My father and uncle spent time in PG 98 and PG 59 as well as Stalag 7A and 2B. I am looking for photos prior to liberation days for these camps. Mainly, aerial views, buildings and grounds within the camps, everyday life, guards interacting with POWs, Red Cross parcel days, etc. I have seen the web site for Servigliano and it is very good but those photos are rather small. I also could use a really good POW camp map for Italy and Germany that does not have too many distractions. I am doing a lecture for the local library and these items would enhance my presentation. Any help would be welcomed. George Captured Dec 24, 1942 sent to PG 98 until Jan 1943 and then to PG 59 until Sept 1943. Broke out in Sept 1943 and recaptured about March 1944 when shipped to Moosebug 7A for about a month then to 2B until Jan 1945 when the Russian began their offensive. Then marched to Berlin and eventually to Hamburg. Any stories of activities the camps during these times are important as well. Thank you for reading.
This should help a bit, George: https://www.awm.gov.au/sites/default/files/encyclopedia/pow/pdf/page758.pdf https://www.awm.gov.au/sites/default/files/encyclopedia/pow/pdf/page809.pdf I've never seen a single photo from Hammerstein. Like your other post says, the Russians got there first. I'd check the Russian military archives: Central Archives : Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation Regards, Dave
Dave (Alieneyes) has pointed you towards one of the better options www.awm.gov.au Typing Hammerstein into the collections search function gives you this video: Aussies in Germany, RAAF in Brussels Australian airman in Germany; Australian and Allied POW in Stalag 357 and Stalag II B and in United Kingdom; RAAF vs BLA rugby, Brussels. Australian airmen with No 175 RAF Hawker Typhoon Squadron in Germany. Australian and Allied prisoners of war at Stalag 357 Fallingbostel, Germany. Field Marshal Sir B L Montgomery visits Stalag II B Hammerstein, Germany, repatriated POW at AIF reception group, UK, and at Gowrie House. Duchess of Devonshire visits Australian POW to arrange for private billets for leave. The two RAN rating POW shown were captured by a German raider in the Indian Ocean.
Dave, Thanks so much both of these maps are the best I've seen but strangely Stalag 2B is not annotated that I can see. It should be up near Danzig. The Russian's were my next step and you gave me a link which I thank you for. There is a website Critical Past that has many movie clips of WWII but most are after liberation days. Stills can be purchased from them at a reasonable download price. I did find 3 okay photos from the USAF Academy Library for Stalag 2B. The photographs were credited to Hartmann in 1941. Attached are the 3 in case Sue or anyone can use them Thank you for the cooperation and time, George
Dave B, the film is very interesting but does not distinguish which is Stalag 357 and Stalag 2B. I have written the Aussie Gov. Archives and the Russian Federation Archives this day. Thanks to all but more assistance is needed.
Hello George, Back to PG 98 and PG 59. You won't get a photo of PG 98 at S. Giuseppe Jato near Palermo because it was a tent camp. Campo PG 98 was moved there from Castelveltrano sometime after 22 June 1942, and the letter authorising the transfer ( to be found on Italian website www.campifascisti.it) stated that the camp materials were to be transferred as well, presumably the tents. It would appear from the evidence of American paratrooper Ketih J. Argraves in the book by George W. Chambers enttled 'Keith Argraves Paratrooper' pub. The Southern Publishing Organisation, Nashville, Tennessee, 1946) that the entire camp was closed in March 1943 and the inmates were sent to PG 59. If you send me a private message I will scan the relevant pages of the book for you, The account of life in PG 98 is very harrowing indeed. Regards Vitellino P.S. I have not yet found an accurate map of Italian pow camps. I have been intending to .compile one myself for some time now from the list I have attached
Hi Vitelino, There is a long list of Italian POW camps on Wikipedia. It is difficult to find a good map of camps without so many distractions. Roads and railways are of course very important. The camp closing makes sense due to the invasion victories in N. Africa. Even thought it was a tent compound I would think some civilian or otherwise might have taken a photo just like the Germans did. Thanks very much. Regards, George
Hello George, I'll send the pages as promised. I'll also have a look at the list on Wikipedia but the only one I trust is the one I sent you. I'll get round to doing the map - when do you it need it for? Vitellino
The lecture will probably not happen until sometime in March between the 15th and 30th. You know of PC 59 web page today. Lots of information and a few nice photos. Thank you.
Well I got a letter off to the Russian Ministry of Defense thanks to you Dave. I actually contacted the Aussies' as well. I appreciate your assistance. Best wishes.
George, I had a look at the Wikipedia list of camps and that decided me...I read that Arezzo was in Campania (it's in Tuscany!!) .....here's the map:
Good afternoon to you, this map looks great. It is a great effort on your part. I thank you for it. Best wishes in your research too. I will be back to this forum when I have new information. Best wishes.
George, if you are interested in PG59 have you looked at this site: Camp 59 Survivors Its curator, Dennis Hill, is always interested in hearing from those with relatives who passed through that camp All the best Anne
Yes I mentioned him previously. I have been in contact with him for years. What about your father's journal? Is there a way to view it?
A great map. Thanks for your time and assistance. I wrote the town historians of Palermo and San Giuseppe Jato yesterday. We'll see if they have any info concerning PC 98.
Looking for a good photo of EMT Ettrick liner after it's conversion to a troop transport. My father and uncle were on this ship for the invasion of N. Africa during Operation Torch on Nov 8, 1942. I did find a very small version but not good enough to use for a lecture.
Father and uncle? the were the sond Cole? dan and "Tony"? I am searching every information about the soldiers named in Keith Argraves book. the were refugee in my village. falciano- acquasanta -ascoli piceno
