Recreation Archives - Online Museum of Prisoners of War

New versions and purchase options for the The Lamsdorf Series of books.

Liberation and Repatriation, Long Marches, News, Published accounts, Recreation, Treatment and Welfare

Essential reading for people with connections to or interest in the lives of POWs held in one of the largest POW camps in Europe. Compiled by Philip Baker, leading expert on the lives of WWII POWs and the founder of the Online Memorial and…

The following wonderful history of Thomas Keith Townsend (known as Keith) was submitted by Keith’s stepson Rod McMahon. Keith Townsend Pow 5479

A Voice – Captain D Craig-Johnson –

Recreation

Captain D Craig-Johnson wrote this poem whilst a POW in Stalag VIIIB Lamsdorf A Voice Ahh! beautiful mother, how wondrous you are In the eyes of this soldier who’s fighting afar Who hears your soft voice, yet who hears not a sound. Save…

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

Camp Administration and Background, In Camp, Recreation, Treatment and Welfare, Work

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) visited and reported on conditions in POW camps and working parties. This is an example report (in French): Stalag IIIB ICRC Report 19 May 1941 (in French)

Sports

Recreation

From Hugh Fraser's Collection Theatre Scene at Stalag VIIIB

Camp entertainment

Recreation, Treatment and Welfare

Many theatrical performances were organised and produced by POWs in the many Camps and Working parties. POWs made the scenery, 'props' and costumes others learned their lines and delivered them to audiences made up of Guards and other camp staff…

Theatrical Shows – Xmas 1944 at E565

In Camp, Recreation

Amongst John Victor Paul Malam's collection of documents were these relating to a performance at E565

John Burton Shanks – wartime experiences

Communication, Education, Firsthand Long March Accounts, In Camp, Liberation and Repatriation, Long Marches, Recreation, War Diary, Work

In the introduction to his journal Jenny Kingston wrote: Much to his parents dismay, my father, John Burton Shanks, lied about his age and signed up to help the war effort when he was 17 years old. At school he had been a member of the OTC…

The Online Memorial and Museum of Prisoners of War