comforts, clothing and boots; and we hope that in spite of the interruptions in supplies to Geneva consequent on operations in the south of France last summer, the position in the matter of clothing will not become serious.
In the case of food parcels, however, the Germans last autumn insisted on those reserve stocks being reduced to a weekly basis. To the best of our knowledge this order was enforced in most of the camps, and the excess stocks were consumed accordingly. Recently the International Red Cross Committee, as a result of long negotiations, had secured agreement from the German authorities to the establishment of limited reserve supplies of food parcels outside the camps, but this agreement came too late for it to become effective before the dis-organisation in Germany had reached a point where transport facilities for Red Cross supplies from Switzerland had been seriously reduced. Not only are few railway wagons reaching Switzerland from Germany, but such trains as are dispatched from Geneva cannot, we understand, get very far into Germany. While everyone will welcome the results of this disorganisation so far as the war effort is concerned, it has created increasing anxiety for the welfare of the British Commonwealth prisoners.
Naturally this situation has for a long time been present in the minds of His Majesty’s Government and of the British Red Cross Society, and various possibilities have been examined in order to meet it. The supply of food to prisoners from the air is one of those possibilities. The Government have satisfied themselves that this is not at present practicable, but if circumstances change and it becomes feasible use will certainly be made of this means of supply.
LORRY CONVOYS
Negotiations are in train for the purchase of lorries in Sweden which could enter Germany and be used to transport supplies for Lübeck to prisoner-of-war camps in northern Germany. These lorries burn wood. As Sweden is so abundantly supplied this is a great advantage, but we have undertaken to replace any tyres or oil which are used for this project, and also any petrol in the event of ordinary lorries being used as well as the wood-burning ones.
Similar projects have been examined for introducing supplies from Switzerland. The railways in south Germany are apparently so disorganised and clogged with traffic that the supply of wagons in Switzerland in not likely to help. It has been possible to proceed further with the supply of lorries. The Supreme Allied Command, who are, as it were, on the spot, are obviously in the best position to do whatever is possible. The British Government in the United Kingdom, as well as the Commonwealth and the United States Governments, in agreement with the respective national Red Cross organisation, have asked the Supreme Allied Command in France to carry on on their behalf all negotiations with the International Red Cross in these matters. Members will realise that nothing is likely to be achieved except through the good offices of the International Red Cross Committee.
One hundred lorries which were being used in France by the International Red Cross have been assembled in Switzerland, and they are now ready to enter Germany with food parcels. It is, however, impossible to proceed further without the agreement of the German authorities, and I do not yet know to what extent the steps which the International Red Cross are endeavouring to take will be in fact be acceptable to the Germans. I understand that a representative of their left Switzerland yesterday for Berlin in order to obtain the agreement which is necessary.
UNSPARING EFFORT
But I would like to assure the House that there will be no difficulty on the score of provision of lorries by the Supreme Allied Command. Indeed, 100 more lorries are ready to go into Switzerland at once if those which are there now are allowed into Germany, and arrangements have been made to supply petrol, oil, tyres and spare parts to Switzerland when they are needed. I should add that the British Red Cross War Organisation have authorised the International Red Cross Committee to incur on their behalf any expenditure which they consider necessary in connection with the care of our prisoners now in German hands.
I hope I have shown that the Government in this country, the Supreme Allied Command, and the British Red Cross are doing all in their power to see that any request from the International Red Cross for vehicles, fuel, or maintenance stores which can be effectively used to supply our prisoners is met, subject only to the condition that such assistance will not weaken the attack on Germany and so delay the conclusion of hostilities. I will give the House any further information I can at the earliest possible opportunity.
[Boxed] HAVE YOU MOVED?
If so, do not forget to notify the Army, Navy or R.A.F. authorities as well as the Red Cross of your change of address. [/boxed]
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4 The Prisoner of War MARCH, 1945
[Drawing] “We know how to cook”
BY NORMAN W. GOULD
ILLUSTRATIONS BY FLETCHER
YOU may not know it, but we prisoners of war are pretty good cooks. So would you be if you had been without the Gentle Ministering Hand for four years. Of course we are not the only ones. There are our traditional comrades on the home front – husbands of Service wives and other hairy citizens, who make aeroplanes by day and cook their own supper at night. Men who couldn’t be trusted to boil an egg, men who didn’t know a saucepan from a frying pan now boil the egg in the saucepan with perfect confidence. (When they can get the egg.)
We prisoners are proud to be in the vanguard of this movement. We have learned to keep our chins up in our prison kitchens; we shall be able to carry our heads no less high in our own homes. We have broken the tyranny of the Women’s Kitchen Front: WE KNOW HOW TO COOK!! For us it has been a bloodless victory; no woman has yet dared to invade our kitchens. (We have even jettisoned this effeminate word, the scenes of our culinary triumphs are known as cook-houses.) For the hairy aeroplane merchants we have great respect. Time after time they have successfully repelled the invasions of wives on leave. But what of the enemy within our ranks? The man who still has a woman in his kitchen. To those soft, overfed creatures – martyrs to the feminine Fresh Wholesome Food cult, we address this message: “Be a master in your own kitchen, free yourself from woman’s age-old tyranny: cook your own food!”
Take the Gestapo, the Ku Klux Klan, and a pinch of the British Secret Service. Roll them into one – a deep, dark and sinister combination, yet a mere crew of amateurs compared with the secret Sisterhood of British Housewives. For centuries we British males have been in the stranglehold of this organisation, weak tools in the hands of our unscrupulous women.
Napoleon knew all about it. He taught his soldiers to march on their stomachs. They got so stomach conscious that they took to cooking their own food when they got home again. To-day the finest cooks in the world are Frenchmen. No Frenchman cares two hoots if his wife does walk out of the house and kitchen, he can cook his own food. The poor, envious Englishman can’t even light the gas. Or rather, couldn’t.
Any foreigner who has been around will tell you that English cooking is the worst in the world. Plain and stodgy. But we liked it, because from birth we were stuffed with the S.B.H. propaganda about Fresh Wholesome Food. We were taught that tinned food is slow poison, we were lulled to sleep as children with tales of bachelors who lived on tinned salmon. Day after day it was dinned into us that no man was to be trusted with the preparation of food. In the end we believed it.
In four short years, we prisoners (together with our traditional comrades, the hairy aeroplane supper cookers) have achieved complete liberation. We started under a tremendous handi-
[Drawing of three men cooking]
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MARCH, 1945 The Prisoner of War 5
[Drawing of a man cooking on a stove, throwing a tin into a bin]
cap and we have had to overcome great obstacles.
Some idea of the magnitude of our task can be gained when we reveal that of the hundreds of thousands of letters that have poured into our camps, not one instance is recorded of a recipe being given. *
*This article was written before the issue of the Red Cross recipe book.
In the first dark year (1940) when we were groping for knowledge, a hardy pioneer made a cake from a packet of old pancake mixture (and not much else) and put it on display. In one day, in a spirit of true brotherhood, he answered 249 questions about cake-making and cooking generally. To-day any prisoner will don his boiler suit and mix a cake without thinking twice about it.
Symbolic of the revolution are the communal prison cook-houses. Eight, ten or even twelve men stand shoulder to shoulder stirring their porridge or stewing their prunes. Friendly advice is passed from one to the other; a haze of tobacco smoke hangs in the air. From time to time an empty tin is aimed with deadly accuracy at the bin. These are the men who are furthering the cause of culinary science. Already before the end of 1941 they had discovered six new ways of cooking potatoes: they are responsible for the introduction of crushed biscuits as a substitute for flour; by untiring research they have overcome the pink salmon problem, with no less than 22 different methods of disposing of this pest. Camp medical officers have been furnished with invaluable data on the treatment of boils.
No less successful have been our comrades on the home front. Business men have applied business efficiency methods to the kitchen. It has been found that by using the whole range of crockery, including the Sunday tea service, washing-up need only be done once every ten days, in place of the old method of washing up small units three or four times a day. The total saving of time and energy is of undoubted significance.
We prisoners are busy planning for the future. A committee of camp leaders has already adopted the Master Plan. Post-war reconstruction will leave us no time for the trivialities of the kitchen. Our Plan, the New London and the “Homes Fit for Farmworkers To Live In” schemes will engage our full attention. Our women will return to the kitchen.
Complacently we shall sit in the back seat – and tell them how to drive.
[Cartoon]
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6 The Prisoner of War MARCH, 1945
The Brighter Side
So many letters have been received in which the chief topic was Christmas Festivities that this month’s “Brighter Side” is devoted to their cheerful accounts of how Christmas was spent in the camps.
[Two photographs of people in a play] Two scenes from the lavish production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Which was produced at Stalag IXC.
A TYPICAL account of the way in which prisoners spent Christmas Day is given by a flight lieutenant in Stalag Luft 3, who writes: “I started the day by taking Holy Communion, and the rest of the day was spent eating excellent food and plenty of it supplied by the good old Red Cross.” The menu was:
Turkey
Roast and Mashed Potatoes
Peas Carrots
Christmas Pudding and Cream
Chocolate Tarts
Apple Tart
Christmas Cake
Dates, Sweets and Nuts
Coffee
“We had a film called ‘Male Animal’ featuring Henry Fonda and Olivia de Havilland, and the Christmas show put on by the boys was excellent.”
True to Army Tradition
In Oflag VA the “other ranks” had their Christmas on Boxing Day, and, as one prisoner puts it, “true to the British Army tradition, we were waited on completely – tea brought to our barracks I the morning and all carry fatigues done by officers.” The officers cleaned out the barracks, waited at table, and provided a full day’s entertainment. The weather was ideal: “10 degrees below in the morning and arm enough to sunbathe at midday.”
Padre Kept Busy
A padre in Stalag Luft 3 states that he has beaten all his previous records for services – and for parties. He took eight services in two days and attended nine parties. ”The carol services were very good. The midnight service was crowded to the doors of the theatre. I had a large Communion service in the theatre at 8 a.m. Christmas Day. I was so pleased all were well attended and appreciated.” There follows a staggering list of the food that was consumed at all the parties, and the padre did justice with a bumper feast on Boxing Day, “the most delightful meal for 4 1/2 years.”
Christmas Fare
Writing on Christmas Eve from Stalag 357, where food parcels had been arriving infrequently and were shared one between four men during the festive season, a prisoner says: “I am afraid the stocking is nearly empty this year, but we are going to make the best of things.” That they did is borne out by another prisoner’s letter, which insists: “All our saving was definitely worth it, although I am afraid we rather over-did things. Our stomachs could not quite cope with the Christmas pudding, but after a rather bilious afternoon I was tucking away merrily at tea-time and right through the evening.” Eight waggons of Canadian parcels arrived from Sweden just before Christmas, and the special British Christmas parcels arrived soon afterwards.
Our Wonderful Duff!
In Stalag 383 food was not so plentiful either, and their Christmas menu was, according to one letter, “Breakfast: two slices of bread and perhaps fried egg flakes and tea. Dinner: stew and our wonderful duff. Tea: two slices of bread and jam and our cake. Supper: the issue soup.” The decorations in one room at this camp were carried out with holly, evergreen and coloured paper.
Stalag IVB decorated their menu with greetings in all languages a week before Christmas, and IVG’s huts were decorated with streamers, lanterns and fans. IVF received decorations from Geneva, and IVB made hangings from tins and labels.
“A Christmas tree as high as the roof, helped to give a traditional touch to Christmas at Stalag 398; while Oflag 79 produced a tree from pine sprays and rowan berries, trimmed with coloured shavings.
Better Than Expected
Christmas in Oflag VIIB turned out even better than expected, because they were ordered by the German War Office to eat all the Red Cross food stocks by the middle of January. The entertainments are reported to have been good and very crowded. They included a “Fun Fair” and a “Toy Fair,” from which most of the actual toys went to civilian internee camps, musical evenings and carol singing.
At Oflag IVC they also had a carol service. In a panto., “Hey Diddle Snow White,” was written for the occasion. Snow-White was a blasé young lady, and the Fairy Queen arrived on the stage once by parachute and once by tank.
Cakes – a Speciality
In nearly every camp over Christmas they made cakes and the account of the one made in Stalag XIA is pretty typical: “The little combine of three with whom I share grub decided I must make a cake! I did! – ground-up biscuits, currants, jam, egg powder, prunes, powdered milk, marmalade and salt all went into it – a solid lump, believe me! We then decorated it, and although it was slightly heavy it went
(Continued on page 12)
[Boxed] Most of the paragraphs on this page refer to activities in the big base camps and it should not be assumed that they are typical of conditions in all camps or in outlying working detachments where facilities for sport and amusement are much fewer. [/boxed]
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MARCH, 1945 The Prisoner of War 7
Letters They Write Home
[Photograph of a group of men playing musical instruments] The dance band plays in the courtyard at Oflag IXA/H.
P.o.W. Craftsmen
Oflag VIIB. 30.11.44.
I DO wish you could see some of the absolutely staggering things which are being made in the camp. Some of the work is as fine as I shall ever see in my life. It is fantastic what is being done with the material available. For instance, in our mess we have a complete little kitchen range, made out of cocoa tins, and lovely brogue shoes are being made out of army boots. The wood-workers have got busy making looms which turn out scarves, ties, etc., in all kinds of patterns. The knitting too. I have never seen anything like it – sweaters, hats, rugs. Then there is the embroidery work which I would not have believed possible.
The theatrical world is doing great stuff. French Without Tears was excellent. But I do not know what we should do without our 50-piece orchestra who are responsible for prom. concerts. A change of programme every week – Saturday and Sunday. Just as well, for months now we have not been allowed out for an airing. I badly want a holiday.
Protection from Mud
Stalag 383. 12.11.44.
We have at last conquered that arch-fiend, mud! The place was inches deep in it after all the snow we had. It’s about an inch deep now.
Home-made mud-pattens laboriously carved out of wood raised about 2in. from the ground with 4in. shields of tin fore and aft have done the trick. You just buckle them on when you go out and your boots remain clean, polished, and above all dry. These things are a real craze here: you can hear them being made all over the place at all times of the day.
I’ve been feeling rather a fraud at meal times lately whenever I butter the bread for the five of us, as I dip into a whacking great 5lb. tin of the stuff, part of the fortnightly issue from the Argentine. Poor starving gefangeners! We are having a loaf baked up at the cook-house to-day, 2-3lb., and did it have a hammering! Should be good and certainly will be a nice change.
After Arnhem
Stalag IXC. 5.11.44.
I HAVE now got settled into work after our adventures in Holland. We were captured after a stiff battle at Arnhem. From there we went to another town in Holland and looked after our patients for about three weeks before being moved to Germany. We arrived after a long journey and had a wonderful reception, being met with cigarettes and a good meal. We rested for a day, and then I was sent with another M.O. to another hospital, where I was pleasantly surprised to find two friends.
I am in the best of health and am kept busy looking after quite a number of patients. We have a comfortable mess (there are nine of us) and good food from Red Cross parcels. I share a room with three other M.O.s, and we get along very happily together.
Putting on Weight
Stalag XVIIIA. Undated.
THINGS are about the same here – plenty of work in the woods, but still find time for our bit of sport. There was a grand game of football last Sunday-England v. Scotland-and, lo and behold, Scotland won 6-2.
Do you know when I joined the army my weight was 142lb? I’ve never gone below that, and now I’m 178lb. Yes, God bless the Red Cross.
A Poster Artist
Oflag 79. 29.9.44.
I AM busily engaged on internal publicity – mainly concerned with entertainments. I have also just finished eleven small and three large posters for a Red Cross Appeal Week scheme. I have also started a series of “interest” wall sheets – “Stop, Look, Listen” topic, and others, each dealing with one current and one post-war subject. I am so busy that the time is zipping by.
Keeping Shop
Stalag IVB. 25.11.44.
THINGS here are not too bad except that we are short of cigarettes and parcels. However, there are six of us in the office and four have received parcels, so we share cigarettes. Had a bulk issue this week, and I feel just like a shop-keeper behind the counter of a well-filled store dishing out groceries and cutting up cheese. I cut the cheese so well there are no makeweights!
Varied Activity
Oflag VIIB. 10.11.44.
WE have had snow for the past two days and are all preparing to hibernate for the winter! Coal is very short – much less than last year, which was less than the previous year.
We are still on half rations of Red Cross parcels, but a number of private parcels have come in recently.
The new conductor of the orchestra now holds weekly promenade concerts, and I very much enjoyed the first one last week-end, as I also did a show given by our orderlies and a choral and orchestral concert.
We have just had another number of our camp magazine Touchstone, in which there is an able article on land nationalisation.
No, I have not had any more parole walks or cinema visits. These were stopped by a higher authority in the autumn and for the main body of the camp have not been restarted.
The Feminine Touch
Stalag VIIIB. 17.12.44.
I THINK I will dare the Censor and give you an interesting letter. The subject – the village and the people in it amongst whom I have now lived for three and a half years. Commencing with the women … they age early; those engaged on the land begin to age at thirty! Whilst working they dress in old clothes no English Miss would be seen dead in; but on Sundays they are very neatly dressed and, indeed, do really know how to wear clothes. The older women wear rather long skirts, a cute little silk coatee that hangs loose behind, but is tucked into the skirt in front, and a shawl over head and shoulders.
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8 The Prisoner of War MARCH, 1945
[Photograph of a lovely garden with a wooden arch] A view of the garden in the Merchant Navy Section at Marlag und Milag Nord. The seeds were sent out through the Red Cross by the Royal Horticultural Society.
Thawing of an Icicle
Oflag 79. 20.11.44.
LAST week, but for the central heating, I would have surely become an icicle. The weather was very cold, with quite a bit of snow, and everyone went about wrapped up in overcoats and blankets.
One or two officers managed to produce furs, and adorned themselves with foxes and minks draped around their necks. I borrowed a beautiful-looking skunk, which I wrapped round my face. Very fetching. I also wore a muff – an old sock with no foot to it.
Then in the midst of our shiverings came the news that the central heating was coming on, and I flew to the nearest radiator. Sure enough it was warm, and as it became hotter so I discarded my apparel. Off came my skunk, my overcoat, my leather jacket, my battle-dress jacket, and my cardigan, and I was left with my woollen vest and two shirts.
It was a pleasure to thaw, and now I never wander very far from the radiator, which has also become my kitchen, heating up meats and puddings nicely and warming me inwardly.
Keeping Warm
Oflag IVC. 17.11.44.
I AM now an “usherette” for our theatre as well as being “second in command” for cinema, a very humble job, but something to keep one out of mischief.
They seem to be bringing quite a lot of fresh prisoners here, and you would laugh if you could see us all on parade. We wear anything to keep warm, and look like ladies from Lapland.
Tough Guy
Stalag IVB. 16.9.44.
THREE of us attend the weight-lifting class. We were all measured this morning; I have put on 1 1/4in. on my chest and 1in. on both biceps, also there has been a vast improvement in my wrists, forearms and legs. The heaviest weight I can lift above my head is 155 lb., which is good going, considering we have only been training for one month.
The instructor here has written to the Health and Strength Club and we have all been made members, so that we can continue physical training when we reach Blighty. Am told this is the only weight-lifting class in the P.o.W. camps in Germany.
Shifting Dirt
Stalag XIIIB. 19.11.44.
I MOVED here with about 150 others three weeks ago to-day on the first British working Commandos in this area. Apparently it is a fairly safe area from the point of view of the R.A.F. The nearest bomb was reported as five kilometres away. I can hardly believe it was as close as that, or the building where we live would have fallen down! I understand now there the term “Jerry-built” comes from, although this place was Russian P.o.W. built.
The job we are on is general labour on the construction of what appears to be a canal running parallel with a river; but I cannot imagine what the canal is for, and I hope I am not here long enough to find out. Shifting dirt from one place to another does not appeal to me as a pastime.
I had hoped at one time to be there in person to wish you a “Merry Christmas,” but I’m afraid that this will have to do. Save me a pudding, though, and a jar of mincemeat – it won’t have time to go bad.
Keeping Fit
Stalag IVF. 29.10.44.
ALL in all, things are pretty good everywhere – even here on our half parcels. We had some parcels from Stalag yesterday, enough until the middle of December. We notice the difference, of course, but we are still doing pretty well.
Football every week-end keeps us pretty fit, and the news keeps us cheerful. The German civilians here can’t make out why prisoners of war are always laughing and singing. They think the English are mad. So they are, I think!
From a Man of Confidence
Stalag 383. 12.12.44.
… HERE we are settling down once more for the winter. Things are not so good as they were with us, but nevertheless we have small reason to complain. We are still on half rations of Red Cross food, but that amount is a godsend to us and very precious.
Enthusiasm for educational work and theatrical entertainment keeps as high as ever. A record number of exams are being taken by our men here, and we are in the midst of them at present. Many of the chaps have done extremely well, and in two years our honours list is very gratifying. It is strange to raise pride in an Alma Mater in a P.o.W. camp, but nevertheless we do get the “old school tie” feeling, even for our Stalag school.
[Photograph of four men playing cards] A cosy game of cards at Stalag XVIIIA.
A Lengthy Move
Stalag VIIA. 10.9.44.
THE reason why I have been so long in writing is that we took three and a half weeks to go to our camp and correspondence was impossible. On our way we passed Munich and saw some nice towns and surroundings. Finally, we arrived at Augsburg, where our camp is situated.
I have plenty of mates as our whole company was captured in Italy. We are in a working camp (treatment so far in good) and we go out every day to different jobs and we are not too hard worked.
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MARCH, 1945 The Prisoner of War 9
In Full Dress
Oflag 79. 17.10.44.
WHAT a day! Have received my first parcel, dated June. Am now sitting in my new slippers, socks, shirt and a tie given me by a room friend who also got a parcel. It is the first time I have had a tie on for just over a year, and it feels wonderful! To-night I shall sleep in pyjamas instead of a vest and pants.
The parcel was absolutely marvellous, and could not have been packed better. I shared the chocolate with twenty of my friends who have given me some in the past. They all said how good it was.
All That Glitters …
Stalag IVB. 16.9.44.
I HAVE been reading quite a lot since I got here, having access to plenty of books.
This camp is situated well into the country so do not worry – I’m not getting into the R.A.F.’s way at all. We are able to follow the progress of the war although a little behind with the news.
The scene here resembles a tinsmith’s shop. The improvised tables are glittering with plates and mugs – you would be astounded at the extent of our improvisation. Anything and everything is made from tin – even clocks.
From a Theatre Enthusiast
Stalag 344. 12.11.44.
IT is a glorious mushroom season here in the forests, although the lovely red ones with white spots on that one imagines the pixies and gnomes to use at night are very poisonous.
We are going to have a very quiet Christmas here this time. Our loved ones at home will figure very largely in our thoughts and songs. We hope sincerely the doodles will not interfere with your own Christmas and that the New Year will bring the continued success of the companies, theatre and otherwise. (Referring to the Old Vic, and Sadler’s Wells.)
[Photograph of four men, one with boxing gloves] In a fighting mood at Stalag XXB.
[Two photographs of groups of men in uniform] Cheerful groups of men pose for a picture at Stalag XVIIA (right) and Stalag IVD (below).
All Kinds of Work
Stalag IVF. 24.12.44.
I AM miles away from any town of importance. There is only a small village three miles from us, and that is miles from any town. We never see any air raids, so never worry in that respect.
I am doing all kinds of work – roof repairing, joiner, blacksmith and painting on all quarry property at camp.
Music in Camp
Stalag XVIIA. 13.11.44.
We held a short Remembrance Service on Saturday, and at Sunday morning service the choir sang “Oh Valiant Hearts.”
We formerly had two C. of E. padres, viz., Rev. Price-Rees and Rev. J. Collins. The latter, a former Cambridge Blue, left about five days ago. He must have been well over six and a half feet tall, and he was very well liked here.
I received another of your most welcome letters. I think home letters are the “Bovril” in our camp life, which prevents “that sinking feeling.” Parcels have run out, so things are more or less unexciting at the moment.
Our last concert went well but I still have lots of ground to cover before I regain my former confidence in playing the piano before public gatherings. Still, after four years’ stagnation, I suppose this is not surprising. I have arranged the finale chorus of The Mikado for the next show, as the boys here seem to enjoy this opera most of all.
Food Production
Stalag 357. 20.11.44.
Sport is defunct at present. Reading and cards are the main items over and above the varied interests we all take up to try and keep the rust from the grooves. I have taken up maths., insurance and German grammar. Nothing much stays put though.
“Concoctions” is the over-powering topic now to spin out half-rations of food and tobacco. We are all fit and cheery.
[Boxed] SEND US YOUR PICTURES AND LETTERS
TEN SHILLINGS will be awarded each month to the senders of the first three letters from prisoners of war to be printed. Copies instead of the originals are requested, and whenever possible these should be set out on a separate sheet of paper, showing the DATES on which they were written. The Editor welcomes for other pages of the journal any recent NEWS relating to prisoners of war.
Ten shillings will also be awarded for photographs reproduced across two columns, and five shillings for those under two. Photographs should be distinct, and any information as to when they were taken is helpful.
Address: Editor, “The Prisoner of War,” St. James’s Palace, London, S.W.1. The cost of these prizes and fees is defrayed by a generous friend of the Red Cross and St. John War Organisation. [/boxed]
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10 The Prisoner of War MARCH, 1945
Official Reports from
[Photograph of the archway over an entrance to a courtyard] The courtyard at Oflag IVC where there have been no changes in the general layout of the camp since it was last visited in July, 1944.
OFLAG IVC, COLDITZ
Total strength of camp at time of visit was 239 officers and 51 other ranks, the total number of British prisoners of war being 200. There were no changes with regard to the general layout and interior arrangements of the camp since the last visit in July, 1944. The privileges promised by the camp commandant for further recreational facilities had not materialised. It has now been said that the chapel may be reopened.
There is a decided increase in the number of sick personnel, the most common symptoms being nervousness, insomnia and dyspepsia. There is a lack of medical and surgical equipment. British stocks are almost exhausted and the German supplies are inadequate.
(Visited October, 1944.)
STALAG IIA, NEUBRANDENBURG
This is a new camp and was visited for the first time. There are 253 American prisoners who were recently captured on the Western Front and 200 British N.C.O.s captured at Arnhem. It is situated in the vicinity of Neubrandenburg, about 70 miles north of Berlin. There are three barracks, of which two are at present partially occupied, and one serves as a reserve for expected new arrivals. There are slit trenches for protection from air raids.
Each barrack contains two sections. The sections are divided into 10 partitions, each partition holding 24 to 30 double-tier bunks, with hessian mattresses filled with wood shavings and two blankets for each man. There are tables and benches, and in each section one oven and one stove; between the sections there is a wash-room and a boiler for heating purposes. Hot showers are available once a week. Electric lighting is inadequate.
The cooking is done by French cooks in the camp’s central kitchen. The German rations are considered inadequate both in quantity and quality. The commandant agreed to detail American cooks to the kitchen. Red Cross supplies were exhausted at the time of visit.
The camp hospital was excellently equipped; the surgical section is under the care of a Polish doctor.
No Red Cross clothing supplies have arrived so far and many prisoners are badly in need of articles such as socks, shoes, underwear and greatcoats, Prisoners do their own laundry, but it will later be done by the camp laundry when that has been repaired.
There is no American or British chaplain. Prisoners of the Roman Catholic faith may attend Mass in the camp chapel, where a French priest officiates.
Although there is adequate recreational space there is a complete lack of sports equipment and so far the only physical exercise available has been walks. No incoming mail had been received at the time of visit. The visiting delegate was satisfactorily impressed with this camp; the German authorities appeared reasonable.
(Visited November, 1944.)
STALAG VIIA, MOOSBURG
The total strength of the camp at the time of visit was 11,688 prisoners of war, of whom 91 were British officers, 908 British N.C.O.s and 5,720 British other ranks.
Officers’ Section. – Two new barracks have been opened since the last visit and constitute a substantial improvement in the living arrangements. Officer are not allowed to meet other ranks in sport or entertainment activities. The prisoners have double-tier wooden bunks with straw mattresses. There is one recreation room with tables and benches. Heating arrangements are inadequate, and although there are stoves for the cooking of Red Cross food, the fuel supply is not sufficient. Each officer has one hot shower a week.
General state of health is good. Medical attention is given by a British medical officer when necessary.
There is a general shortage of clothing such as greatcoats, battledress and underwear. Officers have to wash their own socks and handkerchiefs as these articles are not accepted by the laundry.
Mail is still erratic. Complaint was made of a shortage of messing equipment. Only one bowl and one spoon has been issued to each officer.
This camp, it must be realised, is merely a transit camp for officers, and the inhabitants are all recent captures who are awaiting admission to a permanent oflag.
Other Ranks. – There have been no material changes in this section of the camp since the last visit in April. 1944. More wells have been dug, thus improving the water supply. There were no complaints regarding shortage of water during the summer. British cooks are now employed in part of the cookhouse. There were no complaints about the food.
The new arrivals are all recent captures from the Italian and Western Fronts and are without winter clothing.
Religious and recreational facilities are well organised and there were no complaints. There is good liaison with the German welfare officers. Concerts and shows are frequent.
The general state of health in the camp is satisfactory.
(Visited October, 1944.)
LABOUR DETACHMENTS
Dependent on Stalag VIIA
After the heavy bombardment of Munich a work detachment of about 1,400 men was formed for demolition work. The men have to travel for about three or four hours each day. They receive two meals in Munich and their full regular ration at Stalag. In the event of air attacks shelters are provided.
The Delegate held a meeting with the Men of Confidence from the following detachments:-
3911 Ludwig Ferdinandstr. Strength 571 prisoners of war.
3732 Hindenburgstr. 264.
3785 Pasing. 604.
3881 Laim. 101
3841 Schleissheimstr. 85.
3657 Res Lazaret Bad Tolz. 46.
3712 Schleirsee. 20.
3914 Wolfratschausen. 16.
also Nos. 1, 2 and 4 and 6 Railway Companies.
Since the last visit, the city of Munich has suffered several air raids. Up to the time of the visit there had been no British casualties. There are adequate air-raid shelters. The general conditions in all these detachments was reported to be satisfactory though here and there overcrowding occurs owing to destruction of barracks by fire bombs. The chief complaint by the medical officers was that several barracks were infested with vermin, chiefly fleas, but no lice.
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MARCH, 1945 The Prisoner of War 11
the Camps
[Photograph of a group of man in costume putting on a play] A play in progress at Oflag IVC, and (below) a corner of the gymnasium at Stalag VIIA, Moosburg.
[Photograph of men boxing training]
[Boxed] IN every case where the conditions call for remedy, the Protecting Power makes representations to the German authorities. Where there is any reason to doubt whether the Protecting Power has acted, it is at once requested to do so. When it is reported that food or clothing is required, the necessary action is taken through the International Red Cross Committee. [/boxed]
The state of health in all the detachments is reported as good. Further supplies of Red Cross clothing and shoes are badly needed. Draught beer is available in all detachments. The chaplain from the main stalag pays regular visits. Welfare work is well organised.
(Visited October, 1944.)
STALAG VIIA, GORLITZ
Strength of camp at date of visit was 1,225 British prisoners of war. 1,960 prisoners of war are scattered in 47 working detachments. There have been no changes in the material layout of the camp since the last visit in July and the interior arrangements are still satisfactory. There were no complaints about washing and bathing facilities.
This camp is now entirely out of stock of Red Cross parcels, but the men realise the difficulties of transport in the despatching of supplies and it was hoped that a new supply would arrive in the near future.
The Red Cross clothing position is reported to be good, the only shortage being small-size boots and jackets. There were 184 prisoners sick at the time of visit, but none of them seriously. The camp hospital is still run very satisfactorily by British medical officers and there was an adequate drug supply.
Recreational facilities are still very satisfactory. Rugby and football are played daily and there is physical training every morning and evening. The camp band was on tour to work detachments. English and American films are shown.
The discipline barrack mentioned in the last report was said to be more or less over-crowded and only a very few British prisoners of war awaiting court martial are being kept there.
Conditions at this camp remained very good and all possible support is received from the German authorities.
(Visited November, 1944.)
LABOUR DETACHMENTS
Dependent on STALAG VIIIA
No. 12403, Fellhammer. – 152 British prisoners of war work in a coal mine, of whom 102 work below ground. Accommodation has improved, in so far as a new recreation barrack has been built. The Man of Confidence complained that not enough disinfectant was being used and there are far too many fleas and lice. Clothing is short, especially trousers. Heating is inadequate, but the German authorities promised to issue a third blanket for each prisoner. Medical attention is given by a German civilian doctor, medical supplies were short.
No. 10003, Siegersdorf. – 34 British prisoners of war work in a tile factory for nine hours a day. every second Sunday is free. The only complaint was that the margarine ration had been cut. The German authorities promised to look into this matter, but it was feared that this cut is current all over Germany.
[Photograph of a group of four men] A group of prisoners of war at Stalag VIIIA Gorlitz, where conditions were reported good and recreational facilities satisfactory.
26 British prisoners of war at No. 11101, Weise, are employed in a stone quarry for nine hours daily, no work on Sundays. There were no complaints. At detachment No. 1102, Kerzdorf, 57 prisoners of war are employed in a cement works making blocks for houses. Saturday afternoons and Sundays are free. The prisoners had no complaints.
No. 14804, Konigshan.- 50 British prisoners of war are accommodated in a stone house in the small village of Konigshan. They are engaged in the repair and maintenance of railway lines. Working hours are 9 1/2 hours daily, with Saturday afternoons and Sundays free. Work is said to be hard, but can be managed by the prisoners.
There are double-tier beds and each prisoner of war has three German blankets. There is plenty of space in the house. Good light and air, the electric lighting is sufficient. The prisoners are
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12 The Prisoner of War MARCH, 1945
able to have a hot bath daily. Food is adequate and is cooked by the prisoners themselves. The only complaint was that they have had only horse meat issued to them, but it appears that the whole population of this area is having no other kind of meat.
There is one recognised medical orderly at this detachment. He is able to treat all minor ailments. Seriously ill prisoners are taken to hospital at Trautenau, where they are very well looked after. There is an urgent need of boots and greatcoats. Laundry is done by two prisoners who have every Saturday and Monday free to do the washing for the whole camp. In winter difficulty is experienced in the drying of the washing. The Germans have promised to issue more coal for this purpose.
Football is played regularly in a nearby field. There are plenty of indoor games and musical equipment. The general impression given to the delegate was that this is an excellent detachment.
No. 14808, Ober-Altstadt. – Strength of this detachment is 85 prisoners of war. They are accommodated in a large wooden barrack situated near a small village in the valley of the Riesengebirge. The men work in three different flax factories for 9 1/2 hours daily. Saturday afternoons and Sundays are free with the exception of some men who have to work every third Sunday. Full compensation is given in the week.
Twelve men sleep in each room. Each man has a cupboard to himself and has been issued with two German blankets. There is a very good washroom in the barrack with running water. Each man has a hot shower each week and if desired one can be had almost daily.
There is a large well-equipped kitchen with two large boilers and a good-size stove. The cooking is done by two British prisoners. The only complaint about the German rations was the quality of the meat. There had been no issue of Red Cross parcels for two weeks.
Medical treatment is not satisfactory as the German doctor is always too busy to examine the prisoners properly and the men have to rely on the medical orderly. The clothing situation is quite satisfactory except for boots and greatcoats. There is plenty of opportunity for football and indoor sports. The large messroom has been transferred into a theatre, which is much in use and very satisfactory. Mail is slack at present.
This working detachment which used to be so good has deteriorated since the appointment of a new commandant. A further commandant is to be appointed and it is hoped that the detachment will again flourish.
(Visited November, 1944.)
[Photograph of six men in uniform] Some prisoners at Stalag 317 (XVIIIC) where the total number of our men is 982. The interior arrangements here have not improved since the last visit in March, 1944.
STALAG 317 XVIIIC, MARKT PONGAU
The total number of prisoners in the stalag area is 982, of whom 713 are in the base camp and 269 in six labour detachments. The interior arrangements have not improved since the last visit in March, 1944. Many of the newcomers to the camp are without palliasses and have to sleep on the bare planks of wooden double-tier bunks. Working men are now able to get a hot bath on two extra evenings.
At the time of the visit the stock of Red Cross parcels was expected to last about two months. Stocks of Red Cross clothing are now practically nil owing to the outfitting of new arrivals.
The hospital is satisfactory and the three British medical officers work amicably with the German doctor. Laundry is done by the men themselves. There is a regular issue of soap.
Prisoners in the work detachments are engaged on surface work, building, demolition, road mending, etc. Men in the Stalag who work on Sunday mornings have Saturday afternoons free. There is a fair-size recreation field for sports and exercises. Four American films have recently arrived. Three have been shown and the fourth will be shown in the near future.
Mail is again coming in quite regularly.
The camp did not give a good impression to the visiting delegate. The former fair-minded commandant had been replaced by an East Prussian, who fails to exact the necessary authority from his subordinated. The visiting delegate met the British Men of Confidence from the six detachments. There were no serious complaints from any of them.
(Visited October, 1944.)
HOSPITAL, MEININGEN
The total number of patients in the hospital at the time of visit was 252 American and 160 British. The hospital staff numbered 60, making a grand total of 472 British and American prisoners of war. Since the last visit the hospital is now slightly overcrowded owing to an influx of new patients from Arnhem. The increased number of patients has resulted in more beds having to be put up in the various wards, but two new barracks are to be erected, replacing two smaller ones, which should improve conditions in all wards and rectify the overcrowding. A weekly hot shower is still available, but the existing number of washrooms is insufficient. A new barrack with washrooms and toilet facilities is also to be built.
The supply of fresh vegetables had increased greatly during the last few weeks and there were no complaints regarding food. There was six to seven weeks’ supply of Red Cross parcels, including invalid diet parcels.
As pointed out in the last report on this hospital, all the patients have been transferred from Obermassfeld for orthopaedic exercises. Experienced sports officers are daily directing courses of physical training, and artificial limbs are being made in the special well-equipped workshop. There is an adequate supply of drugs and medicines.
There is still no stock of upper clothing. Greatcoats and blankets are greatly in demand.
1,000 razor blades were recently received from the Germans, but otherwise there was nothing on sale in the canteen. The cigarette position is now bad for all prisoners of war, the German monthly issue having been stopped. Mail, which was bad at the time of the invasion, is now coming in again for long term prisoners of war.
The general impression of this hospital is till good. When the new barracks have been completed the overcrowding should be considerably decreased and conditions will be very satisfactory.
(Visited November, 1944.)
BRIGHTER SIDE (contd. from page 8).
down O.K.” One pudding at this camp weighed 22 lb.
Story with a Moral
“Here we are again with good news and a story with a moral.” Thus begins a letter from Stalag 344, which continues: “For the last two or three weeks our faces were growing longer and longer as Christmas approached and Red Cross receded. As we did not expect - or get – anything, it was a blue outlook.” Then the parcels began at last to arrive – a small issue on the Saturday morning, and a larger one in the afternoon. So the writer was able to report: “Everyone has that cheerful feeling only to be succeeded by that day to come.”
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MARCH, 1945 The Prisoner of War 13
More Come Home
[Photograph of a group of men in uniform] Some of the first repatriates to step ashore from the Arundel Castle which brought 764 of them home early in February.
WHEN the ship loomed slowly into sight out of the Merseyside mists her whiteness made the scene almost unreal. Gradually the large red cross and the lettering on her side became discernible. Then as the tugs brought her with painful slowness to the quayside, the rows of men on every vantage point aboard could be seen. When the silence had become almost unbearable, they broke suddenly into a full-throated cheer, the echo of which was taken up by the famous warbling call from the Australians. The military band played familiar tunes and the singing of those on the landing stage mingled with the voices from the ship.
Greetings from the shore were short and to the point. We were delighted to have the men back again. They would be conveyed to their destinations as speedily as possible. That was all they were really anxious to know. Every sentence of welcome spoke into the microphone was echoed back with an answering cheer from the ship – particularly loud when the magic word “home” was voiced.
Later, on board, the 764 repatriates ceased to be a cheering, excited mass and separated into their varying personalities, each with his own personal hopes and fears. These were the men lost to England on the fighting retreat to Dunkirk, at the Salerno landings, in the air over Germany and at Arnhem. Now they had returned, some after a captivity lasting five years.
They were eager for news, eager to tell of their experiences. Smiles were the order of the day. When you saw the expression on a man’s face, his injuries mattered no longer. Often the greater his incapacity, the broader seemed his grin. This was the moment for which they had been waiting for so long. Their patience while they waited their turn to go ashore was remarkable, as they listened for the cheerful and efficient announcements over the ship’s radio for “Such and Such” to report on “C” deck ready to disembark.
An R.A.F. Warrant Officer, who recounted proudly that he had been taking part in the famous raid on the Dortmund-Ems Canal when his aircraft was shot down, said that he had been an expert in feminine make-up for shows in Stalag Luft I, III, VI, VII. He expected people in Oldham would find him “different” after five years away, but was reassured to the contrary.
A young Pole with a particularly beaming smile who was bound for a hospital in Scotland to have an artificial limb fitted, said that the loss of a leg would in no way hamper him in his profession, which was law.
A lieutenant from Oflag 79 spoke enthusiastically of the small daughter who had been described to him in letters, but whom he had not yet seen. His home was in Surrey, and he asked keen questions about flying bomb damage.
Many repatriated naturally wanted news of flying bombs and rockets from the “receiving” end. These weapons had been so highly propagandised by the Germans that our humorous term “doodles” and buzz bombs, which were new to many, seemed almost flippant.
There was one big fact, however, which the Germans could not hide from our men, and that was the work of the R.A.F. Quite apart from any experience they may have had in camp of the raids, they were able to see for themselves through the carriage windows as they journeyed across Germany the mile upon mile of devastation.
Many had brought themselves up to date with news of this country in their chats with the six British Red Cross and St. John – and one Australian Red Cross – welfare officers, and the eight nurses of Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service, who cared for those too ill to be up and about. These women with their Red Cross comforts and the canteen which had supplied 200,500 cups of tea during the voyage had been the first link with home, and this had obviously meant a very great deal. Enthusiastic signed tributes were received on behalf of the repatriates by these welfare officers and more than £100 was given in donations as expressions of gratitude. B.C.S.
[Boxed] How They Help
In addition to those mentioned below, we wish to thank the many kind readers whose help to the funds this month we cannot find room to record here individually. [/boxed]
THE annual dance and whist drive held by the wardens of “A” district, Northwood, was well supported, and a lively account of the proceedings related that “during a break from dancing the guests allowed a mysterious ‘Mr. S.’ to hold one of his unique ‘sales of work,’ when he disposed of an assortment of goods at amazing prices. This gentleman seems to work on a system that extracts money from willing bidders at £2 per minute, as in half an hour he ‘took’ £52 from a very generous audience, so bringing the total for the evening to £143.”
Wardens at Post 22, Turpens Lane, Chigwell, have helped, too, with another donation, and the Rattery Platoon (Devon) of the Home Guard arranged whist drives and a dance from which they made £55 11s., thereby achieving £112 in all to help our prisoners of war. Whist drives for which Mr. J.C. Gendenning, of Brampton, Cumberland, was responsible, have brought in the handsome amount of £219 14s., while the Swinton branch of the British Legion send £12 3s. 6d., a further gift.
£2 7s. 6d. has come from Mrs. Peck, of Sheffield, who sold a glass bowl and stand, and £3 as a Christmas present for her son who has been a prisoner for three years from Mrs. Bromham, of Addiscombe. Miss Davies, of Leeds, who has two nephews who are prisoners of war, has realised an average of £1 5s. each month for the last twelve months by means of eggs!
A cheque forwarded from some thirty members of the Rowley Regis Areas of the British Prisoners of War Relatives Association, with the amount previously subscribed since March, 1943, adds up to £700, and money to cover the cost of 418 food parcels was raised from a New Year’s concert arranged by Mr. A.G. Baxter at the Odeon Theatre, Llandudno, among the artists being Clive Richardson and Tony Lowry of the B.B.C.
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14 The Prisoner of War MARCH, 1945
Football in the Camps
[Photographs of football teams from STALAG 344, STALAG XXB, STALAG 383, STALAG XVIIA, STALAG IXC, B.B.AB. 21 and OFLAG VIIB.]
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MARCH, 1945 The Prisoner of War 15
Personal Parcels Man
A P.o.W. at Stalag 357 Describes his Work
[Photograph of five men in greatcoats] These five prisoners of war at Stalag IVA act as postmen.
I BUSY myself with the affairs of the R.A.F. here, who number some 3,200 men. This means that their interests at all times must be cared for, whether it be a question of food parcels or private parcels. It signifies little on paper, but I can assure you that many problems rendered here would tax the tactfulness of Solomon himself.
We manage to get to work before the others go on roll-call as our parcel office is situated outside the compound, in what is called the Vorlager, which adjoins, but is separated from the compound. Here our office deals with all the personal parcels which arrive at the camp. The parcels are coming in very well, but we expect a hold-up shortly due to the parcel route closing in July and August. They are sorted into the various sections, listed, and the lists sent round the camp informing the lucky individuals when to collect them. The parcels are then pushed on a two-wheeled cart into he compound and opened and searched by the Germans in a central room.
When They Move
Our other department deals with parcels which belong to individuals who, for some reason or other, are no longer with us. As previously reported, the whole of Stalag Luft 6 did not come here with us, and, as most of the parcels addressed to Luft 6 arrive at this camp first, this department is kept very busy.
It is also our duty to report any parcels which have been damaged en route, and, believe me, there are quite a number. Sacks of parcels sent on by other Stalags have lists inside them telling us the number of parcels contained therein and it is our duty to ensure that everything is all right, sign the receipt and return to the Stalag concerned. If anything untoward has happened to the sack a report must be made to the P.O.
Book Censorship
Book parcels are dealt with in a different way. These are not allowed in the compound until such time as they have been censored. We therefore open the parcel, and prepare the book for censoring, and take them to the censor. This officer controls all matter (printed) which is destined for the compound. He is assisted in his work by three ladies and a few men, and everything that concerns parcels or books is reported to this office either by the German in charge of our department or by myself. My face is becoming known here as it was previously at the Luft camps.
How Parcels Arrive
The sacks of personal parcels arrive by two distinct means. Some come by rail to the station, and we collect them by motor. Recently, however, it has been very hard to obtain a motor so we have had to perform this task by hand-cart. The others come by post and we collect them from the local post-office on the hand-cart.
The personnel at both of these4 sources are beginning to know me now, and the job of collecting parcels, although quite hard, is most enjoyable. A better knowledge of customs and language is obtained, and the chance of my becoming a victim of barbed-wire fever is very remote. One of the fair sex even went to the extent of calling me a funny man, but it might even mean that I have developed a “Stalag-happy” complex. This is a current expression now in use.
December 3rd, 1944.
[Photograph of a knitted scarf]
Knit This Practical Scarf
IN MOSS STITCH
[Instructions for knitting a scarf]
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16 The Prisoner of War MARCH, 1945
Camp Transfers
Statement on February 13th
TWELVE camps, whose numbers are given below, have either been over-run by the Soviet Forces or are in their direct path. There were about 60,000 prisoners from the British Commonwealth in these camps.
Following are the camps:-
Stalag IIB, Stalag IID, Stalag IIIB, Stalag IIIC, Stalag 344, Stalag VIIIB, Stalag VIIIC, Stalag XXA, Stalag XXB, Stalag Luft III, Stalag IV, Stalag Luft VII.
Information given in the House of Commons on February 22nd
AS regards the movements of camps in Eastern Germany, the present position, according to the latest information available, is as follows:
Stalags XXA, XXB and IIB are moving through the Province of Mecklenburg. Some are being moved by rail.
From Stalag Luft III 2,000 British and American prisoners of war have been transferred to Stalag IIIA, at Luckenwalde; 2,000 to Marlag und Milag Nord (near Hamburg); 2,000 to Stalag XIIIC, east of Frankfurt-on-Main, and 4,000 to Stalag VIIIA in Bavaria.
Prisoners of war from Stalags VIIIA and VIIIC are moving through Saxony. A number of prisoners unfit to travel are being moved from Stalag VIIIA by rail.
Some prisoners from Stalag Luft IV are reported to be at Usedom, near Swinemunde on the Baltic.
Stalag Luft VII was reported to be near Spremburg, from where the prisoners are to be transferred to the neighbourhood of Nuremburg and Moosburg in Bavaria.
Stalag VIIIB is reported to be moving towards Aussig, south of Dresden.
The final destination of the prisoners transferred from the above camps is not yet known.
War Office Statement, February 26th
Four thousand British and American sick have left Lamsdorf (Stalag 344) for a destination in Germany as yet unknown. Fit prisoners from Stalag 344 are on the march between Boemisch Lippa and Carlsbad.
Prisoners from Stalag VIIIA are dividing: part are proceeding towards Cassel, part to Nuremburg, while prisoners from Stalag VIIIC are moving – some towards Hanover, others towards Cassel. Advance parties are already nearing their destination.
PARCELS
For P.o.W.s Formerly in Camps in Easter Germany and Poland
THE Postmaster-General announces that PARCELS should not now be sent to British prisoners of war formerly in the camps (including associated labour detachments and hospitals) in Poland and Eastern Germany mentioned below until new addresses are received either through official notification to the next of kin from letters from the men themselves.
LETTERS for these prisoners can continue to be posted addressed to the last-known camp address.
The camps in question are:-
Stalag IIB
Stalag IID
Stalag IIIA
Stalag IIIB
Stalag IIIC
Stalag IIID
Stalag VIIIA
Stalag VIIIB
Stalag VIIIC
Stalag XXA
Stalag XXB
Stalag XXID
Stalag 344
Stalag Luft III, Luft IV, Luft VIII
B.A.B. 20 B.A.B. 21
Oflag 64
The Post Office will despatch, as the opportunity offers, next of kin parcels for those camps which have already been repacked and reposted by the British Red Cross, and also parcels of cigarettes, tobacco, etc., posted by holders of censorship permits in expectation that they will be redirected by the German authorities.
In order, however, not to add to the difficulties of redirection, the British Red Cross will return to the senders any next of kin parcels for these camps which have not been reposted, and the public should not place further orders with holders of censorship permits as parcels sent by this means cannot be returned.
In the case of other camps, next of kin and “permit” parcels as well as letters can continue to be sent for the time being. Readers are advised to look out for further official announcements.
Labels and Coupons
In view of the G.P.O. announcement, no more labels and coupons will be issued for the time being to the next of kin of prisoners whose last address was that of one of the camps mentioned. This applies to first and later issues.
A postcard will be sent to the next of kin of men in these camps whose parcels were despatched shortly before February 16th, giving the date of despatch and explaining the position.
Next of kin already holding labels and coupons for men in these camps should keep them until a new address is known. They are advised to consult the P.o.W. Department before despatching any further parcels and to look out for further official announcements by the General Post Office.
[Boxed] NUMBER PLEASE.
Please be sure to mention your Red Cross reference number whenever you write to us. Otherwise delay and trouble are caused in finding previous correspondence. [/boxed]
Y.M.C.A. SPORTS MEDALS
The British Man of Confidence at Stalag IVA has written to inform the mother of a lance-corporal there that the Y.M.C.A. Sports Medal has been awarded to her son “who has organised football under difficult conditions and has striven week after week to keep the ‘lads’ at the game. He demonstrated his sportsmanship and love of the game in a recent ‘England v. Scotland’ match. He captained the losing team (England) and, as a token of goodwill, presented his Regimental Cap Badge to the captain of the winning side. A cap badge to a soldier in captivity is his most treasure possession. Such spirit as his puts Britain where she is in the world of sport…”
P.o.W. Exhibition Catalogues
Those who may still wish to obtain a copy of the catalogue as a souvenir of the Prisoners of War Exhibition which was held in London last year should send 7d. to cover cost and postage as soon as possible to-
Mr. Tomlins, Red Cross and St. John War Organisation, Publicity Department, 24, Carlton House Terrace, London, S.W.1.
Gift from Woolwich
The British Armaments Inspection Department at Woolwich is helping to provide weekly food parcels for prisoners of war. They have already sent Red Cross a cheque for £100, with their good wishes and their target is £500.
County Representatives
Please note the following change:-
DEVONSHIRE.- Mrs. Geoffrey Tomes, B.R.C.S. Office, Prudential Chambers, Exeter.
[Boxed] FREE TO NEXT OF KIN
This journal is sent free of charge to those registered with the Prisoners of War Dept. as next of kin. In view of the paper shortage no copies are for sale, and it is hoped that next of kin will share their copy with relatives and others interested. [/boxed]
PRINTED IN GREAT BRITAIN for the publishers, THE RED CROSS AND ST. JOHN WAR ORGANISATION, 14, Grosvenor Crescent, London, S.W.. by THE CORNWALL PRESS LTD., Paris Garden, Stamford Street, London S.E.1.
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Title
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The Prisoner of War March 1945
Description
An account of the resource
The official journal of the Prisoners of War Department of the Red Cross and St John War Organisation. This edition covers the Editors comments, the transport of food parcels, Emergency supplies for the camp, POW cooking, articles about Christmas in the camps, letter written by POWs for home, Official reports from the camps, More Come Home -repatriates returning, charitable donations, photographs of camp football teams, a POW postman who deals with parcels and a knitting pattern for a scarf.
Date
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1945-04
Format
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16 printed sheets
Language
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eng
Type
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Text
Identifier
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MCurnockRM1815605-171114-022
Coverage
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Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Cyprus--Famagusta
Switzerland--Geneva
Germany--Berlin
Netherlands--Arnhem
Germany--Colditz
Germany--Neubrandenburg
Germany--Munich
Germany--Görlitz (Görlitz)
Germany--Meiningen
Germany--Obermassfeld-Grimmenthal
Great Britain
England--Merseyside
England--Oldham
England--Surrey
Germany--Lübeck
Germany--Barth
Poland
Poland--Łambinowice
Poland--Tychowo
Poland--Żagań
Germany--Moosburg an der Isar
Ukraine--Odesa
Germany
Cyprus
Netherlands
Switzerland
Ukraine
England--Lancashire
Creator
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Great Britain. Red Cross and St John war organisation. Prisoners of war department
Publisher
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IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
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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
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Anne-Marie Watson
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1945-04
aircrew
arts and crafts
entertainment
faith
forced labour
prisoner of war
Red Cross
sanitation
sport
Stalag 3A
Stalag 8B
Stalag Luft 1
Stalag Luft 3
Stalag Luft 4
Stalag Luft 6
Stalag Luft 7
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/501/22561/MCurnockRM1815605-171114-015.2.pdf
4b8c09d0d782ffa1333593f4d4f663f1
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Title
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Curnock, Richard
Richard Murdock Curnock
R M Curnock
Publisher
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IBCC Digital Archive
Identifier
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Curnock, RM
Date
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2016-04-18
Rights
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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.
Description
An account of the resource
92 items. An oral history interview with Warrant Officer Richard Curnock (1924, 1915605 Royal Air Force), his log book, letters, photographs and prisoner of war magazines. He flew operations with 425 Squadron before being shot down and becoming a prisoner of war.
The collection has been licenced to the IBCC Digital Archive by Richard Curnock and catalogued by Barry Hunter.
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The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
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The Kriegie June 2001
Description
An account of the resource
News-sheet of the RAF ex-POW Association. This edition covers The Bomber War book review, Branch reports from East Anglia and the South West, details of the ex-Services Referral Agency providing support, the cash handout to Far East POWs, 40 Squadron history, Obituaries, Book reviews, the 40th Association AGM, future events, a low pass over a golf course, Recco reports on ex-POWs, requests for help for books and TV, the Association's accounts and the Larry Slattery Memorial fund and finally two photographs at Fallingbostel camp.
Creator
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The RAF ex-POW Association
Date
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2001-06
Format
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12 printed sheets
Language
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eng
Type
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Text
Identifier
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MCurnockRM1815605-171114-015
Coverage
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Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
United States Army Air Force
Wehrmacht. Luftwaffe
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Germany--Barth
Greece--Eleusis
Greece--Crete
Greece--Maleme
Great Britain
England--Bristol
France--Normandy
England--Plymouth
England--Stafford
England--London
England--Brighton
England--Newquay
Canada
Alberta--Edmonton
Italy--Parma
Italy--Piacenza
Italy--Brindisi
Albania
Greece--Thessalonikē
France--Saint-Nazaire
Scotland--St. Andrews
Great Britain Miscellaneous Island Dependencies--Isle of Man
Germany--Bremen
France--Le Havre
Germany--Wilhelmshaven
France--Lorient
Croatia--Rijeka
Germany--Frankfurt am Main
France--Dunkerque
Germany--Bad Fallingbostel
Italy
France
Alberta
Germany
Croatia
Greece
England--Cornwall (County)
England--Devon
England--Gloucestershire
England--Staffordshire
England--Sussex
Publisher
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IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
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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.
10 Squadron
103 Squadron
35 Squadron
40 Squadron
57 Squadron
77 Squadron
9 Squadron
aircrew
B-17
B-24
bale out
Blenheim
bomb aimer
bombing
bombing of Dresden (13 - 15 February 1945)
C-47
Catalina
Distinguished Flying Medal
Dulag Luft
escaping
flight engineer
Fw 190
ground personnel
H2S
Halifax
Harris, Arthur Travers (1892-1984)
Heavy Conversion Unit
Hitler, Adolf (1889-1945)
Hurricane
Ju 88
Lancaster
Me 110
medical officer
memorial
mess
Mosquito
navigator
Nissen hut
Operational Training Unit
P-51
Pathfinders
Photographic Reconnaissance Unit
prisoner of war
RAF Abingdon
RAF Elsham Wolds
RAF Halton
RAF Hemswell
RAF Henlow
RAF Jurby
RAF Leeming
RAF Lindholme
RAF Lyneham
RAF Melbourne
RAF St Athan
RAF Uxbridge
Red Cross
shot down
Spitfire
sport
Stalag Luft 1
Stalag Luft 3
Stalag Luft 4
Stalag Luft 7
the long march
Tiger Moth
training
Wellington
Whitley
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/501/22545/MCurnockRM1815605-171114-013.1.pdf
02ecffc5d25beadfdc92ed9105027c18
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
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Curnock, Richard
Richard Murdock Curnock
R M Curnock
Publisher
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IBCC Digital Archive
Identifier
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Curnock, RM
Date
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2016-04-18
Rights
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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.
Description
An account of the resource
92 items. An oral history interview with Warrant Officer Richard Curnock (1924, 1915605 Royal Air Force), his log book, letters, photographs and prisoner of war magazines. He flew operations with 425 Squadron before being shot down and becoming a prisoner of war.
The collection has been licenced to the IBCC Digital Archive by Richard Curnock and catalogued by Barry Hunter.
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
THE CANADIAN PRISONERS OF WAR RELATIVES ASSOCIATION
NEWS SHEET
[Drawing]
President
MRS J. O . ASSELIN, M.B.E.
Vice-President
E. A. MACNUTT, C.B.E.
Hon. Secretary
MRS. E. I. BAROTT
Hon Treasurer
MAJOR F. S. MOLSON
Honorary President
MRS. VINCENT MASSEY
Honorary Vice-Presidents
Wing Officer W. WALKER, M.B.E.
HON CHARLES G. POWER
R. A. LAIDLAW
Editor – HAZEL WANKLYN
News Sheets No. 42 150A Sun Life Building, Montreal, P. Q. May 1945
VICTORY IN EUROPE
In September 1939, Europe was plunged into a war of unprecedented destruction and brutality. A war fought not between armed forces alone but bringing devastation and death to civilians and unprotected cities.
To combat an enemy such as Germany, prepared for war in every phase both material and mental, the Allied Nations were forced to reconstruct in the shortest possible time their production programmes, their economic system and the entire point of view of their peace-loving populations. During this period of change-over, many European countries were over-run and dominated by the enemy. Then, the Allied war machine started moving relentlessly, resolutely and undefeatable it assaulted the fortressed European shores; France, Belgium, the Netherlands were freed and our victorious armies moved forward into Germany. Today their task is done, in the midst of ruined cities that once were proud European capitals, Germany lies, defeated – utterly and irrevocably.
What does Victory in Europe mean to the world? It means the end of the first phase of World War II, the liberation of hundreds of thousand [sic] of Allied prisoners of war and civilian internees; it means the end of fear and anxiety for the families of these prisoners; it also means the tragic realization that thousands of Canada’s finest young men will never come home. It means a moment of jubilant rejoicing before the full Allied recourses are brought into force in the Pacific area to crush the Japanese with the same unconditional thoroughness. Mr. Churchill has told us that “this is only time for a momentary pause” which is an apt reminder of the task still ahead of us, for no Victory can be complete until our men in the Far East are restored to their homes and World Peace is no longer a dream but a reality.
[Page break]
2 THE CANADIAN PRISONERS OF WAR RELATIVES ASSOCIATION May 1945
EDITORIAL NOTES
All Correspondence to the Association should be addressed to the Secretary, Mrs E. I. Barott, C.P.O.W.R.A., 150-A Sun Life Building, Montreal. Relatives are invited to submit their problems and difficulties which will receive prompt and sympathetic attention.
[Underlined] IN MEMORIAM [/underlined]
With the death of President Roosevelt which came as a tragic shock to the world, the United States has lost a great leader, the Allied Nations a great champion of the cause for which they are fighting, and Canada a well-loved friend.
To the family of the late Franklin Delano Roosevelt and to the American people, we offer our deep and sincere sympathy.
R.C.A.F. TO WELCOME LIBERATED P.O.W. AIRMEN IN ENGLAND
According to a Reuters despatch, when the 2,500 Canadian airmen who have been prisoners of war in Germany are released, they will find a warm welcome waiting for them in England, organized by the R.C.A.F., a forerunner of the one they will receive in Canada.
They will be provided with a double ration of food while convalescing in Great Britain as well as new clothing.
Entertainment will not be lacking at the south coastal town of Bournemouth, the headquarters of the “Welcome Project”.
Liberated prisoners will recover their personal belongings at a reception and distribution centre, and finally they will be given two weeks furlough with free rail transportation to anywhere in England, Scotland or Northern Ireland.
CANADIAN PRISONERS FREED
All Canada rejoices at the news of the liberation of Canadian prisoners of war in Germany. The number of freed prisoners increases daily until now almost all camps have been heard from either through individual prisoners escaping or the entire camp being liberated.
The total number of Canadian prisoners freed by May 1st was over a thousand but this number is growing so rapidly that it is reasonable to hope that before long all allied prisoners of war in Germany will be free men.
The Department of National Defence has announced that all available information is wired to next of kin within a matter of hours after it is received at Defence Headquarters but that since all information is carefully checked before being relayed to relatives there is in some cases an unavoidable delay and the prisoner himself is able to communicate with his family before the Government has sent an official notification.
There are still many Canadian prisoners who have not been heard from and to their families we would point out that as the number of freed prisoners increases the transmission of news becomes slower.
PRISONERS OF WAR AT DUNKIRK RECEIVE SUPPLIES
On the 26th of March, during the fighting around Dunkirk, a truce was arranged, with a delegate of the International Red Cross as intermediary, so that supplies of food, medicine and clothing could be sent to 105 civilian allied prisoners of war in that city.
Canadians numbering 48 were amongst the prisoners; parcels were distributed to all allied prisoners without discrimination and sufficient supplied were sent in to last until the end of May.
[Page break]
May 1945 THE CANADIAN PRISONERS OF WAR RELATIVES ASSOCIATION 3
ASSEMBLY CENTERS [inserted] I was there [underlined] Eugene [/underlined] [/inserted]
Many prisoners evacuated from camps in eastern Germany have already reached Stalag VII A. This camp and Stalag [underlined] XIII D, near Nurnburg, [/underlined] appear to be two of the main points of assembly for prisoners of war evacuated along the central route. The prisoners moved along the central route were from camps in the Leipzig-Berlin-Dresden areas. Stalag VII A is accordingly being used as an assembly center for Red Cross supplies going in by train and truck convoys from Switzerland, whence it is planned to transport them by truck to camps and hospitals throughout central Germany. Each American truck carries approximately 6 tons of food packages, medical supplies, soap, and shoe repairing materials.
All shipments of prisoners of war relief supplies into Germany in the past (except those warehoused in Lubeck) have been specifically earmarked for particular camps, as well as for prisoners by nationality. Under the conditions now prevailing, however, this method of operation is no longer possible. In camps and on the roads, Allied prisoners are now all mixed up, and the impelling need is to get food and medical supplies to them as promptly and in as large amounts as possible, without regard to nationality. All Allied governments and Red Cross societies, as well as the Swiss and Swedish authorities, are cooperating wholeheartedly in meeting the emergency.
GERMAN RECORDS SEIZED
On April 19th it was announced through the Associated Press that the American Third Army had captured the complete records of all Allied prisoners taken by the Germans since the outbreak of the War.
The records contain the latest whereabouts of Allied war prisoners, their dates of capture and other data. Prisoners who have died in camp are listed as are those wounded when taken.
At the time of going to press, the list was still in Europe and had not yet been made public.
STALAG LUFT I
“THE EASIEST CAMP IN GERMANY”
According to a prisoner of war recently repatriated from Stalag Luft I, this was the easiest camp in Germany. Thanks to the Red Cross, all the prisoners at Luft I were adequately clothed, having winter underclothes, shirts, uniform and an overcoat. The food situation was also good, again thanks to the Red Cross.
Living quarters were cramped but even so conditions were better than in most camps. Clean sheets and pillow cases were issued about every three or four weeks.
The Library, containing both fictional and technical books, was constantly being augmented from personal book parcels which, owing to the ease of censorship, got through fairly regularly.
The biggest grouse in the camp was over the length of time mail took to get through. The average being 8 to 12 weeks, with 12 to 16 weeks not uncommon. Personal parcels and cigarettes also took a long time, but quite a large proportion did finally arrive.
PROPOGANDA BROADCASTS
The closing of camps in eastern Germany and Poland since the middle of January has revealed that broadcasts from Berlin of messages from American prisoners of war are, in many cases at least, collected several weeks before broadcasting. Many messages from American prisoners of war in Oflag 64 were broadcast from Berlin late in February, although the man from that camp were moved on January 21. None of these messages gave any indication that the camp might soon be closed.
Any next of kin receiving a broadcast message, therefore, should assume that us was written by the prisoner at least a month or six weeks before being put on the air. It is also well to keep in mind that these messages are broadcast for propaganda purposes.
[Page break]
4 THE CANADIAN PRISONERS OF WAR RELATIVES ASSOCIATION May 1945
[Photograph of a Memorial to airmen]
MEMORIAL AT STALAG LUFT III
By
F/Lt. John R. Mason
Since my return to Canada from Stalag Luft III last February, I have learned of the many articles written about the “big break” in that camp little more than a year ago. Those who wrote the articles seem to have had first hand information, they may have been participants, probably bystanders. What information I could glean came from those who had planned and worked; even then I could get it only with much reticence on their part.
Having been part of this gallant gesture, these same boys were not content to forget their comrades but carried their names to posterity in a very edifying memorial. In the accompanying photograph you will realize the amount of work and skill that entered into this cairn. The tablets standing on top of the cairn bear the names of each of those heroes of Sagan. I was unfortunate enough not to know the story from the beginning, but fortunate enough to see the cairn built, the stones carved and to learn of the finish of the monument followed later by a very impressive memorial service.
Every man in camp wanted to be present but only a few were privileged to attend the service. Seven officers from Belaria, seven from the East compound, and sixteen from the North compound, including the Senior British officers, the Senior Canadian officer, two Padres and a bugler were there. The cemetery is about 1 1/2 miles from the camp and the parade marched there after assembling from the various compounds. The procession moved into the cemetery, around the circular path and paused before the memorial, where after a service by both the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Padres, and the playing of the last post, the three Group Captains placed wreaths. A rather nice gesture was that by a member of the Swiss Legation who also placed a very large wreath on the Cairn.
Up to this time the entire camp had been in mourning and each man carried a black silk diamond on his sleeve. After the ceremony these were removed. This was December 4th, 1944.
[Page break]
May 1945 THE CANADIAN PRISONERS OF WAR RELATIVES ASSOCIATION 5
NEWS FROM ENGLAND
We are indebted to the Scottish Branch B.R.C.S. and the B.P.O.W.R.A. for the following information.
P.O.W.’s WELCOME R.A.F. RAIDS “SWEET MUSIC”
A picture of how our prisoners of war react to Allied bombing of Germany is given by a repatriated New Zealand pilot, Flight-Leut. Wally Mulligan, in an interview in the New Zealand Free Lance.
“The boys get a terrific kick out of it,” was this young airman’s description of hearing our bombers roaring past Stalag Luft III, where he was imprisoned. “Actually the first daylight bombers we saw were Americans. And how the chaps cheered as they swept by to attack a nearby Focke-Wulf factory! They did a beautiful job on it too.”
“Stalag Luft III is in an area approximately a hundred miles from the German capital”, continues the Free Lance interview, “and Wally Mulligan told me that in the big night-bombing raids by planes of the R.A.F. Bomber Command the prison huts would shake and tremble, and mirrors dance, from the vibrations set up as Berlin crumbled under the terrific hammering it received. “And you can guess how the boys just loved that.” grinned Mulligan. “It certainly was sweet music to our ears.”
Speaking of the road to Berlin, which he saw on his way home, he described scenes of desolation. “There’s not much of the city left to reach. For miles and miles we saw nothing but complete devastation, just piled heaps of rubble, and we didn’t go through the worst parts. You could practically call it a ghost city.”
MORE PENICILLIN FOR P.O.W.’s
Further supplies of penicillin and blood transfusion apparatus are now being sent by the Red Cross and St. John to prisoner of war camps in Germany (states Prisoner of War News). The Penicillin packs and blood transfusion sets, including plasma, are supplied by the Medical Department of the War Office, and are forwarded by the Invalid Comforts Section of the Red Cross and St. John Prisoners of War Department. As far as practicable, the supplies are sent to those hospitals which are believed to contain newly-captured men, who would be likely to receive the greatest benefit from this form of surgical treatment.
SUPPLIES SENT TO RUSSIA FOR LIBERATED P.O.W.
It was announced in the House of Commons in London that, some time ago, preparing for the eventuality of British prisoners of war being liberated by the Soviet armies, the British Red Cross War Organization sent supplies to Russia. Upon their arrival in Russia from German camps, British liberated men were consequently provided with clothing, medical supplies, cigarettes etc., from home. Similar supplies were also sent to Odessa, where a party of Red Cross Welfare Workers went to meet the freed prisoners.
“WELCOME HOME” FUND TARGET DOUBLED
To have raised £1,300 in one day is the achievement of Richmond (Surrey) P.O.W.R.A., which held a bazaar recently as part of a three months’ drive to raise funds out of which each returning prisoner of war could be given a money gift with which to celebrate his release.
The target was £1,000, but this was more than doubled by the end of the period, £2,240 being raised by a variety of schemes organised by members.
[Page break]
6 THE CANADIAN PRISONERS OF WAR RELATIVES ASSOCIATION May 1945
AMERICAN RED CROSS NEWS
We are indebted to the American Red Cross Prisoners of War Bulletin for the following information.
LATEST INFORMATION ON CAMP MOVEMENTS
(By cable from Geneva)
Red Cross trucks operating out of Lubeck in the north and Moosburg in the south succeeded, during March, in getting substantial quantities of food packages to the prisoners of war evacuated from camps in the east who were still hiking across Germany. These marching columns were scattered over very wide area, in the middle of March for example, an advance group from Stalag 344 was 30 miles east of Carlsbad while the rear of the column was in the vicinity of Bohmisch Leipa – the distance between these two points being nearly 60 miles. Likewise, the Stalag VIII B column was spread from Schlan, near Melnik, to the Koniggratz region – a distance om [sic] about 75 miles. British prisoners constituted a large part of the southern columns, but they also contained Americans.
Similar situations existed in northern Germany, where about 100,000 American and Allied prisoners evacuated from camps in the second military district (particularly, in the case of Americans from Stalags II B and II D and Stalag Luft IV) were walking across Germany to camps in the tenth military district. It was reported at the end of February that these men “were grouped in the vicinity of the Stettiner Haff, whence they will be conducted to Aflag X D (at Fischbeck), Oflag X C (at Lubuck), and Stalag X B (at Bremervorde).”
The Red Cross trucks delivering supplies to the marching columns had to search for men not only on main highways but on secondary roads. The trucks operated under German escort, and, considering the chaotic transportation conditions which must now exist inside Germany, the authorities there have manifested a cooperative spirit in getting food, medicines, and other relief supplies to the men. It is an entirely new development in warfare to have Red Cross trucks, supplied and serviced by one belligerent, operating far and wide in the territory of an enemy belligerent.
Airmen from the Dulag Luft transit camp area are now being assigned to “the new Stalag Luft at Nurnburg-Langwasser,” according to a cable received in the middle of March. This new Luft Stalag has not yet been designated by number.
Stalag Luft III at Sagan was evacuated on January 27. The men were given Red Cross food packages and were furnished some additional food by the Germans en route. The men were marched for three days, on secondary roads, to Spremberg – a distance of about 40 miles. They slept in barns along the roads. At Spremberg, the prisoners from the south and center compounds were divided into groups of 2,000 and sent by train on February 1 to Mossburg (Stalag VII A), except for a few who were sent to Stalag IIIA at Luckenwalde. Americans from the west compound were dispatched by train from Spremberg to Nunrnburg, [sic] and thence to Stalag XIII D, about eight miles from the city, which is probably “the new Stalag Luft” previously referred to. All letter mail from the airmen, however, should continue to be addressed to Stalag Luft III until new directions are given.
A cable from Geneva on March 10 stated, “Oflag 64 proceeding by rail towards Hammelburg.” An earlier message had reported that about 500 (ground force) officers from Oflag 64, “travelling by rail, were near Parchim (southeast of Wismar on a line between Wismar and Berlin), awaiting transport for Hammelburg.” Oflag XIII B and Stalag XIII C are the only prisoner of war camps known to be in the vicinity of Hammelburg. Several hundred American officers formerly at Oflag 64 were liberated by the advancing Russian armies and ave [sic] returned to the United States.
[Page break]
May 1945 THE CANADIAN PRISONER OF WAR RELATIVES ASSOCIATION 7
FAR EAST NEWS
CAMP STANLEY
According to an address given by Mr. D.G.E. Middleburg, Netherlands Consul-General, who was present at the fall of Hong Kong, the policy of interment of civilians as practiced by the Japanese in Hong Kong, the Philippines, Malaya and the Netherlands Indies is something quite new. They have interned all white nationals of countries that have declared war on Japan. Chinese, Indians, Javanese, even Eurasians though nationals of belligerent countries were left alone. This must of course be seen as a logical consequence of the anti-foreigners, that is anti-white movement of Japan in their so-called “Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere”. “Asia for the Asiatics” is the slogan that takes for them the place of our “Fight for Democracy”.
Neutrals such as Swiss, Danes and Russians, however, have not been interned. The food situation for the noninterned residents soon became so bad, that many neutral nationals and Eurasians applied for admission to the Civilian Internment Camp, which applications, I believe, were all refused.
The Allied Europeans were rounded up and billeted in Chinese boarding houses, awaiting removal to the proper internment camp at Stanley. Stanley is a peninsula, a sort of appendix of Hong Kong Island. On it are situated Fort Stanley with the long range coastal artillery, an English protestant boarding school, an excellent modern prison and warders quarters. The military barracks and the prison building were not used, but the 3,000 internees were divided over the schools and warders quarters.
The location of the camp is not bad. It has plenty of sun, air and room between the buildings. The buildings themselves, however, are terribly overcrowded. People are practically packed together with hardly enough room to stretch out at night. Furniture is practically non-existant. [sic]
Fortunately there is water, electricity and a good sewage system. The buildings are new and well built but built for maybe one fifth of the number of their present occupants.
The food situation is definitely bad. As you know, an active adult person required 3,000 calories a day. The food supplied to the civilian internees has according to the Japanese a calorific value of 2,000. European doctors amongst the internees, however, maintain that not more than 1,500 calories are supplied. The food is moreover often of bad quality and it lacks variety and vitamins. It is very hard to convince the Japanese on this point, as they feed very badly themselves.
HONG KONG CIVILIAN CAMPS
On December 22nd the Civilian Internment Camps at Hong Kong were visited by Mr. Zindel, International Red Cross Delegate. Mr. Zindel reports that the general conditions at Shamshuipo Camp were much the same as his preceeding visit on August 10th, 1944. Of the many hundred men interned in this camp, 300 were hospitalized in the eight barracks which serve as a hospital. An adequate medical staff was in attendance, including 8 British doctors. Internees had previously been breeding pigs and poultry, but this has had to be curtailed due to the lack of food with which to feed the animals.
Camp “N” where prisoners from Argyle Street Camp were transferred to in May 1944, has been improved by the building of additional barracks, the vegetable garden was enlarged but here also the breeding of poultry was curtailed.
The Military Hospital at Bowen Road contained 150 patients at the time of the Delegate’s visit: the medical staff consisted of about 60 doctors and nurses. Patients were not serious cases, most of them suffering from weakness. In general the Delegate reports that the state of health in these three camps is improved although the lack of vitamins and of food containing proteins and fats is still felt.
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8 THE CANADIAN PRISONERS OF WAR RELATIVES ASSOCIATION May 1945
INTERNMENT CAMP LIEBENAU
by
SONIA ROSKES
The following article was written for the News Sheet by a young Polish woman who recently arrived in Canada and who, with her father, mother and sister, is starting a new life in a new country. During her two years of internment at Camp Liebenau, Miss Roskes learnt to speak English from the British women who were her comrades in captivity.
I was only half awake when after four day’s journey our group, consisting of 30 women and children, arrived at the little station of Meckenbeuren about 11 miles from the Lake of Constance and only 2 miles from our final destination. It was a cold but sunny morning of New Year’s Day 1943. In my complete exhaustion following the three dreary weeks I had spent in the worst German jail of Gracow, and in a peculiar state of mental apathy which usually accompanies the feeling of being cold and hungry. I had no eyes for the beauty of my new surroundings – the snow-covered pinewoods and meadows at our feet, the majestic Swiss Alps in the background.
Suddenly my consciousness was roused by a man’s rough voice – it appeared to belong to one of our escorting guards – explaining to some of my companions that in our new place we would feel more at home as it was an internment camp for British and American Women. “Your own people will take care of you.” He concluded with a sarcastic smile, “and I hope you will like the change.”
“Your own people…” These words stirred something in our hearts some secret wish which had lain there concealed and supressed throughout the misery of the past three years. Was it possible that the camp we were going to was not just another of the concentration camps where innocent people were being killed daily by the thousands, but a place offering a chance of survival? Was it really true that in a couple of hours we would meet American and British women?
After a short while we were loaded on to a large horse-cart, including our meagre hand-luggage (all we were allowed to have according to the German order on the day of our internment) and driven in the direction of Liebenau. It was noon and the snow was dazzling white under the bright sun, when we arrived in the village in the middle of which was a block of two-storied buildings and a double-towered church which was separated from three neighbouring cottages by a high stone fence. An iron gate was flung open by an elderly German policeman, and our wagon rolled past a small guards-house to come to a standstill in front of one of the three buildings.
In a second we found ourselves surrounded by a large group of women of all ages, whose eyes smiled at us in a warm welcome and whose numberless questions, asked in about ten different languages, we in vain tried to answer. All we gathered from the chaotic conversation was that we had nothing to be afraid of any more, that as subjects of enemy countries we fell under Geneva Conventions which secured protection for prisoners of war and civilian internees on German territory, and that, though life was pretty tough and miserable in camp at times (which we would find out for ourselves very soon), the worst part of our internment was over. The appearance of the women who were gathered around our cart confirmed their reassuring words: there was nothing about them to remind us of the haunted looks of all those many thousands of underfed and persecuted beings we had known so well in Poland; their clothes, consisting in most cases of slacks and thick woollen pullovers, were in fairly good condition and except for a trace of bitterness in their voices when ever they spoke about “being locked up in a cage” they did not sound too depressed.
It was only in the evening when, after my first bath and supper I lay down in the first clean bed I had known for many a month, that I became aware of the change in my life. “However hard it may be to live for months and perhaps years under a lock,” I said to myself, “however gloomy and monotonous it may become to be herded with different people under the same roof, I shall
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May 1945 THE CANADIAN PRISONERS OF WAR RELATIVES ASSOCIATION 9
try to make the best of it: the main thing is that my mother, sister and myself are alive and that we shall not know the fear of a German bullet, the fear which became a part of our inner selves in Poland, any more.”
It took me about a month to become acquainted with the daily routine of camp life, to learn something about my fellow internees and to come into closer contact with some girls of my own age. I another few weeks’ time it seemed to me that I had been there for many years – so familiar appeared every face, every voice, every room.
Liebenau became an internment camp for women, holders of British and American passports who happened to live in various European countries before the outbreak of the war. Originally an asylum for mentally deficient German children and grown-ups, with an adjacent convent of German nuns in charge of the sick, it contained at the time of my internment over 600 interned women and children – a number of which by far exceeded the usual capacity of the place. The mentally deficient Germans (or “lunies” in the slang of the internees) still occupied a few wings of the camp buildings. Employed by the German nuns at field and garden work, they were a common sight within the camp boundaries; their disfigured bodies and faces did not make the prison atmosphere any brighter.
In the three years previous to my arrival, the camp had been gradually developed into a fairly well organised community. In order to keep the necessary discipline and to carry on all the official negotiations, a camp captain had been elected. That 60 year old Englishwoman, who enjoyed the greatest respect and confidence of all the internees, performed her duties with iron energy and never-failing efficiency. Mrs Violet Froom, camp captain, was always ready to solve difficult problems, to give advice and to step in whenever intervention was necessary. Assisted by six floor captains, each chosen by the members of her floor, she ran the administration, registered newcomers, reported them to the Swiss Legation – the Protective Power over all the Allied prison camps in Germany – and arranged the distribution of Red Cross food and clothing parcels. It was due to her great character, broad-minded attitude towards all the problems of the world and to her sincerely democratic ideas that a couple of hundred women, all coming from different countries, speaking different languages and having different habits of their own, could lead a relatively peaceful community life under extraordinary circumstances.
The floor-captains’ main duty was to keep order on their floors. As internees were supposed to perform all the domestic task within the camp, they compiled special working lists, all the instructions of which had to be followed strictly. The harder jobs, such as cleaning corridors, carrying food from the German kitchen, and being air raid wardens in case of raids, were done by young and strong girls; others had to keep diningrooms and bathroom tidy, to wash up dishes and attend to the boilers – our only source of tea water. Some of the most reliable and the professionally trained internees were given more responsible work; they became the organizers of schools and educational courses, shows and other small entertainments, discussion circles, and groups of literature lovers.
The head of the camp’s Educational Committee was another English-woman, Mrs Vidakovic, formerly a professor of English at the University of Belgrade, Yougoslavia. [sic] With the help of a large group of voluntary teachers and librarians, untired in her efforts to give every internee the possibility of studies and warmly interested in each individual case, she was the soul of the spiritual life within the camp – the inspiration of various courses in English and other languages, the supervisor of the library and the adviser in all matters concerning general education.
The more official part of the administration was carried out by the Germans. The six German guards gave us our mail, next-of-kin parcels and German newspapers (the only source of our political information): every evening they made roll-calls in all the rooms occupied by the internees who were not allowed out of doors after 6 p.m. They escorted the daily afternoon walks in the surroundings. An old German paymaster who had his office in one of the camp buildings dealt with
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10 THE CANADIAN PRISONERS OF WAR RELATIVES ASSOCIATION May 1945
money questions, received various petitions and inflicted all kinds of punishment on those who broke “the law”. A staff of German nuns supervised the food.
It is when speaking about the food provided by the German [sic] that I am approaching the subject of the most important factor in our camp life. Though our living accommodations and sanitary conditions were a great deal better than those in other prisoner-of-war and civilian internment camps in Germany, the food received from the Germans would not have been sufficient to prevent us from starvation. Breakfast consisted of a slice of sticky and often mouldy bread, jam and an absolutely undrinkable coffee substitute; lunch of thin soup and some vegetables floating in a dark gravy; supper of a few potatoes, the same sticky bread and an identical “coffee”.
This is where the Red Cross comes in. Big consignments of Red Cross parcels, British and American, would arrive in the camp at frequent intervals, where they would be unloaded and unpacked with enthusiasm by the internees. Their regular weekly distribution by the camp captain secured our food situation and shut off the danger of hunger. Besides food parcels the Red Cross provided us with various clothing articles. Many an English or American woman who had been dragged out of her house by the Germans at a moment’s notice without being allowed to take the most essential items, was, after some time, dressed from top to toe in clothes sent by the Red Cross. The foundation and constant increase of our liberty was rendered possible by Red Cross book supplies. The chool [sic] for the 60 interned children could function systematically and successfully thanks to the Red Cross delivery of text-books and stationery, games and toys for the Kindergarten and various instruction leaflets for the teachers of the camp. Shows and other performances could be put up from time to time in our more than primitive theatre hall because the Red Cross always responded to our artists’ requests for theatrical costumes, paints for the scenery, and musical instruments. Many women who, not having anything particular to do, would have broken down as a result of boredom and lack of occupation, were kept busy knitting and doing all kinds of other handwork, owing to the Red Cross delivery of knitting wool , cotton and embroidery silk. Health service in the camp, naturally handicapped by shortage of trained nurses and the utter ignorance of an old German doctor, would have been ever more inadequate had it not been for the regular supply of Red Cross invalid comfort parcels and all the medicines required.
The two years which elapsed between my arrival in Liebenau and my final release from the camp were marked in the history of the place as abounding in happenings and extraordinary events. In fall 1943, when the monotony of camp life was becoming unbearable and when phrases like “I am fed up,” “I am bored stiff,” and “I wish to Goodness something would happen” were inseparable from our daily vocabulary, a great change took place. A department of the German Foreign Office arrived in the camp, where it made its permanent residence.
The cowardly officials who had fled from Berlin where they were exposed to the daily danger of becoming the victims of Allied bombs and who hid shamelessly under the protection of internees who were relatively safe from this fear, took possession of one of the buildings by removing all the internees from it. We were shaking with helpless rage and indignation when, after being crowded in our small rooms more than ever before, we began to suffer from al [sic] the restrictions made by “Berlin across the garden path” as we ironically nicknamed the Foreign Office. The small amount of freedom which had been our greatest treasure up to that point was considerably cut down: two gardens, one behind and the other in front of the camp buildings, were closed to the internees; only three walks weekly were permitted; room arrests, stopping of mail, and even deportations to other camps became a frequent punishment for crimes like picking apples on country roads, waving at the Allied planes flying over Liebenau, attempts to offer a package of cigarettes to Serbian prisoners-of-war working in the village, or not greeting the German guards.
General depression and even feelings of hopelessness reached their climax in 1944 when first exchange transports on a larger scale began to leave the camp.
The first one to take place was an American repatriation transport, in February 144 [sic], including about 80 U.S.A. citizens from our camp. Anxious
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May 1945 THE CANADIAN PRISONERS OF WAR RELATIVES ASSOCIATION 11
speculations and wild rumours as to who was going to be chosen – the usual symptoms in every internment and P.O.W. camp whenever “something is in the air” – were put an end to by the publication of the official list of names, accompanied by a notice signed by the departmental chief of the Foreign Office to the effect that the names listed had been received from Washington. How great was our indignation when, about half an hour after the publication of the first one, another list of about 20 persons was added! It was then that we realized how great was the power the Germans had over us; for it was the German Foreign Office that had selected the people for exchange, and from which the repatriation of each one of us depended. Complaints addressed to the Swiss Legation in Berlin were censored by the German paymaster; and if he disapproved of their contents, our letters ended in his wastepaper basket.
During the next four repatriate transports which took place successively throughout the same year we had to experience yet another injustice. Whenever a number of repatriates, whether to England or the United Stated, was about to leave the camp, only a very few of our internees were included. The Germans completed the number they were supposed to give in exchange for their own prisoners by taking people from outside the camp, people who had been free all during the time the 600 Liebenau internees were slowing losing their physical and mental strength in the long years of captivity. A few days before the departure of a transport dozens of these “outsiders” would stream in; and by a special order of the Foreign Office they had to be treated like guests, which meant that they were free from all the duties we had to perform and not compelled to obey the regulations we were subject to.
At the close of the year the atmosphere in the camp became gloomier and our spirits lower than ever before. As there was a big American exchange in sight, and the small rooms could not hold any more persons, all the dining rooms where we used to gather for meetings, to study, and to take our meals, were turned into bedrooms for the “guests”: on account of bad railway connections within Germany and the Allied successes threatening the Ruhr district, our usual supply of coal was cut down, so that we were forced to pick wood on our walks in order to have boiling water at least once daily : a few weeks running not one letter reached the camp and even the German newspaper stopped arriving regularly. The schoolroom was half empty in the hours set for adults’ educational courses: the internees, for many of whom it was the fifth Christmas away from their homes, lost all their desire for the continuation of their studies and their power of concentration over books.
It was soon after New Year 1945, that the rumours about a great repatriation transport to the U.S.A. which had been very persistent for some weeks past, were officially confirmed. On January 19th a list of about 115 persons included in the exchange was put op [sic] on the notice board. Three days later, just before the transport was about to leave Liebenau to go via Switzerland to Marseilles and sail from there on the “Gripsholm” an additional list of names was published, my mother’s, sister’s and my own among them.
The happiness which filled my heart at the moment I saw our names on the list was beyond control. All jobs that remained to be done in the last day of my internment, the hectic packing, ceding my duties to some of my remaining friends, taking our luggage down to the canteen to be searched and sealed, I performed without being conscious of what I was doing. My heart was singing with mad joy while I was saying to myself, “It is really, undeniably true; it is true that in a month’s time I shall be in a free country which does not know the Gestapo and the German methods of cruel persecution; it is true that at last the misery of three and a half war years in Poland and the two years of internment are over; it is true that our family has been granted the happiness of survival.”
Over 300 British women have remained in Liebenau. It was when I was saying goodbye to these less fortunate friends of mine at the gate of the camp that I suddenly knew my happiness would never be complete until they were finally released too; it was then that I felt, with an intensity I had never known before, how deeply attached I had become to each one of them and how much their friendship had meant to me in the period of my greatest need for human understanding.
On board the Gripsholm, which we took in Marseilles and where we met American and Canadian wounded soldiers being, like ourselves, on their way home after long years of captivity, I once exchanged my experiences with a Canadian ex-prisoner-of-war. “I don’t agree with those who maintain that happiness makes one forget past sorrows and worries,” he said. “Happy as I am to have left the gloom and hardships of my prison years behind me, I know that for a long while yet I shall not be able to tear the memories of the camp out of my mind and heart. Only when I hear that all my fellow-prisoners, who have still to go through the ordeals of this final war stage in Germany,
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12 THE CANANDIAN PRISONERS OF WAR RELATIVES ASSOCIATION May 1945
have safely reached the shores of Canada, will these memories give way to an undisturbed enjoyment of my new freedom.”
The Gripsholm landed in New York on Jan 21st; on the day following her disembarkment our family arrived in Canada. In the first six weeks which I have spent in this splendid free country, the broadminded, generous-hearted people of which I have already learned to love, I have often recalled the words of that wounded Canadian soldier. All I can add to them is that though Internment Camp Liebenau belongs to the past, I shall always remember the lesson I was taught there that – in order to become a useful member of any community one has to develop an attitude towards one’s fellow creatures based on understanding and goodwill; not on selfishness and prejudice!
P.O.W. AT KOBE
Air Raid Precautions
Air Raid Precautions have been taken at the Prisoner of War Hospital at Kobe, in Japan, which was visited by the International Red Cross Delegate on 18th August of this year. The report of the Delegate’s visit has just reached Australia.
The hospital is attached to the Osaka Group of camps on the main island of Japan, Honshu. At the time of the visit there were altogether 101 patients, of whom 15 were Australians and there were three Australians on the Hospital, but not Medical, Staff.
Location is said to be on a quiet, sunny hillside, in seven foreign-style wooden buildings with tiled roofs. Ventilation, drainage, water supply are reported to be adequate.
Bedding consists of straw mats on a wooden floor with five blankets for each patient, and pyjamas, Food consists mainly of rice, barley and vegetables, with very little meat and fish. There are no eggs, milk, fat, cheese, sweets, coffee or canned foods. The kitchen equipment seemed adequate, reported the delegate, but there was no refrigerator or ice-box.
(Australian P.O.W. Magazine)
AID FOR BRITONS IN FRANCE
A new Red Cross and St. John Sub-Commission has been set up in Paris to care for British Civilians, particularly children and the sick and aged, who need help in France. A considerable number of Christmas parcels as well as clothing and blankets have already been issued.
Persons eligible to receive relief include all children under 18 with British fathers and dependents of all men killed or captured while serving with the British forces. Distribution arrangements for the children include a system whereby they can be referred to the out-patients department of the Hertford Hospital, Paris, for future preventative treatment against such diseases as tuberculosis and rickets. This hospital, which will shortly be re-opened by the Red Cross and St. John, will receive supplies for this purpose of cod liver oil and Adexolin from Great Britain. The British Consuls in Lyons, Bordeaux , Nantes and Rouen have been asked to supply lists of all British subjects in their care, especially of children and aged and sick persons, so that appropriate supplies can be sent for distribution. Relief parcels have already been sent to Marseilles and Nice.
Colonel Gielgud, who has a long and intimate knowledge of the country, is at present touring France in the hope of tracking down all British subjects in the country who may be in need of help. Opportunities for extending this relief work for the British in France are also being examined.
A similar organisation to help Canadian citizens has been set up in Paris by the Canadian Red Cross, while civilians from other dominions and Colonies will come within the scope of the British scheme.
PRAISE FOR FPRISONERS [sic] OF WAR WORK
Mr. H. B. Burdekin, who is the examiner in Accountancy subjects at New Zealand University, has written to London saying:
“I am in the middle of my University exam. marking again. Curiously enough the best ones I am getting are coming from members of the armed Forces. Three batches that I had towards the end of last year from prisoner of war camps in Germany were all of high quality, some very good indeed.”
(Kincardineshire Branch B.R.C.S.)
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May 1945 THE CANADIAN PRISONERS OF WAR RELATIVES ASSOCIATION 13
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Question:- Would you please tell me where the reports of Japanese camps come from and how they are relayed?
Answer:- Reports on Japanese camps are written or cabled to Geneva by International Red Cross Delegates in the Far East who have visited the camps. It is well to remember that these reports are sent in writing and are subject to Japanese censorship, whereas reports on camps in Germany are made verbally by the delegate who has personally visited the camps and talked with the prisoners.
Question:- My son is a prisoner of war in Germany and his wife lives in England. If he is liberated, will I be notified?
Answer:- Only the next of kin of prisoners receive official notifications; if your daughter-in-law is registered as your son’s next of kin and has been receiving Government labels for his personal parcels, she will receive all notifications from the Government. We believe however, that by applying to the Director of Records, Ottawa, it is possible for a close relative to obtain such information as is available regarding a prisoner of war.
Question:- Is there an ordinary mail and parcel service established to the Channel Islands?
Answer:- The United Kingdom authorities have been trying for some time, through the International Red Cross, to arrange for Red Cross postal messages to go to the Islands, but the Germans cannot arrange for censorship of incoming mail at a censorship office in the Channel Islands and it is therefore necessary for all the Red Cross postal messages which the United Kingdom authorities hold to be sent to Geneva so that the International Red Cross Committee can arrange with the German Government for censorship there or in Germany. This, of course, makes the process rather slow, and so far no news has been received of any of the Red Cross messages which the United Kingdom authorities started sending to Geneva last year, having been sent on the Red Cross relief ship. These difficulties apply to ordinary mail and parcels, and there appears to be no hope of an ordinary mail and parcel service being established.
Question:- I heard on the radio that the camp where my son has is has been freed. How soon will I hear whether my son is free?
Answer:- It is impossible to give an exact length of time, but in many cases relatives received cables direct from their prisoners in England or France, approximately a week or ten days after the news of the camp liberation. There is no cause for anxiety if this news takes longer to come, since the number of liberated prisoners is reaching large proportions which will of necessity delay the transmission of messages.
Question:- Is the C.P.O.W.R.A. continuing to send cigarettes either in bulk consignments or to individual prisoners in Germany?
Answer:- No. The last regular shipment of cigarettes made by the association was sent in March, since when conditions have made it impossible to continue shipping to P.O.W. Camps. Should the situation change, the sending of cigarettes will be resumed.
REMITTANCES BY POSTAGE STAMPS VIOLATE POSTAL LAWS
Contrary to postal regulations, postage stamps are continually being used as remittance for small amounts. We receive them daily at the Headquarters office of the Association. The postal authorities point out that Post Office Money Orders, Postal Notes and Postal Scrip are provided at all Post Offices for just this purpose and the public is urged to make use of these facilities, the intention of which is to guard against loss.
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14 THE CANADIAN PRISONERS OF WAR RELATIVES ASSOCIATION May 1945
PROVINCIAL HEADQUARTERS
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Mrs. R. Thistle
1013 Government St.
Victoria, B.B.
MANITOBA
Mr. W.S. King
Paris Building
Winnipeg, Manitoba.
ONTARIO
Mrs. Gordon Weir,
Bank of N. Scotia Bldg.,
79 Queen St. East,
Toronto, Ont.
QUEBEC
Mrs. H.E. Plant,
718 Sunlife Building,
Montreal, Que.
NEW BRUNSWICK
Mrs. George Filliter,
68 Portledge Ave.
Moncton, N.B.
NEWFOUNDLAND
Mrs. A.C. Holmes, M.B.E.,
Caribou Hut,
St. John’s, Nfld.
NOVA SCOTIA
Mrs. W.A. Black,
30 Ivanhoe Street,
aHlifax [sic], N.S.
SASKATCHEWAN
Mr. C.A. Cunning,
303 McCallum Hill Bldg.
Regina, Sask.
ALBERTA
Mrs. H. Thom,
10222, 118th St.,
Edmonton, Alta.
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS
150A Sun Life Bldg.,
Montreal.
MANITOBA BRANCH
The March meeting of the Manitoba Branch was attended by approximately 200 members. The Chairman announced that twenty-two new next of kin had been approached since the last meeting and welcomed any that might be present.
Two repatriated prisoners, F/Lt. Bruce McKenzie and Pte. Bud Moody, spoke to the members and answered questions.
MONCTON BRANCH
At the March meeting of the Moncton Branch, a busy month was announced by the president. A number of new prisoners of war from New Brunswick were reported and their next of kin were written to and sent copies of the News Sheet.
It was decided not to ship medical parcels from this district until such time as the situation became more clear.
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL BRANCH – TORONTO
The following slate of officers of the Ontario Provincial Branch for the coming year was recently elected:
President Mrs. Gordon Weir
Vice-President Mrs. Wallace Floody
Vice-President Mrs. R.E. McLaren
Vice-President and Treasurer Mrs. R.A. Laidlaw
Honorary Vice-President Mrs. W.E. Sprague
PURCHASING COMMITTEE
Mrs. W.E. Floody
Mrs. A. Hayward
MEN’S COMMITTEE
Mr. R.A. Laidlaw
Mr. Kelso Roberts
Mr. Avery
Mr. Norman Copeman
OTTAWA BRANCH
At the April meeting of the Ottawa Branch, it was agreed to send $50.00 to National Headquarters for the General Fund.
Guest Speaker at the meeting was Mr. M. Gratton O’Leary, well known newspaper man, whose son is a prisoner of war in Germany.
Mr. T. Campbell-Rogers was elected Chairman.
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May 1945 THE CANADIAN PRISONERS OF WAR RELATIVES ASSOCIATION 15
SASKATCHEWAN BRANCH
Forty-five members attend the [sic] the March meeting of the Saskatchewan Branch. The Food Committee reported having packed and sent 49 parcels of food for next of kin throughout the Province. The Welfare Committee reported having sent 8 personal parcels, 2 medical parcels, 2 sports parcels and some cigarettes direct to prisoners on behalf of their next of kin. Several parcels were returned, having been destroyed in a fire on board ship last December and the Association is paying the cost of food items in the re-issue parcels.
VICTORIA BRANCH
At the April meeting of the Victoria Branch the sum of $300.00 was voted to be sent to the Association Headquarters to be used at the President’s discretion for the benefit of prisoners of war.
It was reported that since the beginning of the year, blankets, clothing and food parcels to the value of $265.00 had been sent to war prisoners.
Lt. V C. Moore, who was repatriated last September, spoke about life in a German prison hospital.
VANCOUVER BRANCH
Monthly meetings of the Vancouver Branch held in March and April; at the former, Cpl. Earl Buck, recently repatriated from Stalag 2D, spoke on his experiences while, at the latter, Col. Scott, Canadian Red Cross Commissioner, addressed the meeting. Both meetings were well attended.
NEW WESTMINSTER BRANCH
The regular meeting of the New Westminster Branch was held April 9th. 22 members were present. The meeting voted $$200.00 [sic] to be sent to Mrs. JJ. O. Asselin to be used as she thinks best for our boys arriving in Canada, also $500.00 to be sent to W.A. McAdam, Agent General B. C. House, London, to be used for B.C. boys arriving in London from the prisoner of war camps in Germany.
Plans were made for a Tag Day to be held April 28.
[Boxed] LETTERS
In future issues of the News Sheet, only letters from the Far East and recent ones from Germany will be published. With the mass movement of prisoners in Europe, it is felt that letters written from camps which no longer exist will not be of general interest to our readers. We will be glad to publish any letters, however, that contain news of transit or temporary camps which would be helpful and informative to other prisoners’ families. [/boxed]
GERMANY
OFLAG VII B
December 5th, 1944 Rec’d February 26th. 1945.
Firstly, many thanks for your letters of Sept. 11, and Oct. 3 & 10. All very welcome indeed. Secondly, we are not allowed copying pencils now, I am telling you this because with your customary acute powers of observation you would notice the change and wonder. There is nothing I want in the food or clothing line; we are limited by the Germans in the amount of clothes and food we can have in our possession.
New Year’s Day 1945 Rec’d March 29th, 1945
When I look at the date above it gives me a bit of a start I assure you. 1945 and the shades of Prison Walls still around us and the forms of many disappointed and “Browned Off” Kriegie’s still conspicuous by their presence. I might say that many a Sawback has been lost or won on the War not being over. Have personally never been one of the optimists, to say nothing of the Super O’s, but am, more or less, hoping for my next Birthday out of the “Shaft” (Kriegsgefangschaft) as we call it. However as I told you in what must have been a most confusing letter, we have had an excellent period of “Bashing” (good eating) due to O.K.W. order forbidden reserves. It really has been terrific and as far as that goes we are right on top of the world and if the Germans live up to their promise of supply to us and I believe they will, a parcel a week, we will be O.K. Cold clear weather has enabled us to get some hockey. A lot of the old speed gone and not much cunning evident yet to replace it. A lot of fun tho’. No mail recently. By the way we have practically a language of our own here and as the years roll by I find it harder than ever to
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STALAG LUFT III
[Photograph of a man with a bucket and a pole] Wash Day. A tin can on the end of a stick is the most modern washing machine.
[Photograph of a group of men gathered around a notice board] above, - representatives of 2,000 P.O.W. crowd around the loud speaker to translate the news.
[Photograph of men standing and sitting by the side of a field] right, - Sports Day.
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May 1945 THE CANADIAN PRISONERS OF WAR RELATIVES ASSOCIATION 17
THEATRICALS AT LUFT III
[Photograph of two men at a table with a microphone] Sound effects for the plays go over the mike
[Photograph of men playing musical instruments] Orchestra
[Photograph of a man in a female costume] One of the boys plays the lead in Pygmalion
[Photograph of three men on a dressed stage] “Thark” by Ben Trains
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18 THE CANADIAN PRISONERS OF WAR RELATIVES ASSOCIATION May 1945
explain myself in plain English. Trust you are all well and celebrated New Year’s properly. I was asleep by 10.30 but thinking of you. Everything is fine with me. In better health, better spirits than ever before and full of the old confidence; so look after yourselves because this is the year.
January 4th, 1945. Rec’d February 26th, 1945.
Many thanks for letters Oct. 24 and Nov. 3, 7 and 14. Yours came thro’ better than from England. Thanks very much for snap, you look well. Skating is going strong at the moment, even I have been attracted. Party of Grans Blessés leave here tomorrow. The Germans made us eat our reserves of food over Xmas. Am feeling fit!!
January 25th, 1945.
More reprisals! We are now without mattresses, tables or stools! I will tell you how this came about. Last Monday we had the usual check parade at 9 a.m. and while in the middle of it, a large number of Germans were marched into the camp and surrounded the parade. We, of course, thought it was just another search until we were told that the S.B.O. (Senior British Officer) wanted to address the parade. He started by reading out a German order which was that – owing to the fact that German prisoners of war in Egypt were living in tents without any mattresses or furniture – we were to be treated alike and have ours taken away. The S.B.O. then went on to make some very appropriate remarks which are better left out here. This is my third lot of reprisals; first in Poland, then chains and now this. Fortunately we are able to see the funny side of it and having meals off the floor is at least a change and saves laying the table for meals! I have won an extra piece of pudding. As we are seven in our mess it is much easier to divide things into eight and cut a card for the extra piece. It adds great excitement to the meals!
STALAG II D
December 25th, 1944.
I’ve put this letter off a week so I could write it tonight and let you know how we spent Christmas. Yes, it’s been a day I’ll not forget for a long, long time. I’ve drawn a Xmas Card with the menu of the day on the inside, and the autographs of my ten best buddies; I’ll get it home for you if this war lasts for another five years, but don’t worry about that. I honestly don’t expect to see another Xmas here. The Christmas dinner was lovely, the out-standing thing among many, was a real custard pie, the first many of us have had in 2 1/2 years. I also have a photograph for you; as soon as I can get it censored I’ll send it, which shouldn’t be more than a week or two. The Red Cross sent us a little Xmas decoration so we’ve got the room looking quite cozy. There’s about 3 lbs of Canadian chocolate in Stalag per person, but we haven’t received that yet. Hope you all had an enjoyable Xmas.
January 1st, 1945.
Well we’ve had Christmas and New Year again; they sure do seem to slip by fast over here, maybe it’s a good thing too. I imagine it would get pretty dull if it didn’t. Well I finally got the picture you’ve been waiting for so long, you can see by it that this life isn’t doing me any harm. I hope you receive it alright. We had a very good Xmas, one of the things accomplished was the ten of us in our room have pledged to have a yearly reunion, each year it being in a different city. There are five from Windsor, two from Toronto, two from Winnipeg, and one from Hamilton. This is the best bunch of fellows I’ve ever been with and we really have some swell times.
STALAG IV A
November 26th, 1944.
Hope this letter finds you all well, as it leaves me quite well. We had a little snow storm the other day, bet you people haven’t had any yet. Although I suppose it’s quite cold. I’m working inside so I don’t mind it much. I’m expecting a letter any day now, as it’s been a very long wait. We haven’t started getting ready for Xmas yet, suppose you have your baking all done. Will see you next Fall, anyway, if not before, so hope this letter arrives alright, also the others. We got Sweet Caporal cigs. this week from the Red Cross. Hope everybody is well.
December 10th, 1944.
Haven’t received any letters yet. Hope to get some soon, hope you’ve got all of my letters. It’s quite cold here, now, but very little snow. Hope you people are all well. And also enjoyed Christmas, which I expect to. Guess I’ll be home for next Xmas if everything goes well. There isn’t much to write about, just now. So will close until I get a letter.
December 31st, 1944.
Hope this card finds you all well, as it leaves me quite well. Expecting a letter any day now. Hope you all enjoyed your New Year. Will be seeing you, soon.
January 13th, 1945.
Just to let you know that I’m well and in fair health. Hope you and the rest are all well. I hope to hear from you soon, and better still be back with you all again.
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May 1945 THE CANADIAN PRISONERS OF WAR RELATIVES ASSOCIATION 19
STALAG IV B
December 12th, 1944.
Christmas certainly came early to Stalag IVB in the form of your Christmas shipment of chocolate. With the shortage of Red Cross parcels this chocolate has certainly put a very different outlook on our Christmas festivities. You cannot realise how much we appreciate this gift and other excellent work you have been responsible for. Thank you very much and our best wishes for the coming year to you and your fellow workers. Any chap who goes out on a working Kommando before Christmas will receive chocolate and cigarettes, before he leaves this Camp, as a gift from the Canadian Club. The cigarettes are as a result of a collection from the chaps who have received parcels from home. All in all it should be a fairly decent Christmas. The next one back home should more than make up for what we have missed in the past few years. May the ski trails be covered with snow and good skating be prevalent. For Pete’s sake, tell some of the girls to stay single until we get home.
January 3rd, 1945.
Greetings and best wishes for 1945 to you and the Canadian people. The Canadian Club, 400 strong sends this message on behalf of its members. Christmas in our Stalag went off with a bang. It started early with the arrival of your gift of chocolate, of which we were able to issue 2 1/2 bars to each Canadian. Then, as a bolt from the blue, and in the nick of time, American Xmas parcels arrived sufficient for the issue of four between ten, over and above food parcels. Many Canadians received personal parcels in the same week: so you see, there is a Santa Claus! Most old “Kriegies” consider it the best Christmas spent in captivity. Not to mention entertainments would be to portray an incomplete picture of our Christmas celebrations. The number and variety of projects were such as were never seen before. Productions for Theatre and Hut presentation were in evidence the whole week. They included drama, comedy, variety, musical, dances, pantomimes, and radio plays (behind curtains). Since most of our members were occupied in either theatre or local hut activities, we engaged in no formalities as a Club. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for all you and we hope in this new 1945 of ours. Au revoir. Many thanks. Good luck!
January 3rd, 1945.
Happy New Year! and may the next one fine me wishing you all the best, etc. in person. Now before I forget I’d better tell you what we had for Xmas dinner. Xmas week we got 1 Can. parcel between 2. 2 American between I and 1 Yank Xmas parcel between 10. Plenty of variety anyhow! Our Xmas dinner consisted of turkey, spam, boiled potatoes, diced carrots, peas, turnips and onions, with noodle soup starting things off. For dessert we had our own steam pudding with thick cream, and chocolate sauce, followed by coffee and biscuits. Pretty good, what? The pudding was really perfect altho it took about 20 hours boiling to get it that way. The ingredients were:
[Photograph of a group of four rows of men outside a hut] Group taken at Stalag 344. Pte. H. C. Turner is marked with an X. Kindly lent by Mrs. Ernest Turner of Montreal.
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20 THE CANADIAN PRISONERS OF WAR RELATIVES ASSOCIATION May 1945
German flour, mashed Can. biscuits, egg powder, butter, sugar, milk, raisins, creamola powder plus other stuff I can’t recall. Dec 27 got an Artie Shaw record and Dec. 30 300 cigs arrived, both from the Squadron. I can’t thank them, but do you think you could S.V.P. Celebrated New Years with another big dinner altho not so somptuous [sic] a one as at Xmas. New Year’s Eve, we had a grand show lasting 5 hours in our hut. A few days ago quite a few Yanks arrived but we don’t expect them to be here for very long. Thanks a million for the pictures you sent Oct. 24. Got letter of Nov. 17 on Dec. 30 too.
January 19th, 1945.
Another month and the Canadian Club in IVB send their greetings. (censored) parcel shortage, the boys remain cheery. Another branch of club fonctions [sic] now getting under way in the formation of a system of reference groups to pass on information and to answer questions for those wishing to “gen up” on prospective trades for postwar period. Our recently formed club library is to be the central hub of a series of groups classified according to trade or information available. Will you please do us the favour of asking our Canadian correspondents especially non-relatives, not to lay too much stress on mention of our palatial holiday surroundings or luxurious comforts. Letters are very wine and bread; but such remarks tend to cause some slight dissension in the ranks. I think you will understand our point of view, and be able to tell them in such a manner as we are unable, without causing misunderstandings. Many thanks also for the cigarettes sent by your Association, which the boys are receiving regularly. It certainly helps a lot to be able to smoke regularly; and there’s nothing like good old Canadian cigs. Many thanks.
January 25th, 1945.
Well it has been some time since I’ve heard from home. Hope you had my letters O.K. I am in good health and hope you are the same. We are very cold at present as there is very wintry weather and not much heat. We have (censored) that is to say we haven’t had any Red Cross Aid for ages, which makes things very unpleasant. I received some more cigs., and boy they are worth their weight in gold here, now. I hope it will soon be over though. News is good. Joe is on his way.
STALAG VII
January 13th, 1945.
How are you? Am feeling fine and in the best of health. Was captured Dec. 13, 1944. Give friends and relatives my address so they can write to me. How is Dad? Can only write two letters a month. Don’t send cigs. Am thinking of you all the time. Write soon. Love to all.
STALAG VII A
November 8th, 1944.
Just a few lines to let you know I am getting along fairly well and am in good health. But I could do with a lot more to eat. The last two weeks my boy friend and I have been out harvesting spuds and believe me we’ve ate so many spuds that we almost look like a couple of spuds! When we come home at night we cook up two nice big dishes full for supper – and another for breakfast. I don’t know what the heck we’ll do when we are finished with the spuds! I guess my tummy will have to shrink a little bit more. I hope the war is over soon. I don’t like this life a bit. Write soon.
January 2nd, 1945. Rec’d March 17th, 1945.
A few lines to say I am fine, hope both there the same. Don’t worry, am getting plenty to eat and a good bed. Contact Red Cross about parcels and cigarettes. Hope you had a good Xmas. I attended church to celebrate our anniversary.
P.S. Send socks, towel, tooth brush.
STALAG VIII B [inserted] was in camp VIII-B for awhile [/inserted]
December 24th, 1944.
Well here it is Christmas Eve, again. I am still feeling fine, had a Red Cross parcel last night, been cooking and eating all day today. Hope everybody is fine at home. Hope to get the parcel you sent, soon. There was a ban on parcels for a while but it has been lifted since about the middle of October, so they should be coming through again alright.
STALAG IX C
November 5th, 1944. Rec’d January 16th, 1945.
Your cheering letters have still been arriving regularly. It is difficult to find things of interest that can be written but as usual I am keeping very well. The time keeps flying by, it is just a race closely run as to which will last longer this year or the war. With this letter goes my best wishes to you for the Merriest of Christmases. You say you have seen the movie “Going My Way”, with Bing Crosby, and here we have a record very popular in the camp, being one of our newest arrivals, with Bing singing the hit song from the picture. We are still not so very far apart, your letters have been arriving about one month after being sent. Still looking forward to receiving your books; they do take so long going through the censors. We have at last been granted a privilege of having a loud speaker in the camp. The commentary of the direction the boys are coming over is most interesting.
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May 1945 THE CANADIAN PRISONERS OF WAR RELATIVES ASSOCIATION 21
November 25th, 1944 Rec’d Jan 26th, 1945.
Lately I have been most fortunate in hearing from you. Your mail and the June parcel which you sent me have arrived safely. What a grand selected parcel; and what a grand and novel idea you had in replacing the Christmas card, the snaps do carry my thoughts back to dear old Toronto and bring back many happy memories, and I do like having your picture here. Wishing you one of the Happiest of New Years.
January 15th, 1945. Rec’d March 23rd, 1945.
Everything is going allright [sic]] with me here. Receiving your mail regularly. It was also fortunate to have your books arrive safely during the holiday weeks. By the time I will have finished reading “The Robe”, “Moby Dick”, and “Mutiny on the Bounty”, I should be on the way home. What a cheerful bit of news to have heard that H. is back home. We did have some good times in hospital. Your blankets are bringing me a great deal of comfort these nights. To continue with my letter after a two and half hour interruption! During these intervals is a good opportunity for reading, many a book I have finished in this way. The greater part of my spare time is still spent plugging at my studies but the conditions in our camp are not the best for real concentration, often I do get fed up, still I try to keep at it, as I feel that progress enough has been made to see the task to a successful completion.
STALAG XI B
December 2nd, 1944. Rec’d Feb 22nd, 1945.
Today is December second. I hope that you all have a very nice Christmas although my first Xmas away from home won’t be all it is cracked up to be. Don’t worry as I expect to be out soon as the war should soon be over. Also we know that the Lord looks after his own. I wrote a letter once before but I have my doubts about it ever reaching you. This will be quite an experience to tell about. You never appreciate the Red Cross until you get in a position like this. Remember me to D. and everyone in fact, all the kids. This is about all I can write so I send all my love and don’t worry as I am okay.
December 16th, 1944. Rec’d March 8th, 1945.
Here it is December 16th and the war is that many days nearer an end. I suppose I will have to tell you all about my experiences when I get home. They say these take about two months to travel so I hope to be free once more that is before you get this. But you live in hopes in these places. You will have some souvenirs if these ever get through. I have a lot of time to read my Bible.
[Photograph of a group of men standing in a sports field] Photograph of a Ball Team at Stalag Luft III. Back Row, left to right: Lt. M.L. Taylor, (Eng.); Flt/Lt. L.A.E. Osbon (Eng.); F/O F.N. Scott (Hespler, Ont.); F/Lt. R. Coste (Toronto); F/O J.S. Acheson (Winnipeg); F/O A.R. Wallace (Toronto); G/C Larry Wray (Ottawa); Front Row, left to right: F/Lt. S. Pozer (Duck Lake, Sask.); F/O H.H. Beaupre (Waterloo); F/O E.R. Soulliere (Roseland, Ont.); F/Lt. D.W. McKim (Lynedoch, Ont.). Kindly lent by Mrs. Larry Wray of Ottawa.
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22 THE CANADIAN PRISONERS OF WAR RELATIVES ASSOCIATION May 1945
the thing is there is a lot you don’t really understand in it. I suppose D. and you are getting along alright. The dog should be fairly well grown by the time I get back. I estimate I will be home by July, we will see how close I have guessed. Well I will close this hoping for the best, putting my trust in God.
January 3rd, 1945.
Another issue of paper so will write every time they come through with it. Been under the weather for the past few days but much better today. Got a Red Cross box of food for New Year’s so made the day much nicer than Christmas was. I could sure use a pair of socks as I’ve been using the same pair since coming here, almost afraid to wash them as they may fall to pieces. I often wonder if you have my first letter yet. It will be three months on the 16th since being trapped. No use me asking you to write as I know you do. Please send cigs. Maybe I’ll be out of here by the time they get, but in case not could sure use them.
STALAG 357
January 17th, 1945.
I received five parcels today. 1 personal and 4 cigarette parcels. The personal one was sent last June and was in perfect order; everything complete and undamaged. The cigarettes were re-addressed from Italy.
STALAG LUFT III
November 6th, 1944.
Well, here’s my first letter for this month and my twenty-third since arrival in Lower Silesia. I’ve been sending home a couple of letters and a card per month for the last couple of months. Rec’d quite a bit of mail lately, latest around mid-September. Glad all O.K. at home and that my mail is getting there. Things are O.K. here; weather getting somewhat damp and cold, and I fear winter is almost upon us once more. Got both lots of snaps now – they’re always welcome. Thank everyone for writing for me. Received book parcel lately, also parcel from Toronto, books, etc. Also receiving cigarettes. Slippers, suspenders and a kitbag are items I could use in next parcel. If sending sweaters, make them vee-neck or sweatshirt style as I now have a sleeve-less and turtleneck type, please.
November 8th, 1945.
I really feel ashamed of myself. For three years I have felt as though I have known you very well and this is the first letter I have written to you. In the summer of 1941, we Canadians were very short of food, blankets, clothing and sports equipment. Due to your remarkable efforts in organizing the P.O.W. we now stand well ahead of any other nationality. For the past two years, I have seen thousands of Canadian Red Cross parcels arriving, as well as all kinds of sports equipment. You can well imagine the effect of all this work upon the morale of the “Kriegies”. The fact that we are allowed food in our clothing parcels in an achievement in itself! Group Captain Wray of the R.C.A.F., who was here last summer, was very impressed and immediately dispatched a letter to the P.O.W. and Red Cross for their excellent work. So, on behalf of all the boys at the receiving end – many, many thanks for everything.
November 25th, 1944.
One month to go to the third Christmas of the Captivity, that’s what there is to go to. This year, in contrast to last, when I became quite petulant at the prospect and wrote a letter quite unworthy of One of Our Brave Boys – I am prepared to accept it philosophically. Christmas comes but once a year, and when it comes it brings a “bash” if at all possible. We are greedily hoping that despite every obstacle the Red Cross Christmas Food parcels may arrive in time, and speculating wildly on what the Canadian Government’s Christmas Cars was hinting at – “a small Christmas present for your personal use.” Now do you think that would be something to eat? Life here is interesting. I am back at the trumpet again. (Somehow I can’t think of the sound I make during practice is giving pleasure to any ear other than my own, no matter how many yards of Lake Simcoe should lie between). I have a very small part (Prof. Willard), and a great interest in my friend’s production of Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town”, with an all-Canadian cast. I am a book reviewer for “The Circuit”. – And I announce the public programs of recorded Swing and Jazz music.
November 28th, 1944.
This is a mere P.S. to the letter written a couple of days ago, provoked by the receipt of 3 letters from you yesterday – including one of Oct 17 – the fastest in a long time. The “in touch” feeling in boosted by your receiving my July letter.
December 6th, 1944. Rec’d March 15th, 1945.
Received a couple of September and October letters from you. As you can no doubt guess I am definitely brassed off at the idea of spending my fourth Christmas here, and I have warned everyone against wishing me a “Merry Christmas” – it will be far from merry. However, once it is over, we can always get optimistic again and reiterate the cry home by Christmas 45 (?). The main thing I want to tell you is that, on December 4th, there
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May 1945 THE CANADIAN PRISONERS OF WAR RELATIVES ASSOCIATION 23
was a dedication service at the new memorial for the … (censored) … It is in the little cemetery about 1 1/2 miles from the north camp. Seven officers were allowed to go from the compound, the East, and sixteen from the North, including the two Padre’s, and the bugler. I was one of the seven from here. The memorial is in the form of a large altar table with three scroll-like stones sweeping up at the back with the … names on it. We all lined up around it while the R.C. and C. of E. padres read a burial service, then the last post, after which the three Group Captains put wreaths on and then the Swiss Legation also put on quite a large one. It was well done and the memorial is really very nice.
December 7th, 1944.
Delighted to receive your two letters of August 14th and September 29th. Once again we were warmed to the heart by the news of all you are doing for us. It makes us feel very humble, but it is that humbleness born of pride. You make us realise how glorious a heritage it is to be a Canadian, and everyday we are here we become more aware of what that really means to us. Out of this experience we will return to Canada far better citizens than we were, for we have truly awakened to what we previously took very lightly for granted. Typically, our Canada has far surpassed all other countries in the help given to us Ps. O. W. and we regard you as responsible for a great part of that. The winter weather has made life slightly less pleasant here, and the reduction of our Red Cross food by half but we are getting by cheerfully and not too unpleasantly. Impatient, certainly, but always hoping that our return to you is just around the corner. Our theatre is averaging one production every 10-12 days, each running for 7 days, providing us with excellent entertainment. Educational program is going very strong and I am sending you under separate cover a routine report on that branch of our activities. The health of the camp, generally, has been excellent, really amazingly so. Regular hours are probably very good for us, although we do yearn for a little of the less regular. First chocolate has arrived so hope remainder will be here in time. A thousand thanks, a grand Xmas gift for us. All have been saving a bit here and there for months for Christmas, so we hope to have a grand day of it. We will be thinking of you all at that time particularly and sending in spirit our cheeriest greetings. From all the lads and myself our thankful thoughts and regards to you.
December 9th, 1944.
Received five letters from you to-day also two from friends. These are the first received in six weeks. Many thanks for them. Very sorry to hear about F.D. being shot up but I suppose it is much better than being shot down. I have been a little under the weather for a few days but am O.K. now. There is a touch of “flu” in the camp but nothing serious. We had a film last week which was a big event in the camp. It was called “The Spoilers”, a whooping, roaring gold-rush
[Photograph of a group of men on a field] Group taken at Stalag Luft III showing amongst others: F/Lt. G.H. Rainville, D.F.M. (Port Henry, Ont.); F/Lt. R.R. Smith, D.F.C. (London); F/O J.E. Loree (Guelph); F/O L. Stevens (Rosser, Man.); F/O W.V. Ransom (Ottawa); P/O T.E. Jackson (Vancouver); F/O J.A. Hawtin (Beaverton, Ont.); F/O G.P. Gardiner (Merlin, Ont.); F/O E.R. Soulliere (Roseland, Ont.).
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24 THE CANADIAN PRISONERS OF WAR RELATIVES ASSOCIATION May 1945
picture and everyone enjoyed it very much. We had a play called “The Importance of Being Ernest by Oscar Wilde. The boys did very well. The food situation is about the same on the camp and we are managing O.K. I am afraid we won’t have a Xmas as I did last year. The people there (missing in France for 6 1/2 months) were very good to me. The Germans are giving us potatoes, cabbage and swedes at present, which are very helpful. That blanket you sent which arrived on the hottest day of the year is surely useful now in this cold weather. To think that I was not very happy when I received it that day! I am still studying but am afraid I am like everyone here unable to concentrate on the subject for long.
December 10th, 1944.
My uniform arrived a few weeks ago and is a very good fit. Thanks very much. It was really a good idea sending it here instead of London because it could so easily have been lost and anyway I might not have been able to use it before moths got into it, tho’ I still think that we will not be here that long. Mail has been pretty good lately. I’m still doing a little work tho’ I have finished all the books from the Canadian Legion Educational Service which you or Dad sent. Neither of the ones on the soya bean or hydrophonies have arrived yet tho’ and I am looking forward to their arrival any day now. It’s a little late for Xmas Greetings but nevertheless Merry Xmas to all the family.
December 11th. 1944.
Mail is coming in fairly regularly, latest around mid-October. Glad to receive those snaps. This morning was surprised to receive an old July letter, but it was extremely welcome, containing as it did, snaps. All O.K. here and glad to learn that parcel is on the way. I’ve been very fortunate in that line so far and haven’t missed any. Could use pyjamas and summer underwear shorts in next parcel – but no Red Cross type or whatever they’ve been so far. They were far too large. Jockey shorts if possible, if not, the broadcloth type, but please a medium size. Also could use a bath towel, preferably a large and heavy type, like those ones we used to have at home. I’ve mentioned slippers already, I think, also shows.
December 23rd, 1944 Rec’d March 24th, 1945.
Two more days until Christmas. About all Christmas means here is an excuse for a big food dash. We have been on reduced rations for weeks, saving food for Christmas day, when we are going to have a gargantuan meal, or rather a series of meals. We have made a Christmas cake from ground biscuits. We have also decorated the room with painted toilet paper streamers and coloured and silvered paper from cigarette packages – it looks quite gay – we only wish the news was as cheering. Have not had mail since the beginning of the month. Am overdue a parcel from home – hope they concentrate on food – particularly chocolate – worth its weight in gold here – and spices which are valuable to relieve the monotony of our diet. Will be able to get to Mass on Christmas day.
December 26th, 1944.
I’ve written you a previous letter earlier this month, but haven’t received much mail since that time, only a couple of slightly overdue September letters. Still O.K. here, but the weather’s gotten really cold in the last week or so. The German papers came out with a met. forecast a few weeks ago, predicting the coldest winter in the last century, and it seems to be coming true. A good point about it, however, is that it guarantees a certain amount of skating and hockey, something that was altogether missing last winter, which was rather mild. There aren’t many skates around, and they are mostly the clamp-on type, but I’ve been out a few times already. Xmas was featured by American Christmas parcels, quite a large bash of food resulting therefrom, and a certain amount of slightly forced and artificial gaiety, which was dissipated fairly quickly. No Kriegie brews this year, as I think I’ve already mentioned, worse luck. So while the Merry Christmas theme was problematical, the Happy Returns motif is still uppermost in most kriegies’ minds. The Canadian chocolate was received – many thanks to the C.P.O.W.R.A. I’ve already mentioned requiring shoes, any type, preferably fairly husky pair of brogues or walking shoes, not necessarily black, also gym shoes. By the way, the sweater is a great blessing these days.
December 26th, 1944.
A Happy New Year to you my Censor.
A Happy New Year to you all at home. I received your letter of Sept. 25th and the snaps, also three other letters. We had a very nice Christmas indeed. The American Red Cross parcels arrived and they were very good. We had turkey, Xmas pudding, nuts and candy and it sure was a grand feeling to get up fully satisfied for once. In fact some of the boys did not manage to do so. We received the Canadian chocolate from the P.O.W. R. Ass., and it was very much appreciated by all the boys. Please thank them from us all. The Canadian and English Xmas parcels did not arrive in time, but will probably arrive any day now. Hope you all had a happy time together. My best to all friends.
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December 26th, 1944.
‘Twas the night after Xmas, everyone well fed – some too well fed – thanks to the American Red Cross, Can. Red Cross, Can. Relatives Ass’n (who are to be congratulated on their efforts on our behalf and we really do appreciate it) Xmas day was quite a success as for as we are concerned in these circumstances – dry yes – but it made us appreciate culinary efforts of our room cooks the more. We are having a cold season but it is excellent for ice skating – already we are well under way and have opened the season with two good games. Our equipment is good thanks to Can. Rel. Ass’n. Unfortunately the equipment D.M. sent has not turned up but we do appreciate your efforts and know what must have happened to it. Do hope you all enjoyed a good time and we feel that it just must be our last (said that now five times) but still one must be right some time if one tries often enough. Do pay my own hearty respects to the above mentioned organizations – they have certainly earned our respect. Say Hello to all and sundry – do ask them to write – getting that lost feeling with so little mail coming in. Photos are more than welcome.
December 26th, 1944.
Christmas has come and gone again without the five of us being together, but I do hope you were all home and carried on as usual. I’m curious to know what Mother got for each of you from me. The day before Christmas a Simpson parcel arrived. Haven’t had any mail since November 25th so Mother’s October 15th is my latest. It has been cold here for the last fortnight, so we have been able to freeze a good hockey and skating rink. It’s fun watching chaps who have never seen ice, learning to skate. Hope my skates get here in time. It was very thoughtful of you to think of sending them. Our Theatre is producing “The Drunkard” now and it is excellent. The American Christmas parcels arrived in time, so we had turkey and pudding for dinner. The Canadian chocolate also came in good order. You’ve no idea how we all appreciate the work you folks are doing for us. I only wish I could thank everybody personally. Perhaps some day I can. Well, with a bit of luck and hard work, we will be together this time next year, but in the meantime, don’t let things get you down and take good care of yourselves. I may be going on twenty-eight now but you will think you have a fifteen-year-old on your hands when I get going. I have just found out that we do not have street cars in London now. I’m still in good health and spirits, but I do get homesick once in a while, about every minute.
December 27th, 1944.
Another Christmas has come and gone, and here’s hoping it is the last one here. Our Christmas was not too bad considering the circumstances. We had turkey, plum pudding, etc., from the Red Cross parcels. Ginger worked overtime the week before, and we still have some of his home made mince pies to eat. We had intended having mince pies at our Christmas dinner, but after the plum pudding, we found we couldn’t eat anything more. We have had some cold weather lately, and we
[Photograph of a group of men] Group taken at Stalag Luft III. F/O J.L. McKeown is marked with X. Kindly lent by Mrs. Jas. McKeown of Smith’s Falls, Ont.
[Page break]
26 THE CANADIAN PRISONERS OF WAR RELATIVES ASSOCIATION May 1945
were able to have an exhibition hockey match on Christmas Day. We were all able to get a turn at skating also. There was also an England vs. Scotland soccer game, and there was a big “fun fair” in the canteen to raise cigarettes for new arrivals. Our room entered a “horse” in the horse race, and were able to raise fifty cigarettes for each of the new arrivals in our room. I have been out skating the last four or five days. A hockey schedule is being drawn up and I am looking forward to a few games. I have been giving skating lessons to the others in our room, who are all English, with the exception of one. I am only allowed three letters and four post cards a month, so this is the last letter this month. I have been sending my post cards to some of the gang.
December 28th, 1944 Rec’d March 14th, 1945.
Sunday evening, church service just over and it is letter time. Received five letters this week and a Christmas card from Prime Minister McKenzie King on behalf of Canadians everywhere – a very kind and appreciated gesture. I am doing a bit of writing in our Quill club we have organized on the camp. Received parcel of gramophone records. Bing Crosby and T. Dorsey – a very good selection, and I am very grateful. Please thank the Sask. P.O.W. Relatives Association for sports parcel which was useful and practical. We play a little hockey and do some studying. Here’s hoping ’45 will see us all united once more.
December 29th, 1944 Rec’d February 26th, 1945.
We were quite busy Xmas week – grinding biscuits and barley for flour, breaking prune stones to use the inside for our cake. Ours must have weighed about 10 lbs with a chocolate icing. We also had four American Christmas and four ordinary parcels so we had a big bash; but I ate too much and couldn’t hold it. Suppose to be the coldest winter in 100 years so we have made a good hockey rink and three other surfaces for skating. We opened on the 24th with East vs. West Canada game. I played and we won 4-0. I wished I had known we would be here this winter I’d have asked for my skates. We have about 350 for 2,000 men. Clamp on skates!!! A few private jobs, but we manage. Have been fairly warm at nite with socks on and greatcoat over bed. Don’t know why the R.C. wouldn’t let J. send blankets: too late now, I really have no complaints!!!
December 29th, 1944. Rec’d March 14th, 1945.
I guess Happy New Year will be late but I can’t remember that it takes a couple of months for these things to get home. We had a magnificent “bash” over Christmas – thanks to the American Red Cross Christmas parcels. They had turkey, plum pudding, butter etc. We were hoping the British of Canadian ones would arrive in time to give us a big feed on New Years but we still have that to look forward to. Incidentally we Canadians in the camp are surely proud of the Prisoners of War Relatives Association and the Canadian Red Cross, they have done so very much for us. Had a letter from you today with snaps enclosed – they were really swell to get. We are having cold weather here and the skating is really good. B. et I are on the same hockey team and the games are a riot. I’m one of the stronger players so you can guess the standard of the team. Thanks for the menthols.
STALAG LUFT VII
Christmas Day 1944.
The day started at 8:00 with a parade. We are having only one today. Chief interest is eating the Red Cross food that we have saved. Aside from that it’s a normal day. Church Services and carol singing are a plenty; went to Welsh Club party last nite. Big soccer game this afternoon. We have stew, pudding, cake trifles and bread. All in good spirits. Red Cross Xmas parcels not here yet. Hope you aren’t worrying about me.
MARLAG UND MILAG NORD
December 26th, 1944.
Things are pretty quiet tonight – most of the boys from our room have gone to see the pantomime “Robinson Crusoe”, so I’ll take advantage and drop a few lines. Well, to begin with our Xmas here wasn’t bad, I think we all managed to get that usual stuffed to the brim feeling somehow and on the whole spent a fairly enjoyable day behind the wire. I think the odds are in favour of spending the next one at home – what do you say? I went to the Nativity Play, Carol Service and Watchnight Service and it was very well done. It is the first time I have seen such a service – believe it is more of an Anglican Service. The R.C.’s also held their various Services and masses too. Believe it or not I had a skate on Xmas Day. We haven’t got proper skated, but several of the old “gufangs” made them out of old hinges and any piece of scrap metal they could get their hands on. It really is funny to see them – all shapes and sizes. We skate on water ponds, which are near our huts in case of fire. So much for camp life. Mail is good lately – some of the boys getting five or six letters at a time. Latest letter in November.
[Page break]
May 1945 THE CANADIAN PRISONERS OF WAR RELATIVES ASSOCIATION 27
January 1945
This is the letter I promised in my Jan. 4/45 card of a few days ago, and without further preamble, would say Milag is the Merchant Navy and Marlag the Naval section of this camp which is located in country district on N.W. Germany. In former compound a small town in itself, save for appearance, we have everything a community should have (save liberty) and many things it should not. Of first mentioned there is Administration from Chief Confidence Man (Mayor) right thru to Sunday, and street depts. Good theatre (produced from farce to light opera) “Pirates of Penyance” [sic] – Christmas attraction – 8 day run – Cinema, English and German films – library – school – C. of E. and R.C. Chopes, all sports, baseball, football, hockey, indoor, debates, talks, lectures, gardening. Our present population is 2,500 – mostly U.K. men. 100 Canadians, 70 N.Z. and Australians, Egypt, Indo-China, etc. represented. Colors, white black, brown, yellow. Opposition interests begins and ends in keeping us inside. Administration, all activities, our own work. Self? To sea before war search local color – became embroiled in conflict – 1st ship torpedoed Sept. 15/40 lost 23 men – joined another ended up here Mar 25/41. Experiences many and varied. Interests – Lit. & Art – Government social reform. Now reading up Mills “Political Economy”. Like helping others but resources limited. Dream dreams but in this materialistic world many go unfulfilled. Abhor strife. Believe in state ownership, national resources. International viewpoint necessary to just and sound peace. Future in lap if Gods but believe prospects good.
December 29th, 1944. Rec’d March 14th, 1945.
I guess Happy New Year will be late but I can’t remember that it takes a couple of months for these things to get home. We had a magnificent “bash” over Christmas – thanks to the American Red Cross Christmas parcels. They had turkey, plum pudding, butter etc. We were hoping the British or Canadian ones would arrive in time to give us a big feed on New Year but we still have that to look forward to. Incidentally we Canadians in the camp are surely proud of the Prisoners of War Relatives Association and the Canadian Red Cross, they have done so very much for us. Had a letter from you today with snaps enclosed – they were really swell to get. We are having cold weather here and the skating is really good. B. and I are on the same hockey team and the games are a riot. I’m one of the stronger players so you can guess the standard of the team. Thanks for the menthols.
DIRECTORY
Subscribers are urged to buy from the companies listed here as they are helping to defray the cost of this bulletin.
[Advertisements from Burton’s Limited, Diggon’s, Wm. Collins Sons & Co. and F.E. Osborne]
[Page break]
30 THE CANADIAN PRISONERS OF WAR RELATIVES ASSOCIATION May 1945
[Advertisements from British Consols, Sweet Caporal, Charles Ogilvy, Hudson’s Bay Company]
[Page break]
May 1945 THE CANADIAN PRISONERS OF WAR RELATIVES ASSOCIATION 31
[Advertisement from Molson’s Brewery Limited]
[Page break]
33 THE CANADIAN PRISONERS OF WAR RELATIVES ASSOCIATION May 1945
[Advertisement from Dawes Black Horse Brewery]
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
News Sheet No 42 May 1945
Description
An account of the resource
The News Sheet of the Canadian Prisoner of War Relatives Association. This edition covers Victory in Europe, the death of President Roosevelt, the liberation of Canadian POWs, assembly centres for released POWs, the seizure of German POW records, Stalag Luft I "the easiest camp in Germany", propaganda broadcasts, the memorial at Stalag Luft III, news from England, the American Red Cross news, Far East News, Internment camp Liebenau, Questions & Answers, Canadian branch news, news from German POW Camps and adverts.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
The Canadian Prisoners of War Relatives Association
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1945-05
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
32 printed sheets
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
MCurnockRM1815605-171114-013
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Royal Canadian Air Force
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Great Britain
England--Bournemouth
Germany--Lübeck
Germany--Moosburg an der Isar
Germany--Fischbach
Germany--Bremervörde
Germany--Luckenwalde
Germany--Spremberg
Switzerland--Geneva
China--Hong Kong
Germany--Liebenau Site
Japan--Kōbe-shi
France--Paris
France--Nantes
France--Rouen
France--Nice
Canada
Manitoba
New Brunswick--Moncton
Ontario--Toronto
Ontario--Ottawa
Saskatchewan
British Columbia--Victoria
British Columbia--Vancouver
British Columbia--New Westminster
France--Lyon
France--Marseille
France--Dunkerque
Germany--Barth
Poland
Poland--Żagań
Poland--Tychowo
Poland--Łambinowice
Czech Republic
Czech Republic--Karlovy Vary
Germany--Nuremberg
France--Bordeaux (Nouvelle-Aquitaine)
France
Ontario
New Brunswick
Germany
China
Japan
Switzerland
England--Hampshire
Germany--Parchim
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Anne-Marie Watson
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1945-05
aircrew
Churchill, Winston (1874-1965)
Dulag Luft
entertainment
faith
fear
memorial
prisoner of war
Red Cross
Roosevelt, Franklin Delano (1882-1945)
sport
Stalag 8B
Stalag Luft 1
Stalag Luft 3
Stalag Luft 4
Stalag Luft 7
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/501/22544/MCurnockRM1815605-171114-012.2.pdf
9b4c8e2553331a037c7dc2406bba8fd6
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Curnock, Richard
Richard Murdock Curnock
R M Curnock
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Curnock, RM
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2016-04-18
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Description
An account of the resource
92 items. An oral history interview with Warrant Officer Richard Curnock (1924, 1915605 Royal Air Force), his log book, letters, photographs and prisoner of war magazines. He flew operations with 425 Squadron before being shot down and becoming a prisoner of war.
The collection has been licenced to the IBCC Digital Archive by Richard Curnock and catalogued by Barry Hunter.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Kriegie November 2011
Description
An account of the resource
News-sheet of the RAF ex-POW Association. This edition covers a charity motorcycle rode commemorating Roger Bushell, Charles Hancock's Long March told by his daughter, Book reviews, Alfie Fripp's revisit to Stalag Luft 3, Goings-on at Zagan, a dinner at RAF Henlow and a three part TV series about the Long March.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
The RAF ex-POW Association
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2011-11
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
18 printed sheets
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
MCurnockRM1815605-171114-012
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Royal Australian Air Force
Royal Air Force. Coastal Command
Wehrmacht. Luftwaffe
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Great Britain
England--Dover
Netherlands--Eindhoven
Netherlands--Arnhem
Germany--Celle
Germany--Barth
Germany--Berlin
Germany--Colditz
Germany--Berchtesgaden
Germany--Füssen
Italy--Stelvio Pass
England--Capel (Kent)
Austria--Kaunertal
Liechtenstein
Austria--Feldkirch
Germany--Baden-Baden
Germany--Trier
Netherlands--Dokkum
Germany--Wilhelmshaven
Poland
Germany--Spremberg
Germany--Stuttgart
Germany--Bremen
England--Bristol
France--Lille
Italy--Turin
Denmark--Esbjerg
Netherlands--Amsterdam
Poland--Żagań
Germany--Düsseldorf
France--Dunkerque
Belgium--Ieper
Germany--Bad Fallingbostel
Italy
France
Germany
Denmark
Austria
Belgium
Netherlands
Germany--Ruhr (Region)
England--Gloucestershire
England--Kent
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
103 Squadron
104 Squadron
166 Squadron
207 Squadron
214 Squadron
218 Squadron
220 Squadron
35 Squadron
460 Squadron
50 Squadron
619 Squadron
77 Squadron
88 Squadron
air gunner
aircrew
bale out
Blenheim
Boston
crewing up
Distinguished Flying Cross
entertainment
escaping
Fw 190
Hudson
Lancaster
memorial
mess
navigator
P-51
prisoner of war
RAF Abingdon
RAF Attlebridge
RAF Biggin Hill
RAF Elsham Wolds
RAF Hendon
RAF Henlow
RAF Leeming
RAF Waddington
shot down
Spitfire
sport
Stalag Luft 3
Stalag Luft 6
the long march
Wellington
Whitley
wireless operator / air gunner
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/501/22523/MCurnockRM1815605-171114-009.1.pdf
a5ee9f765734a082357230edbe6bc59b
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Curnock, Richard
Richard Murdock Curnock
R M Curnock
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Curnock, RM
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2016-04-18
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Description
An account of the resource
92 items. An oral history interview with Warrant Officer Richard Curnock (1924, 1915605 Royal Air Force), his log book, letters, photographs and prisoner of war magazines. He flew operations with 425 Squadron before being shot down and becoming a prisoner of war.
The collection has been licenced to the IBCC Digital Archive by Richard Curnock and catalogued by Barry Hunter.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Kriegie April 2004
Description
An account of the resource
News-Sheet of the RAF ex-POW Association. This edition covers the memorial to the POWs at RAF Hendon, Recco Report of ex-POWs and their activities, Obituaries for Maurice Butt and others, Book reviews, A time for Reconciliation, the Great Escape 60th Anniversary Air Power Association Dinner and Reception at the Imperial War Museum. Colour photographs of the memorial programme are included.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
The RAF ex-POW Association
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2004-04
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
12 printed sheets
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
MCurnockRM1815605-171114-009
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Royal Canadian Air Force
South African Air Force
Royal Air Force. Coastal Command
Royal Navy
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Canada
Alberta--Edmonton
Netherlands--Den Helder
Netherlands--Texel
England--London
England--Coventry
Germany--Cologne
England--Oxford
Germany--Barth
Malta
Great Britain
Alberta
Germany
Netherlands
Germany--Ruhr (Region)
England--Oxfordshire
England--Warwickshire
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
10 Squadron
51 Squadron
61 Squadron
aircrew
bale out
Beaufighter
Distinguished Flying Cross
Dulag Luft
Elizabeth II, Queen of Great Britain (1926 - 2022)
entertainment
Halifax
Harvard
Lancaster
Manchester
memorial
Mosquito
navigator
Operational Training Unit
prisoner of war
RAF Hendon
RAF Little Rissington
Red Cross
Spitfire
Stalag Luft 1
Stalag Luft 3
Stalag Luft 6
the long march
training
Typhoon
Victoria Cross
Wellington
Whitley
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/501/22515/MCurnockRM1815605-171114-007.2.pdf
22e42a1f8a320022dd43710f17b18b85
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Curnock, Richard
Richard Murdock Curnock
R M Curnock
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Curnock, RM
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2016-04-18
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Description
An account of the resource
92 items. An oral history interview with Warrant Officer Richard Curnock (1924, 1915605 Royal Air Force), his log book, letters, photographs and prisoner of war magazines. He flew operations with 425 Squadron before being shot down and becoming a prisoner of war.
The collection has been licenced to the IBCC Digital Archive by Richard Curnock and catalogued by Barry Hunter.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Kriegie December 2000
Description
An account of the resource
The news-sheet of the RAF ex-POW Association. This edition covers the recovery of a crashed Blenheim in Holland, Roy Winton's fourth visit to Barth in 2000, the proposed erection of a memorial to RAF POWs, the Fallingbostel memorial project, Obituaries, Recco Report on POWs, the Association's Annual General Meeting, a visit to RAF Stafford, Book reviews, the Autumn dinner at RAF Henlow, Remembrance Day March, the commissioning of a Canadian painting 'Stalag Luft III - Tunnel Martyrs', a helpline for veterans, a visit to Dunsfold airfield where many returning POWs first returned to after the war, a story by WAAF Billi Watkins about Dunsfold and finally the Association accounts.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
The RAF ex-POW Association
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2000-12
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
12 printed sheets
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
MCurnockRM1815605-171114-007
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Royal Canadian Air Force
Royal New Zealand Air Force
South African Air Force
Royal Navy
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Netherlands--Waddenzee
Germany--Barth
Great Britain
England--Headcorn
Malta
Gibraltar
England--Stafford
Germany--Wilhelmshaven
England--London
Canada
Alberta--Calgary
England--Dunsfold
Poland--Żagań
Germany--Bad Fallingbostel
Poland
Alberta
Germany
Netherlands
England--Kent
England--Surrey
England--Staffordshire
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
37 Squadron
57 Squadron
75 Squadron
air gunner
aircrew
anti-aircraft fire
B-17
bale out
Blenheim
bombing
C-47
crash
Dulag Luft
evading
Gneisenau
Goldfish Club
ground personnel
Halifax
Hitler, Adolf (1889-1945)
Hurricane
Ju 87
Lancaster
Me 109
Me 110
memorial
mess
Navy, Army and Air Force Institute
prisoner of war
RAF Cosford
RAF Dunsfold
RAF Harwell
Red Cross
Scharnhorst
Stalag Luft 1
Stalag Luft 3
Stirling
the long march
Tiger Moth
Typhoon
Wellington
Women’s Auxiliary Air Force
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/501/22508/MCurnockRM1815605-171114-005.2.pdf
5ed5184d548c691254d5bd0fa7c7778b
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Curnock, Richard
Richard Murdock Curnock
R M Curnock
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Curnock, RM
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2016-04-18
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Description
An account of the resource
92 items. An oral history interview with Warrant Officer Richard Curnock (1924, 1915605 Royal Air Force), his log book, letters, photographs and prisoner of war magazines. He flew operations with 425 Squadron before being shot down and becoming a prisoner of war.
The collection has been licenced to the IBCC Digital Archive by Richard Curnock and catalogued by Barry Hunter.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
The Kriegie August 1988
Description
An account of the resource
The News Sheet of the RAF ex-POW Association. Inside are articles about reunions and attendances, the annual dinner at Henlow, Massed Bands Spectacular, request for information about the POW camp newspaper - Daily Recco, the 1997 Remembrance Day Parade, Branch activities, Far-Eastern Campaigns Memorial, Obituaries, Friends and Sisters, the Barth Memorial, the Shuttleworth Collection, Reunions in Halifax and Ottawa, the Annual dinner, Books about POW life, a visit to RAF Elvington's new Canadian Memorial Hangar and a visit to the Caterpillar Club at Irvin Aeropspace.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
The RAF ex-POW Association
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1998-08
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
16 printed sheets
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
MCurnockRM1815605-171114-005
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Royal Canadian Air Force
South African Air Force
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Great Britain
England--Birmingham
England--Stafford
England--Croydon
Canada
Ontario--Thunder Bay
Germany--Barth
Ontario--Ottawa
Nova Scotia--Halifax
Italy--Sicily
Gibraltar
Malta
England--Letchworth
Italy
Ontario
Germany
Nova Scotia
England--Herefordshire
England--Staffordshire
England--Warwickshire
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
107 Squadron
158 Squadron
38 Squadron
50 Squadron
619 Squadron
70 Squadron
air gunner
aircrew
B-17
bale out
Battle
Blenheim
Boston
C-47
Catalina
Caterpillar Club
Conspicuous Gallantry Medal
Distinguished Flying Cross
Distinguished Flying Medal
Dulag Luft
entertainment
Goldfish Club
ground personnel
Halifax
Hampden
Harvard
Horsa
Hurricane
Ju 88
Me 109
Me 110
memorial
mess
Mosquito
Operational Training Unit
Pathfinders
prisoner of war
RAF Dunholme Lodge
RAF Elvington
RAF Hendon
RAF Leeming
RAF Lissett
RAF Lossiemouth
RAF Shipdham
RAF Ternhill
Red Cross
shot down
Spitfire
Stalag 8B
Stalag Luft 1
Stalag Luft 3
Stirling
the long march
training
Typhoon
Wellington
Whitley
wireless operator
Women’s Auxiliary Air Force
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1343/22226/STyrieJSB87636v30001.2.jpg
d13431786e300ac8883cc2cbf2d9a635
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1343/22226/STyrieJSB87636v30002.2.jpg
85f53057ff1149f2aad15171acca7b0a
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Tyrie, Jim
Tyrie, JSB
Description
An account of the resource
34 items. The collection concerns Flight Lieutenant Jim Tyrie (1919 - 1993, 87636 Royal Air Force) and contains his log book, photographs, correspondence and prisoner of war log as well as a photograph album. He flew operations as a pilot with 77 Squadron before being shot down in April 1941.
The collection has been loaned to the IBCC Digital Archive for digitisation by Brian Taylor and catalogued by Barry Hunter.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2019-06-01
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Tyrie, JSB
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
[photograph]
Fourth from left is PILOT OFFICER J.S.B. TYRIE, son of Mr and Mrs J.B. Tyrie, 1 Robson Street, Dundee. He is an airman prisoner in Stalag Luft 1. Two Glasgow lads, says P.O. Tyrie, are also in the group. Left to right – P.O. PALMER, S./Ldr. TORRENS, P.O. RUSSELL, P.O. J.S.B. TYRIE, F.O. RITCHIE, F.O. WILSON, P.O. LONG, F.O. MORGAN. In front – F.Lt. SHORE, P.O. GOODWYN.
[missing letters]DAY, APRIL 12, 1941.
BOMBED KIEL THIS WEEK
DUNDEE PILOT OFFICE MISSING
[photograph]
Official intimation was received yesterday that Pilot Officer James S.B. Tyrie, 21-year-old son of Mr and Mrs James B. Tyrie, 1 Robson Street, Dundee, is missing after this week’s bombing operations.
Pilot Officer Tyrie has taken part in numerous flights over enemy territory, including Berlin, and only on Thursday his parents received a letter from him stating that he was in the big raid on Kiel at the beginning of the week.
Former Morgan Academy pupil and a member of the Dundee staff of the General Accident Fire and Life Assurance Corporation, Pilot Officer Tyrie joined the R.A.F Volunteer Reserve and was called up at the outbreak. He was commissioned last September. His younger brother is with the Fife and Forfar Yeomanry.
Mr Tyrie, who runs the Wellington Garage in Wellington Street, was an observer in the Royal Flying Corps in France for 17 months of the last war.
[photograph]
[photograph]
[page break]
BOMBED KIEL THIS WEEK
DUNDEE PILOT OFFICE MISSING
[photograph]
Official intimation was received yesterday that Pilot Officer James S.B. Tyrie, 21-year-old son of Mr and Mrs James B. Tyrie, 1 Robson Street, Dundee, is missing after this week’s bombing operations.
Pilot Officer Tyrie has taken part in numerous flights over enemy territory, including Berlin, and only on Thursday his parents received a letter from him stating that he was in the big raid on Kiel at the beginning of the week.
Former Morgan Academy pupil and a member of the Dundee staff of the General Accident Fire and Life Assurance Corporation, Pilot Officer Tyrie joined the R.A.F Volunteer Reserve and was called up at the outbreak. He was commissioned last September. His younger brother is with the Fife and Forfar Yeomanry.
Mr Tyrie, who runs the Wellington Garage in Wellington Street, was an observer in the Royal Flying Corps in France for 17 months of the last war.
Kriegsgefangenenlager
Stalag Luft 2
Datum: 27:6:41
DEAR AUNT AGG. MANY THANKS FOR YOUR LETTER. I HAVE BEEN WAITING TO SEE IF THERE WOULD BE ANY MORE MAIL BEFORE REPLYING. I WAS MOST INTERESTED TO HEAR WHAT IS DOING AT HOME. GIVE MUM & DAD MY LOVE. I AM VERY FIT & WELL. OUR WEATHER HERE IS VERY HOT AND WE SPEND MOST OF THE TIME SUNBATHING. SO FAR I HAVE TWO LETTERS. BUT YOU CAN WRITE AS OFTEN, IF NOT AS MUCH, AS YOU LIKE. MOTHER SOUNDED DOUBTFUL IN HER LETTER. WE ARE TO GET SWIMMING WHICH AS YOU KNOW WILL SUIT ME OK. WELL THAT MUST BE ALL FOR NOW. BE HOME SOON Love [signature]
TYPE your letters or DO write LEGIBLY!
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Jim Tyrie
Description
An account of the resource
Six items referring to Jim Tyrie being shot down and being imprisoned in a prisoner of war camp.
Item 1 is a newspaper cutting with a camp photograph of Jim Tyrie and nine other prisoners, all are named.
Item 2 is a newspaper cutting of Jim Tyrie with a head and shoulders image.
Item 3 is a photo of Jim Tyrie and crew at the nose of a Whitley.
Item 4 is a head and shoulders image of a bearded Jim Tyrie whilst in the prisoner of war camp.
Item 5 is a newspaper cutting stating that Jim Tyrie is missing.
Item 6 is a postcard to Jim Tyrie's aunt dated 27 June 1941.
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Three newspaper cuttings, two b/w photographs, one handwritten postcard.
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Photograph
Text
Text. Correspondence
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
STyrieJSB87636v30001,
STyrieJSB87636v30002
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Germany
Great Britain
Germany--Barth
Germany--Kiel
Scotland--Dundee
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1941-04-10
1941-04-12
1941-06-27
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
David Bloomfield
Steve Baldwin
aircrew
bombing
pilot
prisoner of war
shot down
Stalag Luft 1
Stalag Luft 2
Whitley
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1343/22224/STyrieJSB87636v1.1.2.pdf
216289192aae4eaeab54d3613c35214b
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Tyrie, Jim
Tyrie, JSB
Description
An account of the resource
34 items. The collection concerns Flight Lieutenant Jim Tyrie (1919 - 1993, 87636 Royal Air Force) and contains his log book, photographs, correspondence and prisoner of war log as well as a photograph album. He flew operations as a pilot with 77 Squadron before being shot down in April 1941.
The collection has been loaned to the IBCC Digital Archive for digitisation by Brian Taylor and catalogued by Barry Hunter.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2019-06-01
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Tyrie, JSB
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
[lion crest]
A WARTIME LOG
[page break]
WAR PRISONERS AID
AIDE AUX PRISONNIERS DE GUERRE
KRIEGSGEFANGENENHILFE
WORLD’S ALLIANCE OF YOUNG MEN’S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATIONS
ALLIANCE UNIVERSELLE DES UNIONS CHRETIENNES DE JEUNES GENS
WELTBUND DER CHRISTLICHEN VEREINE JUNGER MANNER
Quai Wilson, 37
GENEVE (Suisse)
Centre International
Address Telegraph: FLEMGO-GENEVE
Compte de Cheques postaux: 1. 331
Telephone 2.70.60
Dear Friend,
After the Canadian and American editions of the War-time Log, here is a special issue for British prisoners of war. Though its format is somewhat different, its purpose is just the same as the others: to bring you greetings from friends and to facilitate your recording some of your experiences during these eventful years.
Not everyone will want to use this book as a diary. If you are a writer, here is space for a short story. If you are an artist, you may want to cover these pages with sketches of your camp, caricatures of its important personalities. If you are a poet, major or minor, confide your lyrics to these pages. If you feel that circumstances cramp your style in correspondence, you may write here letters to be carried with you on your return. This book may serve to list the most striking concoctions of the camp kitchen, the records of camp sports or a selection of the best jokes cracked in camp. One man has suggested using the autograph of one of his companions (plus his fingerprints?) to head each page, followed by free and frank remarks about the man himself. You may write a commentary on such photographs as you may have to mount on the special pages for that purpose with the mounting-corners in the pocket of the back cover. This pocket may be used for clippings you want to preserve, or, together with the small envelopes on the last page, for authentic souvenirs of life in camp.
Your own ingenuity may suggest to you many other ways of using this book, which comes to you with our greetings and good wishes.
Yours very sincerely,
WAR PRISONERS’ AID OF THE YMCA.
[page break]
Received August 2nd. 1944.
[underlined] Bk4R6 [/underlined]
AIR MINISTRY [deleted] August [/deleted] [inserted] 16th September [/inserted] 1943
THIS IS TO CERTIFY that 8736 F/O. J. S. B. Tyrie R.A.F. born on 18th October, 1919 at present a prisoner of war in Stalag Luft III and whose prisoner of war number is 530 has been promoted to Flight Lieutenant with effect from 19th October 1942 and the requisite notification has been published.
[signature] GROUP CAPTAIN
P. 358254 Director of Personal Services.
Asst. Secretary.
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
A WARTIME LOG FOR BRITISH PRISONERS
Gift from
THE WAR PRISONERS’ AID OF THE Y.M.C.A.
37 Quai Wilson
GENEVA – SWITZERLAND
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[lion crest]
THIS BOOK BELONGS TO
JAMES S. B. TYRIE
F/L. R.A.F.V.R.
STALAG LUFT 3.
P.O.W. NO. 530
[YMCA crest]
[page break]
WE ARRIVE AT BARTH. 17-4-41[underlined] BACK ROW [/underlined] PALMER, S/L TORRENS, RUSSELL, SELF, RITCHIE, WILSON, LONG, MORGAN,
[underlined] FRONT [/underlined] SHORE, GOODWIN.
SHORE. ESCAPED, HOME, JUNE 1941
LONG. SHOT ON BREAK, APRIL 1944.
[page break]
[lion crest] 1 [lion crest]
10-4-41
“FOR YOU THE WAR IS OVER”
11-4-41 – 15-4-41
DULAG LUFT = FRANKFURT
17-4-41 – 9-4-42
STALAG LUFT 1 = BARTH
11-4-42 – 30-3-43
STALAG LUFT 3 (EAST CAMP) = SAGAN
30-3-43 – 29-2-44
STALAG LUFT 3 (NORTH CAMP) = SAGAN
29-2-44 – 28-1-45
STALAG LUFT 3 (BELARIA) = SAGAN
28-1-45 TO 4-2-45 BY SLEDGE, FOOT & CATTLE TRUCK VIA KUNAU, GROSS SELTEN, BIRKENSTEDT, GRAUSTEIN SPREMBERG TO STALAG 3A, LUCKENWALDE.
4-2-45 12-4-45
STALAG 3A (LUCKENWALDE) – [symbol]
12-4-45 = 14-4-45 IN CATTLE TRUCKS IN LUCKENWALDE GOODS STATION (INTENDED DEST. ST. 7A MOOSEBERG, NR MUNICH)
14-4-45 STALAG 3A (LUCKENWALDE) =
P.T.O.
[page break]
2
21-4-45 GERMANS EVACUATE CAMP.
22.4.45 (0603 HRS) RUSSIAN TANKS AND MOTORIZED INFANTRY ARRIVE.
20.5.45 PROCEED BY RUSSIAN TRANSORT [sic] TO ELBE, WHERE WE ARE MET BY AMERICAN TRUCKS AND GO TO HALLE, ARRIVING 10 P.M.
25.5.45 BY AIR IN DC3’s TO NIVELLES (BRUSSELS), ARRIVING 2 PM. BY LORRY TO BRUSSELS
26.5.45 BY LORRY TO SCHRACHT. BY AIR IN LANC TO DUNSFORD. BY TRAIN TO COSFORD (106 PRC).
27.5.45 BY TRAIN TO DUNDEE
10.4.41 TO 26.5.45
4 YEARS 1 MONTH 16 DAYS
[page break]
[drawing of two-headed man]
[signature]
RUMOUR.
[page break]
4
[blank page]
[page break]
5
Extract from the “Wire” Xmas 1941, Barth.
Damn it – you cant eat harps!
[drawing of airman on road to clouds]
[underlined] JST. [/underlined]
4.8.44
[page break]
6
[blank page]
[page break]
7
EAST CAMP DRs. MATTHEWS
NORTH CAMP – MONTEUIS & HUTT
BELARIA – MONTENUIS
LUCKENWALDE – MONTENUIS & STEWART
WIPE YOUR BOOTS
[drawing of caricature man holding large syringe]
[page break]
8
[blank page]
[page break]
9
[drawing of a Lancaster flying above clouds inside a circle]
[symbol] (said about June 44)
Very best wishes Jimmy & may it be less than 18 months!!
[signature]
AUG/44.
[page break]
10
[blank page]
[page break]
11
[SS badge]
[page break]
12
[drawing of caricature man with parachute on back going through door marked MANAGER]
With apologies to Fargasse and Leslie Irvin.
[page break]
13
[drawing of man and woman at dinner table, man is sitting, women is leaning over him]
[underlined] HOME TO REALITY
“WHAT! – PRUNES?” [/underlined]
[page break]
14
[blank page]
[page break]
15
[drawing of Percy Prune in flying gear in the forefront and a crashed aircraft in the background]
[page break]
16
[blank page]
[page break]
17
[drawing of map depicting where aircraft shot down and showing the area around Stalag Luft 3 and Stalag Luft 1]
[page break]
18
[blank page]
[page break]
19.
[drawing of nude woman paddling with man in background watching]
A kriegis “Mid Summer Night Dream”.
[signature]
Aug. 44
[page break]
20
[blank page]
[page break]
21
[drawing of view of camp from a window]
[signature]
[underlined] BELARIA [/underlined] 15/8/44
[page break]
22
[blank page]
[page break]
23
[colour drawing of ruins in the foreground and trees in the background]
[signature]
BELARIA.
[page break]
24
[underlined] Sagan. [/underlined]
“Enemy forces managed to gain possession of the town of Sagan”
[underlined] O.K.W. Communique 18-2-45 [/underlined]
[page break]
25
[crest of Sagan]
[signature]
4/10/44
[page break]
26
[blank page]
[page break]
27
[drawing of plan of prisoners’ camp]
Not to scale.
16-8-44
DURING AN AIR RAID
[underlined] SPORTS FIELD [/underlined]
[page break]
28
[plan drawing]
[page break]
29
[plan of German camp]
GERMAN CAMP
[page break]
30
[blank page]
[page break]
31
[cartoon drawing of 3 men sitting at table in Censor Department]
[underlined] “THIS ONE SAYS IT WON’T BE LONG NOW!”
[page break]
32
[blank page]
[page break]
33
[drawing of a Polish pilot's wings]
With best wishes from F/L DAAB Merryshaw.
Sagan-Belaria – 27-3-44.
[page break]
34
[blank page]
[page break]
35
[drawing of thatched houses with a bike rider on the road]
Cropthorne – A Worcestershire Village.
Best of Luck, Jimmy!
[signature]
10/44
[page break]
36
[blank page]
[page break]
37
25-8-44
[signature]
[drawing of airmen in messy room]
[page break]
38
[Kreigsgefangen Lagergeld]
[page break]
39
[blank page]
[page break]
40
[blank page]
[page break]
41
[drawing of map of Norway]
NORGE
Best wishes from [signature]
PILESTREDET 96
OSLO.
NORWAY.
[page break]
42
[blank page]
[page break]
43
[drawing of sentry in sentry box behind barbed wire]
To remind you, Jim, Bill Houghton Sept 44 Belaria
Copy
[page break]
46
THERE ARE NO RACKETS
[drawing of men playing badminton]
“NO – THEY MUST GO – I WONT HAVE THEM IN THE CAMP – NOT EVEN THAT KIND – THEY’RE MY ORDERS “I QUITE AGREE SIR”
[page break]
47
[drawing of two men marching, one in uniform the other in sports kit]
[page break]
48
[blank page]
[page break]
49
[drawing of two men, one a padre in front of a hut with door marked COMMUNISM]
“But I’m [underlined] no verrai religous [sic] Padre [/underlined]”
All the best
[signature]
[page break]
50
[blank page]
[page break]
[German leaflet]
[page break]
[permit stamp]
[three censor stamps]
[page break]
- AND WE, TO THE LAST ENGLISHMAN"
[cartoon drawing]
1944
“Und wir bis zum letslen Englander!!”
[page break]
[cartoon drawing]
[page break]
Ex. [underlined] Das Reich [/underlined].
[underlined] Archbishops in Action. [/underlined]
“We’ve blessed the bombs for the continent, now let’s dash off and do a prayer of protest against V1.”
[page break]
Englands Prestigekurve
[cartoon drawing of Winston Churchill]
Churchill flog von Athen nach London zuruck – (in homen Bogen)
CHURCHILL FLEW BACK FROM ATHENS TO LONDON (IN A BIG ARC) THE HIGH JUMP!
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[German leaflet]
[page break]
GOSSIP BRINGS BOMBS. SILENCE! AND WARN EVERYONE, WHO STILL GOSSIPS – PST.
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[pencil drawing of a woman’s face]
All the best Jimmy
Bob Hamilton
Stalag Luft III 1944.
[page break]
[drawing of three aircraft flying over the Polish flag]
BELARIA 17.IX.1944.
29. JUN. 1942 Saarbrucken.
F/LT. ALEXANDRAWICE H. HILMS
18.4.48 TUNIS
F/LT WYSZKOWSKI M.
TORUN
WARSAW, Air Ministry
F/Lt. DAAB [symbol]
F/O MORSKI B. Hilno
15.VI.1944 Holland
[page break]
[drawing of a Whitley]
[signature] 3/1/45
[page break]
[drawing of men in various forms of dress standing on parade.
APPEL.
EAMES
BELARIA ‘44
[page break]
[German film ticket]
[page break]
[drawing of a totem pole]
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
55
[underlined] In Memoriam. [/underlined]
To those officers who were killed after escaping from the North Camp on March 10th 1944.
[underlined] British [/underlined]
F/L BRETTEL
F/O BULL
S/L BUSHELL
F/L CASEY
P/O COCHRAN
S/L CROSS
P/O EVANS
P/O GRISMAN
- GUNN
- HALL
F/L HAYTER
P/O HUMPHREYS
- KIDDER
S/L KIRBY – GREEN
F/L LANGFORD
P/O LONG
P/O LEIGH
F/O MILFORD
F/L SWAIN
P/O STEWART
F/O STOWER
- STREET
- WALENN
- WILEY
P/O WILLIAMS.
[underlined] Polish [/underlined]
F/L CROLL
- KIEWNARSKI
- KOLANOWSKI
- MONDSCHEIN
- PAWLUK
- SKATZINKAS
- TOBOLSKI
[underlined] Canadian [/underlined]
F/L BIRKLAND
- McGILL
- WERNHAM
[underlined] Australian [/underlined]
S/L CATANACH
F/O HAKE
F/O KIERATH
S/L WILLIAMS
[underlined] Belgian [/underlined]
F/O PICARD
[underlined] Norwegian [/underlined]
LT. FUGLESANG
- ESPELID
[underlined] South African [/underlined]
LT. GOUWS
- McGARR
- STEVENS
[underlined] New Zealand [/underlined]
P/O CHRISTENSEN
F/O POHE
[underlined] French [/underlined]
P/O SCHEIDHAUER
[underlined] Czech [/underlined]
F/L VALENTA
[underlined] Lithuanian [/underlined]
F/L MARCINKUS
[page break]
56
I have confiscated from F./Lt. Tyrie 1 teep ot wich is belong to us
[signature]
I have confiscated from F/L Tyrie 1 teapot which is belong to us.
[signature]
[page break]
57
[underlined] Retrospect. Xmas ’41 [/underlined]
Flashback to January shows about 140 officers & 400 men facing the worst half of a Pomeranian winter. They are not without hope (or beer.)
In Feb, Fort Henry (Canada) in the news. S/L Paddon heads purge of 50 officers to Polish fortress at Thorn.
Parcels & cigs. beginning to arrive with some regularity, and with pleasantly full stomaches [sic] we watch our rapid advance in Lybia. With a Medical Comfort’s parcel we watched our even more rapid retreat.
About this time the Commandant, Maj. Oertal, was promoted to Oberstleutnant & posted. Succeeded by Maj. von Stachelsky, shortly also posted. In the matter of Commandants we were winning 2 – 1.
The Germans pour thro’ Yugoslavia to engage us in Greece. In June we lost Crete, but won W/C Day.
[page break]
58
He was accompanied by 17 other escapees from Dulag – & Major Dodge.
The summer passes quietly on Flieger Beer, with spasmodic activity in Lybia, heavy battles on the East Front, air attacks in the West, & the loss of S/L Lockett’s trousers in the North. In August a further purge emigrated in the direction of Lubeck, - in exchange we received one Padre.
In September began the Reign of Terror, & the men’s Dining room made Rajah Dowlah seem an incompetent lyro. In October the terror spent itself, but the memory lingers on. November saw the fast of news broken by the arrival of 40 new officers.
December – Germany storms the gates of Moscow – Russia fights on. We force the pace in Lybia – Gondar falls, & Mussolini mourns another desert - - - - -
- - - Roll on 1942.
[page break]
59
[underlined] THE DAILY BASH [/underlined]
[underlined] BREAKFAST 9 – 10 AM. [/underlined]
2 slices bread
spread
Tea
[underlined] LUNCH 12.30 pm. [/underlined]
1 slice bread
spread
cocoa
[underlined] TEA 4 PM. [/underlined]
2 slices bread (toasted)
spread
Tea
[underlined] DINNER 8 pm [/underlined]
3 – 4 oz. tinned meat
Potatoes & Veg.
Sweet
cocoa & cigs.
[underlined] Above for full parcels: [/underlined]
Supplies of Veg. very variable in quantity, tho monotonous
See p 73.
[page break]
60
[German newspaper cutting about Winston Churchill]
[page break]
61
[underlined] BOMBER COMMAND [/underlined]
LIE IN THE DARK AND LISTEN
IT’S CLEAR TONIGHT AND THEY’RE FLYING HIGH
HUNDREDS OF THEM AND THOUSANDS PERHAPS
RIDING THE MOONLIGHT SKY
MEN, MACHINERY, BOMBS AND MAPS
COFFEE, SANDWICHES AND FLEECE-LINED BOOTS.
BONES AND MUSCLES, MINDS AND HEARTS
DEEP IN THE EARTH THEY HAVE LEFT BEHIND
LIE IN THE DARK AND LET THEM GO
LIE IN THE DARK AND LISTEN.
LIE IN THE DARK AND LISTEN
THEY’RE GOING OVER IN WAVES AND WAVES
HIGH ABOVE VILLAGES HILLS AND STREAMS
COUNTRY CHURCHES AND LITTLE GRAVES
AND LITTLE CITIZENS WORRIED DREAMS.
VERY SOON THEY’LL HAVE REACHED THE SEA
AND FAR BELOW THEM WILL LIE THE BAYS
AND CLIFFS AND SANDS WHERE THEY USED TO BE
TAKEN FOR SUMMER HOLIDAYS
LIE IN THE DARK AND LET THEM GO
THEIR’S IS A WORLD WE’LL NEVER KNOW
LIE IN THE DARK AND LISTEN
LIE IN THE DARK AND LISTEN
CITY MAGNATES AND STEEL CONTRACTORS
FACTORY WORKERS AND POLITICIANS
SOFT, HYSTERICAL LITTLE ACTORS
BALLET DANCERS, RESERVED MJUSICIANS
SAFE IN WARM CIVILIAN BEDS
COUNT YOUR PROFITS AND COUNT YOUR SHEEP
LIFE IS PASSING ABOVE YOUR HEADS
JUST TURN OVER AND TRY TO SLEEP
LIE IN THE DARK AND LET THEM GO
THEIR’S IS A DEBT YOU’LL FOREVER OWE
LIE IN THE DARK AND LISTEN
[underlined] NOEL COWARD [/underlined]
[page break]
62
A selection of names used to describe various goons:-
Adolf
Flannelfoot
The Red Indian
Smiler
Rubberneck
Dim wits
The Dumb Hauptman
Tweedledum and Tweedledee
Babyface
Useless Eustace
The limping goon
Charlie
Bishop of Barth
Photo goon
Cookhouse goon
Cornerbox goon
Dopey
Slim
Mexican Pete
Taxi Joe
Bulk Issue
Slimey
Goon that barks like a dog
The Hundfuhrer
Appell goon
Death Warmed Up.
[page break]
63
[cartoon drawing]
Extract from Stratsunder Lachtrichten circa, November 1941
To celebrate [underlined] “Pearl Harbour” [/underlined]
[page break]
64
[underlined] THERE’S ALWAYS BLOODY SOMETHING [/underlined]
[underlined] A BLOODY GOOD DESCRIPTION OF LIFE IN ST. LUFT 3 [/underlined]
BLOODY TIMES IS BLOODY HARD
BLOODY WIRE FOR BLOODY GUARD
BLOODY DOG IN BLOODY YARD
BLOODY – BLOODY – BLOODY
BLOODY TEA IS BLOODY VILE
BLOODY COCOA MAKE YOU SMILE
COCOA MADE IN BLOODY STYLE
BLOODY – BLOODY – BLOODY
BLOODY ICE-RINK, BLOODY MUD
BLOODY SKATES NO BLOODY GOOD
SAT WHERE ONCE I BLOODY STOOD
BLOODY – BLOODY – BLOODY
BLOODY SALMON’S 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 BLACKWOODS BLOODY WAY
BLOODY – BLOODY – BLOODY
[page break]
65
NOW AND THEN – THO BLOODY STALE –
CENSOR HANDS OUT BLOODY MAIL
BETTER DRAW THE BLOODY VEIL
BLOODY – BLOODY – BLOODY
BLOODY GIRL FRIEND 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
“WHERE THE HELL’S THAT BLOODY BOAT?”
BLOODY – BLOODY – BLOODY
NOW I’VE REACHED THE BLOODY END
NEARLY ROUND THE BLOODY BEND
THAT’S THE GENERAL BLOODY TREND
BLOODY – BLOODY – BLOODY
[underlined] GEE – I’M BLOODY BRASSED [/underlined]
[page break]
66
[underlined] FOODACCO (NO RACKETS) [/underlined]
Foodacco is run on a Camp basis, and is simply a mart where P.O.Ws are able to exchange surplus articles such as clothing toothpaste etc, for others of which they have more need; chocolate for cigarettes and tobacco, and finally and most important of all, food from Red Cross parcels.
It is obvious that food and other articles have an entirely different value here in P.O.W. camps than at home, so a point value is given to each commodity, according to its supply and demand.
The following lists contain some of the more important Articles and their prices.
[underlined] CIGARETTES [/underlined]
GRADE I 60 PER 100
GRADE II 35 “
GRADE III 20 “
AM. GR. I 50 “
“ GR II 20 “
[underlined] TOBACCO [/underlined]
GRADE I 65 PER 4 OZS
GRADE II 45 “
GRADE III 15 “
TOOTHPASTE TOOTHBRUSH [brackets] 50 PTS
SHIRT + COLLAR 300 “
PYJAMAS 300 “
PANTS + VEST (SHT) 250 “
[page break]
67
[underlined] – MEATS:– [/underlined]
SPAM, PREM, ETC 90 PTS
YORK ROLL 85 “
BULLY BEEF 85 “
MEAT ROLL (ENG) 55 “
STEWS (ENG) 60 “
SAUSAGE (ENG) 55 “
“ (ARG) 120 “
BACON (ENG) 60 “
[underlined] FISH:- [/underlined]
SALMON 35 PTS
HERRINGS PILCHARDS [brackets] 35 “
SARDINES 15 “
[underlined] BREWS: [/underlined]
TEA (2 oz) 70 PTS
COFFEE (CAN GRD) 60 “
COFFEE (TIN PWDR) 60 “
COCOA 70 “
ORANGE JUICE 20 “
[underlined] SPREADS [/underlined]
JAM (16 oz) 80 PTS
“ (12 oz) 65 “
“ (10 oz) 55”
“ (6 oz) 30 “
SYRUP. 40 “
BUTTER 75 “
MARG (16 oz) 40 “
MEAT PASTE 15 “
[underlined] CHEESE [/underlined]
AM. (8oz) 45 “
ENG. (3 oz) 15 “
CAN (4 oz) 15 ”
N. Z. (16 oz) 80 “
[underlined] MISC. [/underlined]
OATS (SMALL) 50 PTS
“ (LARGE) 60 “
SUGAR PR LB 120 “
EGG FLAKES 40 “
SWEETS 10 “
MATCHES 20 “
[underlined] MILK:- [/underlined]
KLIM 100 PTS
OTHER PDWR MK. 80 “
CONDENSED 70 “
[underlined] BISCUITS [/underlined]
CANADIAN 60 PTS
ENGLISH SERVICE 55 “
ARGENTINE 60 “
AMERICAN 25 “
[underlined] FRUIT [/underlined]
RAISINS. (LARGE) 70 “
“ (SMALL) 35 “
PRUNES (LARGE) 30 “
“ (SMALL) 15 “
PEACHES (DRIED) APRICOTS “ DATES, FIGS [brackets] 40 “
[underlined] CHOCOLATE [/underlined]
PLAIN PER LB 160 “
MILK “ “ 200 “
D. BARS EACH 40 “
Hope these prices may always remind you Jimmy of Harry – G. Goodwin CHIEF [deleted] RACKETEER [/deleted] MANAGER
[page break]
68
At Luckenwalde, things were somewhat different. During the 6 weeks without any parcels, cigs. became extremely valuable. Trading took place with Army NCO’s etc. in neighbouring compound, also with hospital etc. Later also with Norwegian Compound. A camp Foodacco was then opened, dealing with Norwegian food separately, for which a %tage [sic] of coffee or choc. was necessary to make a purchase. The points system was used, one point being equal to a cigarrette. [sic]
[page break]
69
[underlined] Parody:- With Apologies To Jerome Keru. [/underlined]
They asked me how I knew, I’d been at the brew
I of course replied, something here inside
Tells me that I’m fried.
They said someday you’ll find,
All who drink go blind.
A presence in your head, will materialize
When the sun doth rise!
So I roar
With glee, and go for more,
To think they could doubt my capacity
Yet with the dawn, my skittishness is gone
I am without my vivacity!
Now laughing friends cry “Ho”!
You know we told you so
So I growld [sic] and say
“Go to Hell”!
And them,
Woof my lunch again.
In memory of “Kriegie Brews”! May we have some of the better variety together in the future.
[signature]
22-9-‘44
[page break]
70
[underlined] KRIEGIE SLANG [/underlined]
ABORT. Lavatory.
APPELL Roll call, held at least twice daily
BASH To eat – usually more than customary amount
BEND, ROUND THE: Mad, insane
BITCHING Complaining
BODS Group of individuals
BREW Drink – any type
CIRCUIT Internal perimeter of camp
COOLER. (GAOL) Bleak confinement for escape etc.
DHOBIE. Accumulation of unclean laundry
DUFF GEN. Highly inaccurate information
FERRET Ante-escape goon, working inside camp
FOODACCO Exchange of food, tobacco etc. on points system
GASH. Surplus, usually of food.
GLOP Pudding, goon or otherwise
GOON A German, or anything german.
GRIFF Information, usually reliable
KRIEGIE. Prisoner of War.
- Do – BREW. Alcoholic brew, made of raisins, prunes etc.
NEW PURGE. Influx of new kriegies
PIT . . Kriegie’s bed. (pit bashing – excessive use of)
PRANGER. Anything usuable [sic] as a hammer
RACKETS Double dealing in anything at all
STOOGE. Person on room duties – cook, washing up etc.
WIRE JOB Cutting way thro’ wire at night
GODBOTHERER. One with strong religious beliefs.
POPE. The R.C. padre.
[page break]
71
[underlined] IS IT AFFECTATION [/underlined]
WHEN FIRST WE JOINED THE AIR FORCE, WE THOUGHT IT WOULD BE BETTER
TO INCLUDE A LITTLE SERVICE SLANG, IN MOTHER’S WEEKLY LETTER.
AND SO SHE LEARNED THAT WE WERE CHEESED, BRASSED OFF WITH BEING SPROGS,
WE DIDN’T LIKE THE BULL AT ALL, WE’D CLEANED TOO MANY BOGS.
WHEN HOME ON LEAVE WE’D TREAT THE GIRL TO CHAR & P’RAPS A WAD
AND SPEAK ABOUT HER FATHER, AS A PRETTY CLUELESS BOD
WHILE HER BROTHER IN THE ARMY – A BROWN JOB – HAD NO HOPE
HE SIMPLY HAD’NT [sic] GOT THE GRIEF, THE PONGO COULD’NT [sic] COPE.
OUR FLYING WAS A PIECE OF CAKE, THE ODD PRANG NOW & THEN
BUT USUALLY WE’D STOOGE AROUND, WE REALLY HAD THE GEN
WE’D BLAST THE GOON, DEFY THE FLAK, PRESS ON THRO’ ICE & SNOW
AND SOMETIMES WE’D COLLECT A GONG – BANG ON, OH WIZARD SHOW.
THEN CAME THE NIGHT OF GROUP’S BIG BOOB – SOME TYPE WAS NOT ON TOP
“ACHTUNG”, YOU SHALL EIN BURTON HAVE, I GIVE YOU ZE CHOP
OF WHICH WE TOOK A VERY DIM, WHEN DAWNED THE REALIZATION
WE’D HAVE TO LEARN SOME BRAND NEW SLANG – OR IS IT AFFECTATION.
SO NOW WE’RE KRIEGIES, DRINKING BREW, INSTEAD OF DEAR OLD CHAR
WE THRIVE ON GASH, ON CORNED BEEF HASH, & MORTGAGE OUR D-BAR
WE GIVE GOONS HELL WHEN ON APPELL, WE PITBASH, DAY & NIGHT
WE’RE ROUND THE BEND, BUT PRAISE NO END, OUR EFFORTS AT ARBEIT.
SO MOTHER DEAR, DON’T THINK US QUEER, JUST BLAME IT ON THE GOONS
IF YOU AT NIGHT AWAKE WITH FRIGHT TO HEAR “BOWLS UP FOR PRUNES”
WE REALLY ARE QUITE HARMLESS & STILL ARE FAIRLY YOUNG
SE WE’LL SETTLE DOWN WHEN WE GET HOME, TO LEARN OUR MOTHER TONGUE.
[page break]
72
[blank page]
[page break]
73
Rations from Germans at Luckenwalde consisted of a daily issue of 300 gms bread & 1/2 litre (approx 1 cup full) of very liquid soup. Each day a “spread” was issued, nearly always marg. 25 gms (about 1/2 match box) Very occasional issue of meat paste, sausage & fat. Every third day an issue of sugar, about 2 tablespoons each.
[page break]
74
[drawing of two men carrying plates walking in opposite directions through a door]
[underlined] ILS NE PASSERONT PAS! [/underlined]
[page break]
75
[blank page]
[page break]
76
[blank page]
[page break]
77
[underlined] Gimme the Gen! [/underlined]
“Hello! Let me carry your things for you”
“Thanks very much – what sort of camp is this?
“Oh – not bad, you know – but not a patch on Dulag. Have you been down long?
“Well, about 3 weeks or so: doesn’t sound long to you, I suppose”
“I’ll say. But that’s all the better: you must come & give us the good news”
“News?”
“Yes: everything thats [sic] going on in England. This is our room. Pretty untidy, I’m afraid. Now will you have some tea? And something to eat? I suppose you ran out of food on the way, as usual”
“Yes: how did you know that? Oh, thanks! Bread & cheese will do fine.”
[page break]
78
“Now tell me – what’s the spirit at home? Pretty good?
“Yes – I think it seemed alright.
“And how are our fighters doing over the channel? Are we shooting them down OK?
“Well, I don’t know really – was up North all the time.
“Tell me. What do the papers say about the Russian Front? Are the Germans having pretty heavy losses?
“Well, the papers say so.
“What sort of figure?
“I’m afraid I can’t remember. 1 – 4,000,000 I believe.
“Oh! Now what are the Americans doing? I believe Roosevelt’s got the Neutral Act repealed, hasn’t he?
“Yes, I believe I did read something about that – but I’ve rather forgotten now. Never read the papers much.
“Did you ever see the official reports about the sinking of submarines?
[page break]
79
“No”
“Oh, well! do you know anything about the Near East? Are there any rumours about an offensive in Lybia?
“I heard someone talking on the wireless once – don’t know who it was, though. I think he said we might make a push if we got enough troops there in time.
“Have you any idea what forces we’ve got out there?
“No, I’m afraid I haven’t.
“Did you ever hear anything of the F.A.A.?
“No, I’m afraid not.
“Were you on one of our new bombers?
“No”
“Have you ever seen a Stirling?
“Only in the distance, I’m afraid.
“Are they raiding England much now?
“I believe they are, occasionally.
[page break]
80
‘What size bombs are we dropping now?
‘I’m not sure, really: I’m an A.G.
‘What’s Jane doing now, do you know?
‘Jane?
‘Yes, Jane – in the Daily Mirror
‘Oh, I don’t know – never read the thing.
“Where were you on when you were shot down?
“Oh, well – I’m not sure – it was all in the darkness, you know.”
[symbol]
[page break]
81
[underlined] Report from Germany on Mass Escape. [/underlined]
In March of this year, English P.ows [sic] in considerable numbers broke out of various camps in Germany. Measures for bringing the fugitives in again were a complete success. In the course of these measures it was proved that a concerted action which had been partially prepared with help from abroad, was frustrated. While bringing in the Pows [sic] who had escaped from one camp, the German Police forces were forced to use their fire arms on various occasions, owing to resistance being offered and flight attempted. As a result, a no. of the prisoners lost their lives.
The Reich Govt. informed the British Govt. of these occurrences via Switzerland. Beyond this, it also held out the prospect of a final definite report, after the searches had been concluded. In the meanwhile, Eden, in the House of Commons, did not shrink from making the monstrous assertion that the British P.ow’s [sic] were murdered in Germany.
[page break]
82
In a communication which was made to the British, this unqualified censure is repudiated. The note runs as follows.
“On the 23rd. June, the English Foreign Minister, without waiting for the results of German inquiries, made a declaration in this matter, which the Reich energetically repudiates. The F.M. of a country, which began the bombing war, against the civilian population, which has murdered 10,000’s of women & children by terror attacks on dwelling places, hospitals & cultural monuments, which in an official “Handbook of Modern Irregular Warfare”, written for Forces, has given all English soldiers the literal command to apply the methods of gangsters to gouge out the eyes of an enemy who lies defenceless on the ground, and to smash in his skull with stones - - -
[page break]
83
such a Foreign Minister must be deprived of the right to have any part in the question at all, or indeed to make any accusations of any kind. In face of the unheard off [sic] conduct of the English Foreign Minister, the Reich Govt. declines to give further information re this affair.
Ex. Deutsche Allgemeine Zeitung.
[page break]
84
[blank page]
[page break]
85
[underlined] Heard after lights out. [/underlined]
- - - They can’t afford not to do it, with the reserves they haven’t got - - -
[underlined] Luckenwalde. [/underlined]
Continual coughing – and many air-raid warnings.
[page break]
86
[underlined] NORWEGIAN COMPOUND V. BRITISH COMPOUND. [/underlined]
V. LT. ENDERSEN
SELF. WHITE
[list of moves on a chess board]
[indecipherable address]
After 2 hrs play, white had an advantage of a rook & 3 pawns and was judged by committee to be winner, black agreeing. The match was lost 9 1/2 – 2 1/2.
A delightful lunch followed the match, as per menu opposite.
[page break]
87
[drawing of six flags]
[underlined] Luncheon [/underlined]
given by
The Norwegian Officers
at
The Great International Chess Tournament
in
Luckenwalde 28/3 1945
[drawing of a flower]
Flight Lieutenant Jamas [sic] Tyrie
[page break]
88
[blank page]
[page break]
89
[underlined] – ESCAPE – [/underlined]
If you can quit the compound undetected
And clear your tracks, nor leave the smallest trace
And follow out the programme you’ve selected
Nor lose your grasp of distance, time & space . . .
If you can walk at night by compass bearing
Or ride the railways in the light of day
And temper your elusiveness with daring
Trusting that sometimes bluff will find a way . . .
If you can swallow sudden, sour frustration
And gaze unmoved at failure’s ugly shape,
Remembering, as further inspiration
It was, and is, your duty to escape . . .
If you can keep the great Gestapo guessing
With explanations only partly true
And leave them, in their heart of hearts, confessing
They didn’t get the whole truth out of you. - - -
[page break]
90
If you can use your “cooler” fortnight dearly
For planning methods wiser than before,
And treat your first miscalculations merely
As lists let fall by fate to teach you more . . .
If you can scheme on with patience & precision
It wasn’t in a day they builded Rome
And make ‘escape’ your single, sole ambition
The next time you attempt it, you’ll get home.
F/L [underlined] E. Gordon Brettel. [/underlined]
(written in April 1943 in the “cooler” at Gross Hartmansdorf, Saxony. Brettel was among the victims of the big escape from the North Camp, Stalag Luft 3, in April 1944.)
[page break]
91
[underlined] WEEKLY RATIONS PER MAN, AS ISSUED [/underlined]
2 oz. Sugar
2 oz. Jam
1 Loaf Black Bread (2000 grms.)
4 oz. Marg.
6 lbs. Potatoes (Variable)
3 oz. Dry Barley
2 oz. Cheese (Ersatz 50% inedible)
2 oz. Blood Sausage
2 oz. Fresh meat
3 oz. Ersatz tea or coffee (not used)
Dry or Fresh Vegetable when available.
[underlined] GENEVA CONVENTION. CH. 2 ART. 2. [/underlined]
THE FOOD RATION OF P.O.W’s. SHALL BE EQUAL IN [underlined] QUALITY [/underlined] AND [underlined] QUANTITY [/underlined] TO THAT OF DEPOT TROOPS.
[page break]
92
People I lived with.
R3W. – R28 C
[underlined] Barth. Ritchie (S) – Ritchie (S)
Russell (E) – Patterson (S)
Self – Middleton (E)
[blank] – Self
68/8 – 64/4
[underlined] SAGAN. [/underlined]
E.
Stapleton (E) – Anthony (C)
Patterson (S) – Kingswell (C) (Davies (E)
Page (E) – Dougall (C) Small (S.A.)
Middleton (E) – Hannigan (E) Read ) (E)
Lythgoe (E) – Amos (A)
Self- Mace (E)
[blank] – Graham (E)
[blank] – Self
[underlined] SAGAN [/underlined]
N.
103/8
AMOS (A)
BAINES (A) (Slater) (A)
BRICKHILL (A)
COLLETT (E)
EDWARDS (E)
Self
[underlined] BELARIA [/underlined]
4/6
WILLIAMS (E)
GOODWIN (E)
BUCKLEY (I)
CULLING (E)
ALLEN (E)
KOCH (A)
WATSON (S)
HAYDEN
LEWIS (E)
OLDING (C)
HUNTER (C)
SELF
(HUGHES (E)
MACKENZIE (I)
OSBORNE (A)
Luckenwalde 220 others
[page break]
93
[underlined] Cooking [/underlined]
To boil water a large jug labelled “Kein Trinkwasser” (no drinking water) is used.
For 130 men in a barrack, the Reich supplies 3 large brown pots – nothing else. This is supplemented by Canadian Red X pots & frying pans.
Baking and frying is mostly done in trays made from Klim tins.
There is one stove 3’ x 2 1/2', with an oven with 2 shelves, coal fired. Each room has to share with another one, having 3/4 of an hour in the afternoon & the same in the evening. (Catering thus for 24 men.)
All flour is obtained by grinding down biscuits.
[page break]
94
[underlined] MAIL AVERAGE TIME 2 – 3 MONTHS EACH WAY [/underlined]
[underlined] FIRST LETTER WRITTEN [/underlined] 12-5-41
[underlined] FIRST LETTER RECIEVED [sic] [/underlined] 16-6-41
[underlined] PARCELS [/underlined] MINIMUM 2 -3 MONTHS
1st. CLOTHING PARCEL 16-10-41 (SECOND SENT, 1st. LOST)
1st. CIG. PARCEL 19-8-41
1st. AMERICAN PRIV. PARCEL 21-9-41
TOTAL AMER. PRIV. PARCELS RECVD. 34
- DUTCH - - - 11
[underlined] RED X PARCELS RECVD. BY ROOM OF 3 MEN [/underlined]
[line chart]
[page break]
95
[underlined] Choc. Raisin Pie [/underlined]
Line tray with shortened pastry and bake. Boil raisins, add butter, sugar, choc. or cocoa, and milk. Bring to boil and thicken. Spread on pastry and serve cold with cream.
[underlined] Amer. Do-nuts [/underlined]
Fill dough-nut with ice-cream, pour over choc. sauce, or cream. Sprinkle with chopped nuts.
[underlined] Candied Carrots [/underlined]
Boil and mash carrots. Spread with honey or syrup and bake in oven.
[page break]
96
[underlined] Piyella [sic] [/underlined]
Semi-fry rice until fat is soaked up. Add little saffron, and bake in oven, adding little water and turning over constantly Fry chopped ham, bacon and pork, add same to above. Fry carrots, peas, onions etc and add to above. Bake well, with continual mixing to prevent top getting too crisp. (Pre-cook veg.)
[underlined] Klim icing [/underlined]
Mix dry klim, butter and sugar cold.
[page break]
97
[underlined] PHOTOS. [/underlined] ON MARCH: JAS. HILL
R.A.F. PHOTO UNIT
PINEWOOD STUDIOS
DENHAM.
LUCKENWALDE: JOSE MULLER
ROBERT CARMAN
JEFFERSON
IOWA, U.S.A.
[page break]
98
[black and white photograph of head and shoulders of Max Schmelling]
[page break]
99
[underlined] Autograph photo of Max Schmelling: [/underlined] obtained during his visit to Luckenwalde on March 2nd. 1945.
Reason of visit unknown, perhaps connected with visit of unknown S.S. Obergruppenfuhrer. Air raid alarm that morning for 2 hrs.
[page break]
100
K.H. ANTHONY,
90. QUEENSBURY AVE.
TORONTO, 13 (GROV. 8011)
N.N. AMOS
122, ALEXANDRA ROAD
CLAYFIELD. BRISBANE (M 3595)
R.P. BAINES
3, CAMBRIDGE ST.
NORTH BRIGHTON S. 6
MELBOURNE. (X 3058)
ROBIN BUCHANAN
STONEHAM
HELENSBURGH (116)
S/L G.N.S. CAMPBELL
4. MEADWAY,
LITTLE THURROCK
GRAYS. ESSEX
O.S.R. COLLETT
PULHAM MARKET
DISS,
NORFOLK
A.G. EDWARDS
1, FILEY ROAD,
NEWPORT, MON.
S. WALES.
2/L DAVID FARRELL
430, JUNIPERO
LONG BEACH
CALIFORNIA (3 – 2928)
H. GOODWIN,
150, WIGHTMAN RD.
HORNSEY. LON. N.8 (MOV 6448)
LT. BILL MOSES (C/O JULES CLUB JERMYN ST. LOND.)
1705, WAYNE AVE.
S. PASADENA
CALIFORNIA.
PADRE MACDONALD
PORTREE
SKY.
K.W. MACKENZIE
’LAKEVIEW’
ENNISKILLEN
N. IRELAND
TICH READ,
HILL LANE
RUISLIP
MIDDLESEX
SAM, SMALL,
P.O. BOX 999
DURBAN.
S.A.
R.D. SHUMAN
STATESBORO,
GEORGIA.
ART HUNTER
530 N. BRODIE ST.
FORT WILLIAM
ONTARIO (SOUTH 2254)
R.J. ALLEN
BREVET CLUB
CHARLES ST.
LONDON.
48, BAKER ST.
WESTON.
J.M. OLDING.
638, TRANSIT RD.
VICTORIA
B.C.
JOE HUNT
241, POWELL AV.
OTTAWA
ONTARIO
J.K. WATSON,
MANIWAKI
QUEBEC
[page break]
101
J. CARRIE,
35, HOWARD ST.
ARBROATH.
W.C. HOWELL
45 EASTBOURNE CRES.
MIMICO, ONTARIO
J.L. WILSON (WILLIE)
1046 ALGONA AV.
MOOSE JAW, SASK.
R.G. CLARKE.
173, WESTMORLAND AV.
TORONTO. ONT.
B.M. FITZGERALD
6, PROVENCHAR APTS
ST. BONIFACE, MAN.
E.L. HOUGHTON
20, KARAKA ST.
PALMERSTON. NORTH I.N. 2
J. McCAGUE.
C/O MRS. CUMMINGS
1144 11S DALE AVE. N
TORONTO
WYNN AYER
1543 NORTH PROSPECT AVE,
MILWAUKEE.
WIS. U.S.A.
GEO. HARSH
2814, PEACHTREE ROAD
ATLANTA, GEO.
U.S.A.
WILF KIPP
425 FADER ST.
NEW WESTMINSTER. B.C.
A.H. DEACON.
SOUTHWOOD
BROADSTONE
DORSET.
P.N. BOYLE
DINVIN
PORT PATRICK,
P.P. 200
STRANRAER.
FRANK DOLLING
16 VINCENT RD.
TOTTENHAM
LONDON N. 15
TEL. BOW 1361
GORDON GALLAGHER
2341, KEMPER LANE
CINCINNATI
OHIO
W.H. CULLING
18, WOODLANDS RD.
BUSHEY
HERTS. (WATFORD 2904)
JOHN H. RATHBONE
3067 STRATFORD AVE.
LINCOLN 2, NEBRASKA
L.O. STANLEY
68, STRATHCONA AVE.
TORONTO.
ONT.
W.A. HORSLEY
14 Wolseley St.,
DRUMMOYNE: Sydney
WA2038 ov JA 1492
JOSE MULLER
18, IRWIN ROAD,
BEDFORD
ENGLAND.
124 VAN SCHOOR STRAAT
BRUSSELS
BELGIUM.
[page break]
102
WINTER SPORTS. 1 MONTH
Patrick Conyton
The Rectory
Bonchwoch.
Ventnor 357. Isle of Wight
[underlined] Clothing [/underlined] Take with you Lounge Suit Dinner Jacket
Travel in flannels & sports jacket
Ski boots, ski socks, trousers cap and jacket to be purchased in [underlined] non winter resort [/underlined] swiss town approx £3.10
[underlined] Fare [/underlined] Reduced Swiss Federal Rly Excursion fare can be done £5 - £7 return.
[underlined] Localities: [/underlined] Suggest 14 days Adelboden in the Berner Oberland, Do not pay more than 1 £ a day all in. Write to Fran Gurtnev Grand Hotel & mention
[page break]
105
my name, if she is unable to do it at price ask for her advice saying you are Ex P.O.W. & old friend of mine
Hire Skis, (good ones essential)
Best Ski teacher in S = Christian Pierien
[underlined] 2nd fortnight [/underlined] AROSA (Grissons)
Travel across Switzerland 3rd class suggest POSTE HOTEL, or SCHWEIZERHOF try Pow flannel & ask for moderate terms, you can always change if unsuitable, book for 1 week. Poste Hotel is 1/2 mile from Nursry [sic] slopes. Schweizerhof 1/4 mile. Magnificent place, bags of sun & good snow. Take camera. Overheads according to what you want, I found 5/- - 10/- ample per day but unecessary. [sic]
Total cost: Fares £7.10
Hotel £30
Clothes & skis £5
Etc £6.10
£50 Can be done for £40 without discomfort
P.T.O.
[page break]
106
Best months: February & March., End of January quite good too.
Before leaving England take exercises to strengthen ankles, legs, thighs, saves a lot of stiffness later.
Get in touch with me first & I may be able to fix you up some things as I have my own skis, skates boots etc. It is also much cheaper to stay in private chalets, good bed & food but no hotel special comforts. This would need enquiring into from my friends etc. Speaking German a great help for mixing with Swiss in good cheap pubs, avoid smart set & lovely lovelies who fall down in front of you & say “Ooo how strong you are” when you pick them up.
ALWAYS PICK PLACES WITH SUN (eg Avoid Grindelwald)
Rucksac [sic] essential
[page break]
107
[underlined] Programme for meeting in London. [/underlined]
Stay [underlined] Wings Club. [/underlined]
[underlined] Evening: [/underlined] Visit: Shephards
Cumberland Bar
Hay in the Pound
Berkely [sic] Square
Scotts
Café Royal
Hamburger
[underlined] Next Day: [/underlined] Breakfast: at Dorchester
Lunch: at Majorca
Tea: at Shearns
Wings Club
Snack
Show
Scotts
Pubs
Bath House
[page break]
108
[drawing of blocks in camp with volleyball and basketball courts]
FORE:- Theatre & Loudspeakers & Volleyball
BACK:- Block One, Tents & Basketball court [signature]
[page break]
109
[plan drawing of interior of block]
[page break]
110
[drawing of bunk beds inside block]
[signature] 3/9/44
[page break]
111
[blank page]
[page break]
112
[German label]
Konnisbrot
[aerial photograph]
Windows, from Am daylight on March 15th, 1945
[two sets of Windows]
Picked up at Luckenwalde.
[page break]
113
[blank page]
[page break]
[map drawing]
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[blank page]
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Jim Tyrie's Wartime Log. One
Description
An account of the resource
A wartime log kept by Jim Tyrie whilst being kept a prisoner of war. He was shot down on 10th April 1941 and imprisoned for 4 years, 1 month and 16 days. It contains cartoons, sketches and maps.
He lists the men who were shot after recapture during the Great Escape.
Included are poems and parodies, a list of their daily rations, an account of the Mass Escape, recipes and small strips of Window dropped by the RAF.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Jim Tyrie
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
One handwritten book.
Language
A language of the resource
eng
deu
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Memoir
Artwork
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
STyrieJSB87636v1
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Germany
Poland
Germany--Barth
Germany--Berlin
Germany--Luckenwalde
Germany--Oberursel
Poland--Żagań
Germany--Bernau (Brandenburg)
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Tricia Marshall
David Bloomfield
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1941
1942
1943
1944
1945
aircrew
anti-aircraft fire
arts and crafts
bale out
Dulag Luft
escaping
pilot
prisoner of war
Stalag 3A
Stalag Luft 1
Stalag Luft 3
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1343/22221/STyrieJSB87636v2.2.2.pdf
9ce0536309a442a2c66aa959c8974410
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Tyrie, Jim
Tyrie, JSB
Description
An account of the resource
34 items. The collection concerns Flight Lieutenant Jim Tyrie (1919 - 1993, 87636 Royal Air Force) and contains his log book, photographs, correspondence and prisoner of war log as well as a photograph album. He flew operations as a pilot with 77 Squadron before being shot down in April 1941.
The collection has been loaned to the IBCC Digital Archive for digitisation by Brian Taylor and catalogued by Barry Hunter.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2019-06-01
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Tyrie, JSB
Transcribed document
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading.
Transcription
Text transcribed from audio recording or document
[lion crest]
A WARTIME LOG
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
A WARTIME LOG
FOR
BRITISH PRISONERS
Gift from
THE WAR PRISONERS’ AID OF THE Y.M.C.A.
27, Quai Wilson
GENEVA – SWITZERLAND
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[lion crest]
THIS BOOK BELONGS TO
JAMES S.B. TYRIE F/L
STALAG LUFT 3
BELARIA
[symbol]
P.T.O.
P.O.W. NO. 530
[YMCA crest]
[page break]
[underlined] CHANGE OF CAMP. [/underlined]
STALAG 3A (OFLAG) LUCKENWALDE
[page break]
CONTENTS
Page
ARRIVAL IN GERMANY 1 – 3
KLIM TIN DISHES 4 – 5
ADDRESSES 9 – 15, – 33 [brackets] RESTAURANTS ETC. 31 – 2
CARTOONS 21 – 25 CLUBS ETC. 27 – 28
DAY’S MENU (HOME) 37 – 39 BRIDGE GAME 29
ROLEX 58 ITALIAN CENSORS 59
G. ARTICLE (BOMBING) 62 – 67 GERM. CARTOON 60
PAROLE CARD 68 – 69 INVASION HEADLINE 61
WALKS (BELARIA) 70 – 71 GERM. CARTOON 72
GERMAN CAMP MONEY 76 LETTER FROM COMM 74
GERM FIGHTER CLAIMS 78 – 82 EXAM PASS 75
GERM. POSTER ON ESCAPE 84 – 87 CHEQUES 83, 92
JAP CARTOONS (V.B.) 89 – 90 CARTOON 88
1944 – 1945 XMAS MENU 93 GERM POSTER 94
MOVE FROM BELARIA 98 –
[page break]
[blank page]
[page break]
[lion crest] 1 [lion crest]
SGT. LEE. 1st PILOT.
SELF 2nd “
SGT. YOUNG OBSERVER
SGT. BUDD WIRELESS-OPERATOR
SGT. HULL REAR GUNNER
10-4-41
[underlined] FAMOUS LAST WORDS. [/underlined]
SGT. BUDD: “DO YOU KNOW THE PORT ENGINE IS ON FIRE?”
[underlined] TARGET. [/underlined] RAILWAY STATION IN E. BERLIN.
NO. OF A/C TAKING PART. 98
NO. OF A/C LOST 10
HIT BY FLAK OVER TARGET & SET ON FIRE. SGT. YOUNG WOUNDED IN LEG. HEADED N. FOR SWEDEN, BUT
[page break]
2
FORCED TO ABANDON A/C 15 MINS LATER. BAILED OUT AND LANDED IN GARDEN OF HOUSE IN BERNAU. FOLLOWED DOWN BY SEARCHLIGHTS & CAUGHT IMMEDIATELY ON LANDING. TAKEN TO POLICE STATION, WHERE, MIDST MUCH NOISE & CHAOS, YOUNG’S LEG WAS BANDAGED BY ELDERLY V.A.D. LADY. PHOTOGRAPHED BY ALL AND SUNDRY.
TAKEN NEXT TO FLAK SCHOOL CELLS. LATER INTERROGATED AND SPENT NIGHT IN CELL. NEXT MORNING, COMPLAINED TO VISITING LUFTWAFFE OFFICERS OF POOR BREAKFAST. REWARDED BY WHITE BREAD, JAM &
[page break]
3
SOME JELLIED MEAT. ALSO PERMITTED TO VISIT FREELY REST OF CREW.
ABOUT 10 AM. PROCEEDED IN WAGON TO BERLIN, ANHALTER RLY. STATION, WHERE WE CAUGHT TRAIN FOR FRANKFURT-ON-MAIN AND DULAG LUFT. ARRIVED ABOUT MIDNIGHT AT COOLER.
INTERROGATED AND SEARCHED NEXT MORNING, AND ALLOWED INTO MAIN CAMP IN THE AFTERNOON
[symbol]
[page break]
4
[underlined] KLIM TIN TRAYS. [/underlined]
Made a total of 6 for mess at Belaria, quite successful.
[drawing of work bench and tin]
Start by cutting off bottom of tin with table knife. Then by laying the tin flattened out along the crack in stool, cut off ragged edges, and get uniform lengths. Also cut out strips 1 inch wide.
[drawing of flattened tin]
The edges of big sheets are folded over in 1/4" flanges, ditto with small binders Then all sheets are joined together to form a large flat plate [symbol]
[symbol]
[page break]
5
[drawing of flattened tin] which looks something like the above rough sketch. The joints are firm by hammered down and the sheet is folded into a tray according to depth required.
[drawing of box shape] The ends are folded round, it being arranged that there is an over lap at narrow ends to hold corner flaps in place. Similarly a flap in left along sides and a thin strip put on to strengthen.
[drawing of KLIM box]
[page break]
6
[blank page]
[page break]
7
[cartoon drawing of officer sitting at table]
“HEBREWS: 13. V. 8
[page break]
8
[blank page]
[page break]
9
Jimmy Anderson, 3 Arkley Pl. Dundee
Bill Amos, 122 Alexandra Rd. Clayfield Brisbane. M3595
K.H. Anthony, 90 Queensbury Av. Toronto 13 Grover 811
Betty Bowles, Hever Farm, Singlewell, Kent
Mrs. Brough, 15 Maryfield Terr., Dundee
Dorothy Bates, 104 Ledbury Rd. (B.F.) Bayswater, W11
Mrs D. Brough, 7100 Staedman Av. Dearborn Michigan
Mrs. Morris Baldwin, 338 Highland, Wyandotte, Michigan.
Mr. & Mrs. Bruce, 2511, 23rd. Street, Wyandotte, Michigan.
R.P. Baines, 3 Cambridge St. N. Brighton 5. 6 Melbourne. X3058
Robin Buchanan, Stoneham, Helensburgh
Geo. Combe, 2 Tayview Terrace, E. Newport
Mr. & Mrs. Callow, 11 The Green, St. Leonards
[page break]
10
S/L C.N.S. Campbell, 4, Meadway, Little Thurrock, Grays, Essex.
OSR. Collett, Pulham Market, Diss, Norfolk
A.T. Davidson, 43 Kings Road, East Sheen, London SW.
Mrs. G.W. Dagwell, 6 Torr View Ave. Peverell, Plymouth.
Mr & Mrs Elder, Bruce Terrace, Errol.
Mrs Elliott, 63 Loans Road, Dundee
Ted Edwards, 1, Filey Road, Newport, Mon. S. Wales.
Miss Pauline Elliott-Beevor, 16 Hyde Park Gardens, London, W2
2/L David Farrell, 430 Junipers, Long Beach, California. 3 – 2928
[page break]
11
Val Galloway, 190 Arbroath Rd. Dundee
Chris. Gordon, 11 Cardean St. Dundee
OH Grunke, 1543 York Ave. New York
Harry Goodwin, 150 Wightman Road, Hornsey London N. 8 MOV 6448
Douglas Hill, Dalgleish Road, Dundee
Pat Hamblin,
Baroness H. van Heickeren, (Rote Kreug) de Steeg, Holland.
Helen Harle, 3 Commercial Road, Spittal B. on Tweed.
Jack Hynd, 68 Forfar Road, Dundee
Lt. Carl Holmstrom, Sherwood St., Branaford, Conneticut. [sic]
Mrs. J. Johnston, 445 Riverbank, Wyandotte, Michigan.
Joan Kelson, 4 Severn Drive, Thornbury, nr. Bristol
[page break]
12
Mrs. Thomas Kenworthy, Glenside, Pennsylvania
Grethe Kavli, Eilerts Sunds Gt. 2 Oslo, Norway.
Margaret Lemmens, R.N.O. Hospital Gt Portland St. London W1
Mrs. Harry Locker, 156 First Street, Wyandotte, Michigan.
Mrs. Lasseter, Missippi, [symbol] Morton.
Mrs. J. Morris, 90 Beech Road, Clevelys Lancs.
Bruce Mackenzie, c/o Mrs. E.G. Twyanan 990 Erin St. Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Mrs. McKechnie, Trafalgar Apts. Cote de Leige Road, Montreal.
Lt. Bill Moses, c/o Jules Club, Jermyn St. London.
1705 Wayne Avenue, South Pasadena, California
[page break]
13
Padre MacDonald, Parish House, Portree, Sky
Miss Ethel Newman, 9440 Savery, Detroit, Michigan.
K.W. Mackenzie, Lakeview, Enniskillen, N. Ireland.
Miss Jean Nicholas, 49 Leith Ave., Portchester, Fareham, Hants.
Alice Partington, 80 Friendship St. Bolivar, New York.
Miss Emily Price, c/o Landes Bros. 130 W 30th St. New York.
Fred Randall, 127 Ferry Road, Dundee
Pat Roper, 134 Hurst St. Cowley Rd. Oxford.
Anne Reid, Greenwich, Conneticut. [sic] P.O.B. 427
Tich Read, Fairfield, Hill Lane, Ruislip Middsx.
[page break]
14
Gladys Richardson, 79, Moreland St. London E.C.
Sandy Shepherd, 8 Lochlee Terrace, Dundee.
Isla Stewart, 70 Dalkeith Road, Dundee.
Joan Scott. Ashgrove, Low Utley, nr. Keighley, Yorks.
[symbol] Ethel Sheldrake, 36 Alleyn Road, West Dulwich, London SE21
Sam Small, P.O. Box 999, Durban.
[symbol] Always thro. Mrs Pick, Woodhouse Field Thirsk.
R.D. Shuman, Statesboro, Georgia
Joyce Tillbrook, 45 Wroughton Rd. London S.W.11
[page break]
15
Eve Vere, “Peacehaven” Tavistock Rd. Roborough, Devon.
Eve Wheeldon, 12 Colwick Rd. West Bridgeford, Nottingham.
Mrs. Alex. Wann, 51 Vinton St. Dorchester, Mass.
Lt. Rathbone, Lincoln, Nebraska. (Geologist)
Jack F.M. White, 82 Parkland Grove, Ashford, Middsx. 2455 (Germ. Class)
[page break]
16
[blank page]
[page break]
17
An extract from “All Souls’ Night”, a collection of short stories by Hugh Walpole. It sums up very well the situation which so often arises in camps between friends.
“The perfect travelling companion! Isn’t he or she practically an impossibility? As with marriage you may compromise, and nine out of ten times you do. Is it your fault or the others? Surely not your own, for you start out with such splendid confidence as to your own character. And, to the very last, it isn’t your own character that seems to have failed. Aside from one or two little irritabilities you have been perfect, but the other - ! You had no idea before you started of the weaknesses, the selfishness, the odd, exasperating tricks, the refusal to agree to the most obvious course, the insistence on unimportant personal rights! No, it has most certainly [underlined] not [/underlined] been your fault; and yet, in retrospect, are there not suddenly exposed certain flecks, little blemishes in your own personality, that you had never suspected.”
[symbol]
[page break]
20
[blank page]
[page break]
21
“HAPPY DAYS”
[eight cartoon drawings of life in camp]
[page break]
22
[blank page]
[page break]
23
“HAPPY DAYS”
[eight cartoon drawings of life in camp]
[page break]
24
[blank page]
[page break]
25
[nine cartoon drawings of life in camp]
[page break]
26
[blank page]
[page break]
27
[underlined] CLUBS [/underlined]
1. MURRAYS
2. TATTY BOGLE
3. GAY 90’s
4. TUDOR & CROCKER
5. BLUE PENCIL
6. HAVANNA
7. CHEZ NO 1
8. R.A.F.
9. OVERSEAS
10. CAFE DE PARIS
11. L.’ APERATIF [sic]
12. UNIVERSAL
13. CAPTAINS CABIN
14. PUNCHBOWL
15. BELLE VUE
16. ORANGE
17. QUEENS
18. CAFÉ ANGLAIS
19. AMER. EAGLE
20. N.Z. FORCES
21. BINNYS
22. CAFÉ BLEU
23. WHITE HOUSE
24. NAUTICAL
25. FRENCH HOUSE.
26. SWISS HOUSE
27. BOULLABAISE
28. LADDER
29. COCONUT GROVE.
[page break]
18
[blank page]
[page break]
[drawing of a man’s head and shoulders]
GILBERT DOCKING 45
LUCKENWALDE.
[page break]
28
[underlined] RESTAURANTS [/underlined]
A. MIRABELLE
B. HATCHETTS
C. PREMIER
D. PRINCES BAR
[symbol] E. ODDENINOS
F. CAFÉ ROYAL
G. BODEGA
H. CHICKEN COOP
I. HUNGARIA
J. APPENRODT
[symbol] K. MONACO
L. MAISON LYON
M. TROCADERO
N. SCOTTS
O. CORNER HOUSE
IND. P. VIER SWAWNEY
Q. MARTINEZ
C4. R. LEONS
GK S. WHITE [deleted] HOUSE [/deleted] [inserted] TOWERS [/inserted]
T. WINSTON HOTEL
U. EXPRESS DAIRY
V. POLYTECHNIC
W. QUALITY INN
X. QUALITY INN.
[underlined] Contd: [/underlined] on p 31 & 32
[page break]
29
Bridge Game Him – “Two diamonds”
Goch – “Three hearts”
Goer. – “Four ho trump”!
Hit. – “The club”!?
IV – “Pass”!
E – “Pass”!!
G – “Pass” !!X?
[drawing of three men playing bridge]
[page break]
30
[blank page]
[page break]
31
[underlined] BOLIVAR. [/underlined] PORTLAND PLACE: GOOD BAR & SNACKS.
[underlined] BRISTOL GRILL & BAR [/underlined]. CORK ST. DINE WINE & DANCE
[underlined] SYMONDS HOTEL [/underlined]: BROOK ST. BARS, REST. & SNACK C. (DROP IN)
[underlined] SOUTH MOLTON LOUNGE [/underlined]: DITTO ST. BAR & SNACKS (USEFUL)
[underlined] HOG IN THE POUND [/underlined]: DAVIES ST. & OXFORD ST. BAR. EXC. GRILL ROOM
[underlined] CHICKEN INN [/underlined]: HAYMARKET. REST. & SNACKS.
[underlined] I AM THE ONLY RUNNING FOOTMAN [/underlined]: BERKELY SQ. 1st. CLASS BARS
[underlined] THE CHAIRMAN [/underlined]: BEHIND AIR MINISTRY. BAR. 19th. CENT. ATMOS.
[underlined] SHEPHARDS [/underlined]: SHEPHERDS MKT. (HYDE PK. CORNER) GOOD BARS & DINING. ESPEC. LUNCH. GOOD MEETING PLACE.
[underlined] SNOWS CHOP HOUSE [/underlined]: GLASSHOUSE ST. VERY GOOD QUAL. PLAIN FOOD.
[underlined] MAJORCA [/underlined]: (BEHIND REGENT PAL.) SPANISH ATMOS. MED.
[underlined] TROCADERO [/underlined]: SHAFTESBURY AV. GRILL ROOM. CABARET.
[underlined] GENAROS [/underlined]: NEW COMPTON ST. GOOD ITALIAN CUISINE. FLOWER FOR EVERY LADY. [symbol]
[underlined] SHEARNS [/underlined]: TOTTENHAM CT. ROAD. VEG. REST. EXCELLENT FRUIT TEAS. REC BY BOFF.
[underlined] SCOTTS [/underlined]: PICCADILLY CIRC. (MALE) FAMOUS MIXED GRILLS.
[underlined] SIMPSONS REST. [/underlined] (MALE) EXC. GRILL ROOM.
[underlined] CHESHIRE CHEESE [/underlined]. FLEET ST. EXC. PLAIN COOKING WEDNES. SPEC. STEAK & KIDNEY PUDDING. LUNCH.
[underlined] MRS. COOKS [/underlined]: TOTTENHAM COURT ROAD. SANDWICHES
[underlined] HAMBURGER [/underlined]: DEAN ST. & PICC. CIRC. BEST FISH, CHIP & Bouse IN LONDON. OPEN LATE.
[underlined] BATH HOUSE [/underlined]: DEAN ST. PUB WITH GOOD SNACKS.
[underlined] WHITES [/underlined]: WHITEHALL. RIGHT HAND SIDE FROM TRAFALGAR SQ. 1st. FLOOR. 7 COURSE DINNERS. 1/2 BY BOFFIN
[page break]
32
[underlined] COMMACHIO [/underlined]: FRITH ST. SOHO. ITALIAN. GOOD – CHEAP.
[underlined] WELLINGTON [/underlined]: KNIGHTSBRIDGE. BAR, DANCING – R.A.F.
[underlined] DE HEMMS [/underlined]: SHAFTESBURY AV. OYSTER BAR.
[underlined] STONES CHOP HOUSE [/underlined]: JERMYN ST. (EAST) BEER 18TH. CENT.
[underlined] LORD BELGRAVE [/underlined]: LEICESTER SQ. CHOPS & STEAKS FREE HOUSE. HIGHLY REC.
[underlined] COMEDY [/underlined]: JERMYN ST. MED. CLASS LUNCH. OLD FASH.
[underlined] CAFE ROYAL [/underlined]: REGENT ST. VERY GOOD FOOD
[underlined] RENDEVOUZ [/underlined]: FRITH ST. SOHO. FRENCH CUISINE. WINES.
[underlined] ESCARGON [/underlined]: GREEK ST. FRENCH CUISINE.
[underlined] LES JARDINS DES GOURMETS [/underlined]: OLD COMPTON ST. FRENCH.
[underlined] (PETE WILLIAMS) THE VOLUNTEER [/underlined]: UPPER BAKER ST. (1/4 ML. PAST MARYL. RD) GOOD LUNCH, SNACKS, BEER.
[underlined] THE DUTCH OVEN [/underlined]: LOWER BAKETR ST. ALL MEALS
? [underlined] THE CHILTERN [/underlined]: BAKER ST. TUBE STATION. LIC. LUNCH, DINNER
[underlined] QUALITY INN [/underlined]: COVENTRY ST.
[underlined] LYONS CORNER HOUSE [/underlined] -DO- FOR EARLY BREAKFAST.
[underlined] CAPTAIN’S CABIN [/underlined]: PICC. CIRCUS. BEER & SNACKS
[underlined] FULLERS [/underlined]: VICTORIA. TEAS (CAKES ETC.)
WELLINGTON HORSESHOE [brackets] TOTTENHAM CT. RD. PUBS, LUNCHES
MAPLES: 149 -DO- REST.
[page break]
33
E.F. (Ted) Bridgman, R.C.A.F.. – Berlin 3/1/44 Ste. 14 Harold Apts., Winnipeg, Canada.
Rudy J. Lacerle – F/O J16789
11022 – 92nd Street
Edmonton, Alta, Canada
GILBERT C DOCKING F/O AUS 419930
“TREMAINE”
HARTWELL – VICTORIA – AUSTRALIA.
YOU’RE VERY WELCOME AT THE ABOVE ADDRESS JIM – AUSTRALIA IS A GOOD PLACE AT ANY TIME.
[symbol]
Bill Stapleton
c/o “Bashar”
Winslow Way,
Walten-on Thames
Surrey.
[page break]
34
[underlined] Wings Club: [/underlined] Hyde Park Corner. 5/- night, finest in town, preference to flying personnel.
[underlined] KING GEORGE VI CLUB [/underlined]: 102 Piccadilly. 5/- night. Rest., snackbar meals no bar (YMCA) All services.
[underlined] Brevet Club [/underlined]: Charles St. off Berkeley Sq. 7/6. Bar-snacks (RAF)
St. Regis Hotel – Cook St. OK
Plaza – Leicester Sq. NO
Bonnington – Kingsway OK
Symons Hotel – Brook St. Good bar & rest.
Annexe Char X Hotel – Park Lane. Good.
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[German voucher]
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[German voucher]
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ABOUT THE MIDDLE OF [underlined] JANUARY 1945 [/underlined] A WAGER OF [underlined] ONE D-BAR [/underlined] WAS MADE BETWEEN:-
[underlined] FLIGHT LIEUTENANT W.H. CULLING [/underlined] AND
[underlined] FLIGHT LIEUTENANT J.S.B. TYRIE [/underlined]
THE LATTER STATING THAT THE WAR WOULD NOT BE OVER BY THE [underlined] 15TH.DAY OF MARCH, 1945 [/underlined].
IT HAS BEEN DECIDED MUTUALLY THAT, IN VIEW OF THE PRESENT LACK OF PARCELS, THE WAGER SHALL BE:
[underlined] ONE GOOD DINNER IN LONDON [/underlined], TO BE CONSUMED WHEN [underlined] CONVENIENT TO BOTH PARTIES. [/underlined] EXPENSES TO BE PAID BY LOSER, WHO WILL PRESENT WINNER WITH [underlined] HALF A POUND OF MILK CHOCOLATE [/underlined], TO BE CONSUMED THE SAME EVENING. [/underlined]
AS WITNESS OUR SIGNATURES:
[underlined] [signature] F/LT R.A.F. [signature] F/L R.A.F. [/underlined]
[underlined] THE 26th. DAY OF FEB. 1945. LUCKENWALDE [/underlined]
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WH Culling
“Rostellan”
18, Woodlands Rd.
Bushey.
Herts.
Tel: Watford 2904.
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[blank page]
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[drawing of bunk beds]
Rough sketch of block of six 3 tier beds in Stalag 3A.
[circled A] my pack.
[circled B] Boff’s back with blankets
[circled C] Red X box of food.
[circled D] Handles added after 1st. day, great help
[drawing of bed made into sledge containing numerous items]
Hedge. Runners made from sides of bed, nailed to 2 boxes.
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[underlined] BLOWERS [/underlined]
[drawing of home-made fan]
Large wheel with drive to fan in klim tin, which gives forced draft to bottom of small fire. Fire uses coal, if available, wood, rubbish etc. Boils Klim tin of water in approx. 5 mins.
[drawing of home-made biscuit grinder]
[underlined] Biscuit Grinder [/underlined]
Handle rotates tin with holes punched to give grater effect. Box to collect flour.
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[newspaper cutting and photograph of Flight Lieutenant Don Dougall, D.F.C with his fiance Miss Patricia Sellares who were married upon his return to Britain.]
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[photograph of middle aged woman]
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[newspaper cutting and photograph regarding a P.O.W. who married a Lithuanian woman so that she could be free, and has now petitioned for a divorce]
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[photograph of middle aged woman standing at a garden gate with a house in the background]
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[photograph of young woman smiling with hands behind her head]
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[symbol] AUTOBAHNS
[symbol] MAIN RLWYS
[symbol] MAIN ROADS
[symbol] OTHER ROADS
[symbol] RIVERS
[symbol] CANALS
[underlined] SCALE
APPROX: 1 INCH = 16 MILES [/underlined]
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[map drawing of part of Germany]
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[drawing of interior of block with tiered bunk beds]
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[drawing of clothing hanging up inside block]
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[German newspaper cutting]
[German postage stamp]
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[underlined] “MUMMY – I’M SO AFRAID!” [/underlined]
Consider the horrors and alarms of an air-raid! Think of your child’s nerves! Think of how you would reproach yourself, if something happened to your child, because you did not send him in time to the safety of the ‘Childrens’ Evacuation Scheme”. Then you will remember the truth of Dr. Goebbels’ words:
“Nothing is harder for parents than to be separated from their children . . . . but there is the force of conscience, which is stronger than all human laws”
Children do not belong in the dangerous air-raid areas – children should be in the Evacuation Scheme, until the enemy air terror has been broken once & for all!
If you love your child, send him to safety!
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ITALIAN CENSORSHIP
[censored letter]
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[German newspaper cutting showing a cartoon]
[underlined] THE THREE “EMANCIPATORS” [/underlined]
SING LOUDER, YOU CAN STILL HEAR TOO MUCH GROANING
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[German newspaper cutting]
[underlined] BEGINNING OF THE INVASION: IMMEDIATE COUNTER-BLOW [/underlined]
LANDING IN NORTH FRANCE. – AIRBORNE TROOPS PARTLY ENGAGED IN COURSE OF LANDING: MANY PARACHUTE UNITS SMASHED – ARTILLERY ENGAGEMENTS WITH ENEMY SHIPS.
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[German newspaper cutting]
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[underlined] THESE DEAD ACCUSE [/underlined]
The chief of an English Bomber Squadron stated on Tuesday before the House of Commons “The allied bombing has nothing to do with revenge. It is guided exclusively by strategical & military necessity. No english [sic] or American crew is ever instructed to destroy a German target, which cannot be definitely regarded as a military or industrial objective.
We read this. We have previously heard the same from the lips of Mr. Sinclair or Mr. Atlee. It is the English theory.
But we also read: Victims of a British Terror attack, were Adeline, Ruth and Sieglinde. Or Greta, Edith and Gertrude. Or Martha, Paula, Anna & Liselotte. Or Elisabeth. Ingrid & Emmy. We read: Aged 60, or aged 61. Aged 72, 73, 79 or 80. We read “Fell in January 1944 – born 1888. Or 1886. Or 1884, 1875 or 1869 . . . .
We read the same thing daily in many German papers. The examples are not picked:
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To them, unfortunately can be added thousands of names and dates. In an air-raid on 29th. January fell Louise, nee Franck, born in October 1872. On the same day fell also Georg Krang, born 1886, and his wife Helene, born 1890. Thus have so many fallen.
In one night, the head & all members of a family have fallen, with one blow, entire households have been wiped out. Three women here, 4 men there, six, nine. Fathers, mothers, children lie crushed beneath the wreckage.
That is the English practice.
The English practice is murder. Those who carry it out are murderers, nothing else. And those who are its victims, were murdered, in a cowardly way, in the dark and from the rear. That is the way the English wage war. What the Chief of an English Squadron says in the House of Commons, or what the English Minister for Air says, is a lie, destined to keep alive the old lie of the “fair” English gentleman.
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If he ever existed, then he has met his inglorious end forever under Churchills methods of war.
Those who fly, and drop their bombs, are his companions: he however, the British Prime Minister, the discoverer, agitator & organiser of their deeds, is the most guilty. He murders from the desolate desire of an unsound mind – a mixture of cowardly brutality and Sadism, typical of his whole career. War brings him satisfaction.
Even in peacetime he dreamt of war. In 1934 he wrote an article re the scientific methods of destruction in modern warfare. It ran:
“All that happened in the first four years of World War, was only a prelude to what was being prepared for the fifth. Thousands of aircraft would have bombed German towns. Poison gas, to which only a secret mask offered protection, & which the Germans could not produce in time, would have destroyed
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all resistance. (Following para is condensed)
New forms of explosive might have been discovered, bombs, automatically steered by wireless control, chemical warfare with its germs and plagues. Etc. Etc.
Ten years ago, this was the theory, which the British P.M. now practices. While others in times of peace think and plan good works, his sick mind broods over death.
War was always his aim. He poisoned all England with his plan to wipe out the German race. Today they all think like him. If the BBC announced on 3rd. March 1943 “One is glad that women & children are forced to suffer so terribly” If in January 1941, British United Press demanded. “For God’s sake, lets begin to clean up the German people”. If 3 yrs. ago the Daily Mail announced that they would regard it an honour to do without cigs. alkohol, [sic] sweets etc. in the knowledge that the German capital was being destroyed.
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If the Arch-Bishop of York preached in June 1943. “It is only a small evil to bomb German civilians, & one cannot avoid killing them. – then all this is Churchill’s harvest.
The Fuhrer knew Churchill. In January 1940 he warned us that that [sic] Churchill was thirsting for bombing. Of course it was announced that women & children would be spared. When did England ever halt before women & children.
Since then, women have been killed in thousands – and defenceless men & children.
Every death notice writes a new sentence in the process of accusation against England, against the English and against Churchill. The accusation is Murder. Lies are of no avail against this proof. Judgement has been given. Its execution draws nigh.
(Free translation from the Volkischer Beobachten)
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[German P.O.W declaration that they will not attempt to escape]
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[underlined] Parole [/underlined]
I give my parole as a British Officer that on every occasion I use the new sportsfield to the West of this camp (altered later to: on every occasion I take a walk outside the camp) I will not
1. Attempt to escape
2. Make any preparations for future escapes.
3. Have any dealings with other persons (outside the fences)
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[underlined] Walks: Sagan – Eckersdorf. Petersdorf [/underlined]
About the end of July the sports field adjoining the camp was closed, while new huts were being erected to form an extension to the camp. To compensate for lack of games, a system of parole walks, with German guards, came into being. There were 3 times. 8 AM, 10.30 AM and 2.30 P.M. The 8 A.M. walk was perhaps the best of all, a nip in the air, sun just coming up, peace & quiet everywhere. Against these, however, must be set the very early hour of rising, and walking on a more or less empty stomache. [sic] This poem, written by my room-mate ‘Boff’, is his impression of an 8 AM walk.
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[underlined] Autumn on the Baher [/underlined]
MISTY IN THE HOLLOW, WREATHY PHANTOMS ON THE HILL
GRASS & FLOWERS, RICH GEMS OF MORNING, DRENCHED IN DEWY POOLS
WOODLAND EDGES, GHOSTS ARE GUARDING, SLUMBERING EARTH LIES STILL.
IF THE WISE MEN SLEEP PAST DAWNING, WHO THEN ARE THE FOOLS.
EARTH AWAKENED, BRIGHT THE HOLLOW, SUNBEAMS PAINT THE HILL
GOLDEN LEAVES ARE RIPPLING, STIRRED BY ZEPHYRS OF THE FALL;
GHOSTS OF THE DAWN, AS FLAMING GIANTS, STAND REVEALED, AND FILL
THE MINDS OF FOOL & WISE MAN, WITH THE MYSTERY OF IT ALL.
TWILIGHT SOFTLY FALLING, HILL & HOLLOW SINK IN SLEEP,
MANTLED NIGHT HER CLOAK UNFOLDS, AND LULLAYS ALL TO REST.
CHOOSE! TO SLEEP, FORGETTING ALL, OR WAKE WITH MEMORIS [sic] DEEP
AND POIGNANT; FOOL OR WISE MAN? ONLY GOD KNOWS BEST.
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[German newspaper cutting]
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27-2-45 [underlined] SELECTION OF RUMOURS FOR ONE DAY AT STALAG 3A. [/underlined]
1. The Danish Red X have placed a lorry at our disposal to fetch parcels.
2. The Norwegian Red X have despatched supplies of dried cod and herring.
3. There are 3000 parcels (Danish) available of which Norwegians have promised in a share.
4. We are to have 3 issues of 1/4 loaf this week to make up for short ration of spuds.
5. Mussolini has been bumped.
6. Announced in Amer. Block that Danish have despatched lorry load of dry fish.
7. American fighters seen other day shot up & blew up engine of train from Berlin to Luckenwalde.
8. 47 (or 4 parcel sacks) have arrived after being forwarded from Sagan.
9. British troops on outskirts of Cologne.
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To: Col. Goodrich. South Compound
From. Oberst von Lindeiner. Kommandant.
On the 28th. Nov. 1943, prisoners of your camp, after going to a concert in the North Camp, in spite of express orders to the contrary, played the British National Anthem.
This conduct - - - - - - is a serious provocation to the German Armed forces and civilian population, if at the same time that many thousands of innocent women and children are being killed - - - - those who are causing this misfortune behave in such a manner.
To avoid such incidents - - - I forbid the South Compound to practice instrumental music. Contravention will result in the punishment of those responsible and the confiscation of the instruments.
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[counterfoil for entry into examination]
[underlined] January 23rd – 27th. 1945 [/underlined]
Sat [brackets] Advanced German Elementary Spanish Intermediate Spanish
Papers left behind during evacuation in care of Padre.
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[German voucher]
P.O.W. Camp – money.
Voucher for 50 Reichspfennig.
This voucher is only valid as P.O.W. currency, and may only be used by them inside camps, or, on working parties, in the special shops permitted to do so. This voucher may only be exchanged for legal currency at the official office of the camp administration.
Contravention, forgery etc. will be punished.
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[two Portuguese postage stamps]
[underlined] Taken from a Portugese [sic] food parcel. [/underlined]
At one time, these arrived in fair quantities, consisting mainly of tins of sardines.
Stamps were generally removed from all parcels and letters, to check for possible messages underneath.
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[German newspaper cutting]
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[underlined] ARE YOU INTERESTED, MR. RIPLEY? [/underlined]
[underlined] Men against Aircraft Masses.
13 German fliers shoot down 2961 enemy maschines. [sic] [/underlined]
In the West, the South and the East of Germany, the men of the German Air Force take the air daily; inferior in numbers, but unbroken in fighting spirit and ready, despite their overwhelming superiority, to dive with fatalistic determination on the enemy formations and shoot down as many as possible. Against the masses of enemy aircraft we set the brave individual fighter of the air, who heeds not a ten – or even twentyfold superiority, and throws himself undeterred against the stream of enemy bombers to deal destructive blows.
The example of those men, whom no fliers in the world excel, shows what individual fighters can achieve, if they
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engage with determination the superiority in numbers of the enemy squadrons. Recently, the leader of the famous german [sic] arctic fighters announced his 200th air victory – his name, Major Ehrler. Thus the German Air Force has once again in its ranks 13 fighter pilots, who have reached the number of 200 or even 300 air victories. Over 100 other German fighter pilots have won more than 100 air victories.
The names of the pilots with more than 200 victories are:
1. Major Hartmann 303
2. – Rall 273
3. – Barkhorn 272
4. – Nowotny 258
5. Haup. Batz 224
6. Oberstl. Graf 207
7. Maj. Rudorfer 206
8. Leut. Schuck 206
9. Oberl. Hafner 204
10. Leut. Kittel 204
11. Major Bar 203
12. Hauptm. Wiezenberger 201
13. Maj. Ehrler 200
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These 13 most successful German fighter pilots have thus destroyed a total of 2961 enemy aircraft. 37 complete squadrons of the Soviet and Anglo-American Air Forces, with maschines [sic] and crews, were wiped out by these few German pilots alone. Consider that there are many four-engined aircraft amongst this 3000, and take a conservative estimate of an average crew of 5 men per aircraft, we thus find that each of these pilots has either killed or sent to captivity 1000 enemy soldiers. Just 13 men have destroyed 15,000 front line soldiers! – as the army man would say, 10 enemy regiments wiped out.
The size of these German successes is best seen by the announcements of the enemy press, regarding the “Aces” of the enemy air force. Thus the English announced recently that W/C Braham (?) had been taken prisoner. With 29 victories he was amongst the best of the RAF.
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The Americans announced the death of a Lt. Beeson, who was tops of the Amer. fighter pilots with 21 victories. Both pilots were decorated with the highest English and American orders. The Soviet Air Force names Major Popoff and Haupton, Pokrischkin, with 82 and so victories, as the best Russian pilots. Both have been twice decorated with the order of “Hero of the Soviet Union” The German air force can point to 150 pilots, who have won as many or more victories.
The German fighter pilots will take care that the words of an american crew, in a book just published, remain true.
Don’t deceive yourself; its no piece of cake over there. Respect these Goring boys. These nazi-fighters are fanatics, who make life very unpleasant for us.
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That the war would be over by the 2nd. Dec. 1944
Made November 1944
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[underlined] The following is the text of a poster issued by the German Authorities. [/underlined]
To All Prisoners of War.
The escape from prison camps is no longer a sport.
Germany has always kept to the Hague Convention and only punished recaptured P.O.W’s with minor disciplinary punishment.
German will still maintain these principles of international law.
But England has besides fighting at the front in an honest manner instituted an illegal warfare in non-combat zones in the form of gangster commandos, terror bandits and sabotage troops even up to the frontiers of Germany.
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They say in a secret and confidential captured English military pamphlet.
THE HANDBOOK OF MODERN IRREGULAR WARFARE
“. . . the days when we could practise the rules of sportsmanship are over. For the time being, every soldier must be a potential gangster and must be prepared to adopt their methods when ever necessary.”
“The sphere of operations should always include the enemy’s own country and any occupied territory, and in certain circumstances, such neutral countries he is using as a source of supply.”
England has with these instructions opened up a non-military form of gangster war!
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Germany is determined to safeguard her homeland, and especially her war industry and provisional centres for the fighting fronts. Therefor [sic] it has become necessary to create strictly forbidden zones, call death zones, in which all unauthorised trespassers will be immediately shot on sight.
Escaping prisoners of war, entering such death zones, will certainly lose their lives. They are therefore in costant [sic] danger of being mistaken for enemy agents or sabotage groups.
[underlined] Urgent warning is given against making future escapes [/underlined]
In plain English: Stay in the camp where you will be safe! Breaking
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out of it is now a damned dangerous act.
[underlined] The chances of preserving your life are almost nil! [/underlined]
All police and military guards have been given the most strict orders to shoot on sight all suspected persons.
Escaping from prison camps has ceased to be a sport!
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[German cartoon]
Hallo – Hey! What about helping me? Sorry, Sir – We are no longer responsible for that!
Ex. Das Reich. 10-44
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[German newspaper cutting]
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[German newspaper cutting with four Japanese cartoons]
TRANSLATION ON NEXT PAGE
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[underlined] Japanese Caricatures [/underlined]
How do his country’s enemies appear to the Japanese caricaturist? To answer this question, we publish today four caricatures from the Japanese newspaper “Manga” Except where it is obvious, as in the case of the drawing of Churchhill, [sic] we give a short description of each.
The union of the peoples of Greater East Asia under the leadership of Japan runs contrary to Roosevelt’s imperialistic plans. Using the same methods as in Europe he appears to the Tschungking Chinese, and their General Tschiangkaischeck, as the Angel of Peace. Now, when Tschungking China is in greatest danger, it feels more and more the thorns of the
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promised victory laurels.
Churchill cannot pursue a policy of his own in East Asia. He contents himself therefore with the roll of Sancho P. in Roosevelts Don Quijote [sic] policy. It is all the same where he goes on the mule, China.
The allies won’t reach Tokio, unless their entry looks something like what the Japanese caricaturist depicts.
[symbol]
Ex. Volkischer Beobachter, 16-12-44.
[symbol]
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XMAS 1944
[hand painted greetings card]
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F.LT. J.S.B. TYRIE
[list of signatures]
MENU
SOUP
ROAST TURKEY
CORNISH PASTIES
PEAS CARROTS ROAST POTATOES
GRAVIES
XMAS PUDDING & CREAM
MINCE PIES
CHEESE & BISCUITS
FRUIT & NUTS
COFFEE
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[German poster]
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Issue of 1/5 DANISH PARCEL FROM NORWEGIANS.
OUR PARCEL DONATED ORIGINALLY BY:
ARKITEKT, THORVALD DREYER
TRONDHJEMSGADE 12 0
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[underlined] Birkenstedt [/underlined] Thursday 1-2-45.
Taking this chance to jot down a few notes. Things started on 13/1, with the opening of R. offensive. Crowds round the loudspeaker once again & more rumours than ever before. No word at all of camp being moved despite rapid advances made by R. Suddenly on the night of Sat. 27th. at 7.30 pm. a shout is heard – move in 1/2 hr. At first hardly believed, it is soon confirmed & chaos ensues. The day before, 20 NCO’s from Bankau (Nr. Cracow) & 500 Dutchmen. Stories of forced marches and
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terrible hardships, no food etc. this made everyone decide to take bare minimum. Beds, boxes, lockers etc were broken up, sawn up etc and improvised sledges built. I had already made a rucsack [sic] – just in case. 1500 parcels, 1/2 million cigs, countless clothing and so on were left behind. After a false start about 1 AM. we eventually set off in snow & darkness about 7 AM. For the previous week we had been watching streams of evacuees pouring down the road in carts, mostly old men & women & kids. Information received, high mortality rate amongst children.
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From Belaria we went first thro’ Sagan to N. camp. The guards had heavy packs, which a lot put on our sledges, in exchange for bread etc. Rations had stopped coming into camp a few days before leaving. Learnt later that N. camp etc. moved off much same time as us. Did about 21 kls. first day, arriving for night in Kanan, a small village. On way thro’ one village, old German peasant asks with broad Am accent, who we are! Quarters are chaotic, in an old barn. Total strength of column approx 1200 Spent night (racket) in house on
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farm, in a room occupied by Russian family 2 men, old woman 2 kids. Conversation done thro’ Germ. kid who had picked up Russian, myself speaking in German. Everyone unbelievably helpful & kind.
Moved off at 8 AM next day to arrive in afternoon at Gross Selten, another 20 K’s approx. Same accomodations, [sic] large barns. Spent night in barn, uncomfortable, but slept OK. Tank company there who had been forced back from Kiele. They had lost everything. Bill Kingsfield Upper Warder Wooden Way 90 miles
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Paul [deleted] [indecipherable word] [/deleted] Putterill, Cedars Road 34, Chiswick, London W4 Excursion with Sam Brown. Spend a day of so-called rest. Tank unit gave away biscuits everyone one big happy family. 40 km. shell. Milk cows in Amer parts. Off next day, sharing our sled with Dave Simpson (my partner being Boff Goodwin) made 21 kls to Birkenstedt including our biggest hill so far.
[underlined] Luckenwalde. [/underlined]
Birkenstedt much the same as other places – big barn for sleeping
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no sanitary arrangements, washing facilities or hot meal. Guards are educating civil pop. who now want choc & coffee for bread. Overnight a tremendous thaw sets in and by morning, all is a sea of slush and mud. Stayed day here once more – waste of time and food, as not really any rest in the meaning of the word. Next day Americans set out independently – sorry to lose them (approx. 300). We follow, sledges being abandoned after a few yards. March into Muskan, 7 kls. Open bartering in market square with civil pop. Then on a further 17 kls. to Steinan – a gruelling total of 24 kls. with few rests. Arrive in dark, and split up into groups of 100 to go to individual
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barns. Our particular barn could not be found by ration party, so that we go without the only Germ. issue. Off at 9 AM next morning – 6 kms. Walk from Steinan to Spremberg where we go to large army barracks and join with 400 of East camp. Issued with Wehrmacht soup – first hot meal for a week, - locked in for air raid. Average of 1 by day & 1 by night of raids. March 3 kls to goods yard, arriving 4 PM. where we get into box cars – 46 men in a truck. As usual, no light and no room to lie down. More bartering
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Eventually set out at 7 PM and after many trials thro’ the night owing to absence of abort are still travelling when day comes. Stops made alongside various army trains – more bartering. Arrive in Luckenwalde about 5 pm – heaven knows where we went to during night. March in darkness, after being counted, thro’ town and 3 kls. to camp where we stand in rain for 3/4 of hour waiting to get in. Getting in, are herded into small space to wait for shower air-raid, no lights, chaos. After waiting 6 hours, fight our way with all kit to have communal
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shower. After crowded shower, to Abwehr hut where we are searched & extra blankets etc removed. My searcher Pow in Aus. last war, internee till 1941 in England this war. Then to huts where conditions are dirty and overcrowded, without any heating or other facilities. Next door we have a hut of Americans in quarantine for Scarlet fever, then a hut of Polish Pows mostly in civvy clothes. Have met quite a few old friends. Have heard American S. camp did march of 33 kls. on first night – 1/2 dozen died of exposure.
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[underlined] Wed 14th. Feb. [/underlined] Have now more or less settled down in this place. In our half of the hut there are 225 men, sleeping mostly on [deleted] [indecipherable word] [/deleted] 3 tier beds which are built in blocks of 6 and rather shaky. Very little straw for sacks and very uncomfortable. About 10 tables available and about 1 stool to 8 men. Most of E camp seemed to have had far more food than Belaria which is rather annoying. Cigs. are increasing in value by leaps and bounds – they will be our only medium of exchange till more parcels arrive. German rations are 1/6 loaf of brown army bread, which give 5 – 6 slices. Very new & doughy. Midday, an issue of 1/2 klim tin of soup – watery porridge barley mixture or pea soup etc. Each day we get about a matchbox full of marg, fat or meat paste between two – this is spread. Twice a week, about a tablespoon & 1/2 of sugar. Even these rations are variable and at times fail to materialise. Besides the Polish officers, there are several hundred Norwegians who were removed about 18 months ago from Norway and have eventually got here.
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There are also Italian officers in our compound, and American Army officers from Shukin, who marched 3 – 4 weeks and were even worse off than us. Remainder of Baukan people have also arrived. Elsewhere in camp are British Army privates, Russians, Serbs and other nationalities.
I brought with me 2 blankets, pair trousers, shirt, underpants, numerous socks, & handkerchiefs. 2 log books and all photos, spare pair of boots, 700 cigs approx, small pillow, 1/2 dozen odd tins of food, white jug, one red cross Am. parcel 3 packets (2 oz) tea and 1/2 lb. sugar. 16 cakes of barley choc. Was wearing cap, great coat, tunic, pullover, white sweater, shirt, thick vest, un/pants & trousers, socks & boots, scarf & gloves (2 prs) Pockets filled with odds & ends like razor, boot laces, K.F. Spoon etc.
We now learn that R. have reached Sagan. What happened to 500 sick left behind? Remainder of British gone to Bremen, Americans to Buckenwalde? From Spremberg we appear to have gone towards Leipzig, coming
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here from sw direction. (Only conjecture). Since coming here there has been an air raid warning practically every night, usually 2 or 3, and almost every day. Great lack of containers to do washing and drying facilities. No newspapers issued at all. Two [deleted] infinites [/deleted] very poor stoves for 450 men to cook on and meagre coal ration. Quite a few jam tin stoves of various types. Tending to dream by day and night of food and proposed meals on return home. Before leaving Belaria, had been suffering for some time of lack of feeling in all toes & tendency of other extremities to suffer from pins & needles. Vit. B injections by Doc. Twee. Symptoms seem to be quite common amongst friends. Last 2 days has seen some improvement, perhaps due to warmer weather. Present rates of exchange £15 watch – 400 cigs. D-bar 100, loaf of bread – 50 (if you can find deal!) Great shortage of reading material.
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[underlined] Friday 16th [/underlined] About 6 pm, warning given that we may be off again in early morning. Reason, instructions having been given to kitchen to have hot barley ready for 6.30 am. [deleted] [indecipherable word] [/deleted] chaos on roads with evacuees, I expect. Lights in barracks usually off for 1 1/2 hrs each night – saving current. We shall be prepared this time – too easy, nothing to prepare!
[underlined] Sat. 17th [/underlined] Nothing happened. Apparently only to enable kitchen to prepare extra soup, which was to be issued to make up for cut in bread ration. Ration had been cut from 300 to 200 grms. Per day per man, or 7 1/2 men per loaf. Announced today we are to go back on old ration of 5 to a loaf. Disturbing feature of low rations & slops is necessity of getting up in night for A.R. Extremely common, even at Belaria, but first time for myself. 109 crashed near camp, pilot just made bale out. Large truck of parcels for Norwegians arrived. Potato ration remains same – about 4 average potatoes, overcooked, unpeeled and rather dirty, each day.
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JW. Reilly
95, Kennedy Cresc.
Kirkcaldy.
[underlined] 20-2-45 [/underlined] Several days ago Norwegians gave 500 Danish parcels to compound. Issue already made to Amers. & Poles, but we still await fate of our 1/5 parcel. Delay due to investigation of health of Baukan NCO’s in opposite compound. Trading goes on apace. Loaf of bread 60 cigs. Considerable trading in Red X food, origin unknown. Annoying to watch Serbs etc. collect Amer. Red X parcels each day. Red X merely feeding them to work for Germany. Extreme lack of reading material, and my cig. supply is getting low. Pea & Cabbage soup at midday, 90% water. Contin. air activity day and night.
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[underlined] 24-2-45 [/underlined] Air raid in morning, issue of 1/5 Danish parcel per head in evening. Extremely welcome and excellent parcel. Contents: 1 lb. Butter, 1 lb. Sugar, 1 lb. Cheese, 1 lb. bacon sausage, large packet porridge, small piece of toffee, large packet Ryvita bisc. small piece of soap, 1 lb. tin of treacle. Trading with army organised on revised price list. Outcome awaited. Evening raid. Probable jettison of bombs blew open barrack doors and knocked tins off shelf. Feel absolutely without energy to do anything, otherwise OK except for head cold and dry irritating cough. Wrote another P.C. home Total issue here, 1 change of camp P.C., 1 letter, 1 P.C.
26-2-45. Wrote letter home. 27.2.45. At long last met F/L Patterson from E camp, of whom I had heard so much in letters from home.
6.3.44 [sic] Announced today that Germans have stated we shall get 1/2 issue Amer. parcel probably tomorrow. Practically finished my butt ends, & just becoming efficient in rolling non-sticky papers. It was announced too some time ago that we were moved on request of our Senior Officers, the decision being greeted with cheers by camp. Several officers were to be repatriated for good conduct etc. on march. This
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later given up owing to bombing of Dresden. Showers of snow lately, but not lasting. Lights out in future at 9 pm each evening. Made cribbage board & cig. holder. Compiled lists of rests. dishes & menus. Recent visit of Max Schmelling to camp. Great scarcity of paper, above all writing paper. Canteen issue of coloured crepe, presumably as bumf. 7.3.44 Announced that 23 truck loads of Am. parcels have arrived in station. Policy of immediate full issue & another. 8.3.44 The fuel, coal etc. Bedboards going. Received Am. parcel per head 9.3.44 Moved beds round block, built stove, v. tired. 10.3. Received 1/7 Swedish Grocers’ parcels. Contents Knackebrot, Gooseberry Jam, 2 tins pork meat, milk powder, alum. cup & teasp. soap, sugar, 2 box. matches, 2 tins sardines. Last 3 nights unable to get to sleep due to mental activity After bash of Swed. food slept well. Biggest problem dhobie & keeping body clean. 17.3 Watched large Am. daylight raid on Berlin & district. Help arrange Foodacco & Norwegian Exchange. Another Parcel and promise of 5 day issue in future. Saturday brings rumours of another move. 27.3. X-ray for TB. 10-4-45. Told of rumour that we move on 11-4. Finally start moving at 8 AM on 13-4, token search & arrive at station 12 PM. 40 men to a truck. Trading & barter produced bread & onions. 15.4. We move back to camp. Raid on Potsdam heard very plainly esp. flak. News terrific – also the rumours
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3 ncos attempt to escape from camp, 1 shot dead other died later. Heard that Dugal MacTaggart was with Bankan mob. Contacted him and had long natter. Thunderbolts seen on numerous occasions, dive bombing, strafing etc Weather continues fine. Wizard cake to celebrate 4th anniversary. Rations variable, 1/8 loaf bread fairly constant.
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Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Jim Tyrie's Wartime Log. Two
Description
An account of the resource
A wartime log kept by Jim Tyrie. He lists his crew on the night they were shot down over Berlin, the construction of tin trays, addresses of co-prisoners, cartoons, London restaurants, newspaper cuttings in German and English and finally more detailed notes as the Russian offensive of 1945 got closer.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Jim Tyrie
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
One handwritten book.
Language
A language of the resource
eng
deu
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Text. Memoir
Artwork
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
STyrieJSB87636v2
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force. Bomber Command
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Tricia Marshall
David Bloomfield
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Germany
Poland
Germany--Barth
Germany--Berlin
Germany--Luckenwalde
Germany--Oberursel
Poland--Żagań
Germany--Bernau (Brandenburg)
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1941
1942
1943
1944
1945
anti-aircraft fire
arts and crafts
bale out
bombing
bombing of Dresden (13 - 15 February 1945)
C-47
Churchill, Winston (1874-1965)
Dulag Luft
escaping
evacuation
fear
Lancaster
military living conditions
prisoner of war
Red Cross
shot down
sport
Stalag 3A
Stalag Luft 1
Stalag Luft 3
the long march
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1345/22208/PTyrieJSB19010018.2.jpg
ca788ae0ff30cb2d98ffbfd0f461f37c
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Tyrie, Jim. Photo album
Description
An account of the resource
An album of photographs from Jim Tyrie's service and time as a prisoner of war.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2019-06-01
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Tyrie, JSB
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
End Room Tunnellers April 1941
Description
An account of the resource
Photo 1 is ten men standing in a group, captioned 'Muir, Denny, McCombe, McConnel, Neely, Kerwin, Bushell, Beauclair, Panton, Newman (End room tunnellers April 41)'.
Photo 2 is a group of ten men.
Photo 3 is a group of 13 men.
Photo 4 is a group of 19 men.
Photo 5 is a group of ten men in a classroom, behind is a blackboard with '8 Nov 1940 Stalag Luft Barth' written on it.
Photo 6 is a man resting on his bunk.
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Six b/w photographs on an album page
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Photograph
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
PTyrieJSB19010018
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Germany
Germany--Barth
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1940-11-08
1941-04
aircrew
escaping
prisoner of war
Stalag Luft 1
-
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1345/22203/PTyrieJSB19010014.1.jpg
d5619e13ca966fd8a50fcfd82c9a0cf3
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/files/original/1345/22203/PTyrieJSB19010015.2.jpg
88e2f919239db5f33f8226943342b8dd
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Tyrie, Jim. Photo album
Description
An account of the resource
An album of photographs from Jim Tyrie's service and time as a prisoner of war.
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2019-06-01
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Tyrie, JSB
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Airmen Prisoners
Description
An account of the resource
Photo 1 is a group of airmen arriving at the camp, captioned 'Arriving April 1941'.
Photo 2 is a bearded man with a pipe.
Photo 3 is two smiling pilots.
Photo 4 is a man in a sweater holding onto the wire fence.
Photo 5 is two men in shirts, one with braces.
Photo 6 is a man working on a model yacht.
Photo 7 is a pilot sitting with his hands in his pockets.
Photo 8 is a view across the camp.
Photo 9 is a pilot pouring tea from a jug.
Photo 10 is two men walking round the perimeter fence, taken through the fence.
Photo 11 is a group of men marching out of the camp.
Photo 12 is two men playing chess.
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
12 b/w photographs on two album pages
Language
A language of the resource
eng
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Photograph
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
PTyrieJSB19010014,
PTyrieJSB19010015
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
Royal Air Force
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
IBCC Digital Archive
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
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.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1941-04
Spatial Coverage
Spatial characteristics of the resource.
Germany
Germany--Barth
Temporal Coverage
Temporal characteristics of the resource.
1941-04
aircrew
arts and crafts
pilot
prisoner of war
Stalag Luft 1