A
collection of stories, photos, art and information on Stalag Luft I
If you are a former Prisoner of War or a next of
kin of a POW, we invite you to sign and leave your email address so others that
come may find you. Please mention camp, compound, barracks and room numbers if
possible.
Name:
Mary Suominen POW Camp: Stalag 2B Sent: 10.24 AM - 12/31 2001
Very interesting. My husband Ed
Suominen was a POW for 2 years in Stalag 2B. He
escaped twice. The first time from the death march. He and four others
escaped through the forest and ended up walking into a concentration camp. A
British Sgt. helped Ed and one other to escape from there. My book "Twice to
Freedom" tells it all.
So I appreciated your website very much.
Name:
kay peacock-steinfeld Hometown: fremont north carolina POW Camp: stalag luft 1 Sent: 8.57 PM - 12/30 2001
my father was captain James E. Peacock, he was in stalag luft 1 for
approximatly 18 months, 44-45
Name:
Ken Lamb POW Camp: Outskirts of Berlin Sent: 6.31 PM - 12/30 2001
This inquiry is for my niece. Her Dad was
Peter Kelava, captured in Italy.
Sent thru the Brenner pass to Austria for 3 months, then transferred to a
train station on outskirts of Berlin. Enlisted man in Army. Total of 7
months as POW till end of war. Anyone remember him? Please e-mail
emerson@chartermi.net
PS, Peter was from West Olive, MI.
Name:
Helen Woodward Hometown: Sydney New South Wales Australia POW Camp: not sure Sent: 3.42 AM - 12/30 2001
One of my uncles who flew bombers during WW11 (fm UK) either crashed or was
shot down over Belgium. His name was Jack Bridekirk, navigator was Terry
Glasheen - if anyone can "shed some light" on either of these Australians
(or any others of interest) wld appreciate hearing from you. Here's to a
saner, healthier new year 2002!!
My Dad was prisoner of war from July 1942 until the end of the war. He was
with the Fleet Air Arm (British Navy). Most of his life and ours was molded
by his experiences during those three years although I wasn't born until
1946. My Mom would like to know if there are any survivors who knew him or
anyone who can help us remember the name of his squadron. We would
appreciate any help given.
Thanks, and God bless all like him who helped to keep us free!
Name:
Thomas John Brown Hometown: Kennesaw, GA Sent: 3.15 PM - 12/28 2001
Update: I served as an Army civilian at 4th Trans HQ, (Dulag Luft),
Oberursel from 1982 to 1987. Oberursel is a beautiful, thriving village
today. The swastikas carved into the support beams of the Officers Club were
still visible in 1987. I understand the bartender who served the German
officers performed the same function during my tour in the 80s. The entrance
to the interrogation cells led to our mail room in the '80s, the upper level
was a four-lane bowling alley. The Master Interrogator is an excellent book,
I recommend it without reservation. Sometime around 1986 there was a reunion
at Dulag Luft (Auswertstelle West -- then Camp King) with the senior
American prisoner and ranking German officer in attendance. I understand
they later met at the home of John Lau in Schmitten. John, since deceased,
managed the Stars and Stripes bookstore at Camp King. I knew the librarian
there quite well. There was a black binder with much of the information
contained in this web site that was quite interesting. Sometime, in the
early 90s, Camp King was on the BRAC list and the Americans returned the
property to the German government. My latest memories are of the property
being used as a waystation or home for refugees. The property is no longer
maintained -- in the formal sense of the word. Two other points of interest:
1) Scharff was able to identify the squadron, wing, and base of many of the
Allied air crew based upon his study of the photos carried by our captured
men -- they all wore the same necktie and had similar backgrounds in the
squadron photos, and 2) I understand the picturesque buildings on the
grounds were disassembled and reassembled on the premises for a scaled-down
City (World) Fair sometime during the 1930s. I hope this helps. Oberursel is
a beautiful city and I enjoyed my time serving the U.S. Army there during
the early to mid 80s.
I just wanted put my Dad's name on your website. He was captured February
1943 and liberated may 1945. I really don't know about him as he died from
injuries of an auto accident November 27, 1959. So if anyone knew him please
write Stanley Page Rt.1 Box 65B3 Weleetka' Okla. 74880 , Thank You
Name:
Stephen D. Robinson Hometown: Largo, Florida POW Camp: This is unknown to me. Sent: 5.12 PM - 12/27 2001
I am trying to find the German prison camp name/location of my uncle
"Jack"
John Robinson of the 106th Division, 422nd Regiment "Battle of the Bulge."
Jack Robinson died from exposure and starvation while in a German POW camp
on March 15, 1945 and shared a "common grave" at the prison with a fellow
American GI from New Jersey. I am attemting to find the prison camp or
camps/stalags he was held in between December 21, 1944 and March 15, 1945.
Does anyone remember Jack John Robinson of Lakeland, Florida? He was about
6'6" tall brown hair and was naturally slender and left handed. He served as
a sniper in the 422nd at the Battle of the Bulge. Nearly all of his 422nd
Regiment was captured about 4:30pm on the 19th of December 1944. He received
advanced combat training at Camp Atterberry in Columbus, Indiana. Thanking
you in advance for any help you could provide.
Stephen Douglas Robinson
Name:
paul cairns Hometown: Canberra, A.C.T., Australia Sent: 12.28 AM - 12/27 2001
I was trying to locate info. regarding my grandfather
John Cairns (Northern
Ireland -Irish Artillery) who fought at Tobruk and was captured. Sent by the
Germans to the Italian POW camps but escaped 3 times, before being sent to
Germany where he never escaped. (they treated him pretty badly) I never met
him but he is revered by all older members of our family. I had hoped for
more info. on German POW camps, not just Salag Luft 1. Anyway guys, I feel
humbled by your work and your search for that last clue. I wish you
luck......God Bless....Paul
Name:
Wrenita Smithson Abbott Hometown: Springdale, AR POW Camp: Stalag III B Sent: 10.00 PM - 12/26 2001
My father's name is Homer J. "Smitty" Smithson. He was in the 337th Infantry
Regt., 1st Battalion, 85th Division. He was POW at Stalag III B. If anyone
remembers him, we would love to hear from you.
Norman Kottke was my beloved Uncle. Seeing this makes me cry, as he survived
all of this and was always such a happy person and had a twinkle in his eye.
When he walked into a room, you knew he was someone special and he always
made me feel happy just being around him. I never got to talk to him about
the war and his experiences being a POW. Unfortuntately about the time in my
life that I would have developed the curiosity and maturity to discuss this,
he died and we all lost him again. So, dear Uncle Norman, I think that you
will get this message too...know that you are missed, that I remember how
great of a person you are. You took me on my first every plane flight, and
you always made me feel special. I hope that you are flying free and want
you to know that I have a husband that shares your name, and a beautiful
little boy that you would love to hold because you were always holding a
baby in your arms. Love to you always, Cheryl (Bulau) Kruse
Name:
Wrenita Abbott Hometown: Springdale, AR Sent: 12.05 AM - 12/26 2001
My father was a WWII POW in Germany. Dad cannot remember very much at all
about his prison days. He says he wanted to forget it all when he got back
home. He now wishes he could remember more. His name is
Homer J. Smithson.
He is now 82 years old.
Name:
Mike Bennet Hometown: Monroe Township, NJ POW Camp: Stalag IX-C and 2 others Sent: 3.08 PM - 12/24 2001
Your web site is just great. Dad, Doug Bennet, was shot and captured December
10, 1944 with Captain Zaiser. Co A 22nd FA 4th Armored Div. Stalag IX-C was
one of the POW Camps he was in. If anyone knows of my Dad or any info I
would be very appreciative of it. Mike Bennet
Name:
Mike Bennet Hometown: Monroe Township, NJ POW Camp: Stalag IX-C and 2 others Sent: 2.46 PM - 12/24 2001
My Father died in 1996 and he is buried in Arlington National Cemetery, VA.
He was in Company A 22nd Field Artillery 4th Armored Division. According to
his records he was taken Prisoner December 15, 1944 but I have a newspaper
clipping from a local newspaper saying that he was MIA on the 10 of November
1944.
Norman Kottke was my uncle, shot down nov, 26th 1944. He spoke very little
of his experiences, and as a young lady i did not have the where-with-all to
talk to him. He was an awesome uncle, and seeing and reading more of what he
went through moves my heart to no end. Thank you! (398th BG 600th SQ)
I was with the 381th BG 535th SGD out of Ridgewell on my 25th mission and
shot down for the second time at the Bremen sub pens on March 30, 1945.
Aircraft's name was "In Like Errol". I was 19 years old and a ball turret
gunner. I arrived at Stag Luft 1 about ten days after being shot down but
don't recall much of that time as my buddies tell me because I hit my head
badly when I bailed out and didn't know what I was doing part of the time
during the trip to the Stalag Luft 1.
I belong to the 381st BG Memorial Association which meets once a year at a
large reunion. If anyone remembers the details of the March the 30th mission
at Bremen I'd be glad to hear from them. I have contacted all of the crew I
flew with that day with the exception of Flt. Off. Paul T. Cawley, Ser. No.
T-129489. If anyone has any knowledge of Paul, please contact me through my
E-mail address above.
My father - a Frenchman -spent "some times" in Barth's concentration camp
after a stay in Buchenwald, and has been delivered by the Russian Army. I
decided him for the first time in 1995 to speak about what he went through
during these 2 years and a half and we are now writing a book together about
his story and adventures. Browsing on the internet, I found your website:
impressive. Thank you. beyond what the POW suffered I am looking for any
documents related to the concentration camp at Barth and specially pictures
and is some exist, i am interested to know how to get copies (print or
internet/jpeg) to illustrate the above mentioned book of I will print in a
issues to be given to the museum of Holocaust in Washington which helped me
a lot two years ago to find listing of transported people, to the French
Association of Deported people, to members of my family and other who could
be interested by this little slice of history. In advance, thank you
My brother, Norris Lloyd Ballard, was a waist gunner and radio operator on a
B17-F. His plane was shot down over Germany in November 1944 and was a
prisoner at Stalag Luft 1 until the Russians liberated them. He subsequently
enlisted in the Air Force and served in two more wars--Korea and Vietnam,
plus other tours such as Haiti, the Dominican Republic,etc.
Norris passed away in October 2001 after a long battle with colon cancer.
For years, he suffered from nightmares of his time at Stalag Luft 1, and it
wasn't until just a few months before his death that he was able to openly
speak of his experiences and finally free himself of the nightmares. I have
a copy of a diary that he had kept during his internment in the camp. For
some strange reason, the Germans returned this diarty to him, but not his
clothing. In this diary he tells of being moved by railway to another camp
when the allies started their really heavy bombing toward the end of the
war.
I was just a baby when he entered the military, so much of his story was
unknown to me until I recently read his diary.
Name:
Gordon Eugene DeVault Hometown: Lafayette, Indiana POW Camp: Stalag Luft I Sent: 11.01 PM - 12/19 2001
I am looking for information about my father Gordon DeVault. He was a pilot
in the 418th Bomb Squadron, 100th Bomb Group. I would like to speak with
anyone who knew him during this terrible time of his life that he kept so
hidden from his family. Where was he based in England? Where was he flying
missions? When was he shot down? I am anxious to know about him. Thank you
to anyone who is able to respond. Ginger DeVault Gorham
Name:
Richard A.Leonard Hometown: Elida,Ohio,45807 POW Camp: Stalag Luft #4 Sent: 10.40 AM - 12/18 2001
On B-17s out of Fogia,Italy.97th Bomb Group.Taken prisoner on 10-23-44 in
Germany. Looking for Stalag 4 information.
I was shot down on my 25th mission over Nurenberg on Sept. 10, 1943; ended
up at Barth "on the Baltic'. My last plane was "I'll Be Around II". Would
like to contact anyone who was in POW camp with me.
I believe I was in North Compound but don't recall the building or room
number.
My father was a prisoner at Stalag Luft 1 from, I believe July 1945 until
the Russian troops liberated the camp in 1945. His name was
Richard Chapman.
Name:
Carl A. Emerson Hometown: Watertown, New York Sent: 4.29 PM - 12/16 2001
I was not a prisoner....ever,...but I was a wounded Infantryman in the 86th
Division....who has everlasting admiration for any and all GI's who
participated in WWII!! I volunteered and thank God for the good fortune of
coming home!!
Name:
DON J. LARSON Hometown: ROCHESTER, MINN. 55901 POW Camp: STALAG LUFT 1, BARTHI Sent: 8.27 PM - 12/15 2001
HI,
IF YOU REMEMBER ME SEND ME AN EMAIL
Name:
charles ingram Hometown: Pierce City , Mo. POW Camp: Stalag Luft IV Sent: 11.28 AM - 12/15 2001
my father was SSgt Norman W. Ingram, was shot down last flight in unnamed
plane, was original crew member on Supersticious Aloyisius, was filling in
for a sick crew member on the unnamed plane when shot down, was in Death
march, if anybody out there remembers my father I would appreciate an
E-mail, father is turning 90 this Dec. 24th, and I,m trying to gather info.
for a scrapbook. Thank You Charles Ingram
Name:
Steve Marsh Hometown: Oxford England POW Camp: Stalag 20B Sent: 5.22 AM - 12/14 2001
I have just discovered your site this morning, and I am moved, amazed and
impressed at how much you have put into it.(I will be a regular visitor from
now on) I am trying to track down the experiences of my father and uncle,
and now have several leads from your site.
My dad fought with the Irish Guards in Norway 1939, then rearguard defence
at Dunkirk in 1940, was wounded, captured and sent to a Stalag in Poland (I
think it was XXB) His younger brother joined the Irish Guards as soon as he
could, but was KIA two days before the German surrender in 1945, age 18. Dad
was liberated by the Russians but couldn't get home till 1946 as far as I
can tell.
Very few relatives remain to fill in the details, so any other threads like
those on your site will be the only sources I have to take this further.
Grateful thanks for all your hard work
Name:
Jim Mankie Hometown: Charlottesville, Va POW Camp: Stalag Luft 1 North 4 Sent: 10.04 PM - 12/13 2001
The memories are very vivid.your website is terrific!!
Name:
Chris P. Allison Hometown: denver, co. POW Camp: stalag luft 1 Sent: 3.45 PM - 12/13 2001
Name:Barbara Bowen Hometown: Ithaca NY Sent: 10.58 AM - 12/12 2001
My Dad, William Bowen, was a POW at this camp. He found this site and has
been sending all his kids and grandchildren to visit it. Excellent job. I
appreciate it very much.
Name:
Simek Stan Hometown: Slovakia, Europe POW Camp: Stalag Luft I, North III Compound Sent: 10.32 AM - 12/12 2001
Thanks for such a wide information. During WWII, an American pilot was shot
down over my village Dojc, Slovakia, Europe at December 2nd, 1944. From
eyewitness record I learned, Nazi guard captured him and escorted. In my 3
month search I have unveiled : Cornelius P. Gould, Jr., Service No: T62306, Lt. P-51 pilot graduated Febr.
8th, 1944, Tuskegee Airmen.
From www.behindbarbedwire.com I found, Gould was prisoned in Stalag Luft I.
I would like to ask you for any information related to this pilot. Thanks in
advance
Stan Simek
Name:James A. McIntosh Hometown: North Vancouver BC Canada POW Camp: Stalag Luft 1 Sent: 10.24 PM - 12/11 2001
Just came across your site and found it very interesting. I was imprisoned
from March 1944 until released by the Russians. I was a Pilot Officer in the
RCAF, 432 Sqdn flying our of Yorkshire England. Thanks for gathering your
information
My father (Stanley J. Potocki) was in Stalag 12A in WWII. He gave us some
stories of the camp.
Name:David Schmitzer Hometown: Michign Sent: 11.04 AM - 12/10 2001
What a tremendous site, just found you. My father-in-law,
Al Sapak, was a
"guest" from September 44 to the duration. He was a pilot of a 17 and was
shot down, I believe, on his second mission over Magdeburg. Without you
knowing me, or I knowing you, I have such high regards for what you all went
through, to me you are all heros. Al is 80 now, doing very good. His family
is proud of him, not "just" for what he did during the war, but for what he
is and what he stands for. Would love to hear from anyone who knew him, he
was with the 303rd. I think he keeps in contact with some of his friends.
God Bless You All. Dave
My grandfather was a prisoner at Stalag Luft 4. He and another man named
William L. Altschaft escaped the death march 18 days before the war was over
in Europe. I'm looking for any information on William L. Altschaft, or any
information on the 91st general base hospital in Oxford, England where they
ended up to recuperate. If anyone knows ANYTHING about this, would you
please email me. My grandfather is dying of emphysema and time is running
out. Thank you so much.
Was with 96th Bomb Gr. 338 Sq. Interesting report on
"Silver Slipper." I was tail gunner on "Congo Babe." How do I get in touch
with my Squadron?
Name:
Fred W. Bryant Hometown: Cedar Bluff, Al 35959 POW Camp: Stalag 17B Sent: 10.39 PM - 12/7 2001
Thanks
Name:
David Hometown: Saginaw Sent: 12.29 PM - 12/7 2001
Just came across this website and am truly impressed. My father-in-law
served in the 303rd, Al Sapak by name, was shot down sometime during
September of 1944 on raids against Magdeburg (I believe Krupp Marshaling
yards) and was a POW until end of hostilities. Al was a pilot of a B-17 on
his second mission. He is in contact with some of his former mates, I
believe. Unbelievable what all you heros went through. The B-17 was a
beautiful bird, eh? Best wishes always.
i will send names of roommates, enjoyed the attached letters and notes
Name:
Philip N. Wright, Jr. Hometown: Livingston, MT 59047 POW Camp: Moosburg - Stalag 7A Sent: 4.50 PM - 12/5 2001
What a superb site. Have had the pleasure of knowing Ulrich Hausmann,
interrogator at Dulag Luft, for a number of years and have a number of great
tales from him. Drop me a note if you'd like copies of them
My grandfather, Earnest Turner, was a POW in Germany. He told me a few short
stories about the prison camp, but never told me the name or location of it.
He died in 1991, and I would like to find out more info on him to include in
the family memorial that i am making. If you knew him please, feel free to
email me. I have very little knowledge of his life during WWII, because he
felt that it was too much for us to grasp. Please help me if you knew him.
My father, J Wiley Hansen died in 1981 in Salt Lake city, Utah. He left his
story of his capture and imprisonment which I will copy and send to you. I
have wanted to find out more information about this time in his life and
your website may be an answer to my prayers. Thank you for the work you have
done. Just a note: I married a girl whose father immigrated to the US from
Germany just before the war began, but he had a brother who was killed in
Russia and another, a fighter pilot, killed over Italy.
I was Kgf # 2903 at Luft 1 from February 1944 till May 1945. I was shot down
on a mission to Steyr, Austria. Needless to say this website stirs many old
memories. Thanks and keep up the good work.
Name:
Kari Jeske Hometown: Amery, Wisconsin Sent: 11.18 AM - 12/4 2001
My grandfather was prisoner of War in Germany. I never got to meet him, he
had died when he returned back to home and my mother was 14 years old. But
if any of you knew a Dale L. Johnson, I know it is a common name, but I
would love to find out more about him. Thank you so much for giving me this
opportunity.
I'am still seeking information regarding my great uncle
Neil MacDonald. He
was taken prisoner by the germans after they blew the tracks off of his
tank. Neil was born close to Clinton B,C. Canada. The information I 'am
seeking is if there is anybody on this site that knew him and if they knew
what camp he was detained at.
It is nice to know that after all of the years that have elapsed that there
are friends and loved ones still seeking information regarding the fates of
our nations real Heros.
Name:
Eugene J. Hamlett Hometown: Altavista, Virginia 24517-4046 POW Camp: Starlag 2 B Sent: 3.44 PM - 12/3 2001
Name:
Eugene J. Hamlett Hometown: Altavista, Virginia 24517-4046 POW Camp: Stalag 2 B. Sent: 3.33 PM - 12/3 2001
I was taken prisoner
of war at Anzio Italy on 1/30/43
war a prisoner year and half I rode one of the B 17
Back to camp Lucky Strike. i have rode many planes since then none like that
one .If anyone wants to write me you will hear from me good luck .E.J. Hamlett
A fitting tribute to your father. My Uncle
Michael Cullerton was captured at
Dunkirk in 1940 fighting the rearguard action with the Argyl and Sutherland
Fusiliers, he was 20 years of age. He spent the next 5 years imprisoned and
whilst ill is still alive today. He was imprisoned in Stalag Luft 9b if
anybody reads this and can help me research this particular camp i would be
most grateful.
Name:
Dale Helgren Hometown: Hermansville,MI (Green Bay,WI) POW Camp: Luft Stalag IV Sent: 12.41 AM - 12/2 2001
My dad Elmer Helgren was in Luft IV from May until the end. He was shot down
on the Brux raid. If anyone knew dad please write.
I am Fritz Ulrich, of Denmark, the author of “Rendezvous with Destiny”... If
you would like to learn more about my book, please double-click at the site
below!
In Denmark there is a memorial dedicated to 10 American flyers from World
War II. This book describes their last mission.
On the 24th of February, 1944, 867 bombers of the 8th Air Force were heading
for targets on German territory. One of these B-17s named "Just Elmer’s
Tune" did not make it home to base again; its 13th mission was going to be
its last. Several German fighter planes attacked them during their mission
and finally they crash-landed in Denmark.
This documentary follows the different crewmembers' destinies that day,
minute by minute and during their imprisonment in Germany until the
liberation. It was possible for the author to track down the German pilot
who shot down "Just Elmer’s Tune" and so it is possible to tell his side of
the story too.
On June 27th, 1998, Fritz Ulrich set up a meeting in Berlin where Günther
Sinnecker, the German pilot, and Edwin Hays, the tail gunner from "Just
Elmer’s Tune", met for the first time face to face 54 years after they had
shot each other's plane down.
This story is visualized with some 240 pictures, maps and documents which
have been provided from crewmembers of "Just Elmer’s Tune" and from the
German pilot. The story is based on interviews and written accounts from the
people involved and from research in different archives.
Name:
Joy Giles Hometown: Austin, Texas POW Camp: Stalag Luft IV Sent: 9.42 PM - 11/30 2001
My dad, Thomas Cleveland Holland, was shot down while serving as a tail
gunner on a B17 on a mission over Bohlen Germany on June 29,1944.
He was turned over to the authorities, was shipped by train to somewhere in
Poland and marched to Stalag Luft IV. I may have some of the facts wrong
about the chronology. I will ask for more detailed info within a few days.
He is still very active running a lawnmower repair shop and builds and flies
experimental aircraft with his buddies
Joy Giles
Pilot B-26 Marauder "Swamp Chicken" shot down 02/05/44.compounds north
1&2.John Brush, bombardier, and i left with russians on liberation. across
germany to elbe r. would like to hear from any kreigies i knew. thanks for
the page.
Hi,
One great Website for POW's, congratulations and God Bless you for
maintaining all the info.
I was also a POW but not in Barth, but all the others listed above. Verne
Woods flew with our 91st BG I have met him and Onie, wonderful people. I
also know Leonard Davis Indianapolis, Indiana.
Keep up the good work on behalf of all POW's.
Bye,
hoffcarl.
Name:
Walter Farmer Hometown: Corsicana,Tex 75110 POW Camp: Stalag Luft 1 Sent: 10.23 AM - 11/30 2001
Cannot remember number of compound, etc., now. I was there from March1944
til we were liberated by the Russians. My plane was downed by flak in France
on return to England on March 20, 1944.
My grandfather was a navigator and subsequent POW for 10 months. He spoke
little of the war and I am interested in any info anyone may have on
him..his name is George A. Krumholz. He passed about 15 years ago.
Name:
Misty Trask Hometown: Big Rapids Mi Sent: 4.49 PM - 11/29 2001
My Granndpa I was told was a pow and now that he has passed im looking for
information about him and his Time in ww2 . Hes my hero and now that he has
passed Im trying to learn more about him. Im a spouse my self My husband is
in the Miltary and I am looking for anying info on
Richard Biller aslo
called dick biller
Name:
Robert H Marx Hometown: Sioux City Iowa POW Camp: Stalag Luft I Sent: 10.26 AM - 11/29 2001
Bob was a POW from 8 April '44 til 13 May '45. He was a pilot of B24's in 44th
BG-506th BS. Did you know him or were you in his crew? Signed:Joan,Bob's
widow.
Name:
leo s. bach Hometown: Brooklyn, N.Y. POW Camp: Stalag Luft 1 Sent: 6.03 PM - 11/28 2001
interested in tales of hardship, light heartedness, tales of longing for
home mainly. GOING HOME is the title of the book I'm working on. My
publisher is interested in my story but wants it flushed out. More details,
more interesting experiences. Please contact me if you feel you can be of
help. I look forward to hearing from you. incidentally I was in North 1 Block
10 and then Block 11 after Germans put all Jews in one barracks
I'm attempting to find out information regarding my great uncle
Neil
MacDonald. He was a veteran of several campaigns one of which was world war
two, in which he was taken as a POW, while fighting in Europe his tracks
were blown off of the tank he was manning. Little information is known of
which camp he was detained. It now is more difficult to otain information
since all his peers including himself are
are now deceased. It is important to me for that Neil was the youngest in
his family and was also very close to my grandfather. My grandfathers name
was Dougal Stanger MacDonald of Clinton B,C Canada, Who in his later years
resided in the southern part of the Yukon Territory.
Apparently the Red Cross would send my grandfather packages from Neil while
he detained in Europe. If there is anyone with information that could help
me with information with to which POW camp my great uncle was at it would be
much appreciated. I believe that knowing the past is very important for if
I don't seek this information all will be lost in the sands of time.
Name:
Mike Hersman Hometown: Manhattan Beach, CA Sent: 4.24 PM - 11/27 2001
I am the son-in-law of Ken Blyth, a prisoner, and we are visiting together.
Nice job on the web site!
Name:
Richard Leonard Hometown: Elida,Ohio,45807 POW Camp: Stalag Luft Four Sent: 9.07 AM - 11/27 2001
We were taken from Camp in January of l944 and walked till turned over to
Allied forces the end of April 1945 am in fairly good shape for my 81 plus
years. Would like to find more information about my camp.
Thank-you for having this web-site. I am just beginning my research on my
cousin who was a POW for 22 months. I don't know which camp. I am searching
for his Service Number, so I can maybe find out where he was. He died in
1955. His name was Virgil Merle Epperson. He was originally from Pueblo, CO.
Name:
Jack Rogers Hometown: London POW Camp: RAF Hut Sent: 2.42 PM - 11/25 2001
Jack, a 76 Squadron Halifax Navigator based at Holme on Spalding Moor, would
like to contact Maurice, a French-American in the US Army Air Corps who was
an accomplished violinist.
I know my father was in more than one camp but I am unsure of the names of
the others. I will ask him and get back. His name is
George Payne.
Name:Jackie Smith Hometown: Hicory Valley, TN (near Memphis) POW Camp: Barth, Stalag Luft One Sent: 2.49 PM - 11/23 2001
My uncle, J. B. Tennyson, was there (is on the list) for North Compound. He
never talked about his experiences. All we know was that his plane was shot
down on his first mission and he spent the remainder of the war as a POW. My
mom is so excited to finally find some information. If anyone knew him,
please e-mail me.
Thank you so much for the hard work putting this site together. It's
wonderful for those of us who are trying to help bring come kind of peace to
family members. My uncle died several years ago without ever telling any of
us anything. Thanks so much!
During Thanksgiving weekend of 2000, I found out about the incredible
experiences of my friend Horace "Dode" Simms, in fact our conversations
resulted in "Dode" writing this all down as prelude to his book. I currently
have the early manuscript and would like to share it with anyone interested.
His E-mail address is: dodesimms@juno.com I will be in touch with him soon,
but in the meantime, he was a B-24 Bombardier with the 491st Bombardment
Squadron, stationed at North Pickenham, just outside of Swaffham, East
Anglia. Their target was the Misburg oil refineries just a bit East of
Hanover. Dode's plane, "THE EASY WAY", was shot up and he successfully
parachuted out with the entire crew, landing in what they thought was
Holland, but turned out to be North-Western Germany. This was Thanksgiving
1944, and it took Thanksgiving 2000 to continue the story. You can contact
me regarding this and I will put you in touch with Mr. Simms, my personal
hero.
Looking for anyone from 2nd Bm Gr, 49th Sqdn. downed
on Feb. 24 and was in Stalag 1.
Name:
Ray Taylor POW Camp: Stalag 4-B Sent: 11.33 PM - 11/21 2001
Pfc. Lowell G. Johnson (my uncle) Gliderman Trained with the 100th Captured
september 1944 in Holland any information greatly appreciated entered Stalag
4-B
around 10JAN45
My uncle, Mike Delaney, was a navigator in the 853rd squadron. His plane,
piloted by Dean Strain, was shot down on Jan. 17th, 1945, during a mission
to Harburg, Germany. All of the crew members were killed. I am doing some
research on my uncles life and I was wondering if you happened to know him
or anyone on his crew. They were Dean Strain (p), Joe Blair (cp), Franklin
Roberts (B), David LePitre (N), Joe Willoughby (MN), Justus Schwenson (C),
John Turner (E), William Neigh (R), Arnold Jackson (TG), John Hudson (RW),
Theron Wimett (LW).
Thanks for the website. It looks great!
Name:Monroe S. Wolyn Hometown: Brooklyn N.Y. POW Camp: Oberusel - Stalag IV - Stalag I Sent: 2.24 AM - 11/21 2001
Is there anybody out there who was in Stalag 17B
in Krems, Austria? My crew and I were there from
April 1944 until the end of the war in 1945.
It would be great to hear from some of you.
Name:
Albert D Byrne Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana 46226 POW Camp: Stalag Luft 1 Sent: 3.03 PM - 11/19 2001
Am searching for Robert S Brundage a fellow POW at Stalag Luft 1
Hello
My name is Kimberly Nash. I am looking for info. My great uncle was a POW of
the Germans during WWII. He was in one of the camps. I know little about it
do to the fact he never talked about it and then he died of a sudden
heartattack. His name was Vol Harris and he was a pilot airforce. Does
anybody know him? I would like find out. If you do please email me at
doclady70@yahoo.com
Name:
Thomas Carroll Hometown: Louisiana POW Camp: Stalag Luft 4 Sent: 10.54 AM - 11/19 2001
My uncle was a POW in Stalag Luft 4. He wrote about his experiences a few
years ago and I received a copy last year, after his death. Unfortunately,
what the war didn't do, a car accident did. He was killed last year in a car
accident. His story is very interesting so I thought I would do an internet
search on a few names and places he mentioned. Your site was one of the
hits. Here is a little about him. He was on his 25th bombing mission when he
was shot down over Cologne, Germany. While parachuting down, the Germans
machine-gunned him through both legs. Geneva Convention - What's that?? He
was captured and eventually made his way to Stalag Luft 4. He was a prisoner
from October 17, 1944 till May 5, 1945, 6-1/2 months. He lost 60 pounds
during this time. FIY - his name was George Carroll
and flew with the 34th
Bomb Group, 7th Bomb Squadron out of Mendlesheur, England. He was a B-24
tail gunner. He describes POW life and lists the names of his crew mates. An
interesting side note that he didn't write about but I heard about later was
that after he and his crew parachuted and were assembled together by the
Germans, the Germans went down the line looking at their dog tags. When they
got to one of his crew mates, who happened to be a Jew, they took his watch
and other personal effects that they desired. Then they put a pistol to his
head and blew it off. My uncle and his buddies didn't know if they would be
next but thankfully, they weren't. I am forever grateful to the WW2
generation for what they did for the world.
Name:
Duncan Brown Hometown: Gloucester England POW Camp: Stalag II A Neubrandenberg Sent: 10.10 AM - 11/17 2001
As an ex member of 3 Para taken prisoner at Arnhem Sept 44. This site
brought back memories, some good, some bad. Keep up the good work and keep
reminding everyone of those days which should not be forgotten. Thank you
(there were 200 American prisoners with me at Stalag IIA taken during the
battle of the Buldge)
Name:
Jim Dibrino Hometown: Philadelphia POW Camp: Stalag Luft 1 Sent: 10.55 PM - 11/16 2001
Anyone knowing my Dad please contact me. He still lives the War each day.
We'll never forget!
Name:
jan pollard POW Camp: stalag xiii c Sent: 6.54 PM - 11/15 2001
Hi,
I would be interested to learn where Stalag 13c was situated and any
information about the camp. My uncle was a POW for five years but also
worked on a farm near Oberelsbach, Unterfranken. His name was
Frederick
Harrison. I would be gratefull for any information on the camp or location
to present day towns.
Name:
Alice Giunta Hometown: Branchville, N.J. U.S.A. POW Camp: Stalag XXB Sent: 11.38 AM - 11/15 2001
My dad, Sapper Horace Johnson, 51st Highland Division, was an escaped P.O.W.
I'm editing his manuscript and attempting to get it published. I would like
to contact anyone who knew of him. He was "Paddy" "The Shamrock" and many
other names to avoid the Gestapo. I would especially like to meet the
Swedish Captain, (and children/relatives of)who helped him get to Stockholm
in 1944. Also need to know of reliable publisher to copywrite and print this
manuscript, a legacy of brave Polish, British, French and Americans who
triumphed in the darkest days of the Nazi threat. Thanks for any help. Let
us keep their memories and deeds alive!
Name:
Robin Burwell Hometown: Portland, OR Sent: 11.02 AM - 11/13 2001
I enjoyed this web page. My father, Roger Burwel, was a B-17 navigator on
the Jolly Jo. He was Kriegie #0-674138 at Stalag Luft III for 18 months.
Name:
LEE G. JOHNSON Hometown: Van Buren, Arkansas POW Camp: Stalag Luft 1, Barracks 307, Room 10 Sent: 7.56 PM - 11/12 2001
I am the daughter of Lee G. Johnson. He was a First Lieutenant and navigator
on the B-24 Liberator named "Blow Job". He was with the 487th Bomb Group,
squadron 838. He was the lead navigator on this mission. Out of a crew of 10
only 3 survived when he was shot down over Cheateaudon, France on May
11,1944. He was with the French underground until he was captured by the
Gestapo in Paris, France on May 24, 1944. He was in solitary confinement for
four months in Paris, France, at Fresnes Prison, which was a civilian prison
taken over by the Gestapo where they detained Allied Airman for
interrigation. From there he was transferred to Stalag Luft 1 in Barth,
Germany on September 9, 1944. He stayed there until the liberation in April
of 1945. My Dad is 82 years old and lives in Mountain Home, Arkansas with my
mother and his wife of 58 years. This is a wonderful website and and I so
glad I found it. This was such an interesting time in our history and to
think that there are still so many stories left to be told.
I'm the son of Arnold K. McKinney, who was a Staff Sgt. in the Army Air
Corps by the end of WWII. He was a tail-gunner in a B-17 when he was shot
down and taken prisoner. I would like confirmation, if possible, that he was
at Stalag Luft 1, and any additional information anyone might have about his
time there.
Thanks. I love the Web site.
IAM AN EX-POW AND WAS SHOT DOWN ON MY 37 TH MISSION. I WAS STATIONED IN ITALY
WITH THE 15TH AIR FORCE 98TH BOMB GRP.343RD SQUADRON WHEN CAPTURED I WENT TO
STALAG LUFT 1 BARTH. I WAS IN BLOCK 8 ROOM 6.
Hi...I am looking for information about my grandfather...he was in WWII and
his name is Omer Nadeau...some people call him Pit :) I know nothing about
his time there because he would not talk about it... he was a Canadian from
New Brunswick and any info would be great.
Name:
Elizabeth Kirwan Hometown: Buffalo, NY POW Camp: Stalag 2 and 7 Sent: 2.19 PM - 11/11 2001
Well the strangest thing has happened. Over 2 hours ago I wrote that I was
just beginning my research into my grandfather's military/POW history.
Shortly after I wrote that, my mother called and said they found a metal box
of my grandfather's, PFC Charles W. Barron, who just passed away on
Wednesday, November 7, 2001. Inside the box, they found that he had already
received the POW medal, none of us had known that! She also found papers
that said he was originally in Stalag 2 and then moved to 7. He was a POW
from October 1943, when he was captured in Italy, and finally escaped in May
1945 when security became lapsed. My mother also found maps of the camps and
an old address book with hundreds of addresses from all over the world. I
can not tell you what a surprise this is. We had no idea that he had done
all of this for himself. Now, I hope to find someone who knew PFC Charles W.
Barron, who is actually from Port Alleghany, PA.
I am the daughter of Ben Berg, Noblesville, Indiana, a B-24 Navigator, 8th
AF, shot down over Hanover 9/11/44. My brother Steve was born in Noblesville
that same day. Larry Porter was his copilot.
Any communications for Ben can be sent to our email.
Thanks, Lori.
P.S.: Ben is fine, still residing (mostly) in Noblesville, IN 46060!
My dad, Leonard Dahnke, was a B-17 bombadier. His plane went down over
France in spring of 1944. He spent several months moving around the French
underground but was eventually captured and moved to Stalag Luft 1. I don't
know the details on his squadron or name of his plane, but am trying to find
out.
Name:
Howard J. Saz Hometown: South Bend, IN. 46635 Sent: 11.22 PM - 11/8 2001
Captured 2 weeks before the Battle of the Bulge, Dec.7th. Served in 26th
Division (Yankee Div), 104th Infantry. Held in Stalags, 12A, 3A, 3B.
Liberated by Russians. Trans. to Camp Lucky Strike, then home! Became Prof.
of Cell Biology, associated with L.S.U., Johns Hopkins Univ. and Univ. of
Notre Dame. Newly retired.
I AM A FORMER POW AT STALAG 1. I SPENT 13 M0NTHS THERE AND UNFORTUNATELY
NEVER MET DICK. MAYBE ONE OF THE TUNNELS SHOWN WAS ONE I WORKED ON WITH THE
REST OF MY COMRADES. CONTACT ME WE MAY HAVE MORE TO TALK ABOUT.
ART MEYERS
Have enjoyed reading your book and video list. You might care to add - if
you think it reasonable - my own memoirs entitled 'Skypilot'.ISBN
1-85821-909-4.
The book only contains two pages about Stalag luft 1, where I was an inmate
from mid-September '44 to the end of the war in Europe. I was a Spifire
pilot with 41 squadron, RAF.
My bridge partner in Stalag luft 1. was
Herbert Wagner, an American who also
belonged to 41 squadron. I am in touch with Helga Radau.
Brother in law LT. Raymond Frey was here for 19 months.
Thanking you for all the good information
Name:
James B. Walden Hometown: Powder Springs, GA 30127 Sent: 11.23 PM - 11/7 2001
Dear Mary and Barbara, an excellent picture story of Stalag 1 and I was a
Navigator.. I only wish I could have been there to share
memories with the other Kriegies, with you and Helga. I was in North 3 Dec
24, 1944 til the Germans left and we were free again. I was in the 306 Bomb
Group as a Navigator. Helga said the Conference was a huge success and I am
sure it was, physically I could not make the trip. Its a great feeling
seeing and knowing some one is telling the story "like it was" and even
better to have the story tellers as neighbors in Smyrna, Ga. Keep up the
good work.
Looking for info on my father who was at Stalag XIB in Fallingbostel,
Germany from December 1944 to May 1945. His name was
Edward George Ramp, Jr and I am interested in any info on the camp as I have none.
Name:
Lewis M. Wood Hometown: Vandiver, AL. Sent: 3.21 PM - 11/6 2001
This is a great web page. I visit it often. My father
Miles C. Wood was held
at this
camp 1944 - liberation. I think he was in the South Compound though he never
talked
about it. Dad was a P - 51 pilot. He passed away about 5 years ago. I have
been looking
for anyone who might have known him while he was held there. I hated missing
the reunion
in September, but being a High School football coach and teacher, it is hard
to get time off
at this time of the year. Enjoyed the reunion photos!
Name:
Debra Johnson Hometown: Dallas, Oregon Sent: 11.36 AM - 11/6 2001
You are very helpful and I want to thank you for all the hard work that has
been put into this site. Please let me know if anyone has heard of a
Hollis Reagor who was a POW in WWII. We would love to heard anything about him!
This is my grandfather. Thanks :)
Name:
Roger Hankey Hometown: Eden Prairie Sent: 9.04 PM - 11/4 2001
Mr. Swartz was Superintendent of Litchfield High School while I attended
there from 1961-65. He was a Rotarian and took me with him to the Rotary
meetings weekly since I played the piano for the Rotarians who loved to
sing. Mr. S was a good mentor and I enjoyed learning about this part of his
life which was not well known. His is also responsible for a suitable
memorial to another WW2 vet, Mr. Cable Edwards, another teacher at LHS.
Thanks for posting this interesting history.
Name:
John Turner Jr Hometown: Plymouth MA Sent: 4.11 PM - 11/4 2001
Interesting site with good detail. My father, now 82, was a bomber pilot
imprisoned at the camp 1 1/2 years 'til liberation.
Remember the Daily Recco in Sagan and Heydekrug? You can read the originals
and remember the events and mates that filled our lives while we waited to
get home for Christmas, in "313 Days to Christmas" published by Argyll
Publishing. Best regards, Alan
My father, James Joseph Paul Daigle, was a B-17 bombardier. His plane was
named The Paper Doll. He was a POW at Stalag Luft One. He spoke everyday of
the war and the time in prison. We can recite every story by heart and we
still have his German POW tags, Max Schmellings autograph, etc. I found this
sight by accident and cried as I looked through all of the photos hopefully
searching for a snapshot of him...he was 21.
I was in Col. Spicers barrack but in the room at the other end.
Name:
Peter Graham Hometown: Dorchester.Dorset DT2 7DW UK Sent: 7.38 AM - 11/2 2001
I was taken prisoner on May 1st 44 after being shot down over France in my
Spitfire. I got to Stalag Luft 1 about ten days later. Alas I've only just
discovered your website.
I published my memoirs on 19th October last, entitled
SKYPILOT. Just one
chapter out of 41 deals with my POW experience; but there is quite a lot
about the before and after. The book's ISBN is 1-85821-909-4, published by Pentland Books @ £12.50.
I much regret that it came out before I got all your valuable information.
Name:
George R O'Bryan Hometown: Red Bud, Illinois 62278 Sent: 6.52 PM - 11/1 2001
Stalag 11B, Hanover Comando group, Marched till the end.
Name:
Gerhard Bracke Hometown: Braunschweig Sent: 8.46 AM - 11/1 2001
I am the former boy mentioned in Chuck Blaney`s
story of March 25, 1945. I
did not see the crash landing, but I stood in front of the bomber on the
field that day and remember very well.
I enjoy the story in the internet.
I was shot down March 3/4 1944. was in Stalag 1 when The russians liberated
the camp.
Name:
Phil Perrone Hometown: Staten Island, NY Sent: 1.33 PM - 10/31 2001
My Uncle, John "Buddy" Madonna was a gunner with the 15th AF 483bg 817th
squad. His B-17G, tail #44-6776, was shot down over Ruland Germany on March
22 1945. He spent the final days of the war at Stalag Luft 1. Just wanted to
thank you for a wonderful web site. It's nice to know that the men who did
so much for us are not forgotten.
My father, Opher Rumney, was on the the same crew with Dick Williams(#
42-97740 November 26, 1944). I thank you very much for this website since I
did not know much about the time my Dad spent as a POW. He would not talk
about it except to say it was bad. This has prompted me to look up some old
family pictures and also share this info with my own son. I haven't seen my
Dad in about 20 yrs. but I believe he is alive and living in Ohio.
I found this site purely by accident while searching my last name. You are
doing a great service for alot of people. Thanks again.
Name:
Bob Williams Hometown: Evansville Indiana Sent: 11.10 PM - 10/30 2001
The tour to Barth and Stalag Luft #1 was one of the highlights of my life. I
will cherish the experience.
Name:
anna june staton Hometown: Crab Orchard, wv 25827 Sent: 6.54 PM - 10/30 2001
I am Sgt Jack Staton's wife. Would love to hear from you all . I was unaware
of him being shot. PLEASE ADVISE....
Note From Mary: Read about Jack
Staton on George Lesko's page and his
personal site...Jack was executed
after safely parachuting from the plane. The executors were later tried as
war criminals and sentenced to death.
My father, James Durward
Pearson, was imprisoned in Stalag Luft No. 1, Barth Germany in Room 3
Barracks 8. If anyone knows of others...in this barrack...please contact me.
My Dad is still alive and would like to converse with any survivors.
son of James W. Twaddell, Jr., Col. USAF (deceased), USMA '36, meteorologist
and vice commander of B17 squadron landing at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii from San
Francisco 12/7/41.
Name:
jim martin Hometown: tooborac,victoria,australia Sent: 5.31 AM - 10/27 2001
my father, Don James Martin
born aug 1920 served with RNZAF in England and
ended up in a POW camp in Germany.he was a navigator in wellingtons and may
have been a part of the early Pathfinders.That is really all I know. Like
your father,he really did not want to talk about those times. He died about
25 years ago and since then I have been trying to find out more of what he
went through.I really can't imagine myself at the tender age of 20 coping
with what all those young men went though ,both in the air and as
POWs.thanks for such a great site and if by some strange stroke of fate
someone knows of him or any of his KIWI friends please let me know!
Name:
Patrick Graham Hometown: Cardiff Wales UK Sent: 1.57 PM - 10/26 2001
My Dad has just written his memoirs as a spitfire pilot, shot down after D
Day and a prisoner in Stalag Luft 1 till the end of the war his name -
Peter
Graham, he went on to become a Church of England priest and I am the
youngest of his four children - he may have memories and info for some of
you
I will be sending him a link to this site but he is a bit old and frail now
so don't expect speedy replies from him
My Dad was a POW in Stalag Luft I for 9 months. His plane was shot down and
he was severely wounded, but was a prisoner for 10 days before he received
medical care. As with most POWs, he speaks seldom of his stay there. His
name is Aurelio (Nick) Lurati and says that he doesn't remember a lot. The
site is so very informative for those of us who have not heard much, but
there was not much about those who came to camp already wounded. Does any
one have any information about them, or may perhaps, remember my Dad? Thanks
for what you have done for many of us.
Having spent quite a while with your web page I was reading especially the
"documents". There I learnt my father is "drawn" in a way, which is
alienating me a lot. Out of my knowledge my father never was a member of the
German Nazi Party. He was removed from his duty as a commandant of Stalag
Luft1 together with v.Miller and v. Beck in December 1944 because of
Anglophilism and being pro Jewish. This was "found out" by Oppermann, who
had made secret reports to the GESTAPO about my father's mockering remarks
about the Nazi regime a.s.o. My father had a narrow escape. He was looking
forward to be sentenced (to death?) in Berlin already, but due to the near
end of WWII the process didn't take place and such he stayed alive...
My father for sure was no hero, but all his life he was dedicated to his
humanistic view of life. and obviously tried to lead the camp in this spirit
as well, as far as even possible.
And again let me mention as well, the photo in Zemke's Stalag book, showing
a person, who is named as Oberst Scherer is not my father. I don't know, who
it could be. I sent you a number of correct photos, showing my father.
Please understand! Well, maybe it's too late already to complain. There is
already a virtual "Oberst Scherer-Nazi-monster" existing in the heads of all
the people, who read Zemke's book.
Stephan J.M. Scherer
Name:
Jim Smedley Hometown: San Jacinto, CA 92583 Sent: 1.03 PM - 10/20 2001
My cousin, Lt. Arthur A Smedley
US Army Air Corps, was the very first pilot
to be shot down in a P-38 during WWII. Since the early P-38 had no ejection
seats, he was severely burned during his attempt to turn the P-38 upside
down to clear the cross tail during bail out. He spent the duration of the
war in a Stalag camp, being liberated in 1945. I am looking for any one or
any record of his POW internment.
Name:
Thomas L James Hometown: Kennewick, WA Sent: 11.37 PM - 10/19 2001
I am in the process of printing this site out for my father,
Donald Ross
James. He was a prisoner at Stalag Luft 1 from Dec. 1944 until the Russian
liberation. He was a staff sergeant in the 765th Bombing Squadron, 15th Air
Force, and had been shot down over Linz, Austria in the summer of '44. He
had been transfered to Barth from Stalag Luft 4 via railcar during that
awful winter. He mentioned that he was very anxious to read about this as he
doesn't own a computer and has no Internet access.
This is a very interesting site. Just full of good info. I flew Ball Turret
on a B-17F, 91st B.G. We went down on the Wilhelmshaven mission on May 21,
1943. Spent the first 5 months in Stalag 7A and went to Stalag 17B in
Oct.1943. Was there until they marched us back towards Germany. Was
liberated by the 13th Arm. Div. on May 2, 1945. It is nice to see that our
stories are being kept for future generations. My pilot was in Stalag Luft
1. THE PRICE OF FREEDOM IS ETERNAL VIGILANCE. FREEDOM IS PRECIOUS, GUARD
WELL. Keep up the good work. Bud Meade
Nicely done! Trying to find anything about my father in law's (David B.
Atwood) stay there....
Name:
PAUL T HAGGERTY Hometown: NORTH KINGSTOWN RI 02852-2854 Sent: 12.49 PM - 10/15 2001
Dear Mary, I am not sure about cash.
That could have been Cashman but it was definitely Raby D. Ficklin. There
was also a Massey in our room and Tom Bateman. Tom died last year. He had
been hospitalized since going home for rehab in 1945. He dove in a pool i
believe and was a quadripalegic the rest of his life. I did talk to him last
year while he was in the hospital. Some of my crew were in north iii. Their
names are Jesse H. Palmer (i have not been able to get in touch with him.
His father was a K C police officer and he retired in 1954, sold the house
and moved. Jesse was regular army and was the old man on the crew (26 at the
time)). R C Wakefield , Mel Ten Haken (he wrote a book "Bail Out" about life
in north i compound, Ken Merry our bombadier and Harry Dunham (deceased) was
the photographer we had with us on 12-16-44 on a mission to Brux,
Czechoslovakia. Tom Byers our nose gunner was also in north iii. Walt
Rebello, from Barrington was in my barracks , in the next room to mine. He
was with the group that caught the cat. Oh yes another friend of mine is Dr.
Mike Gold, formally from N Y but now in Barrington RIi. He was moved to the
Jewish compound near the ammunition dump in early 1945. If any other names
pop up i'll keep you posted. Once again congratulations on your wonderful
sight.
I too was a POW--- Stalag 111A--Luckenwalde, Germany--I was shot down on
Dec. 23, '44--Battle of the Bulge------Returned to Germany August 2001---was
given several pieces of our plane--a B-26---plus a section of the tail
showing part of the yellow triangle--our 391st Bomb Group
insigna---Currently the Commander of the local EX-POW Heart of America
Chapter here in Kansas City area. I had a bit of trouble getting to your web
site but finally found it! Best Regards, Wendell
great site,my daughter age 9 is doing ww2 for her history project she has
picked my fathers brains. he was in 1st Royal Tank Regiment (england) he was
taken prisoner and set to Stalag 10B, San Bostel.... Does anyone know of
anyone who was there Good Friday 1945 he was blown out of his tank and taken
prisoner.... his name was Dennis William Elliott, from Aldershot, Hampshire,
England
This is my first contact with actual pictures and names of the many people
at Barth. I had a Book I kept and added to it all the experiences I had there
at Barth and my trip home ( I walked most of the time) Then I loaned the
diary to some one and they never returned it. That's life. Thanks for the
:Information and work you have done. I hope I get up enough steam to really
do it over .. Thank you Don Tapie
I have a oil painting that I have been told was done by a German POW in
1945. It is dated and signed as H.Jacob. It was given to my husband
grandmother (Gladys Ham Penny) by a sargent that worked at the mess hall at
Camp Wheeler, Macon Georgia. The sargent who gave it to his grandmother
maybe been named either Johnny Galewick of Baltimore or Boston. Or it could
have possibly been named Joseph Frost. We do have a picture of this man. If
anyone knows anything on this please contact us.
Name:
PAUL T. HAGGERTY Hometown: NORTH KINGSTOWN RI 02852-2854 Sent: 11.40 AM - 10/8 2001
JENNIFER, SORRY I FORGOT TO INCLUDE IN MY MESSAGE. CHECK PAGE TWO DATE 7/27
FOR ANOTHER MESSAGE BY ME. ISN'T THIS A GREAT SITE. I READ IT EVERY DAY BUT
HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO LOCATE ANY ROOMMATES. I KNOW A FEW OF THEM ARE NO
LONGER WITH US BUT SOME OF THEM ARE STILL OUT THERE. MY KRIEGIE # WAS 7050,
I WAS IN NORTH 2 BLOCK 208.
Name:
PAUL T. HAGGERTY Hometown: NORTH KINGSTOWN RI O2852-2854 Sent: 11.33 AM - 10/8 2001
DEAR JENNIFER, I WAS IN NORTH 2 COMPOUND, I REMEMBER THE FIRE IN NORTH I
ABOUT FEB 1945. I DIDN'T KNOW YOUR DAD BUT I AM A HISTORY BUFF NOW AND HAVE
ALL KINDS OF INFO. IF YOUR DAD WAS SHOT DOWN OVER YUGOSLAVIA I HAVE FRIENDS
THERE WHO DIG UP ALL KINDS OF INFORMATION FOR ME. ONE OF THEM IS THE CURATOR
OF THE PARTISAN MUSEUM IN LJUBLJANA, THE CAPITOL OF SLOVENIA. LAST CHRISTMAS
I RECEIVED A PULLEY FROM MY PLANE THAT CRASHED IN VERHAUS, SLOVENIA. A
FARMER HAD THREE OF THEM AND ONE WAS SENT TO ME OVER 50 YEARS LATER. I WAS
IN THE 461ST BG, 766TH SQD. HAVE DAD READ STEPHEN AMBROSE'S BOOK "THE WILD
BLUE" OTHER GOOD BOOKS ARE EVASION AND REPATRIATION BY EDI SELHAUS, ABOUT
PEOPLE SAVED BY THE PARTISANS IN YUGOSLAVIA. EDI AND I CORRESPOND AND HE HAS
SENT ME PICTURES OF THE JAIL WE WERE IN IN YUGOSLAVIA AND OTHER STUFF.
ANOTHER FRIEND OF MINE IS MATIJA ZGAGNAR, THE CURATOR OF THE MUSEUM; HE HAS
A BOOK COMING OUT THIS MONTH ALSO ABOUT AIRMEN HELPED BY THE PARTISANS. "THE
LAST FLIGHT OF MAGGIE'S DRAWERS' BY JOE MALONEY, (ANOTHER FRIEND) IS GOOD
READING. IF I CAN BE OF ANY HELP DON'T HESITATE TO ASK. ALL THE BEST TO YOUR
DAD AND FAMILY. P.S SMALL WORLD, YOUR SEATTLE PITCHER AARON SELE IS A GOOD
FRIEND OF MINE. I TOOK MANY PICTURES OF HIM AND GAVE HIM COPIES WHEN HE WAS
AT PAWTUCKET, RI IN THE EARLY 90'S. AGAIN GOOD LUCK AND GOD BLESS. TO DAD
"NO GOONS UP IN THE BARRACKS TODAY".
Name:Jennifer Kelly Hometown: Stanwood WA Sent: 10.02 PM - 10/7 2001
My dad was J.W. Hutchison who was a POW at Stalag Luft I. He was in the
North I compound. He lives next door to me, and his 80th birthday is upon
us. We would love to hear from anyone who knew him--or anyone who was at
Stalag Luft I. Thank you for this wonderful service.
I have an interview - taped- of a local POW of WW2-
Francis Allen. Would you
like a copy of this and/or how can I add him to your page. He marched 600
miles in 1945. He has a hat that another man gave him before the man tried
to escape. I would love to have this hat on the net and see if we can find
this man. Mr. Allen is not in good health , of course. He was shot down over
Austria after bombing a munitions depot. He was based in Italy.
Name:
Tim Lynch Hometown: Mpls Mn. Sent: 2.26 AM - 10/6 2001
It's great to see what you have done in memory of your father. My father
was shot down on Aug 13, 1944. He flew as a tail gunner in a B-17. He was
with the 379th Bomber group. He was immediately captured, and moved to
several different camps. Like you, my father passed away in 1992 with out
leaving my brothers and sister much information. I'm wondering if anyone
would be able to help me ? My dad's name is
John F. Lynch Sgt. Ser #
17079620 I know at one time he was in Stalag 9-C. Any help would be
appreciated.
Thank you,
Tim Lynch
I've recently found a picture of a group of 10 men sitting at a table, all
but one have the same clothing, with W C in large letters on the front of
their shirts. I have 2 great-uncles (Walter & Karl Grigsby) that were in
P.O.W.camps in Germany. Both have never talked of that time,one is now
deceased,and the other G.Uncle is a "Sweetie" that I wouldn't want to cause
one ounce of un-happiness to..what does W C stand for???
my father was a pow in ww2 in germany. we are english. he was at
----Gneizendorf,marienburg,fallingbostel, or teschen.i havent seen my father
for 47 years and he has passed away. can anyone tell me how to find these
places? i am new to this. i dont know my fathers parents , dont know if he
had any siblings. i know his name was
Thomas Dawson, dob, jan 1916. he and
my mother where married in suffolk county england. my mother also passed
away. but never spoke of him. can someone help? thx.
My father was a 1st LT. in the 398th, 601st, completing
30 or 35 missions over Germany as pilot of the TS Express crew. I have a
original 8 X 10 black and white photo of Delancey's B17 and am so grateful
to know the story behind the damage. Dad hardly ever spoke of the war,
especially his missions.
His name was Roland Dean Mundhenke of East Dubuque, ILL
Thank you for your time and efforts in creating this site. I hope to do the
same with the many photos and records of flights from Dad's tenor with the
8th. God bless you and yours.
Name:Wanda & John Kirkham Hometown: The Villages, FL 32162 Sent: 11.48 AM - 10/3 2001
My wife & I spent an entire morning visiting this web site and haen't
finished yet. We are amazed at the depth of the coverage.Thank you for your
efforts. The reunion at Stalag Luft 1 was a wothwhile experience. We were
pleased to meet all of you.
I enjoyed viewing this site. My father,
Richard P. Keirn, was a P.O.W. at
Stalag Luft I too. He was shotdown Sep 11, 1944, after hospitalization, he
was
sent to the POW camp in Barth. He had been the co-pilot of a B-17. Long
after WWII, he kept in touch with surviving crew members. I do not believe
there
are any left now, however. Dad was one of two men who had been POW's in
Germany, and in Vietnam, (nearly 8 yrs). If there is anyone who remembers
him, I would like very much to hear from them. Thank you.
Name:
michele wolfson Hometown: south wellfleet, MA Sent: 9.40 PM - 10/2 2001
I am trying to find out more about my father,
William A. Callahan. He was a
POW at Stalag Luft I in Germany from about March 1943 to the end of the war. He was a tail
gunner on a B-17. I don't know too much more since he never wanted to talk
about his experiences -- always said he was living on borrowed time. If
anyone knew him or knew of him, I would appreciate hearing from you at my
email address -- mmcw@mediaone.net. Thank you.
