In September 1943 my dad was a PoW in Italy. He wrote:
"During the morning of Wed 8-9-43, our hut went out on a walk. Little did we know at the time that it was our last walk there. In the evening, we heard that an armistice had been signed between the Allies and Italy. As we had already heard of the invasion of Italy a few days beforehand, this fresh news seemed quite feasible. The whole camp immediately broke into jubilation. The camp leader (Sergeant Major Garnett) told us he was awaiting confirmation and he would make a statement at 10 p.m.
As the evening wore on, we began to see signs to encourage the truth of this good news. The Italians were running about shouting to each other and crowds of our fellows had congregated near the gate by Hut 23. At 10 p.m. everyone gathered in front of the cookhouse and the camp leader spoke. ‘Well, chaps,’ he said, ‘It’s right!’ At once a mighty roar went up and the noise was terrific. I could not bring myself to believe I was FREE. We sang The National Anthem and then dispersed. The Italian in charge of P.G. 73 had told the camp leader that there were small bands of Germans in the vicinity but he was going to send some of his men out to rope them in! Our camp leader said he had told the Italians we would help them to fight the Germans if we were given arms. We received no arms and were advised by the Italians to remain in the camp. We could do very little about that as the guards were still on duty.
That evening called for great rejoicing. Everyone’s spirits were sky high. Jack and I made some porridge at midnight which was all we had left of our parcel. The thoughts of home welled up before us and we were almost in tears. It did not seem believable - it was too good to be true. Jack and I turned in at 2.30 a.m. after tiring ourselves out completely. Home………
The next morning, Thurs 9-9-43, the blow fell.
I was only just awake when a fellow rushed into our hut with the words, ‘There’s a German armoured car outside!’ Heads popped up from pillows and I heard one or two remarks passed telling this chap where he could go. My bed being by a window, I peeped outside. I could see right through Huts 42 and 41 as the windows were in line. Sure enough, I could see Germans crouching in the fields!
Practically everyone dressed immediately and went outside. Along the road Germans were passing, bristling with machine-guns and at the corner by the parade ground was an armoured car. At once my heart sank as I realised we were once again prisoners. The Italian sentries were still on duty round the camp, but their position was very uncomfortable. They regarded the Germans with one eye and us with the other and my impression was that they were wishing to come inside with us! As the morning wore on, there was increased activity along the road. German trucks and motor cycles roared up and down whilst infantry closed in on the camp. I realised by this time that we were doomed and our freedom had gone.
The day after the Germans took over our camp, no rations came in but later in the day we got some parcels. The issue was a parcel between six men and this meant we could eat again. The following day the bread came along at 7 p.m. We had no skilly for two days and when it was finally dished out all we had was a pint of hot water with a few pieces of onion or carrot floating on the top. However, these improved as the days went by. We received another sixth of a parcel each and some unclaimed personal parcels were shared out also.
The great question ever in our minds was, ‘Can the Germans get us away to Germany or will our troops arrive and relieve us?’ Every night, many chaps attempted to escape and some were successful. In the camp was a corporal who spoke German fluently. He used to engage the sentries whilst our fellows crawled under the wire. Suddenly the machine gun started firing away at the road and there would be no more escapes that night. The men who were caught were put in the jail in the ex-Italian quarters.
These escapes became so daring that the Germans ordered us all inside our huts by 10 p.m. and forbade us to go outside at all - even to the latrine.
Many escapes were made by chaps hiding in the cart which conveyed the empty tins away to a dump and also by hiding in the empty bread baskets. Some men in huts 38, 39 and 40 started to dig a tunnel under the wire and intended coming up the other side of the road. None of these was completed owing to lack of time.
On Wed 22-9-43, our fate was sealed. At about 7 a.m., our hut sergeant yelled out, ‘Everyone to be ready to move by 8 a.m.’ So we were going to Germany after all. Jack and I had very little kit to pack and were soon ready. However, we did not move out at 8 o’clock but were kicking our heels until noon. We made a brew, using part of our beds for fuel for a fire. Everyone was doing as much damage as possible to the huts before leaving. When I last saw Hut 43, I thought it had been smitten by a hurricane. Palliasses were strewn over the floor, beds broken, windows smashed and torn down and countless empty tins littered the beds and floor. A nice mess for someone to clear up!
We finally lined up in the drive between Settore I and II and started moving off watched by the whole of Settore II. Naturally, we were counted and recounted and eventually reached the road. There we saw our escort and I must say we were more than well guarded. On either side were Germans at intervals of ten yards or so and each one was armed to the teeth. Many carried drawn revolvers or tommy guns and in each man’s belt was a ‘potato masher’ (a kind of bomb with a handle for throwing). So our chances of escaping were nil and we duly arrived at the railway station at Carpi."
from the diaries of Bert Martin, Gunner, 67th Medium Regiment, Royal Artillery, PoW 1942-45
How harrowing, can not imagine the up and down of those emotions in such a short space of time. These diaries are so amazing, my sister in law would enjoy these she teaches history to 6th formers and her specialist subject is the Second World War.
Lovely shot to go with too.
Another intriguing account, thank you again for sharing it with us. I find it fascinating. It must have been devastating to think you were free, then to have it taken away.
Claire, your sister in law could have a copy if she gets in touch with me. If you think she would be interested, let me know and I'll put my email up somewhere for you.
@quietpurplehaze ok, that would be great, just send me your email via commenting on an old shot, then delete the comment, I will get it via email. Let me know when it is done;0)
Loved reading this Hazel.....such disappointment & the let down must have been intense when it was realised no freedom! Bet your dad would have been thrilled we are all enjoying his diary!
Such a beautiful tribute to your Dad and to his heroism and what he went through for our country!! I know the POW camps were horrible. I had a brother-in-law that was a POW with the Germans and he told of many of the things he had to endure. God Bless your Dad and all the men in the armed forces!! Love that red dahlia!! FAV!
September 23rd, 2014
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Lovely shot to go with too.
Claire, your sister in law could have a copy if she gets in touch with me. If you think she would be interested, let me know and I'll put my email up somewhere for you.
Claire I've just put it under this pic http://365project.org/quietpurplehaze/just-another/2014-08-18 please say when you've got it - would be nice to be in a bit of email contact with you too.
Flower is beautiful
I think this was one of the parts of the diary that I could hardly believe myself when I first read it.