Tag: POW

POW Photo 1942

On August 9, 1942, a group photo of British POWs in East Prussia features individuals in well-maintained uniforms due to regular Red Cross supplies. Notable members include Roger Lewis, A. Morrison, and Wilfred Young, each with detailed service histories and backgrounds, highlighting their experiences as prisoners in various camps during World War II.

Aug 9, 1942, Shlablau, East Prussia (Germany), Front Row, left to right: W. Brignell, S. Sharp, Roger Lewis (Flint, North Wales) L. Allan, Wilfred Young. Back Row, left to right: A. Morrison, T. Parker. ?????

Why the uniforms appear “new” in 1942 photographs: Prisoners of war were allowed to retain their military uniforms which were essential for preventing escape disguises.  Group photos like this were often taken on special occasions when men could wash, press and wear their best or newly issued kit for the camera. By 1942 regular Red Cross deliveries ensured that most British POWs in camps like XX-B had access to fresh battledress serge, often in the 1940 or 1941 pattern. This made the ragged clothing worn in 1940 a thing of the past in surviving images.

Roger Lewis is possibly Roger Lewis, born 15 Nov 1913 at Flint, North Wales. Stalag XXA Thorn, Gunner, Service Number 4190856, POW Number 15588. Royal Artillery – 101 Light Anti-Aircraft and Anti-Tank Regiment, 237 Battery. Captured in France. Also at Stalag XXB, Marienburg, Poland. No longer POW by
28 Jun 1945. (Guess based on available information.)

A. Morrison – possibly Alexander Morrison, born 13 Sep 1912 at Glasgow. Captured 27 May 1940 at Le Paradise, POW 11125 at Stalag XXA Thorn and also Stalag 20B, Marienburg. Private 3052463 in Royal Scots (Royal Regiment) or Royal Scots Fusiliers, 1st Battalion. (Guess based on available information.)

Wilfred Young is Wilfred George Young, born 19 January 1917 at Barham. Date of Capture 29 May 1940 Stalag XXA Thorn. Private 6287158 POW Number 11666 captured in France, Buffs 2nd Battalion. Transfered from XXA, Thorn to XXB, Marienburg, Poland on 9 Oct 1941. (Certain.)

POW Photo 1940

The content discusses a group of British POWs at Stalag XXA in Germany during mid-1940, likely involved in forestry work. It provides details on several individuals, including Corporal Cornelius Linton and Private Wilfred Young, detailing their capture dates and backgrounds. The setting implies a relaxed atmosphere during a photo opportunity amidst dense woods.

Stalag XXA 177 Germany
Pte. W Young (Kent), Pte. McDonald (Yorkshire), Pte. Barcello (Wales) Cpl. Linton (Yorkshire), Barnard. 

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.)