How far would prisoners be allowed to travel?

Discussion in 'UK PoW Camps' started by Eallen1968, Apr 11, 2021.

  1. Eallen1968

    Eallen1968 Member

    Hi just wondering if anyone can help. My grandad was a German in a POW camp in Scotland. I have no idea when or where. I know when he married my Glaswegian granny in 1949 his registered address was as a labourer on Tererran farm in Moniaive in Scotland. I've contacted the Bundes Archiv ( he was Luftwaffe) to ask for any details they might be able to send me but I was wondering how far pows would be sent out to work on farms during their detention. It may help me narrow down where he might have been interned. Thanks for any suggestions.
     
  2. Tricky Dicky

    Tricky Dicky Don'tre member

    What is his name

    TD
     
  3. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

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  4. Tricky Dicky

    Tricky Dicky Don'tre member

    This one isnt far from Glasgow - Patterton Camp might have been the starting point :unsure::whistle:

    TD
     
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  5. Eallen1968

    Eallen1968 Member

    Sorry his name was Herbert Schareina dob 19.2.1914 Gallinden East Prussia
     
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  6. Tricky Dicky

    Tricky Dicky Don'tre member

    Ah yes - you may need to go through - ScotlandsPeople - I would assume that he 'naturalised' - there are no records of this in The National Archives but as he was in Scotland its likely they have there own records and this file may contain details that answer some of your questions

    I would assume he naturalised prior to the marriage, maybe not

    I am moving in areas I have no knowledge of but it may open up some for you to explore/research

    TD
     
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  7. AB64

    AB64 Senior Member

    By 1949 would he not basically be an ex-POW pretty much a free man and maybe staying on the farm as well as working there but able to travel about with no real limit.

    Its not really an area I know but I get the impression by late 1948 most of the Germans who wanted to go home had but we had encouraged some to stay to help as agricultural labourers. German prisoners of war in the United Kingdom - Wikipedia has a few odds and ends that may be interesting under repatriation and relationships etc. It may be a fair assumption that if he stayed on voluntarily to work he remained in the same area he had been a prisoner, but it is also possible when men were asked to remain in the UK they were asked to go to areas where they were most needed - I am just putting out ideas though.
     
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  8. Eallen1968

    Eallen1968 Member

    Thanks very much. Yes I'm on Scotlands People too. I know he had to attend the local police station in Glasgow regularly and doesn't appear on the electoral register as I don't think that was allowed. I'll keep digging.
     
  9. Tullybrone

    Tullybrone Senior Member


    Hi,

    I agree with Alistair’s opening paragraph. He would no longer be an “enemy alien” but merely an “alien” with an obligation to maintain contact with the local Police.

    It’s worth remembering that post war the former East Prussia became part of the USSR - now part of the Russian Federation - and that the former German residents were forcibly evacuated westwards ahead of the 1944 Russian invasion.

    Steve
     
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  10. Osborne2

    Osborne2 Well-Known Member

    Moniaive. To be certain of his meeting up initially with his future wife and his POW Camp/Hostel, I suggest finding out if gran was in the Women's Land Army or the Women's Timber Corps. They were still extant post war out in the fields or forests, distributed across the UK rather like the prisoners as they were doing the same work. Their hostels may have been in the same area as grandad's. From 46 (can't remember the exact date) prisoners could walk out from their camp for five miles. From Christmas 46, enter homes without commandant's permission. So meetings possible early on too.
    All camps closed by end of July 48. Men either stayed employed with the current employer they were billeted to or visited daily from their accommodation, or worked in a labour gang at a hostel run by the local county agricultural executive. In my county (England - not sure about Scotland) )they took over at least two existing hostels straight from the military. Men paid to stay there from their wages which were at national rates. County Ag Exec records held in my county in county records office.

    Given its location, I am beginning to suspect the main camp you might have a chance with is 22 Cumnock, and possibly a hostel outstationed from the main camp. Hostels in Scotland Wales and parts of Northern England could be tens of miles from the main camp. Moniaive looks so small I suspect a billet at a farm. I don't know the area.
    This is a good list to use.Prisoner of War Camps (1939 - 1948) | Historic England
    I checked Martin Richards' site at https://www.systonimages.co.uk/f162439760 but 22 is a camp whose records he has not copied. There would be lists of attached hostels in there.
    TNA camp records not on line can be copied by at least two members of this forum (from memory) but I will leave that to you to decide.
     
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  11. Eallen1968

    Eallen1968 Member

    I know he met my granny at the dancing in Glasgow. She's dead now and no-one left to ask but she was a single mum prior to meeting my grandad and I don't think i've ever heard mention of her being involved in any activities like those you mentioned. I'm contacting the ICRC for help and hoping the BundesArchiv help too. Otherwise its a mystery.
     

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