POW Photo 1940

Likely taken mid‑1940 after their arrival from France. The wooded setting suggests a forestry or rural labour kommando near Toruń (Thorn), where small groups from the main camp performed tree felling, saw-milling, or estate work under guard. Mix of battle‑worn battledress tops with trousers or civilian trousers, no helmets/webbing—typical for early POWs before Red Cross parcels; collars open from summer heat. Casual group stance (hands in pockets, arms crossed) indicates a permitted “photo call” during rest break. Dense pine forest implies East Prussian/Polish woods common for XXA detachments.

Cpl. Linton (Yorkshire) is possibly Cornelius Linton, born 18 Jun 1910 at Whitby. Date of Capture 16 Jun 1940 Stalag XXA Thorn Corporal Service Number 4341228 POW Number 13111 Captured at La Zoute, East Yorkshire Regiment. (Guess based on available information.)

W. Young is Wilfred George Young, born 19 January 1917 at Barham. Date of Capture 29 May 1940 Stalag XXA Thorn Private 6287158 POW 11666 captured in France, Buffs 2nd Battalion. (Certain.)

Pte. McDonald (Yorkshire) is possibly John McDonald, born 17 Oct 1911 at Sheffield. Date of Capture 17 Oct 1911. At Stalag 20A, Thorn Podgorz, Poland. Private 4687496 and POW 4966. King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, 1st Battalion. Duty Location was North Western. (Guess based on available information.)