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Prisoners of War WW2 photos

Vivienne14

Kentish Brummie Moderator
Staff member
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Several 1943 photos were sent from Stalag 383 showing the Bull Ring Club formed by Birmingham/Midlands men whilst in captivity. There was a series of images sent to the Birmingham Despatch such as these below. I also attach a photo of L/Sgt Mulley who wrote for the Despatch about his early days in the army (Aka Pt Blank) who presumably arranged for these later images of men held in Stalag 383. Viv.
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Thanks Lyn. I have more so shall post them tomorrow. What is interesting is that for some, being POW in certain camps doesn't seem to be all horror stories. Although it’s difficult to tell if this is down to propaganda. Viv.
 
Yes it does seem weird. And some seem to have organised themselves very well in the use of their time too. The last picture shows one soldier who acquired a Pitman qualification whilst in the camp. Viv.

August 1943
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August 1943
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January 1944
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January 1944
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The fact following two photos appeared together, the picture referred to in the caption as ‘top left’ is the first image. Viv.

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Prisoners from the Midlands at a German hospital camp. Think this one was 1943. Viv.

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There were a number of groups formed by the captives. One was the Forward club (with it’s own magazine - 5 editions we’re made and circulated to other camps! Incredible). Another was the K Club.

April 1945
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These men were in Stalag 344. They formed themselves into the Birmingham & District Prisoner of War Association and all members were listed in a book which found its way back to Birmingham. The group were forward looking and even wrote down their plans in the book to continue with the Association after the war. A list of all Birmingham & district men who were POWs at this camp is attached. Viv.

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At Stalag Luft 5 the Birmingham POW’s formed ‘K’ group. (I think this may have been a camp of mainly RAF men). Organising themselves into a group must have helped them to support each other through captivity. A former Moseley School of Art student designed their badge. Also attached is a list of men at the camp. Helpfully the list gives the date each man was taken orisone. It was printed in the press in May 1944, but is dated February 1944. Viv.
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My dad was in XXA and stalag 383, I will put the couple of photos I have on here when I sort them out.
Thank you for taking the trouble to post these really interesting.
 
These men were in captivity for a long time. The Britannia Inn, Tyseley gave them a nice welcome home in June 1945. Viv.

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