This has been in nearly every way a most depressing week, but the gloom has been dispelled considerably by no fewer than 3 most interesting and welcome letters from you, for all of which many thanks. I am so very pleased that you are really better and to hear that my words of advice have not fallen on deaf ears! I was most interested to hear of John’s return, (Elli must have made an entry in his winnings book!) Please give him my love when you see him next – I look forward to seeing him very much. I also had a very nice card from Elli who seems to have kicked off very much on the right foot of his holiday, the change I know will do him a power of good. How amazing it was that our letters should have crossed on the ‘Way to the Stars’ film – a real co-incidence as Mrs Carter would say. So Eileen is now a civilian and her first few days of her new life were spent having a cold – however I’m glad she is better and she spoke most warmly of her very attentive ‘nurse’! I have seldom known a more depressing week – the sun has hardly shone and the rain hardly ceased – today, what mercy, has for a change been sunny and quite warm, and Nigel and I had our usual Sunday afternoon single. Good exercise and great fun. The film this week was well worth seeing, the film of Daphne Du Marrier’s ‘Frenchman’s Creek’. I enjoyed it though generally most people were rather disappointed – it was in Technicolor starring John Fontaine and Basil Rathbone. We played our first game of hockey on Thursday afternoon against the General Hospital team – it was a League match and we won 9.2. I must admit that I didn’t over-exert myself, scoring two goals. Otherwise the week has been conspicuous for its amount of work and I shall be extremely thankful when my G3 returns, I hope tonight.
Charles I am very sorry to say is leaving us tomorrow – it is rather a blow as we have shared a room now for nearly a year – he is going to teach Regimental instructors how to teach (very involved) at a place called Goettingen, where I’m told there is a famous old University. He may not be in the Army much longer as he expects to get out under Class B. Several people have refused to take the Class B opportunity as they say they lose a spot of cash by it – it only makes me feel a bit more peeved than ever – I would take any opportunity to get out under any pretext at the very first possible opportunity!
The great bombshell of this rather depressing week of course was Isaac’s announcement about demobilisation of the Forces and the release of munition workers – it has caused widespread disappointment amongst everyone – the usual sarcastic remarks one hears are ‘the Govt (if there was an election tomorrow you can take it from me everyone would vote against the Socialists!) are going to give all the best jobs to the munitions works and damn the ex-serviceman’ though damn was not the word used by all. All being well I should be out in March if I’m lucky – after nearly seven years full time years in the army – nearly seven years (6 and 8 months), Maz, it seems fantastic doesn’t it, it has shaken me to the core – articled in 1936 qualified, if I ever do, in 1946! Yes, I shall qualify all right, don’t worry about that, though sometimes one can’t help feeling a wee bit bitter, can one? Your holiday is now fast approaching and I know how much you are looking forward to it – may the weather be really kind to you. I must close now, so many magazines have come this week for which many thanks – (I thought David Papillon’s letter was extremely wet!). Much love, Maz dear, I do hope you are now feeling yourself again.
Yours as ever
very affectionately
Peter
In envelope headed ‘O A S’ addressed to Mrs Gerald C Benham, 5 Oxford Road Colchester Essex.
Postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE 734 dated 27 AU 45. Signed P.C. Benham.
On front of envelope Written Aug 26th 1945 rec Aug 30th 1945. (3)
Statement by LT. F.N. FURNESS, 1st Bn. The Manchester Regt.
On June 22nd 1945 whilst working out on the Farm Party, I was very badly beaten up by a guard named Yama, as I refused to give him an American Red Cross Cigarette. I was struck on the head with the flat of his drawn bayonet several times, and my head cut open.
I was also struck across the left ear with a thick bamboo stick, and on the back and forearms until blood was drawn. The marks are even now still showing on my arms and my hearing has been definitely impaired.
On the return of the Party to Camp I was ordered by Capt. Radcliffe the senior British Officer in the Camp, to attend at the Camp Office along with Lt. Thomas, and the Dutch Camp Interpreter, in order that a complaint could be made to the Nippon Sgt. who was in charge of the working party but who was not present on the day of the assault.
Capt. Radcliffe was making his report to the Sgt. when the Camp Commandant, Lt. Sakamoto came into the office and before any explanation could be given he proceeded to strike all three of the British Officers present and when his temper had died down somewhat he stated that Lt. Thomas and myself had been beaten because we would not work, and if we didn’t work he would give us no food. I can add that for the month of June I was presented by the Nippon Authorities with 50 Cigarettes for being a hard worker on the Farm.
MALTREATMENT OF PRISONERS OF WAR BY LIEUTENANT SAKAMOTO, CAMP COMMANDANT MIYATA CAMP, AND SERGEANT KURIHARA.
3rd in Command
I wish to report the above officer and NCO, of the Japanese Army for crimes against British, Dutch, American and Australian prisoners of war at Miyata Camp and Fukuoka sub-camp No. 1. Without exaggeration it can be stated that their reign of terror, combined with their direct contravention of almost every clause of the Geneva Convention of 1929 deserve the severest punishment that can be meted out. When hostilities ceased the Camp Commandant obviously received the strictest instructions in treat the prisoners well, but in spite of this, several cases of beating took place after 15th August 1945. With regard to maltreatment during the war there is evidence to show that the Japanese authorities at Fakuoka were aware at least of the reputation of Lt. Sakamoto, but they deliberately closed their eyes to his misdemeanours as he was obtaining results in the way of production of vegetables and in keeping up the output of coal.
45 British Officers of the 3 services left Zentsuji on Shikohu in 25.6.45 and arrived in Miyata on 26.6.45. They were informed on arrival by the Commandant through the Japanese Interpreter, that if they failed to obey orders they would be bayoneted to death. The following day all these officers were ordered to work and the day after that they commenced agricultural work at the mine farm, which involved leaving the Camp at 0700 hrs. and returning about 1745 hrs. seven days out of eight. During the first 3 or 4 days in Miyata Camp these officers were subjected individually to a series of beatings by the guards with rifles, sticks, fists and feet, for the most trivial offences, or for no offence at all, doubtless on the instructions of Lt. Sakamoto with the idea of licking the new officers into shape. The guards were drawn from the 195 Regiment: some of them were of the lowest type who welcomed a chance to beat prisoners, knowing that they could not retaliate. Incidentally, we have never yet seen any orders which set out the rules and regulations of this Camp.
The following is a selection of some of the worst cases of ill-treatment for all of which SAKAMOTO must be held responsible and in some of which KURIHARA was directly involved. It is pointed out that these cases apply only to British personnel; the Dutch prisoner-of-war in this Camp have been treated as badly or even worse, on varying occasions. The individual items which follow are given under 3 headings viz: Those witnessed by officers ex Zentsuji at Miyata, those witnessed by officers ex Taiwan at Miyata, and those by officers ex Fukuoka at Fukuoka No. 1 Sub-Camp.
A. (i). BY ZENTSUJI OFFICERS, Officers have throughout their time here been ordered to work, in direct contravention of the Geneva Convention 1929, and, we were informed at Zentsuji, directly contrary to the instructions of the Japanese P.O.W. Information Bureau, which controls the treatment of war prisoners. The work the officers were forced to do was not confined to farm work but included loading sacks of rice and coal for the Camp (elderly officers up to 59 – some with hernia being selected for this) moving put-props at the mine and emptying latrines at the Camp. Much of the work was supervised by boys of 16 or upwards who carried sticks and were continually using them. The work was carried out almost invariably at high pressure. The only English spoken by some of the guards being “Hurry up.” Officers had to work in water in paddy-fields which caused many cuts and sores which took weeks to heal up.
(ii). Although not under the control of SAKAMOTO the food question must be mentioned here. Officers were allowed 360 grams (13 ozs) of rice and 190 grams (6½ oz) of flour per day. The work was so arduous that this ration (approx 1900 calories) was quite insufficient and during the first fortnight here the Zentsuji officers last an average of 2.8 Kilos (6.16 lbs), and the Fukuoka officers 4.5 Kilos (9.9 lbs) per officer. No extra food could be obtained but work could have been reduced. Several applications to the Japanese Interpreter for this to be done were ignored.
(iii). In spite of protests to the Japanese Interpreter all Japanese Military and civilians, were permitted to administer corporal punishment for any offence, real or fancied.
(iv). All Japanese, including boys of 16 had to be saluted at all times, even in the dark.
(v). Hospital patients and cripples received only 360 grs. (13 oz) of rice per day.
(vi). On the 6th August SAKAMOTO attended the sick parade of the Japanese doctor and ordered 46 men to be discharged from hospital. Some of these men could hardly stand. They were all called out on working parade in the camp the following day. Witness – Capt. Hilfmann, Dutch M.O.
(vii). The sick were frequently sent to work down the mine. One man was sent to the mine with a temperature of 104o. Witness – same.
(viii). Major P.W. William Powlett M.C., was severely beaten with the flat of the butt, and the butt end of a rifle for failing to salute a guard the day after arrival in the Camp. When the senior officer (myself) protested against this he was kicked in the stomach by the guard commander who had ordered the beating.
(ix). Major William Powlett was beaten on the head and body with a pick-helve by the same guard commander when reporting the number of officers leaving the Camp as a working party. His report was correct. His head was split open behind the ear, and one rib was cracked.
(x). Lt. Neville Simpson had his eardrum pierced by a blow from a guard.
(xi). Major I.S. Graham sustained a similar injury on the 19th August 1945, after we had been notified of the cessation of hostilities.
(xii). Just prior to 7th August 1945 the camp suffered a reduction of 10% in the rice ration. The Senior Officer prisoners (myself) made every effort to see the Camp Commandant to point out that the food was insufficient, but all efforts failed. He was never once able to obtain an interview with the Camp Commandant up to the time of the Armistice. He approached several members of the Camp Staff including KURIHARA but no satisfaction was obtained. On roll-call on the evening of 7th August all British officers, except those ex Fukuoka were ordered to remain behind. Between 90-100 officers were involved. They were given a long harangue by Sgt. KURIHARA on the sins of Britain e.g. slavery in India, China, and were informed that they were all to be beaten because the senior officer had attempted to see the Camp Comd. (SAKAMOTO) to make a complaint. A request was made that the sick and elderly officers (two of 59 years of age) should be allowed to fall out. This was refused. All officers were ordered to assume the on the hands down position and they were beaten on the posterior with bamboo sticks and poles by KURIHARA assisted by some of the guards. The whole affair lasted about 40 mins. it is the general opinion that this was carried out by orders of SAKAMOTO, so that he would not be worried by complaints from the prisoner. One sick officer was struck on the base of the spine and he fainted. He was carried into the bathroom by the guards and they revived him by throwing buckets of water over him. During the talk the officers were made to hold their hands above their heads for a prolonged period during which they were belaboured by the guards if their hands dropped an inch or so. Officers received 3-10 strokes each and some received severe bruises on hip-bones, spine and buttocks.
(xiii). On the 17th Aug. after the cessation of hostilities 4 Dutch O.R’s were beaten in the above manner by Cpl. KURIHARA for making music in their huts.
(xiv). On one occasion 5 officers received contradictory orders regarding falling-in for a work party. They arrived a few minutes late on parade. Lt. Woodcock, R.E. was attacked by KATSUKI a civilian member of the staff who struck this officer untilwith his first cutting his chin necessitating 2 stitches. Skipper Cowling was then attacked with a saw and his cheek deeply cut.
(xv). While naked in the bathroom on 5.7.45. Capt. J.H. Walsh was attacked by the guard commander (vide viii and ix above) with a pick-helve and hit 3 times across the head and twice across the mouth. Abrasions were caused on the mouth and much blood lost and also swellings on the head. Reason given was that this officer had not saluted quickly enough. Capt. Walsh is 50 years of age.
(xvi). Also on 5.7.45. the same guard comd. for allegedly the same offence attacked Capt S.A. Lambert (aged 48) who was sick in his room. The guard kicked him in the abdomen and off his feet. When struggling up he was again attacked. Capt. Lambert was in great distress for 4 days after the occurrence.
B. (i). BY OFFICERS EX-TAIWAN. On 11th June 1945 Capt. Radcliffe, senior
officer of the Taiwan party was badly beaten by a guard for being late in saluting. He was beaten for 45 mins. He fainted twice and while unconscious he was badly kicked about. He was then put into a cell in the guard-room where he was hit on the head with sticks by the guards. He fainted again and when he came to he asked for water. They threw a bucket of urine over him. Capt. Radcliffe was in hospital for 2 days after this occurrence. He was the Senior British Officer in the Camp at the time.
(Report attached marked A.)
(ii). Lieutenant E.B. Thomas and F.N. Furness were brutally beaten with sticks
and the flat of a bayonet while working on the farm. Capt. Radcliffe accompanied these officers to the Japanese office on return to the camp to protest about this treatment. Their protest was overheard by the Camp Comdr. (SAKAMOTO) who without waiting for any explanation came into the general office and attacked all three officers with his fists saying that they had not worked hard enough.
(See reports attached marked B and C.)
C. BY OFFICERS EX-FUKUOKA.
(i). Lance-Bombardier CHILTON was brutally attacked by Lt. SAKAMOTO at
Fukuoka No. 1 Sub-Camp. The NCO was beaten until he fell down. SAKAMOTO then kicked him in the body and behind the left ear until the NCO lost consciousness.
(Report attached Marked D.)
From the behaviour of Lt. SAKAMOTO and Sgt. KURIHARA it is observed that they are two varying types although both appear to be consumed with hate for the Allies and are therefore the last persons to be in authority over prisoners-of-war. SAKAMOTO was promoted from the ranks for bravery in the field and obviously has a reputation for getting things done. He is ill-educated, a boor, and completely ruthless. KURIHARA is better educated, but is a complete hypocrite. He has many high sounding phrases about protecting the prisoners from dangers outside the Camp, but he makes no effort to control his violent temper and he has stolen more Red Cross food supplies than any other Japanese in the Camp. He had a stock in the building in which the guards are housed, and he was observed by the Dutch Orderly to be consuming a tin of meat a day then there was none available for the prisoner-of-war. Guards leaving the Camp were given Red Cross butter, meat and fish, as an iron ration. KURIHARA’s brother has recently been staying in the vicinity and he took away a large package when he left a few days ago.
SAKAMOTO, on the other hand, has never been known to misappropriate Red Cross Supplies.
The officers from Zentsuji wondered on arrival at Miyata why no-one smiled or looked pleasant. They soon discovered that the vast majority of prisoners were under a spell of fear. It is difficult for an outsider to appreciate the state of mind reached by these prisoners after months of physical and mental torture for which these two war criminals were chiefly responsible.
Proceedings of a Court of Inquiry by order of Lieut. Colonel. R. R. Petrie, R.A.S.C., on 23rd August 1945 at Fukuoka No. 12 POW Camp to inquire into the circumstances whereby 148034 Lieut. A. N. SIMPSON, R.A. 6th Heavy A.A. Regiment, R.A., received injuries resulting from maltreatment by a Japanese guard.
President: Major G. CAMPBELL, R.A.
Members: (Capt. R.J. KIMBER, R.A.S.C.
(Capt. K. CAMPBELL R.A.
The Court having been duly convened, proceeds to take evidence:
148034 Lieutenant A.N. SIMPSON, R.A. states:-
On 7th August 1945 at 19.45 hrs. I was accused of smoking a pipe in my quarters by a Japanese sentry during forbidden hours. I showed him the extinct pipe which was still warm whereupon he assaulted me, striking me across the face with clenched and open fists. Several of the blows landed on my left ear. I was then ordered outside the hut and struck again across the face and ears. I was then forced to lie on the ground in the “press up” position, and clubbed repeatedly on the base of the spine and buttocks with a rifle.
Again at 2015 hrs. I was ordered to the Guard-room and there assaulted with bamboos and fists. The blows on both my face and body. As a result of this treatment I noticed almost total deafness in my left ear, and my spine was badly bruised. Next morning I reported to the Dutch Medical Officer.
A.N. Simpson Lieutenant.
190915 Lieut. R. P. M. BELL, R.A. states:-
At 1945 hrs. on 7th August 1945, I was in my room preparing to go on evening roll-call with Lieut. Simpson. A Japanese guard came into the room and struck Lieut. Simpson across the face many times, and then took him outside the hut from where I heard further sounds of striking.
R.P.M. Bell…Lieutenant.
Officier van gerondheid 1e classe K.N.I.L. M.M. HILFMAN.
(Dutch Medical Officer in Fukuoka No. 12 Camp) states:-
On the morning of 8th August 1945, Lieut. Simpson came to see me and report deafness in his left ear as a result of beating by a Japanese sentry.
I examined his ear and noticed in the upper right quadrant, a hole with irregular edges partly covered with blood.
Proceedings of a Court of Inquiry by order of Lieut. Colonel. R. R. Petrie, R.A.S.C., on 23rd August 1945 at Fukuoka No. 12 POW Camp to inquire into the circumstances whereby 13023 Lieut. E.B. DAVIES, Federated Malay States Volunteer Force attached 80th Anti-Tank Regiment R.A., received injuries while doing compulsory work as ordered by the Japanese Prison Commandant.
President: Major G. CAMPBELL, R.A.
Members: (Capt. R.J. KIMBER, R.A.S.C.
(Capt. K. CAMPBELL R.A.
The Court having been duly convened proceeds to take evidence:
13023 Lieut. E.B. DAVIES, F.M.S.V.F. states:-
On 27th July, 1945, while working under orders of the Japanese Sergeant in charge of the daily Officer P.O.W. working party, I was ordered to cut grass. While doing this the sickle slipped on a root and cut my left hand severely. After about two hours I was taken to the hospital in a neighbouring village where the wound was attended to and stitched by a Japanese doctor. After return from work I reported to the Dutch doctor and the Japanese Office in Camp.
E.B. Davies Lieutenant.
Officier van gerondheid 1e classe K.N.I.L. M.M. HILFMAN.
(Dutch Medical Officer in Fukuoka No. 12 Camp) states:-
Lieut. Davies reported to me on the evening of 27th August. 1945, with an injured left hand. I examined the hand and noticed two cuts, one across the knuckle of the forefinger, inflicted by the sickle, and the second in line with the tendon which had been made by the Japanese surgeon in order to gain access to the tendon. Both cuts had been stitched so I only dressed the outside of the wounds. The finger could be lifted at that time so I concluded that the surgeon had connected both parts of the cut tendon.
After four days inflammation started and I had to open the stitches in order to let out the pus. After another four days it became clear that the finger could not be lifted any more, so in my opinion a second operation is necessary when the inflammation is altogether clear, otherwise the function of stretching the finger will be lost.
I was so delighted to get your most welcome letter on Wednesday written on the 11th – poor old Maz, what a nasty time you had. I do so hope you feel really better now, it sounds very much like Dorothy’s attack of 48 hour flu – it is no fun at any time to feel rotten, but, as you say, far worse when you have to run a house yourself. I got a wizard consignment of papers from you the other day and two consignments of DF baccy, for all of which many thanks. I had a long chat yesterday morning with John Wilson – I had no idea that he has 3 children, his wife and family live near Aldershot. He told me that Peggy Turnbull’s husband, Steward I think his name was, was killed recently in Burma – he was a full colonel in the Signal Corps – very sad.
What momentous news on Tuesday night, to think that nearly 6 years ago today Pari and I were mobilised – it seems in so many ways almost a life-time doesn’t it – now at long last the world is at peace again – may it never happen again and may we go forward to enjoy the fruits of our 6 years toil. On Wednesday evening I went to the Iselohn Church where there was a special Thanksgiving Service, a very impromptu one which was not very well attended. Thursday was a semi holiday and apart from an hour or so in the office during the morning I had the day off. It made a very good break in a week which has during working hours found me extremely busy. Tim Roberts went off on leave yesterday so until Trevor Harrison gets back on Thursday I am very much on my own with no possible chance of getting out. They have now announced the release dates for groups 17 and 18 between 7-21 October so Tim Roberts whose group is 18 will not have many more weeks with us. My entertainment activities this week have been threefold and oneach occasion really good. On Thursday night I was asked to go and see the preview of a film called ‘The Way to the Stars’. It is an English film and was being shown for one night only in a barn which has been magnificently converted into a miniature cinema holding 30-40 people – very comfortable arm chairs etc. the film is an English production, all about a RAF station’s history through the war which was later handed over to the Americans. The actors of note were John Mills, Michael Redgrave Stanley Holloway Basil Radford and Rosamund John (?) and I think it was one of the finest films I have ever seen, it knocked any Yank film into a cocked hat – first class acting photography etc. you mustn’t miss it when it comes to Colchester.
Tim had dinner with me on Friday night and afterwards we went along to the ENSA show – the play was not a very strong one but the acting was extremely good – Rene Ray and Phyllis Dare were the two outstanding people in it – the troops, who don’t usually like a comedy played by ENSA, loved it. Last night was a guest night and we killed five of our chickens in honour of the occasion. We played a mild game of poker afterwards and after being very well up at about three quarters time with some amazing hands I never held another ‘bidding’ hand and finished up at 2 am this morning exactly 3d up!! Charles on my right just didn’t have any fortune at all the whole evening and was the biggest loser.
Very shortly I must slip up to the office and just see what’s cooking and this afternoon I’m hoping, provided the weather holds, to get a game of tennis – at the moment it is very grey and looks as though it may pour at any moment. I can’t ever remember a week of such vile weather, the sun has hardly been out at all and we have had no days without some rain. I keep thinking of the wonderful weather we had on our leave and the marvellous time we had. When you receive this, Eileen will be back and out for good – she sounded so excited about it in her last letter to me and is longing to get the flat in order – it makes me all the more impatient to get back and join her and to be back again with you all. Now, Maz dear, I really must go up to the barracks. I do so hope you are feeling really better and that you are taking things very easy – an attack of flu like that makes you feel very low for a bit. My love to Pari and Elli – much love
Yours as ever
very affectionately
Peter
In envelope headed ‘O A S’ addressed to Mrs Gerald C Benham, 5 Oxford Road Colchester Essex.
Postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE 734 dated 20 AU 45. Signed P.C. Benham.
On front of envelope Written Aug 19th 1945 rec Aug 22nd 1945. (2)
On the 16th August 1945, the day after VJ-Day, “Emperor Hirohito” issued an order for all Japanese forces to cease fire. Simultaneously the Japanese cabinet resigned therefore acknowledging the Second World War was over. The one exception to “Hirohito’s” order, was an intelligence officer, Hiroo Onoda who refused to believe the was over. For nearly thirty years he conducted a guerrilla war on Lubang Island in the Philippines and living mostly off the land. He refused to surrender when contacted in 1974 until he was relieved of duty by his former commanding officer. Upon returning to Japan he received a hero’s welcome and afterwards led an interesting life and died at the age of 91 in 2014.
Prior to taking over command of the Japanese government, U.S. General Douglas MacArthur issued General Order No 1 on the 17th August 1945. This order was approved by U.S. President Truman and announced at the Japanese Surrender Ceremony on the 2nd September 1945. The order instructed, firstly, that all Japanese forces surrender to designated Allied commanders. Secondly that all military developments must be revealed and finally that all military equipment was to be preserved for later disarmament.
For over three years the British Crown colony of Hong Kong was occupied by Imperial Japan. The outnumbered British defenders, after fierce fighting, surrendered to the Japanese on the 25th December 1941 and many thousands of defenders taken as prisoners-of-war. HMS Swiftsure, a light cruiser, entered Hong Kong harbour as flagship for the British Pacific Fleet. On the 300h August 1945 Swiftsure hoistedher flag to accept the Japanese surrender.
0n the 29th August 1945 U.S. General MacArthur was ordered by his president to administer authority over the Japanese government in Tokyo. The task was duly carried out on the 31st August 1945. American high command chose to allow the Japanese state to exist, which included “Emperor Hirohito”, would be ultimately under U.S. control. While the majority of Allies wanted “Hirohito” to step down and face war criminal charges, MacArthur disagreed and he argued that a cooperating “Hirohito” would establish a peaceful allied occupation. MacArthur created a plan for the emperor to be retained as a figurehead monarch and separated him from the militarists, therefore absolving him of any war crime activities. As “Hirohito” was always considered “God” by the Japanese population MacArthur was assured cooperation of the Japanese people. Anything that went wrong would automatically be blamed on the previous Prime Minister General Hideki Tojo.
(Other Theatres)
Norway was a neutral country prior to the German invasion of 1940. Vidkun Quisling was a Norwegian military officer and politician who had fascist views regarding the Norwegian Jewish community. When Germany occupied Norway, Quisling washead of the country’s government as a Nazi collaborator. As well as participating in Germany’s war efforts the collaborationist government deported many Jews out of the country. Their destination was to concentration camps n occupied Poland, where most were killed. At the end of the Second World War in Europe, during the legal purge of the collaborationist government, Quisling was put on trial for war crimes. He was found guilty of high treason against the Norwegian State. The charges also included murder and embezzlement for which he was sentenced to death. Quisling was executed by firing squad on the 24th October 1945.
I didn’t write yesterday as my letter would only have been a very hurried one and wouldn’t have been posted any earlier than one written with my undivided attention today. Before I tell you about my journey back, here’s thanking you for what, without a shadow of doubt, was quite the best leave ever – You were, in every way, the complete hero – I just can’t thank you enough for all the things you did for us – didn’t we have some wizard days and so much variety? Those wonderful days at Walton, the tennis, golf and the host of other things, food for every meal par excellence, yes, it was a super leave. This time last week (how often has one said that during the last 6 years) we were just on our way to Walton trying to eat ices without making a mess – it is now 10.50 am and a glorious day on the beach was ahead of us. I had a ‘fair’ journey back – we got up to London absolutely on time and the Taxi got us to Victoria at 9.15. After finding the right platform we had a cup of coffee and then wandered quietly along through a seething mass of returning troops to the train which was due out at 10.20. I found myself a seat but then wasn’t allowed out past the barrier but Eileen and I had a good last minute chat over the barrier and we had to part at 10.15. Charles arrived just after 10 ocl and we found a seat for him. We went via Dover and arrived after a lot of hanging around at Calais at 5.45 to find that our train to Munster was due to leave just after 6 which didn’t leave us long in which to get dinner. We then spent 19 solid hours in the train, fortunately I was fairly tired so got a bit of sleep and you can imagine how wonderfully welcome those sandwiches (in excellent condition) were. We got in to Munster at 1.30 pm on Thursday and it was while we were there that we heard the first rumours of the Jap surrender offer. A 3 ton lorry had us back, unshaved and unwashed, in the Mess by 6 ocl. I didn’t go up to the office but had a good shave and bath before ‘becoming’ involved in an impromptu mess party to celebrate the Jap surrender. (I still don’t know whether the Jap war really is over!) Anyway it was wonderful news and we celebrated accordingly!
Yesterday saw me back to the grindstone again and I had a nonstop day – my G3 went off on leave on Thursday and I found several major worries to deal with though I’m told by Tim Roberts that they haven’t been at all overworked in my absence. He asked me to have dinner with him last night and afterwards we went out to see a really excellent thriller called ‘Laura’ – no James Mason was not in it! There was no one well known in the cast but it was well worth seeing. I had expected to find myself on duty today but some kind person thinking I wouldn’t be back until yesterday has put me down for Tuesday night. Later on this morning I shall walk up to the office and see what’s cooking and this afternoon I’m playing a game of tennis with a chap who fancies himself in the tennis line a lot. In my absence they have got 4 hard courts going and racquets and balls can be borrowed free of charge from the groundsman – I shall be very interested to see what it’s like.
I have no concrete information about the later age groups being released but there is an air of great expectancy about that the thing is being speeded up (age group 16 has been brought forward 3 weeks) and I honestly think there is a reasonable chance of my being out by the end of the year – certainly in January – which is most cheering. All being well some definitely news should be forthcoming today about the war in the Far East, how wonderful if it really is over – how relieved many anxious families in England will be. Later on today I will be writing separate little notes to Pari and Elli, so will close now and get myself ready for the office. Again, Maz dear, thanks for everything when I was home and may the time go very quickly between now and my return for good. God bless you and much love.
Yours as ever
very affectionately
Peter
NB I hope the maxim at the head of the letter is still ringing in your ears!
In envelope headed ‘On Active Service’ addressed to Mrs Gerald C Benham, 5 Oxford Road Colchester Essex.
Postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE 734 dated 13 AU 45. Signed P.C. Benham.
On front of envelope Written Aug 12th 1945 rec Aug 17th 1945. (1)
In the Soviet Union occupied German city of Potsdam, the Potsdam Conference ended on the 2nd August 1945. The reason for the conference was to administer a defeated Germany after VE–Day and ultimately force Japan to agree to the terms of an unconditional surrender. The participants of the conference were British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, President Harry Truman of the United States and General Secretary Joseph Stalin of the Soviet Union. After a general election in Britain Churchill was replaced by Clement Attlee, as prime minister, on the 26th July 1945, the same day the PotsdamDeclaration was released.
Historically, Russian-Japanese relations were marked by antagonism since the Russo-Japanese War of 1905 ending with Russia being defeated. The Soviet-Japanese Neutrality Pact, signed in 1941, allowed the Soviet Union to concentrate on defeating Germany rather than face the war on two fronts. When Germany was defeated the possibility of Soviet participation in the Pacific War seriously began to be considered by both Allies and Soviet leadership. Before engaging in the war against Japan, the Soviet Union aimed to maximise its gains in East Asia. The Soviet Union’s declaration of war on the 8th August 1945 was not coincidental. The United States had dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and the Soviet Union wished to enter the war before the bombing of Nagasaki. By doing so before the inevitable defeat of Japan they would capitalise in the post-war settlement.
(Pacific)
Heavy Cruiser USS Indianapolis was given the top-secret mission to deliver to Tinian Island in the Pacific, the components for the atomic bombs. After delivering the bombs she continued enroute to Guam. On the 30th July 1945 she was struck by two torpedoes fired from a Japanese submarine. Within twelve minutes Indianapolis sank taking with her 300 crew members. With too few lifeboats and many without life jackets the remaining 890 crew members were adrift in shark infested waters. For whatever reason U.S. Navy command knew nothing of the tragedy until survivors were spotted three days later. On the 2nd August 1945 a routine patrol flight of a PV-1 Ventura and Catalina flying boat spotted the survivors and the Ventura immediately dropped a life raft and radio transmitter. Immediately all air and surface units were despatched to the scene. First to arrive was an amphibious Catalina flying boat, whose captain disobeyed orders not to land in the open ocean after dropping off life rafts to the survivors. The Catalina was rendered unflyable after taking on board as many survivors as possible. Seven rescue destroyers arrived after nightfall and the first used its searchlight for the picking up the remaining survivors. The Catalina was destroyed as it could not be recovered. Only 316 of the 890 men set adrift survived. Many were injured, all were suffering from lack of food and water and many died from exposure to the elements. Hundreds of sharks were drawn to the wreck and after picking off the dead and wounded they began to attack the survivors. The number of deaths attributed to shark attacks range from a few dozen to 150.
U.S. Navy command kept operations plotting boards which monitored all ships in the area. It was assumed ships as large as Indianapolis would reach their destination on time unless otherwise informed. Indianapolis was removed from the operations board on the 31st July 1945 when she should have arrived at Leyte, therefore her position was based on predictions not on actual facts. There was no report made that she was overdue.
The navy, in the first official statement, said that possibly distress calls were keyed by radio operators and transmitted. However, there is no evidence that any distress message from Indianapolis was received by any ships. One of the 316 survivors of the sinking was Charles B McVay III, commander of Indianapolis. In November 1945 McVay was Court-Martialled on two charges. The first was failing to order the crew to abandon ship, but as one of the last to abandon the ship he was cleared of the charge. The second charge was for “hazarding the ship by failing to zigzag”. McVay had been ordered to zigzag at his discretion but Naval headquarters had failed to inform him of Japanese submarine activity in the vicinity. McVay was convicted of the charge but eventually the charge was overturned and he was restored to active service. McVay was the only captain to be Court-Martialled for the loss of his ship due to enemy action in combat.
The Japanese Field Service Code of 1941 adopted the “Do not surrender” policy which forbade soldiers to surrender, thereby stiffening Japanese resolve to fight to the death. Japanese culture during the Second World War was that surrender was dishonourable. When called upon all military personnel were expected to die in battle or return home victorious. Japan was a defeated nation on all fronts but still they wouldn’t surrender. The Potsdam Declaration was issued on the 26th July 1945, and among other points regarding the reshaping of Europe, Japan was required to unconditionally surrender. U.S. President Harry Truman was aware many American lives would be lost during an amphibius attack against mainland Japan. Even women and children were taught how to fight with basic weapons and, if necessary, die for the emperor. The Japanese did not respond to the Potsdam Declaration and on the 5thAugust 1945 Truman ordered that the atomic bomb was to be dropped on Hiroshima.
With the decision taken to attack Hiroshima with an atomic bomb, three separate Boeing B-29 Superfortress bombers took off from Tinian Island and rendezvoused over Iwo Jima. The B-29 first was the Enola Gay, named after the pilot’s mother, and transported the unarmed atomic bomb, codenamed Little Boy. The second B-29 was there to film the Little Boy being dropped and the third B-29 for weather reconnaissance. At approximately 07.45 hrs on the 6th August 1945, Little Boy was armed and Enola Gay ascended from a cruising height of 8,000 ft to a bombing height of 31,000 ft When released over Hiroshima at 08.15 hrs it took Little Boy 53 seconds to fall to the predetermined detonation height of 1,968 ft. Enola Gay had travelled about 11.5 miles before she felt the shock waves of the blast. Although buffeted by the blast the first two B-29s were undamaged and landed safely. The third B-29 was damaged but still landed safely. The blast from Little Boy destroyed about three-quarters of the city and approximately 75,000 people were killed with another 70,000 injured. When Enola Gay landed her captain, Colonel Fred Tibbets, was presented with the Distinguished Service Cross immediately after descending from the aircraft. Japan still did not surrender after the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima therefore a second atomic bomb attack was deemed necessary. Almost everything went wrong on the Nagasaki bomb attack whereas the Hiroshima bomb attack everything went right, “the perfect mission”. The mission of B-29 Superfortress Bockscar was brought forward two days to the 9th August 1945 ln order to miss the forecasted bad weather. Bockscar took-off from Tinian Island at 03.47 hrs with the atomic bomb Fat Man loaded and partially armed, but a few minutes after take-off the arming was completed. The flight engineer of Bockscar discovered a fuel transfer pump was not working whilst conducting a pre-flight inspection. This meant fuel carried as reserve could not be used but changing the pump could take many hours. Moving Fat Man into another B-29 would take just as long, it was also dangerous as the bomb was fully armed. The decision was taken to fly with the inoperable pump. Instead of flying separately as they did on the Hiroshima raid, accompanying Bockscar were the two B-29s acting as observer and weather reconnaissance. Despite assurance the weather over the prime target, the city of Kokura and secondary target of Nagasaki were clear, the three aircraft ran into thunderstorms. On the bomb control panel of Bockscar, unexpectantly a white light came on which turned out to be misplaced switch. This light only illuminated when the bomb was about to be released. Upon arrival off the coast of Japan one B-29 failed to make the rendezvous. The two B-29s circled the rendezvous area for forty minutes whilst waiting for third to appear, but with fuel running low they proceeded to Kokora approximately thirty minutes away. The delay meant clouds had developed over the city and black smoke from a previous B-29 firestorm raid obscured the bombing area. After the third attempted bomb run Japanese anti-aircraft guns were getting too close. With fuel conditions becoming critical the secondary target of Nagasaki was selected. When approaching Nagasaki low cloud had obscured the city, but a last-minute break in the clouds and flying at the prescribed height for dropping Fat Man, Bockscar visibly sighted the target. The bomb was dropped at 11.01 hrs and exploded 47 seconds later. The major portion of the city was protected by intervening hills and the blast was confined to the Urakami Valley. It was later estimated that 39,000 people were killed and a further 25,000 injured. Bockscar arrived unannounced at Okinawa and repeatedly attempted to contact the control tower that they were almost out of fuel. Not receiving an answer and with only enough fuel for one landing attempt they came in too fast. The control tower was alerted to the emergency landing by Bockscar firing off every flare on board. On the final approach one engine died from fuel starvation and by reversing the remaining three propellers coupled with the two pilots standing on the brakes, the aircraft came to a stop after a 90 degree turn to avoid running off the runway. The fuel situation was so critical a second engine ran out of fuel before the plane came to a stop and as they were not expected there was nobody there to greet them.
Prior to nuclear weapons being used the Japanese government considered adopting the Potsdam Declaration. They received the translation of the initial English radio transmission and concluded the acceptance of the terms were unavoidable. However, it was thought further negotiations should be sought regarding the form of Japanese government and the status of “Emperor Hirohito”. After meeting with the emperor, the prime minister stated Hirohito deemed the Declaration acceptable in principle. On the 10th August 1945 the government replied their willingness to agree to the terms subject to further negotiations.
A military coup was attempted on the night of the 14th August 1945 just before the unconditional surrender of Imperial Japan to the Allies. The coup was attempted by the Staff Office of the Ministry of War of Japan and many from the Imperial Guard. Their aim was to prevent the surrender of Japan and place “Emperor Hirohito” under house arrest. The rebel army officials wished to destroy “Emperor Hirohito’s” pre-recorded surrender speech and assassinate Japan’s present Prime Minister Kantara Suzuki. However, the destruction of the pre-recorded speech and Suzuki’s assassination did not happen. Over 18,000 rebels and officers failed to convince the remaining 25,000 soldiers of the Imperial Japanese Army to oust the Imperial House of Japan. The four rebel leaders committed suicide. As a result, the recorded speech of “Emperor Hirohito” continued as planned.
The pre-recorded speech of “Emperor Hirohito’s” unconditional surrender was by way of a radio broadcast on the 15th August 1945. For the majority of the population of Japan they had never heard “Hirohito’s” voice before even though they pledged their allegiance to him. Britain and approximately 70% of the American public wanted “Hirohito” tried as a war criminal. U.S. General Douglass MacArthur did not approve of the idea. He reasoned that “Hirohito’s” cooperation would help to establish a peaceful Allied occupation regime in Japan. Eventually “Hirohito” was absolved as a war criminal. From the time of the surrender “Hirohito” remained as Emperor until his death in 1989.
15th August ’45 – Victory Over Japan Day (VJ-Day)
VJ- Day was the day that Imperial Japan finally surrendered and effectively ended the Second World War. The whole world recognises the victory as being the 15th August 1945. However, America recognises the 2nd September 1945 as being VJ-Day when the formal surrender was signed on board USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay.
I had no shoes, and I murmured until I saw a man, who had no feet.
“Old Arabian Proverb”
KRIEGSGEFANGENENLAGER Luft 7
This book belongs to
Sgt. Ernest Wilkinson, R.A.F.
No. 2211329 P.O.W. No. 136.L.7.
1068 Bury Rd., Breightmet
Boulton Lancashire.
Y.M.C.A.
F.B. “Nobby” Clark
69 Blackbush Ave
Chadwell Heath
Essex
D.W.L. Brown
Vermillion
Alberta
Canada
W. McBurney
Gull Lake
Saskatewan
Canada
Taken prisoner by the Germans in the Pyrenees, 8 miles from the Spanish Border, on the 19th of April 1944. If we had left our hiding place 10 minutes later, we would probably have made Spain in about 4 hours. But we walked right into the arms of a German Patrol, who asked for our papers, but as we had none, we could not show them, so we had, “had it”.
The soldier who searched me on finding a 6” Bowie knife stuck in the waist band of my pants gave a shout, and jumped back about 6 ft, there was then a clicking of rifle bolts, and each man in the patrol shoved a round up the spout. We certainly expected being shot then and there, but luckily for us they were not a trigger-happy crowd, and no shots were fired. When he saw my uniform, which I had on underneath the civvy suit that I was wearing, he jumped back again and yelled “Ah Englander”. After the search one of the Jerries very kindly handed round his cigarettes.
They then marched us for about 4 miles to their H.Q. which was O.K. by us as they had to march too, and could not ride their bikes. On reaching their H.Q. we were treated very well by the Officers, who gave us beer (which was like water) and cigarettes. Whilst we were there waiting for an interrogation officer to come and question us, one of the officers told us in broken English and French, that after the war was over England would be swallowed up by America, we of course said that it would be better than being swallowed up by Germany.
The interrogation officer finally came, and he got a little peeved because he could get nothing out of us, we were threatened with the Gestapo and all the rest of it, but it made no difference. They could do nothing like that as we were in uniform.
A guard of nine men came at about two A.M. to take us to prison in Bayonne. Each of them was equipped with a tommy gun or rifle, and every-one of them had two potato mashers in his belt, they did not mean to let us escape. We arrived at the jail in Bayonne at about two thirty A.M., and we were put in a cell about ten ft wide, by fourteen ft long, where we remained until the fifth of May. The treatment we received off the guards was pretty fair but the grub was lousy. We were fed on, a cup of ersatz coffee for Breakfast, two course lunch consisting of two ½ bowls of cabbage soup, thin and thick, and about an eighth of a small loaf each. We had late dinner at about eight P.M. which was, half a bowl of thin cabbage soup and half a bowl of beans, which were pretty good. On the first day half of the grub which we got for lunch went down the drain, but after we had been there a few days we were not leaving a scrap, we were waiting behind the door of the cell when it was brought round, and we could not get enough to eat.
We had been in there two days, when two Yanks were put out in the exercise yard, on which our cell window looked, and we had a good chat with them, and they were glad to hear English voices for a change.
An the afternoon of the 5th of May we were given our civilian clothes again, and told to put them on as we were being moved. At 6 P.M. we were taken out of our cell and taken into the jail office where we were chained together in two’s. We were given enough food to last us for the journey, and were then marched to the station, with the two Yanks and another Yank who had been brought in a few days previously. Whilst we were in this jail, at Bayonne, we did not have a shave, or a smoke for about 14 days, and we looked like tramps.
The train journey lasted about 15 hours, and the guards treated us very well giving us cigarettes and buying us a pint bottle of beer each. We finally arrived in Paris where we were taken to Fresnes Jail, where the seven of us were put in two cells until the following day, when we were taken out for a shower and to have our clothes fumigation. The rear gunner and myself were then put in a cell with three Frenchmen who had been sentenced to various terms of labour in Germany. They could not speak English and we could not speak French, but we managed to understand each other by means of signs, and drawings on the wall. We were with them for two days, they were very nice fellows too.
On the 8th of May we were taken out again and all our personal possessions taken from us, and we were put into separate cells, and treated as military prisoners. What happened to the Yanks I do not know as that was the last we saw of them. They were in civvys, so they must have been treated as civilian prisoners and taken to another part of the jail. Although we were in solitary confinement we were treated very well, and the food was good, we received German Military Rations, we also had books to read and three cigarettes a day. We also got a shave once a week. But we got no exercise, except what we could get walking up and down the cell, which was seven paces each way. We only got out in the exercise yard for half an hour, all the time we were there.
The air raid alarm sounded frequently while we were there, and we used to stand at our cell windows and watch the fortresses and Liberators going over, and wish that we were up there with them. One Saturday evening Jerry was caught with his pants down, the alert and the all clear went three times, after the third all clear, the Yanks came over and caught Jerry napping. The jail shook like a jelly every time a cluster of bombs hit the deck. We could even see the bombs leave the aircraft, and could see them all the way down. One Fortress was hit by Flak and we saw one man bale out, I think he must have fallen about sixteen or seventeen thousand feet, before he pulled the rip cord. But he made it safely, I met him afterwards, when we were on our way to Frankfurt, and we had quite a chat.
We were moved from Paris on the evening of the 5th June 1944. There were nine of us in uniform, we were taken out and put in a coach, and one of the chaps, I found to be an old friend of mine, who had been shot down a month after us.
We left Fresnes Jail at about 5 P.M. and went right through the centre of the town, to the Luftwaffe Hospital, where we picked up another five or six men, one being an Englishman, and the rest Americans, one of the Americans was the chap who we had seen bale out of the Fortress on the previous Saturday evening, he was rather badly burned about the face. His name was Ben Tureman, and his parents originated from Lancashire. I hope to see him again after this lot is over. After seeing some of the boys who we picked up at that Hospital I thank God that I got out with nothing more than a sprained shoulder. One lad in particular had baled out of a Liberator in a ball of fire and he was terribly burned about the face and hands. The Englishman turned out to be a Yorkshireman called Harry Hargreaves and he came from Batley, and he is on this camp.
We finally arrived at the station, and boarded a train for Frankfurt. While we were waiting for the train to start the alert sounded and practically everyone got off the train again and ran for shelter. It was a troop train too. The train got going eventually one hour and forty minutes late.
The journey to Frankfurt was uneventful except for a little incident which occurred early in the morning of the 6th when the flak guns mounted on a truck at the rear of the train opened up at an aircraft going over, and we stopped in a cutting for an hour. We finally arrived in Frankfurt, after a journey lasting about seventeen hours.
We got to the interrogation centre at about six thirty in the evening of the 6th June, and we were again searched and all the food which we had with us even including Red Cross parcels was taken off us and we never saw it again. Which was rather a poor show I thought, as we had practically nothing to eat whilst we were there. I was then put in a little cell about ten ft long by six ft wide and left there, until next morning when I was taken out, and asked to fill in a form, which they said was a Red Cross registration form, but I thought the Red Cross wanted to know to much, so I gave them nothing but No. Rank, and name, and home address, and when I told him that I had been registered with the Red Cross while in Paris, he said it was a form for my identification. He was very persuasive, but it got him nowhere, so I was taken back to my cosy little room, and stayed there until the following afternoon, when I was taken out again for interrogation.
When I walked into the office, the officer who was to question me said “Ah, Sgt. Wilkinson,” I said “Yes Sir”, and he said “I have been waiting for you for a month, which rather shook me.
After spending four days in this place I was transferred along with a number of other chaps to a Transit Camp at Wetslau, where we had a good meal for a change. We spent eight days at this camp, where we were really well fed thanks to the Red Cross. On the ninth day thirty five of us were put in a converted cattle van, and the next three days were spent in this van, in which we travelled to the permanent prison camp at Baukan, which is eight miles from the Polish Border in Eastern Germany. We arrived at this place at about seven in the evening of the twentieth of June, and we were searched, photographed, and had our fingerprints taken for about the fourth time. We finally got into the camp, and made the camp strength up to 140. We were billeted in small huts six to a hut and we slept on palliasse on the floor. It is a good job it was summer. The Jerry rations were very good, and we were also getting a Red Cross parcel per man per week, and 50 cigarettes per week. We stayed in this temporary camp until the 13-10-44, when we moved just down the road to our winter quarters, which were good. We were put 14 in a room, and we slept on bunks. The German rations continued to be good. But the Red Cross issue was cut to ½ parcel per week, on account of transport difficulties. We spent quite a good Xmas considering the circumstances. We did not do to badly for food all the time we were at this camp. Then came the retreat from “Joe”, which I have recorded briefly elsewhere.
Nov 5 1944. Was the best day we have had for meals since I was taken prisoner. For Breakfast Porridge Sausage, Bacon and egg. Bread and butter and tea and jam.
Dinner Stew. Consisting of 2 tins cottage pie, potatoes and cabbage. Bread butter and jam.
Tea. Potatoes, meat stew, apple pudding & creamed rice, bread butter, jam and cocoa.
We also had tea and bread and butter at 11 am and at 3 pm. We *** still to have bread and butter and cheese for supper. Boy! am I full.
RATIONS FOR 22 DAYS
2 2/5 LOAVES OF BREAD
4 PKTS KRACKERS
1 PKT DOG BISCUITS
7/10 OF 2 KILO TIN MEAT.
1/18 “ 3LB GERMAN SAUSAGE.
¾ “ 1 KILO BLOCK MARG.
¼ ” 1 KILO BLOCK HONEY.
1 CUP OF OATS.
2 SPOONS FLOUR.
5 ” BARLEY.
1 ” SUGAR.
2 ” COFFEE (ERSATZ)
3 LB POTATOES
½ CUP SOUP PER DAY FOR 10 DAYS
3 CUPS COFFEE.
RATIONS AT STALAG IIIA
DAILY.
1 CUP GERMAN TEA OR COFFEE.
2/3 KLIM TINFUL OF SOUP.
1/5 LOAF OF BREAD.
1/20 BLOCK OF MARG.
1 SPOONFULL OF SUGAR.
NO RED CROSS ISSUE.
Although other nationalities on the camp receive a parcel per week.
HOW WE RAN FROM “JOE”
This is a short account of how Stalagluft 7 was evacuated, and the privations that were suffered by the 1500 PsO.W. who were forced to march for 18 days on very little food.
The first indication we had that the camp was to be evacuated, was at about 1030 AM on the morning of Tuesday, Jan 16th 1945, when everyone was told to pack, and be ready to move within an hour. This was done and everyone was ready, but we did not move that day, we were told that we would be moving either late that night or early next morning. We were still there on the Thursday night, when we were told that we would definitely be moving at 0500 hrs the next morning.
At 0500 hrs the next morning Friday the 19th Jan 1945 everyone was assembled outside on the parade ground, and the march was started, to the sound of the Russian guns in the distance. It was a bitterly cold morning with a gale blowing from the South East, it was a wind which went right through. We started from Bankau with rations which Jerry said had to last for 2 days, and he promised us faithfully that rations would be forthcoming regularly throughout the trip, and of course we believed him, as we really could not do anything else. Anyway we started marching, through 6 inches of snow and the biting wind, and the temperature at about 10o below zero.
The snow on the road was packed hard and was frozen, and it was very difficult at times to keep on ones feet. We marched that morning as far as Konstadt where we turned off the main road to Breslau into a side road, which lead to a place called Winterfeld where we arrived at about 4 o’clock in the afternoon, we had travelled 22 Km, which was pretty good going. About 150 of us were crammed into a small barn, with no light, but we did manage to get a slice of bread and spam, which was the first bite to eat that we had had since breakfast. We then settled down to sleep, but suddenly, down came about a ton of straw, and two of my mates Don Grey and Ron Henry were buried underneath it with part of our rations. We dug the two boys out, and also the biggest part of our rations, the rest we had to give up for lost, which was rather a hard knock, and for the rest of the night sleep was impossible.
Sat Jan 20th. We were called out at 0500 hrs and were on the road again at 0530 hrs. A lot of the boys had now decided to travel light, and had jettisoned a lot of their kit, I myself had done the same, keeping just my blankets, shaving kit, a couple of towels, a shirt and vest and a few bars of soap. We started marching again to the sound of the Russian guns which were not more than 15 to 20 kilometres away. The weather was a little better, the wind having dropped, for which we were thankful. We managed about 13 Kms by noon when we turned into a disused brick factory in a place called Karlsruhe. We were a bit better off for room here as we could get stretched out. We also managed to get a little food into us, and a couple of brews.
At eight o’clock that night we were called out again, and were told that we had to cross the River Oder before the bridges were blown up at dawn. The Oder was 34 Kms away, and the temperature was steadily getting lower. By the time we had covered 10 Kms a lot of the boys were in pretty bad shape, one of my own mates, Bob Pearce collapsed, and we had to leave him by the roadside, to be picked up by the crank wagon, which was following behind us. The temp was now well below zero and frost was forming on our coats and on the whiskers round our mouths. The moisture in our breath was freezing as we breathed it out. Two more of my mates Don Gray and Norm Wilmot had by this time dropped to the rear of the column. Don because he had got a slight dose of dysentery and was frequently dropping his slacks, and “Willy” Wilmot because his feet were sore and blistered. We finally crossed the River just before dawn and found that we had to go another 5 Kms to the place where we were to stay the day and following night. When we got there, we were told that we would have to go on for another 7 Kms as there was no accommodation for us. The majority of us were by this time practically out on our feet, and that added 7 Kms was a nightmare. We finally reached the place and were herded into a stable where we had to sleep on the floor, with just a little straw underneath us before going to sleep we had a much needed two slices of bread and a little meat which we had managed to save. We woke up at dusk and finished the rest of our rations, hoping that Jerry would fulfil his promise to get us more that day he did to the extent of two handful of small dog biscuits per man. We then went to sleep again to be wakened at 0200 hrs on Monday the 22nd, and told that we had to move as the Russians had crossed the Oder to the north of us and there would probably be fighting in the vicinity before long. A lot of the chaps wanted to stay there and take a chance, and a few shots were fired before they were finally persuaded to move. We eventually got on the move. (The boys who were sick only got as far as the Hospital on the other side of the town, where they were left, and we have heard nothing more of them. We presume that they are now in the hands of the Russians).
Anyway we started and staggered along for about 15 Kms to a large barn at a place called Jenkwitz, where we bedded down again. At this place we got our first ½ cup of stew from the field Kitchen, also some marg and a biscuit from Jerry. We also found some wheat and some carrots which we promptly pinched. We made a bit of porridge (of sorts) with the wheat, and some pea powder which we had saved. We also managed a few spuds which we roasted.
Tuesday 23rd. We left Jenkwitz early in the morning and marched all day covering a distance of 24 Kms, and arrived at a place called Wassen. I do not recall much about these places. But I do remember that here we got our first bread ration which was a ¼ of a loaf each, and a bit of marg.
The next day, the 24th we did not move. We had a rest, which we spent baking spuds and making brews. We also managed to get three half cupsful of soup from the field kitchens.
Thursday 25th. We left Wassen at 5 AM and had another long and hungry march to Heidersdorf which was 22 Kms away. We stayed at this place for two nights, and got a bread ration of 1/5 of a loaf per man, and three more half cupsful of soup from the field kitchens. Every one of us by this time was feeling very hungry, I know I was. Here we also filled up with spuds again, but they did not stop our hunger.
Saturday 27th. We marched all day and arrived at Pfaffendorf in the dark, and were lucky to get a bed space. About 1450 of us being crammed into two small barns.
Sunday 28th. We were off again in the early morning, feeling hungrier than ever, and passed through a large town called Sweidnitz at about 8 am. Here some more of the sick were dropped off, including Bob Pearce who had been travelling with the crank wagon for the last few days. We kept going and arrived after marching 22 Kms at Standorf. By this time I was feeling rough and unkempt and the rest of the boys were the same. They were the most disreputable crowd I have ever seen. The weather was still cold, and there was plenty of snow. Here we were issued with a packet of Knacke Brot biscuits each and some marg. The biscuits were just like Matgas. We stayed at Standorf a night and a day, and here we got the very welcome news, that there would be transport for us at the next place. We knew what Jerry’s promises were by now and said we would believe it when we saw it.
At 6 PM on Monday the 29th we marched again into the snow. After travelling 6 Kms we were issued with two more packets of Knacke Brot. This got us mad as we had been promised bread, and the biscuits were but a poor apology. This night march was the worst of the lot, a blizzard sprang up and the snow was thicker than ever, it was over a foot deep on the ground. We saw a dead Jerry lying beside the road, frozen to death. We marched until 7 am and covered 22 Kms. Our blankets were wet through and so were our clothes and boots and socks. We were the most miserable bunch imaginable. Our only consolation was, that we got a good lot of bed spaces. We stayed at this place (Peterwitz) and starved, no German ration were forthcoming. On the next day Wednesday we got a bread and marg ration 1/6th of a small loaf and a raw potato. My bread ration was eaten as soon as I received it. I managed to get 3 thin slices out of it, and I was still hungry. My belt buckle by this time was making my spine sore, it was so tight. We also got a small piece of gristle each which we wolfed with great relish. We stayed until Thursday the 1st of Feb and lived on some dirty sugar beet and what we got from the field kitchen, which was not much.
We were told that we had one more march of 18 Kms and then we would travel by train. At dawn 2nd Feb we started this last march, and through mud and slush, because of the thaw we trudged along, and reached Ober Planzwitz at noon. Here we were told we would wait until the transport was ready for us. We were lucky again as regards bed spaces finding rather comfortable ones in a corner of a barn, and we were quite warm. But the rations were very few and far between. Here we stayed until Monday. On the Sunday we got reasonable rations for once 1/3rd of a loaf and 1/3 of a tin of meat per man as well as a little barley, sugar, and flour which we promptly made up into porridge, and really enjoyed it. but we were not told how long the bread, meat and marg had to last.
At 5 am on Monday 5th Feb we started on the last 5 Kms, to our entraining point, a place called Goldberg. This brought our mileage up to 150 miles. We were herded into cattle trucks, and a new kind of hell started, there were 56 of us in a truck and we could barely sit down. We were also issued with a further 1/12th of a loaf each which was immediately eaten.
The only light in the truck was from two small vents which were cut in the sides in opposite corners. There was one thing about it because of our number we did not feel the cold. We also took off our boots so that we would not kick each other.
Two hours after we entrained we got on the move, and covered a short distance in a few hours and finally pulled into a siding at Sagan at 6 PM where we stayed all night. Night in that truck was hell nobody being able to get any sleep. At 6 am next morning we were jerked into motion again and travelled about 30 miles. We heard that we were going to a big camp south of Berlin a place called Luckenwalde. We were also told that we may arrive that evening. But it was not to be we were again pushed into a siding for the night. No sleep again. This was at a place called Kottbus. I had finished my rations the night before and was feeling very hungry. We did not move from this siding until 11 am the following morning, and did not travel far before we stopped again for another few hours. We had not travelled more than 34 or 35 miles in more than two days. We got an issue of about a mouthful of coffee per man from the field kitchen. One of the boys Ron Henry generously gave us a slice of bread out of some that he had managed to save, he also gave us a piece of biscuit each. We then settled down as best we could to a third night in our Pullman Car. That night we got a surprise the train was frequently jerked into motion, and we travelled a bit further in fits and starts, and low and behold before dawn next morning, we had arrived in a siding at Luckenwalde, our destination had been reached by Thursday morning.
We were all feeling pretty weak from hunger and loss of sleep and lack of exercise. We finally got out of the train at 11 am and after being counted and recounted began marching the 2½ Kms to Stalag III A.
The camp when we got there, we found to be an international one. But it looked good to us. We stood around for a few more hours. We were supposed to have a bath and be deloused before going into the camp but it takes a long time to get through 1500 men. So we had a wash and we moved in. We had had an issue of one cigarette per man whilst waiting and a friend gave us another one each. They were smokes we really enjoyed, as they were the first except for occasional puffs for about 14 days.
When we finally got in the camp Bob Pearce was there to welcome us. He had generously cut up his bread ration, and made us a sandwich each with corned beef, it was like manna from heaven. The corned beef, he had brought from Sagan, where he had spent about 3 days. He had also brought about 700 fags and he gave us a 20 packet of these each. I felt like a new man.
We got bed spaces in a large barrack, where we found we had to sleep on a layer of wood wool on the floor, and we made ourselves as comfortable as possible. Then up came the Army boys with a can of soup and a ration of potatoes, food never tasted better than that did. It was enjoyed by all. We also got 2/3 of a cup of soup from our own field kitchens which had been set up in the compound. I felt better than I had for a few days.
So our trek from Bankau has ended, we think. But there are rumours going round, that we will be on the move again, before long. But we hope not. We lost about 100 or so sick on the road and about 50 or 60 took a chance and hid up at different places. I don’t suppose we will ever hear what happened to them while we are in Germany anyway.
============================
I am writing this after a couple of weeks at Luckenwalde. I feel a little better, but not much. I have got a little food under my belt but I am by no means satisfied, I am still feeling rather hungry.
The first day we were here things looked rather rosy to us, and we were told there was plenty of food and fresh meat, also plenty of Red Cross parcels, but we were soon disillusioned. The ration of bread is 1/5 of a small loaf per man per day, the meat we do not see, except for a little bit now and then, in our soup, the ration of which is ½ a Klim tin full once per day, and there is talk of that being cut.
On the second day we were here the Army boys put on a show for us. It was a drama called “Deep Digs the Devil”, and it was very well acted although it was rather heavy.
The third day I started feeling a little queer, I started having pains in the stomach. The next day I started with diarrhoea and I had to go and see the MO he told me to keep off bread and spuds which I thought was pretty grim, but I tried it and left my bread alone for a day, which was all I could manage, but I left the spuds alone for three days.
On the fifth day here we got a very pleasant surprise we got an issue of 12 cigarettes per man. In the meantime I had seen my skipper Nobby Clark who had been evacuated from Sagan and was in a compound across the road from us. He managed to throw me a 20 packet of fags, but said that he had no more.
Since we have been here quite a lot of the boys have gone into dock suffering from dysentery, and one lad has died with pneumonia. And all that the rest of us do all day is lie on our beds and try to forget that we are hungry. Which is almost an impossibility. Boy when I get home will my wife be busy. She will have a full time job just cooking for me.
——————————————–
23.2.45. We have now been at Stalag III A for a fortnight and feel a little better. We had a fag issue today, of 22 cigarettes per man, and a ¼ oz of tobacco, from the unclaimed parcels, which are in a store near here. We also got a small issue of Red Cross food, which had been donated by the Serbs and Norwegians. I got a ¼ of an American D ration chocolate bar, and a 10th of a tin of Liver Pate. A German doctor also came today and examined a few of the boys. He said that we were definitely underfed, and that he would see what he could do about getting us more food, on his return to Berlin. Whether we will get it remains to be seen. (We hope that he will keep his promise.)
24.2.45. Nothing out of the ordinary happened today. We had some more German promises, which we hope will bear fruit. We were promised that a telegram would be sent to Lubeck immediately for Red Cross supplies, and also that enquiries would be made about some Red Cross parcels which were at a place a few Kilos from here. Short ration soup and spuds.
25.2.45. Sunday. We got a slight increase of bread ration today we get a ¼ of a loaf instead of the usual 1/5. But it is only for today. Again short ration soup and spuds.
26.2.45. Monday. One of my mates moves over to the officers’ compound today. We got official notification of his commission a week before we left Bankau. He is F/O Durrant. I have not had a smoke since lunch time yesterday and there are no signs of getting any. I don’t know when the next issue will be, if any. Rations short again S & P.
27.2.45. Tuesday. It is a good job the weather was mild this morning as the Jerries kept us out on parade for over an hour, and in our condition we soon feel the cold. I do not feel too good this morning, I feel a bit weak in the legs, and I almost blacked out once. I start an Automobile Engineering class today, to pass the time away. The instructor is an Army man. S/SC MacMurray, and he knows his gen. We have just got on issue of two boxes of matches per man, although we have nothing to smoke. I managed to sell a spoonful of sugar, so I got a smoke today. We hope to be on seconds for soup today, which will be a little help. The seconds did not come off, in fact there were four rations of soup short. Had three thin slices of bread and marg for tea. Just had supper two thin slices of bread and marg. I will now get into bed and try to forget my hunger, by sleeping.
28.2.45. Wednesday. Still no smokes. But got a couple of drags of one of the boys who had a bit of tobacco which he rolled into a fag. Breakfast this morning consisted of two thin slices of bread and marg which finished the ration. We managed seven thin slices (and they are thin) out of each ration. But it is only for psychological effect, we always feel hungry after we have eaten. Two of the lads were shot last night one in the back and the other in the leg. They were breaking into the Red Cross store. I don’t know how badly they were injured. One lad was also caught yesterday, stealing someone else rations. He is being dealt with by the Jerries. I hope he gets it in the neck. Our bread ration today is 1 7/8 loaves between ten men. The loaves weigh 400 grams. We also receive 1 spoonful of sugar per man per day. There are two B- fools in the barracks who sleep quite close to me who talk about nothing else but food from morning till night. I wish they would wrap up.
1.3.45. Thursday. The Luftwaffe counted us for the last time this morning. The German Army have now taken us over, and we were kept out on Parade for an hour and a quarter. It got quite cold standing outside. The bread ration has just come up and the ration today is 1/6th of an 1800 gram loaf per man. We have also just been told that we get a parcel issue either tomorrow (Friday) or Saturday. What the parcels are we do not know. But I think it will be one between four.
2-3-45. Friday. Nothing of any importance happened today. Except that we were told that the parcel issue would be made at 13.30 on Saturday.
3.3.45. We had to go on parade twice this morning because some of the lads were late. We had our normal parade at 07.15 and we paraded again at 08.30 and we had to take our blankets with us, so that they could be checked. I managed to scrounge a fag this morning on the strength of the parcel issue, so I hope it comes up. The parcels are in. We are just waiting for Jerry to punch a couple of holes in the tins before they are issued. Well, the parcels come up American No. 10 and we had salmon for tea, which was quite a change from bread & marg.
4.3.45. Sunday. Bread & Cheese for breakfast this morning and was it good. I really enjoyed it and a fag to smoke afterwards made it more enjoyable still. Dinner was not too bad. The soup was a bit thin and the spud ration rather small, but the spuds came up before the soup, so I peeled them and put them in it and made it a bit thicker. We finished off with a biscuit with cheese on it, and a smoke. Tea was good 4 slices of bread with Prem on them. Then 2 slices of toast for supper. We got a quarter of a loaf today.
5-3-45. Monday. Ran out of fags this morning. I think I will try to stop smoking, but the trouble is if I don’t smoke I feel more hungry which is not so good, on the poor rations which we get at this camp. I managed to cut four thin slices of bread for breakfast, and had cheese on two of them. We also made a cup of American coffee each. The first good drink for over a week, we also had milk and sugar in it, quite enjoyable. Dan and I bought a quarter of a loaf between us, last night, and we made a bread pudding with it. We put some prunes in and some sugar and milk. Had it for tea, and was wizard.
6.3.45. Tuesday. There is supposed to be a gash fag issue, but I don’t know when. I will be glad when it comes. There was a couple of inches of snow on the ground when we got up this morning, but it has almost gone now. There is one thing I have forgotten to mention before. We have an air raid every night, the lights go out regularly at about 7.45. We are only about 30 miles SW of Berlin.
7.3.45. Wednesday. We got very good news this morning. The M of C came in the barracks and told us that there were 25 trucks of parcels in at the station, and at least 23 of them were for us, and the parcel issue tomorrow would be one per man. 25 trucks means about 80000 parcels enough for about 6 weeks at one per man.
8.3.45. Thursday. Had a pretty good breakfast this morning two thick slices of bread with marg spread thick, one slice with cheese and jam on, and the other with jam spread on thick. We opened a six oz tin of grape jam and emptied it between four of us. It was very tasty. Well we got our parcel per man and were the lads excited, they were just like a lot of kids on Christmas day. Boy it was good to get a parcel of your own.
9.3.45. Friday. Two slices of bread for breakfast and are thick with cheese and marg, the other thick with peanut butter and marg and they went down well with a large cup of milk to follow. It has also been given out that there will possibly be another parcel issue on Monday. They say the issue may be three parcels per fortnight.
10.3.45. Saturday. Living quite well now that we have parcels they were a real Godsend and there are more on the way. In fact we have just heard that they are at the station another 18 trucks full. The parcels we have now will keep us going for a few weeks at 1 per week, our next issue is Tuesday.
11.3.45. Sunday. Don and I made ourselves a D.H. cooker this morning and it turned out a success. We were able to make a good cup of coffee.
25.3.45. Sunday. Since writing up the last entry I have been very busy what with building a fireplace and doing numerous other odd jobs. The Jerry rations have been cut during the last week. The bread ration is now 1/7 or 1/8 of a large loaf or 1/6 of a small one. We don’t know what it is going to be until we get it. The potato ration has been cut by half. The weather is grand.
21st April 1945
A lot has happened since I last made an entry in this book. In the last week or two the Jerries have done everything they could to curry favour. Today that is at the present moment the only Jerries in the camp are the prisoners of the PsO.W. and they are in the bunker, four of them, they did not get out of the camp fast enough. All we are waiting for are the tanks to roll up but we don’t know whether they will be the Yanks or the Ruskies. We hope to see the Yanks, but the Russians will do. There has been spasmodic gunfire all day, it started in the East, the South East and the South West and has now moved round to the North, so that we think we are surrounded. The R.A.F. and Army Officers are in charge of the camp, along with Officers of other nationalities. A Norwegian General is senior Officer so he is in charge of all. His name is General Otto Ruger. So our liberation day has come at last. Roll on the Allies.
22nd April 1945.
Last night orders came in that we were to stay in the barracks, as the German S.S. troops in the woods near the camp said that the crowds outside looked as if we were preparing organised resistance. The S.S. Major also said that he may decide to search the camp for arms, and for every man he found with them he would shoot a hundred.
The Russians arrived this morning. Luckenwalde was taken last night without a fight. Luckenwalde is 2½ kilometres away. We had a rather noisy night. One aircraft flew over the camp very low and started straffing the woods. The Yanks are not very far off. I hope they get a move on and get us out of this dump, and on the way home.
Russian troops have just come into the camp. Boy! what a sight. Tanks and trucks loaded with men who look like fighters.
19.1.45 ARR WINTERFELD 29 Kms.
LEFT 20.1.45 Arr KARLSRUHE 12 “
LEFT 20.1.45 “ BAUKWITZ 41 “ 21.1.45
LEFT 22.1.45. ” WANSEN 28 “
LEFT 24.1.45 ” HEIDERSDORF 30 ”
LEFT 27.1.45 ” PFAFFENDORF 24 ”
” 28.1.45 ” STANDORF 24 ”
” 29.1.45 ” PETERWITZ 22 ”
” 1.2.45 ” PRAUSNITZ 12 ” 2.2.45.
” 5.2.45 ” GOLDBURG 7 ”
LEFT GOLDBURG BY TRAIN 5.2.45 ARR LUCKENWALDE 8.2.45.
Roses Red
Violets Blue
Cabbages Green
& so are you.
Come up & see me some time at 1 Grasmere Ave, Crofton Rd., Orpington, Kent.
George King (Slim)
Good luck Ernie, and may we meet again but in more pleasant surroundings & should you ever get the chance be sure & come & stay a few days with me at Robinson Av, Coorparoo SEZ, Brisbane, Australia M.J. O’Leary (Straus) 3.121.44
REMEMBER ME
Remember me although I’m far away
Remember that I love you more each day
Remember soon we’ll be together again
In sunshine or in rain
A million years it seems we’ve been apart
But your lovely smile still lingers here
In my heart.
So dry your tears and quiet your fears
Till we meet that happy day
Remember though I’m far away.
Written and composed by Billy Hall and Ron Walker at Stalagluft 7.
Ring Mitcham 2729 and there will be a welcome for a friend of mine. Fred Curtis, 37 Victoria Rd. Mitcham Surrey.
Do it today, tomorrow is the day when idle people work and fools reform. John Ackroyd, 32, Cravendale Rd., Ravensthorpe. Dewsbury Yorkshire. Welcome any time.
The happiest moments of my life
Were spent in the arms of another man’s wife (My mother)
“Long may yere lum reek”
John Campbell, Church Gate, Torphichen, Bathgate Scotland.
There follow drawings and RAF brevets with names below. Pilot “NOBBY” F/O, Navigator “KIT” F/O, Bomb aimer ERIC, Signaller RON
G.J YOUNG J. WOODWARD
“PAN-DAN” 56, RIDPOOL RD
39 PARKLAND RD LEA HILL
WOODFORD GREEN YARDLEY
ESSEX BIRMINGHAM
R.W. BLAND J. ACKROYD
6 NORTHCOTE RD 32 CRAVENDALE ROAD
WALTHAMSTOW RAVENSTHORPE
E. 17 DEWSBURY
YORKSHIRE.
FRANK L. PREECE
245, QUEENS DRIVE
WALTON
LIVERPOOL 4
A map of the 21 days THE ROAD BACK. the retreat from “Joe”
NAME
ADDRESS
NAME
ADDRESS
N. WILMOT “BILL”
69, LEE ROAD HARPURHEY MANCHESTER 9
R. CLARK “NOBBY”
21, SALISBURY SQ, WEST AUCKLAND C. DURHAM
T.Y. MURRAY “TAM”
57 WEST MAIN ST UPHALL WEST LOTHIAN SCOTLAND
JOHN. E SHORE “JUNIOR”
“CLEVEDON” FOXHILLS TOTTON HANTS
JOHN CAMPBELL “JOCK”
CHURCHGATE TORPHICHEN NR BATHGATE WEST LOTHIAN SCOTLAND
V. KEMPKA JOHNSTON “PADJA”
C/O MISS M. SHORT 41 OAKLEY AVE EALING W.5
H.R. GIBSON “BIM BAM”
14, SHRUBBS AVE BUCKLAND LYMINGTON HANTS
F. CURTIS
37, VICTORIA RD MITCHAM SURREY MITCHAM 2729
BERT SCULLY
2 CHELWOOD AVE BROADGREEN LIVERPOOL 16
RAY LORD
14 KENSINGTON ST LEICESTER
K.B. SHILLITO
31 SCHOOL RD ORFORD WARRINGTON
H.P. CHRISTENSEN “CHRIS”
23 KINSEY ST SILVERDALE STOKE-ON-TRENT STAFFS
T.V. LEWIS “TAFFY”
LLYSGWYLIM LLANDEBIS CARMARTHENSHIRE S. WALES
JOHN E. VIDLER “TOMMY”
17 TRANBY AVE HESSLE NR HULL YORKS TEL HESSLE 49429
D.L. DAY “FRENCHIE”
WOODLANDS HSE MARKET ST CHELTENHAM
T.H. CLORAN
“NEVRIN” STAPLE HALL RD BLETCHLEY BUCKS
F. ILLINGWORTH
77 HARMAN RD ENFIELD MIDDX
BILL CLIFF
39, CONRAN ST HARPURHEY MANCHESTER
J. WOODWARD
56 RIDPOOL RD LEA HALL YARDLEY BIRMINGHAM
A.C. FROST
119 COLDHARBOUR LANE HAYES MIDDX
BILL HAYMAN
NEW ZEALAND
R.W. McGRAW “SPIKE”
894 GROVE ST GLENCOE ILLINOIS U.S.A.
J.M.V. THOMSON
LANSDOWN CRES GLASGOW W
R.H. PARRY-JONES
C/O THE CITY BATHS CHESTER CHESHIRE or 12, RUE DESAIX MUSTAPHA PACHA ALEXANDRIA EGYPT
J. MORGAN “TAFFY”
“RHEOLAN ARMS” ABERCRAVE SWANSEA VALLEY S. WALES
R.W. BLAND
6 NORTHCOTE RD WALTHAMSTOW E. 17
R.R. HEATH
65, SEYMOUR RD HORNSEY LONDON N. 8.
L.J. HALL
“MILWARDS” 34, UNION ST ALDERSHOT HANTS
H.C. QUINN
66 FLORENCE ST OTTOWA CANADA
R.H. PEARCE
84, ASPINAL RD LONDON S.E. 4
G. JONAS
52, CRAVEN WALK LONDON N. 16
B.J. ALLEN
25, BLAKENEY RD SHEFFIELD 10 YORKS
S DURRANT “DICKY”
41 PRESTON RD BRIGHTON 7 SURREY
W.L. COUSINS “YORKY”
4, CARRINGTON AVE POPPLETON RD YORK
R.B. McLEAN “MAC”
20, AUSTRALIA AVE GOULBURN N.S.W. AUSTRALIA
BEN TUREMAN
MRS JEAN ALLEN C/O MR. H. BURGESS 30 CROOKLANDS LANE, PENWORTH PRESTON, LANCS
K. BYRNE “PADDY”
67, IVEAGH GARDENS CRUMLIN, DUBLIN IRELAND
EDWARD HILL
33 BARWICK ST. QUEENS ROAD MILES PLATTING MANCHESTER 9
RON HENRY
2121 ROBINSON ST REGINA SASKATEWAN CANADA
ALBERT AUSTIN “TINY” (Cpl)
27 RANDOLF ST CAMDEN TOWN LONDON N.W. 1
DON GRAY
96, BETCHWORTH RD SEVEN KINGS ESSEX
DAVE BANNING
66 5TH AVENUE TIMMINS ONTARIO CANADA
NORM GRIFFITHS
47, GRAND AVE LONDON N. 10
G.J. KING “SLIM”
1 GRASMERE AVE CROFTON RD ORPINGTON KENT
FRANK TAIT
2, CROWLE ST HYDE PARK TOWNSVILLE QUEENSLAND AUSTRALIA
J. WILLIAMS
15, TRAWDEN AVE OFF BENNETS LANE BOLTON
ALLAN JOHNSTONE “JOHNNY”
462, BROCK ST. MARTON BLACKPOOL
J. WARREN
42, STANLEY RD MANOR PARK LONDON E. 12
TED HOLT
49, SOUTHBOURNE RD MARTON BLACKPOOL
MRS. THOMPSON
47 LONGTON RD NR. BLACKLEY MANCHESTER 9
A BELVERSTONE “ALGY”
40 SUNNYSIDE RD LEYTON E 10 LONDON
KEMKKA
23 LYME GROVE DROYLSDEN M/C CEMETRY RD
R. YEARSLEY
21, ST GEORGES AVE KILN LANE ST HELENS
K. PENDRAY
31, BATH RD THATCHAM BUCKS
R. HARTGROVES
9 PRIMROSE AVE BARLEY LANE GOODMAYES ESSEX
May 2nd 1945.
We have now been liberated over a week, and we are still stagnating in Stalag III A and it looks as if we will be here for a long time yet. The Russians and the Yanks have linked up in a number of places, quite close to us but no effort is being made to get us home. Yet according to the B.B.C. all P.O.W. are supposed to have priority. I suppose that we will be here long after the war is over, and sometime in the dim distant future someone will all of a sudden remember the men at Stalag III A.
The Russians are looking after us very well. They are commandeering all the food they can find, and bringing it into the camp. But I and the rest of the chaps would prefer to be on the way home. A lot of fellows have left to try to make their own way to the American lines.
REPORT OF A FORCED MARCH MADE BY OCCUPANTS OF STALAG LUFT 7 GERMANY.
========================
On January 17th, 1945, at approximately 11 am we received notice of one hour in which to pack our kit and be ready to leave the camp by marching. At the same time we were informed by Ober Feldwebel Frank that for every one man who fell out of the column on the march, five men would be shot. This order was never given in writing.
The start was postponed until 3.30 am on Jan 19th. During the interval, 68 sick men were evacuated to the civilian Slag at Kreuzberg and, we believe, were later taken to Stalag 344 at Lamsdorf.
Each man was issued with two and a half days marching rations before leaving. When the march began on Jan 19th no transport was provided for any sick who might have fallen out on the march and the only medical equipment carried was that carried by the M.O. and three sanitators on their backs.
DETAILS OF MARCH.
Jan 19th. Left Bankau and marched to Winterfeldt, a distance of 28 Kms. This was done under extremely trying weather conditions and severe cold. The only accommodation at Winterfeldt was small barns.
Jan 20th. Marched from Winterfeldt to Karlsruhe arriving at 10 am. We set off at 5 am and marched a distance of 12 Kms. At Karlsruhe we were housed in an abandoned brick factory. Here for the first time we were provided with 2 field kitchens with which to cook for 1,550 men. Each field kitchen was actually capable of cooking sufficient food for 200 men. The M.O. was also provided with a horse and cart for transport of the sick. The cart was big enough to hold 6 sitting cases. Coffee was provided and after a rest period of 11 hours we were again ordered to move. The Camp Leader and the M.O. protested against further marching until the men were adequately rested and fed. We were told by the German Abwehr Officer that it was an order and must be complied with. The same night we left Karlsruhe and marched to Schonfeld, arriving at 9 am on Jan 21st, covering a distance of 42 Kms. The conditions during the night were extreme, the temperature being 13 degrees Centigrade. The M.O. wagon was filled after the first five kms and from then onwards, men were being picked up on the road sides in a collapsed and frozen state and it was only by sheer will power that they were able to finish the march. After crossing the River Oder, a distance of 34 kms from Karlsruhe we were told that we would be accommodated and that no move would be made for 2 days.
Jan 21st. At Schonfeld we were accommodated in the cow sheds and barns of a farm, a room was provided at Lassen for the sick. Rations issued were about 100 gms of biscuits per man and half a cup of coffee.
Jan 22nd. At 3 am orders were given by the Germans to prepare to march off at once. It was dark and there was some delay in getting the men out from their sleeping quarters because they could not find their baggage. The guards were thereupon marched into the quarters and discharged their firearms. The column was marching again by 5 am. 23 men, it was ascertained at this stage, were lost and their whereabouts are unknown. They may have been left behind asleep or they may have escaped. Also 31 men were evacuated (we believe) to Lansdorf but nothing further has been heard of them. We marched to Jenkwitz, a distance of 24 Kms and we were housed at a farm in barns. Here we were issued with a total of 114 kgms of fat, 46 tins of meat, barley, peas. Soup was issued, the ration being about a quarter of a litre per man. No bread was issued.
Jan 23rd. Left Jenkwitz at 8 am and marched 20 Kms to Wansen.
Jan 24th. We were rested a day at Wansen sleeping in barns. The revier was in a cow shed. 31 sick were evacuated to Sagan. 400 loaves of bread were issued.
Jan 25th. Left Wansen at 4 am for Heidersdorf and covered 30 Kms.
Jan 26th. Spent the day at Heidersdorf. Issued with 600 loaves of bread, to last for 2 days.
Jan 27th. Left Heidersdorf and marched 19 kms to Pfaffendorf, where we arrived at night.
Jan 28th. Left Pfaffendorf for Standorpat 5 am and marched a distance of 21 Kms. Issued with 24 cartons of knackebrot, 150 Kgms oats, 45 kgms margarine and 50 kgms of sugar. 22 sick were evacuated at Schweidnity and eventually arrived at Sagan.
Jan 29th. Left Standorf at 6 pm and marched to Peterwitz a distance of 22 Kms, where we arrived at 4 am the following day. This march was carried out in darkness under extreme conditions, with a blizzard blowing the whole time. The men arrived at Peterwitz in an extremely exhausted condition. Before leaving Standorf we were promised that we would have to march no further as transport would be supplied from Peterwitz. 104 Kgms of meat were issued, 1 sack of salt, 25 kgs of coffee, and 100 kgs of Barley.
Jan 30th. At Peterwitz, 30 men from Stalag 344, who had been left without guards joined our column. 296 loaves of bread were issued, 50 kgs oats and 35.5 kgs of margarine.
Jan 31st. We spent this day at Peterwitz. We were told we would have to march to Goldberg before we got transport. 300 kgs of oats were issued, 50 kgs of coffee and 40 kgs of margarine.
Feb 1st. Marched from Peterwitz to Planzwitz, a distance of 12 Kms. We remained at Planzwitz from Feb 1st – 5th. On Feb 1st we were issued with 680 loaves of bread, and 37.5 kgs of margarine. On Feb 3rd we were issued with 112.5 Kgs of margarine, 250 loaves, 100 kgs sugar, 200 kgs of flour and 150 kgs of barley. On Feb 4th the issue was 250 loaves.
At night on Feb 4th, the Commandant (Oberst Leutenant Behr) visited the farm and read out an order from O.K.W. to the effect that 5 men were to be released and would be liberated at the first opportunity. The of this we were unable to understand.
Feb 5th. Before leaving, we were issued with 500 loaves of bread, 95 kgs of margarine and 530 tins of meat. We were marched from Planzwitz to Goldberg, a distance of 8 Kms. On arrival at Goldberg, we were put into cattle trucks, an average of 55 men to each truck. By this time there were numerous cases of dysentery and facilities for men to attend to personal hygiene were inadequate. The majority had no water on the train journey for 2 days. When men were allowed out of the trucks to relieve themselves, numerous of the guards ordered them back inside again and we had to be continually getting permission for the men to be allowed out. We were on the train from the morning of Feb 5th until the morning of Feb 8th. Before commencing this journey, we were issued with sufficient rations for 2 days.
The total distance marched was 240 Kms.
SUMMARY
As a result of the march and the deplorable conditions, the morale of the men is extremely low. They are suffering from an extreme degree of malnutrition and at present, an outbreak of dysentery. There are numerous cases of frostbite and other minor ailments. They are quite unfit for any further moving. Food and better conditions are urgently required. We left Bankau with no Red X supplies and throughout the march, all rations were short issued. The most outstanding being bread, which amounts to 2,924 loaves.
D.G. Hawatson, Capt R.A.M.C.
Camp Medical Officer
Peter A. Thompson, P.O. R.A.F.
Camp Leader.
Feb 15th 1945.
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CONTENTS OF RED X PARCELS
ENGLISH CANADIAN
1 TIN SALMON OR PILCHARDS 1 LB TIN BUTTER
1 TIN MEAT ROLL OR SAUSAGES ¼ LB CHEESE
1 “ CORNED BEEF ½ LB COFFEE 2 OZ TEA
1 ” MEAT & VEG SUGAR
1 ” MIXED VEG OR PEAS 1 LB BOX RAISONS
1 ” MARG OR BUTTER 1 TIN SALMON
1 ” OATS 1 TIN CORNER BEEF
1 ” NESTLES MILKK 1 TIN SPAM
1 ” EGG POWDER 1 TIN KLIM (DRIED MILK)
1 ” CHEESE 1 TIN BISCUITS
1 ” JAM OF MARMALADE OR SYRUP 1 TIN JAM OR MARMALADE
1 PKT SUGAR ½ LB CHOCOLATE
1 TIN OF PKT FRUIT PUDDING OR DRIED FRUIT 1 TIN SALT & PEPPER (MIXED)
1 PKT PANCAKE MIXTURE SOAP.
1 TIN BISCUITS
¼ LB CHOCOLATE
1 TIN MUSTARD OR PEPPER. SALT
1 TIN ¼ LB COCOA 2 OZ TEA
T TABLET SOAP (TOILET)
AMERICAN NO 10.
1 TIN SPAM
1 « CORNED BEEF OR M&V
1 « KLIM
1 LB TIN MARGARINE
1 TIN LIVER PATE 6 OZ PEANUT BUTTER
1 TIN JAM OR ORANGE JUICE 6 OZ
1 TIN SALMON 7¾ OZ OR 2 TINS SARDINES
1 TIN COFFEE 2 OZ
1 PKT RAISONS OR PRUNES 1 LB
1 PKT CHEESE ½ LB
1 PKT SUGAR. I PKT ASCORBIC ACID TABLETS.
1 PKT BISCUITS OR CEREAL
2 BARS CHOCOLATE (D RATION)
100 CIGARETTES
2 TABLETS SOAP
NO 9 PARCELS HAVE 1 BAR CHOCOLATE AND 40 CIGARETTES LESS.
REMEMBER ME
Remember me although I’m far away
Remember that I love you more each day
Remember soon we’ll be together again
In sunshine or in rain
A million years it seems we’ve been apart
But your lovely smile still lingers here
In my heart.
So dry your tears and quiet your fears
Till we meet that happy day
Remember though I’m far away.
Written and composed by Billy Hall and Ron Walker at Stalagluft 7.
Some of the meals I will have when I get home.
Breakfast
Big bowl of porridge. Plenty of milk and sugar. Eggs, bacon, flapjacks with syrup, toast and butter, marmalade or dripping. Coffee with milk and sugar.
Breakfast
Porridge with milk & sugar. Eggs & ham. Bread & butter. Buttered marmalade or dripping toast. Coffee with milk & sugar.
Dinner
Soup, roast beef, roast and boiled potatoes, peas or cabbage or sprouts. H.P. sauce, thick brown gravy. Sweet, rice or fruit pudding. Biscuit and cheese. Coffee or tea.
Dinner
Soup. Fish. Steak pie & chips or steak or chops & chips & peas with gravy. Apple pudding & white sauce. Fruit cake. Biscuits & cheese Tea or coffee.
Tea
Cold mutton or beef. Salad, plenty of Hovis bread and butter. Fruit and cream. Fruit cake. Fruit tart. Tea.
Tea
Sausage & mash or cottage pie & gravy or a large meat & potato pie green salad. Bread & butter (Hovis) apricots & cream. Fruit cake. Apple pie. Tea.
Supper
Fish and chips. Plenty of bread and butter. Cocoa, Ovaltine or Horlicks. Cheese and raw onion.
Supper
Potato pie. Bread & butter, cheese & biscuits. Cake or apple pie. Ovaltine, Horlicks or cocoa.
10 A.M.
Biscuits or cake. Tea or coffee
10 A.M.
Biscuits & cheese. Fruit or cream cake. Tea.
3 P.M.
Bread, butter, jam. Fruit cake or fancy cakes or malt bread with fruit in. Cake. Coffee.
3 P.M.
Fruit malt bread or Hovis. Cakes or apple pie. Coffee made with milk.
The Bay Museum & Research Facility 