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General => Armed Forces => World War Two => Topic started by: alveleyhistorian on Thursday 07 April 11 10:17 BST (UK)

Title: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: alveleyhistorian on Thursday 07 April 11 10:17 BST (UK)
Hi there
Just a quick note wondering if anyone can advise me the best way to research a WW2 POW who was in Stalag XXB .
Any help much appreciated :)
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: greenrig on Thursday 07 April 11 10:59 BST (UK)
Hello;

For lots of background and personal stories see http://www.wartimememories.co.uk/pow/stalag20b.html

My father was in Stalag XXB (Marienburg) from March 1943 to February 1945.  I have his diary which details quite a bit about daily life in the camp. I have a few clandestine photos also.

There is a register of PoWs at National Archives and the PoW's War records should contain a debrief questionnaire completed on their return to UK.

Suggest you PM me to share what we have.

Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: ADM199 on Thursday 07 April 11 19:04 BST (UK)
A name would help to find information as he may have made a report when Liberated.


Hi there
Just a quick note wondering if anyone can advise me the best way to research a WW2 POW who was in Stalag XXB .
Any help much appreciated :)
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: alveleyhistorian on Thursday 07 April 11 20:04 BST (UK)
Herbert T Evans born 1919 - POW number 18491
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: greenrig on Friday 08 April 11 10:02 BST (UK)
Stalag XXB (Marienburg) was situated in and around modern MALBORK, Poland.
The camp was very large, with many sites and centres - not at all like the "Great Escape" style camps.

Some POWs were billeted with local famers to work on the farms, because the local young men were all away at War; My father worked in the farms.  Later he worked in sugar beet factories.

In Feb 1945 the camp was evacuated in a dreadful forced march to the West - to avoid the oncoming Russian Army.  I have a book (and my father's diary) describing the 10 week march through the Polish winter.   My father met US forces at Brunswick and was was repatriated in May 1945. 

With typical Army humour he was then put in charge of German prisoners in a UK PoW camp !!

Did Herbert T Evans survive the War ?   You can request his Army records (if you are next of kin);  they may contain a debrief that he would have performed on returning to UK. They may also  contain other details of his capture and POW status.

See here http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/records/research-guides/prisoners-war-1939-1953.htm
for information on what is held at National Archives in Kew.

I attach a  photo taken (illegally I assume), near Stalag XXA Torun (Thorn) Poland, in 1942 showing British POWs at work.
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: ADM199 on Saturday 09 April 11 16:05 BST (UK)
Margaret,
               the man I found at Celle has the POW No. 18491 and is listed by CWGC as having DOD as 9/5/1945.

Dvr H T Evans T/108176 R.A.S.C. Stalag XX B.
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: alveleyhistorian on Saturday 09 April 11 22:21 BST (UK)
Margaret,
               the man I found at Celle has the POW No. 18491 and is listed by CWGC as having DOD as 9/5/1945.

Dvr H T Evans T/108176 R.A.S.C. Stalag XX B.

many thanks...a perfect match.
your help and advice is much appreciated  :) :)
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: littleman69 on Friday 17 June 11 20:08 BST (UK)
I'm also interested in POW Stalag XXB.  Has anyone come across a Andrew Hannah POW number 14894 in their research?  I am trying to find out when he was a POW from to determine whether he can possibly be my grandfather (as I am led to believe  :-\)
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: ADM199 on Friday 17 June 11 21:04 BST (UK)
The easiest way to find more would be to look at file No. WO 344/132/1 at The National Archives to check if he made a report when liberated.
Unfortunately not all former POW made such a report, but IF he did it would give name,rank, No, D.O.B. , Home Address and Civilian Occupation .


I'm also interested in POW Stalag XXB.  Has anyone come across a Andrew Hannah POW number 14894 in their research?  I am trying to find out when he was a POW from to determine whether he can possibly be my grandfather (as I am led to believe  :-\)
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: ADM199 on Saturday 16 July 11 21:17 BST (UK)
I'm also interested in POW Stalag XXB.  Has anyone come across a Andrew Hannah POW number 14894 in their research?  I am trying to find out when he was a POW from to determine whether he can possibly be my grandfather (as I am led to believe  :-\)
Are you looking for 2821246 Pte Andrew Mc Kinley HANNAH 6th Btn Deaforth Hldrs. Taken prisoner in Italy 1/11/1943 and was a P.O.W. until April 1945.

Brian
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: ADM199 on Monday 18 July 11 19:50 BST (UK)
This the man Margaret;

6284209 Cpl Cyril William Newall The Buffs .POW No. 5410 ;D.O.B. 22/2/1914  Enlisted 31st May 1929.
Ocupation Car Body Builder.
Captured 21/5/1940 - St. XXA (3) 2/6/1940 to 22/2/1941 -  XXA (45) 22/2/1941 to 13/4/1943 Bromberg supervising W/Party
XXB 13/4/1943 to 3/9/1943 - XXA (5) 3/9/1943 to 13/8/1944 - St.357 13/8/1944 to 3/5/1945

Brian

Hi there
Just a quick note wondering if anyone can advise me the best way to research a WW2 POW who was in Stalag XXB .
Any help much appreciated :)
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: MBRITTON on Tuesday 17 April 12 19:34 BST (UK)
I have found some old family postcards that my Great Uncle Les 'Micky' Britton sent to his mother from Stalag XXB. His no was 9933 I think.
The picture on the front is of him as the lead singer/entertainer of a music/dance act.
There is another with a troop of soldiers and the number 68243.
If this means anything to anyone else please let me know.

He was born in 1920

Thanks
Mike
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: ADM199 on Friday 20 April 12 11:10 BST (UK)
Mike,
        there are two possibilities. Could the No 9933 be read as 9988 as there is a Rfn L J Britton 6846139 listed as Stalag XXA in 1945. Wasn't unusual for a POW to be moved from Camp to Camp. There is also Pte L.A. Britton 6204135 listed as XXB.



I have found some old family postcards that my Great Uncle Les 'Micky' Britton sent to his mother from Stalag XXB. His no was 9933 I think.
The picture on the front is of him as the lead singer/entertainer of a music/dance act.
There is another with a troop of soldiers and the number 68243.
If this means anything to anyone else please let me know.

He was born in 1920

Thanks
Mike
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: ranger44 on Saturday 14 July 12 11:15 BST (UK)
Ref littleman69 - I too am looking for an Andrew HANNAH who was in Stalag XXB. Can you tell me where he originated from - my one was from Stranraer, Scotland.  I have my Andrew HANNAH with POW number as 7413. Hope it helps
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: Burnmaue on Monday 08 July 13 01:15 BST (UK)
My father was also in XXB, he endured the arduous march west in 1945 and finally reached home late in 1946 (the authorities would not allow him to travel home to north east Scotland till over 6 months after arriving back in the UK)

Dad is one of the few ST. Valery survivors if the Gordon Highlanders sacrificed that day tat is still alive.  Almost 83 years of age itch an incredibly vivid memory.

I would be very interested to her from anyone with family members from this camp still living today in 2013.....

Thank you
M E Burnett
Aberdeenshire
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: Burnmaue on Tuesday 09 July 13 13:53 BST (UK)
Yes, my mistake, dad is most definitely coming up for his 93rd birthday, a little typo there

Brian thanks for your response, I'm afraid I'm still trying to work out how to use this site and how to private message..... I will work it out and respond when I do :)


My father was also in XXB, he endured the arduous march west in 1945 and finally reached home late in 1946 (the authorities would not allow him to travel home to north east Scotland till over 6 months after arriving back in the UK)

Dad is one of the few ST. Valery survivors if the Gordon Highlanders sacrificed that day tat is still alive.  Almost 83 years of age itch an incredibly vivid memory.

I would be very interested to her from anyone with family members from this camp still living today in 2013.....

Thank you
M E Burnett
Aberdeenshire
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: Stewpot1970 on Sunday 04 August 13 16:36 BST (UK)
Hi

My Grandad was also in Stalag XXB and I am trying to find out more details of when he arrived there and when he was repatriated. I have pics and docs of him there, but no record online (ancestry) or published in POW British Army 1939 - 1945.

He was T70706 Dvr R L Mead RASC.  He was captured at Dunkirk, 1940.

Any help would be appreciated...

Regards

Stew
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: ADM199 on Sunday 04 August 13 17:47 BST (UK)
Could be that he was repatriated prior to the 1945 Lists being compiled Stewart.
Should this be the case there probably will not be a Liberation Report Available.

Brian

Hi

My Grandad was also in Stalag XXB and I am trying to find out more details of when he arrived there and when he was repatriated. I have pics and docs of him there, but no record online (ancestry) or published in POW British Army 1939 - 1945.

He was T70706 Dvr R L Mead RASC.  He was captured at Dunkirk, 1940.

Any help would be appreciated...

Regards

Stew
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: Stewpot1970 on Sunday 04 August 13 21:26 BST (UK)
He must've been, but is there any way of finding out when he was repatriated?

Regards

Stew
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: ADM199 on Monday 05 August 13 08:13 BST (UK)
The information should be in his Service Record but that unfortunately involves a long wait at present.

Brian
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: Steveclarke on Sunday 11 August 13 21:58 BST (UK)
My grandfather spent some time in Stalag XXA before being moved to XXB. He was there for most of the war and took the long walk home. If I can make it work, I have attached a photo ... I would love to hear of anyone that can help me piece together any of his experiences. He had shrapnel removed from a leg wound whilst there. Prisoner No: 9681

Steve Clarke
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: Underdogzz on Tuesday 08 July 14 22:32 BST (UK)
I'm looking to find out any information on my Great uncle who was at Stalag XXB. His name was Leslie Abbey and was captured at Dunkirk. I've tried to find prisoner list for the camp but don't find his name listed. If anyone has any info that would be fantastic.
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: ADM199 on Wednesday 09 July 14 09:43 BST (UK)
I'm looking to find out any information on my Great uncle who was at Stalag XXB. His name was Leslie Abbey and was captured at Dunkirk. I've tried to find prisoner list for the camp but don't find his name listed. If anyone has any info that would be fantastic.

There is a Pte L H Abbey 3709000 K.O.R.R. in the 1945 Lists as Stalag XXB POW No. 13691.

Perhaps he made a Report when Liberated.
Will take a look in my Database and  get back to you.

Brian
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: ADM199 on Wednesday 09 July 14 10:28 BST (UK)
Yes he did make a Report when Liberated.
Didn't have a great deal to say though other than the Basics.

Came from Hull with Profession given as Deep Sea Trawlerman. 
Typical Logic of the time putting him in the Army with all his Seafaring experience.

He seems to have worked in Agriculture for the whole period of Captivity.
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: Underdogzz on Wednesday 09 July 14 17:39 BST (UK)
Thank you so much for the information. I'm a Canadian living in western Canada and wanted to find out about my Great uncle who I've head so much about.
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: ADM199 on Wednesday 09 July 14 18:34 BST (UK)
Thank you so much for the information. I'm a Canadian living in western Canada and wanted to find out about my Great uncle who I've head so much about.

Report should be with you now.

Brian
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: Greg Anthony on Friday 26 September 14 06:31 BST (UK)
My grandfather spent over a year in Stalag XXA before being transferred to Stalag XXB. I would love to know if there is a liberation report relating to him.

William ANTHONY from Swansea
Date of Birth 14.11.1918
Service Number 1515038
Prisoner of War No. 11538

If anyone can assist with this please contact me, I would be very grateful.

Also last year I also visited Malbork and saw the memorial there, if you are interested in the photos please send me an email: (*)

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Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: cpercival on Friday 26 September 14 10:35 BST (UK)
My father was at Thorn from 1.4.44 until 11.8.44 at which time it was designated Stalag 357.  He was then moved to Fallingbostel (Oerbke) which was also designated Stalag 357.  Was the numbering changed at some point?

Clive P
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: amberden on Sunday 05 October 14 12:05 BST (UK)
My father was also a prisoner at Stalag XXB (POW No 527) and he was sent to one of the numerous work camps.

I believe the work camp number was 299 but have no idea of its location.

I have attached a photo of the group he was with ( I think on the farm ) and if anyone recognises any of them please contact me. I will willingly email a copy to you.

The only two men I know are my dad G Bates middle row last on the right and R H Mackay rear row last on the right

I have also attached the reverse of another photo sent to my dad which leads me to believe the work camp was No 299
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: Regorian on Sunday 05 October 14 13:34 BST (UK)
Wehrkreis XX (Military District 20) with HQ at Danzig. It was carved out of occupied Poland and had not existed pre-war.

As of 10August1944 Camps were Stammlager XX A (Thorn-South), with OffzLager XX A, Stalag XX B (Marienburg, with 2 camps Oliva and Bischofsburg) and 357 Thorn-South.

Camp guards were provided by Landesshuetzen Btl 397 (Graudenz), 610 (Marienwerder), 714 (Thorn), 717 (Danzig) and1012 (Thorn-South).

Oflag = officers camp, Stalag = other ranks camp. 
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: Greg Anthony on Tuesday 07 October 14 01:40 BST (UK)
Hi,

My grandfather (William Anthony) was held in Stalag XXB for most of the war. I'd love to see if anyone has any photos or documents showing or mentioning him in it. I recently have found a photo of him in the Stalag. Hopefully someone else can see themselves, their father, grandfather etc in this.

Also, the photo shows 'G.B. 583" - would this be a work party number, or does anyone know what this would be related to?

Thanks
Regards
Greg

(I cant do PM's with my account, but would love to see what else Greenrig has in terms of photos etc)
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: amberden on Tuesday 07 October 14 16:49 BST (UK)
As you will see from my previous post I am far from being an expert on this.  I don't think the GB number has any relationship to the work camp the prisoners were allocated to. As previously mentioned my dad was at work camp 299 an outpost of the main Stalag XXb at Marienburg(now Malbork) but his photo has a GB 328 number. If anyone has found a way of tracing these numbers to a location I would love to know.
I have recently discovered a reference to work camp 299 of Stalag XXb as being at Forsthaus Wesseln and some kind of reference to an entry in the records at NA for March 1943.
There are only two Wesseln's that I can find, one is in Germany at the base of the Danish peninsular and the other is close to Hannover. Both of these are more than 200km frm Marienburg so I think it may be another of those places that have undergone a name change. I have a photo of the the farm house that was the base of 299 but absolutely no clue as to the location. If anyone can shed any light on this I would be extremely grateful
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: Alex lewis on Sunday 08 February 15 22:38 GMT (UK)
My grandfather was Robert Alfred Wilson (snowy) known in the pow camp. His pow no was 7524 and army no 4078433 and he was in the 1st searchlight battery R.a. I have his army records and Red Cross records and I know he was captured in Calais on the 22nd of May 1940. He was sent to stalag XXA where he was there for a year and a half and then transferred to XXB. He was on the long march starting January 45 and liberated in April. I would appreciate if anyone would have info on my grandfather and specifically on how to obtain or see if he had a liberation report/questionair. Many thanks .
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: Carol mussell on Friday 13 March 15 20:50 GMT (UK)
I have found some old family postcards that my Great Uncle Les 'Micky' Britton sent to his mother from Stalag XXB. His no was 9933 I think.
The picture on the front is of him as the lead singer/entertainer of a music/dance act.
There is another with a troop of soldiers and the number 68243.
If this means anything to anyone else please let me know.

He was born in 1920

Thanks
Mike
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: amberden on Tuesday 21 April 15 19:01 BST (UK)
Carol

Look closely at the number you quopte is 68243 but given that it is usually just a number
overprinted photographically on the photo could it be GB243. I say this as most of the photos
 I have seen of this type have a GB at the start of the number.

Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: chamo on Wednesday 24 June 15 04:30 BST (UK)
My grandfather, Llewelyn Charles Vaughan Edmunds was at Stalag XXB from 1940 until 1945.

His service number was 2733571, and PoW no was 7217.

He would never speak about his experiences during the war.

If anyone has any information, it would be very much appreciated.

Many thanks.
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: Greg Anthony on Thursday 25 June 15 04:35 BST (UK)
Hi All,

If of interest, I visited the site of Stalag XXB a few years ago, to see where my grandfather was held captive. The photos are here;
http://imgur.com/a/l77Ao
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: MATHIEU on Saturday 04 July 15 16:42 BST (UK)
Hello everyone,

thank you for inviting me to this forum, I'm French so I ask you to excuse me for my English.

Currently I am researching Stalag XXB of Mariemburg to achieve an article for a magazine about the history of prisoners in the camp and on the forced march from January to April, 1945.

I already have many documents from the "men of confidence" that are very interesting. Being in search of personal documents in order to perfect my article is it possible to exchange documents?

you can contact me at this email address:

sommeandbreslebattle [at] gmail.com

(replace [at] with @ )

best regards

Mathieu
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: angp11 on Thursday 12 November 15 05:36 GMT (UK)
Like most my father in law never mentioned about is time in Stalag 20B.  I am hoping anyone might have information on him. 
William Alfred Platts
DLI 4452663
POW 8742

Thank you
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: amberden on Monday 16 November 15 18:43 GMT (UK)
Hi do you know if your F I L was posted to a workcamp (there were dozens of them). You could try looking on Wartime Memories as they have loads of postings about all POW camps. Pegasus Archive have a large collection of camp photographs. Unfortunately there are so few left who were there it is difficult to be certain. Do you know when or where he was captured. There were a lot of DLI prisoners taken as France fell and judging by his POW number he was a relatively early capture.
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: angp11 on Monday 16 November 15 18:47 GMT (UK)
We don't know anything apart from he was caught at the start of the war in Dunkirk.  I will look into the websites you mentioned.  Thank you
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: millymcb on Wednesday 18 November 15 15:08 GMT (UK)
You could look into applying for his service record from MOD. There may be additional info in it. Details on how to apply here plus link to National Archives POW research guide if you have not already seen it.
www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=651361.0

Milly
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: greenrig on Wednesday 16 December 15 12:27 GMT (UK)
I'm planning a Polish visit in the spring. I plan to visit Stalag XXA Torun/Thorn and various surrounding sites. Then on to Stalag XXB Malbork/Marienburg for similar.

I would appreciate any advice/pointers from anyone who has already visited these sites.  Also, if anyone would like a specific photo etc. from these camp sites then please do say and I will try to oblige.  There is very little left at XXB (a monument and perhaps one or two ruinous huts). At XXA the old forts are still standing.
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: amberden on Thursday 17 December 15 15:37 GMT (UK)
Hi greenrig

I would love to see any photos you take of XXb. Perhaps you could post them on this site or if not let us know when you have returned and distribute them by email to those who would like them
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: Rudolf H B on Thursday 17 December 15 17:04 GMT (UK)
Hi,

up to now I haven't studied all the posts.

Stalag XX B - in Littschen = Licze (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licze) near Marienwerder    (until Febr. 1940)

Stalag XX B - in Marienburg = Malbork (since Febr. 1940)

Stalag XX BII - in Danzig = Gdansk
Stalag XX B/Z - in Danzig-Bischofsberg = Biskupia Górka (https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biskupia_G%C3%B3rka)
Stalag XX B/Z - in Oliva = Oliwa (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oliwa)

Biskupia Górka: "W czasie II wojny światowej na terenie fortów mieścił się stalag, w którym przebywali jeńcy wojenni brytyjscy, francuscy, belgijscy i włoscy" There had been a fortress like in Thorn.

Regards
Rudolf
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: michael h on Monday 25 January 16 21:18 GMT (UK)
hi there i am new to this and would like a little help, not sure if im posting on the wrong post but here goes,

im looking for some info on my grandad who was a pow in stalag xxb, we know he was made to work on a farm but not much else, i have the following details
Name: J. Burke
Rank: Private
Army Number: 891020
Regiment: Gordon Highlanders
POW Number: 16483
Camp Type: Stalag
Camp Number: XX-B
Camp Location: Malbork, Poland
he never spoke much about the war but i am on a quest to find out what he went through he was a fantastic man,

kind regards
michael
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: amberden on Tuesday 26 January 16 19:44 GMT (UK)
Hi Michael
I am by no means an expert on this subject but like you I started from my dad telling me very little of his POW experiences apart from the more humorous bits. If you live within travelling distance of the National Archives at Kew you could look to see if he completed a questionnaire regarding his captivity. Thousands of men did but many, like my dad put down very scant facts as I am sure they just wanted to put the whole matter to the back of their minds. I managed to get my dads POW record from the Red Cross in Geneva and that listed his movements around various camps before ending up at one of XXB's numerous work camps. I have some photos that show his work camp was No 299 and it was located at Wesseln which I believe is now known as Lelkowo in Poland.

If you have any photos that were posted to your granddad when he was a POW then these may well have a camp number on the back. If none of this is available then the Red Cross in Geneva is your best hope but I am not sure if its free even to Next of Kin. I have found his attestation record, which I have attached, but I am unsure of the various entries in the RH column. My dads say he was posted to S/L Regt 19-1-1942 but he was already a POW and had been since 20-5-1940.

Best of luck

Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: Regorian on Tuesday 26 January 16 20:09 GMT (UK)
Your grandfather was probably in 51st Highland Division which was captured entire. There are photographs of the division marching into captivity, heads held high, very impressive.

Other ranks were allowed to work under the Geneva Convention, we so employed Axis POW's in the same way. There was a small POW camp where I lived from 0 to 15 (1943 to 1958). Some of the prisoners stayed after the war, and married local girls.
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: michael h on Wednesday 27 January 16 06:56 GMT (UK)
Wow. This is amazing.  Very emotional. Thanks so much for your replies.. this is definitely him. What is the attached file ? attestation record. ? Would that be his actual signature? Thanks again.
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: Rudolf H B on Wednesday 27 January 16 10:05 GMT (UK)
Hi amberden,

Wesseln might have been a larger farm near Elbing (only 15 miles away from Marienburg)!

Today a part of the Zakrzewo district of Elbląg https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zakrzewo_(Elbl%C4%85g)

MODIFICATION: The red dot is misplaced on Zatorze (Elbląg)!!! -
The farm had been in the area named "Truso" on OpenStreetMap near the woods in the north of Elbing.

kind regards
Rudolf
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: Regorian on Wednesday 27 January 16 12:18 GMT (UK)
No one has disputed my guess at 51st Highland Division, so am linking attached. St Valery. See photograph. British general was Major General Fortune, OC 51st Highland Division. German officer needs no introduction, Major General Erwin Rommel, OC 7th Panzer Division.

http://51hd.co.uk/history/valery_1940.
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: amberden on Wednesday 27 January 16 17:42 GMT (UK)
Hi Rudolph
I have no idea of the exact location of work camp 299 but I do have a photograph of the farm taken by a local man and given to my dad a copy of which is attached. The location of Wesseln
I learned from 2 sources one is a Red Cross reference to Forsthaus Wesseln in the National Archives and the other is from a copy of Visits made to the camps by the Chief British Man of Confidence and the Protecting Power Delegate, a copy of the relevant entry is also attached. Most of the names that are on the list have changed since WW2 so I am educated guessing Lelkowo. As you will see from the attachment the register is entitled Sunday Visits but 18th March 1943 was a Thursday. I assume that the visits made on the same day would be in a fairly confined area given wartime travel difficulties and Lelkowo is approx. 50km from Elbing and the other locations around 15km-20km from Elbing. The Wesseln you mentioned as being close to Elbing seems more likely. I know my dad was injured whilst on forestry work and was taken to a local hospital and seen by a German military doctor so I think it might have been close to a town as opposed to Lelkowo which even today is fairly rural judging by Google maps. If you have an accurate location of the farm you mention I would be grateful for any information.
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: amberden on Wednesday 27 January 16 18:06 GMT (UK)
Last night I managed to attach to a message tonight I can't so I am attaching to this posting the photo of the camp and to the next posting the register
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: amberden on Wednesday 27 January 16 18:12 GMT (UK)
Here is the register. Incidentally I do have a full copy if anyone wants a camp looked up.
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: Rudolf H B on Thursday 28 January 16 11:27 GMT (UK)
Hi amberden,

99% sure: It is not Lelkowo.

All places (#53) are in Elbing town or county:

- 296 | 35   Schönmoor = Zalesie / Elbing   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zalesie,_Elbl%C4%85g_County
- 299 | 34   Wesseln = Zakrzewo / Elbing - Stadtförsterei = forest or forest office of the town -   54.18°N 19.43°O
-  74 | 122   Rakau = Rakowo / Elbing County https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rakowo,_Warmian-Masurian_Voivodeship
- - -(or Rakau = Rakowo / Elbing Town   https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rakowo_(Elbl%C4%85g) very close to Wesseln!)   
- 372 | 582 Tolkemit = Tolkmicko Elbing County   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tolkmicko
- F 141 | 951 Elbing Town

Here is a map of Elbing (town): http://greif.uni-greifswald.de/geogreif/geogreif-content/upload/mtbl/1882Elbing.jpg (http://greif.uni-greifswald.de/geogreif/geogreif-content/upload/mtbl/1882Elbing.jpg)
Gr. (Gross) Wesseln is in the northeast of Elbing city: close to 06 / 93

RHB
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: amberden on Thursday 28 January 16 17:25 GMT (UK)
Hi Rudolph

Many thanks for the information. Having looked at the area on Google Earth it makes sense with the details my dad remembered. The man in charge of the farm was as far as my dad could remember Wilhelm Delenska and my dad though he was German though he spoke Polish as well. Dad though the farm was called Ubbers or Hubers though he wasn't sure and the spelling is just my attempt at how he pronounced it. My dad remembered a stream running through the land that formed the farm. I wonder if you live in this area of Poland and if any of this or the photo attached to my previous posting prompted any ideas of the farms exact location. Thank you once again for the information it has really given me some inspiration to locate the farm if possible.

David
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: greenrig on Monday 01 February 16 13:13 GMT (UK)
Just a comment regarding Red Cross records.
I inquired via ICRC (in 2012) and got a full reply. It took a year and there was no charge, but I made a donation to ICRC as thanks.
But now (2016) the service is suspended https://www.icrc.org/eng/resources/documents/article/other/02-01-archives-second-world-war.htm - data privacy seems to be the issue. 

For the information of others, I attach the response that I received - this is the sort of information that you MAY find for a British PoW (I have redacted name and DoB).
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: Treetotal on Monday 01 February 16 13:18 GMT (UK)
Thanks for the heads up..I wasn't aware that the website had been suspended.
Carol
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: Rudolf H B on Wednesday 03 February 16 18:17 GMT (UK)
Hi David / amberden,

You are welcome. - I am not living in this area and not in Poland, but in Palatinate.

I have been in the center Elbing in 1979 and have seen the destroyed buildings of WW2. Reconstruction was done after 1990.

In the moment my connection is not fast enough to check the area by street view. But the area is very close to the city center and instead of forest there are a lot of new buildings including a big church.

There is a group in Elbing with strong interest in history. May be that you discuss the photo with "Dawny Elbląg w 3D": https://www.facebook.com/dawnyelblagw3d/?fref=ts (https://www.facebook.com/dawnyelblagw3d/?fref=ts)

Good luck   Rudolf
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: powmanschwimmen on Sunday 13 March 16 16:38 GMT (UK)
Hello dear research community!
I am the chronicler in the municipality of Berge and investigate war events in the spring of 1945 in our region. On April 18, said to have been shot by my research at the station in ways in Wittenberge 2 British prisoners of war. On April 24, 1945 4 British POWs were shot by an SS officer in Putlitz. The shot in Putlitz prisoners are from the Stalag XXB Marienburg.
Now I'm looking for documents that report on the march route from Marienburg to Putlitz and the Elbe until the liberation in early May 1945th. Diaries or maps.

Greetings from the Prignitz

Thomas

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Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: millymcb on Thursday 17 March 16 20:06 GMT (UK)
Hello Thomas. Welcome to Rootschat :)

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We encourage discussions to take place on the open thread but do have a Private Message system for exchanging sensitive information.

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Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: greenrig on Monday 18 April 16 15:34 BST (UK)
I'm just back from a trip to Malbork/Marienburg and I visited the site of Stalag XXB, as well as the Commonwealth Cemetery (and Russian Cemetery) in the town. Stalag XXB site is now just a large piece of rough ground, with some bricks and concrete sticking out. There are no buildings remaining. There is a large memorial to the Camp.  I attach a photo taken April 2016.
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: Treetotal on Monday 18 April 16 16:07 BST (UK)
Hi Greenrigg...Great photo of historical importance...Thanks for sharing...I am a volunteer at our local Family History Centre could I download and use this photo for our files on POWs please.
Carol
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: greenrig on Tuesday 19 April 16 10:14 BST (UK)
Of course, Carol. Help yourself, or PM me if you woud like a higher-res photo.
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: Treetotal on Tuesday 19 April 16 16:36 BST (UK)
Hi Greenrig...I have printed it off on A4 photo paper and added it to our POW file. Thanks so much, it's much appreciated.
Carol
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: Historygeek88 on Wednesday 05 April 17 13:51 BST (UK)
Hi all,

I'm looking for help regarding researching my grandad's time in Stalag XXB. I have his war records and debrief upon returning home but unfortunately he did not talk about his experiences very much. Can any one suggest where to start my research?

Thanks in advance!
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: gwynwalker on Sunday 12 November 17 21:16 GMT (UK)
Hi all,
Please forgive my ignorance as I am new to this. I am trying to find out more about my Grandfather Albert Taylor who was a POW in Stalag XX-B. I do not have the dates of his imprisonment but have his Army Number - 7595722, his Regiment was the Royal Engineers and his POW number was 8890. Any help or information would be greatly appreciated as he spoke very little of his experience and both my Mum and I would like to know more.
Many thanks for any help.
Gwyn.
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: greenrig on Monday 04 December 17 12:34 GMT (UK)
Gwyn; with his Army Number, you can apply for his WW2 Army records. This will give you solid information work on (see this, and many other threads for info on how to do that). With his PoW number, you may be able to get his PoW records from International Red Cross - but these may be very thin.  In my experience (my father was in Stalag XXa and XXb), there is not a lot of documentation remaining regarding PoWs in Germany/Poland.  Your GF may have completed a report on his captivity when he was repatriated (assuming he was). That should be in Kew.   For me, the best source of information was my father's WW2 diary which describes life in XXb (and XXa) in great detail. I'm also lucky to have a few original photos of life and work in XXa and XXb.   I visited XXb site  in 2016 (Malbork, Poland) ... there's not much left except a memorial and a CWGC cemetery.

If you have any specific questions then please ask here.
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: Tomasz Wojciechowski on Wednesday 03 October 18 18:52 BST (UK)
hello, I am looking for information about prisoner No. 58488 Stalag XXB .... I found part of the ID ...
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: tim091 on Monday 11 March 19 12:09 GMT (UK)
I Appreciate this is an old thread but I thought I would add my information anyway! A relative (Richard Farnden) was in Marienburg and I have just got his Mi9 questionnaire which gives a wonderful amount of information. Strongly urge anyone researching a POW to see if Kew has a record.

No affiliation at all but I got mine via this website who go to Kew and photocopy for you: https://www.arcre.com/copyservice (https://www.arcre.com/copyservice). As I say, no connection with them, just a happy customer.

(I tried to attach the document here but it is too big).  One thing that puzzles me is there are gaps in the dates he recorded when he was at which camps. Maybe he couldn't remember.

An interesting point is that he records having left xxb at the end and went to Niedenburg, then Odessa and home on the troopship Duchess of Bedford. This suggests that he wasn't on the Long March and was perhaps in the hospital (patient or orderly) as records show that the hospital was evacuated via that route.
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: AndrenaSilk on Saturday 06 July 19 20:33 BST (UK)
Hi,
I am looking for any personal stories about this POW camp.  My uncle J W Burleigh from the Seaforth Highlanders was captured at St. Valery and spent the rest of the war in this camp I believe.
He was also on the famous Polish march.
If anyone can help me with stories about their time in the camp and their life on return to the Uk then I would be very grateful.
Thank you.
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: tim091 on Sunday 07 July 19 07:23 BST (UK)
I have learned a lot about life in the camp, and on the work parties, by collecting any books I can find on life in XXA and XXB. So far I have:

Through the Wires - Ivan Gandy
Surviving the Nazi Onslaught - Carole McEntee-Taylor
Years Not Wasted - Keith Panter-Brick
We Battled to Survive - Walter J Cumberland
Came the Day - Grenville John Davies (Ed Jean Smith)
Forbidden Paths - Stuart Brown
Prisoner of Hope - David Wild
For You The War is Over - Sam Kydd
Escape Route Green - Warren Tute

Always looking for any others!
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: AndrenaSilk on Sunday 07 July 19 09:58 BST (UK)
I would very much like to read these accounts.  Can you please tell me where I can find them?
Thank you
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: AndrenaSilk on Sunday 07 July 19 10:03 BST (UK)
I have found some on Amazon and I will look in my University library thanks  :)
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: tim091 on Sunday 07 July 19 10:21 BST (UK)
This is a great source for used books:

https://www.abebooks.com/ (https://www.abebooks.com/)
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: AndrenaSilk on Monday 08 July 19 19:36 BST (UK)
Thank you very much I will definitely check it out. 
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: Parky25 on Tuesday 10 September 19 20:49 BST (UK)
Hi all I’m new to all of this research business and was wondering if anyone could help me find out a little more about my grandad.

His name was Matthew Parkin and the info I have is as follows.

Camp M Stammlager XXB (stalag 15)

K.G.F. No 8480

He was in the Argyll and southerland highlanders and was sent over with the expeditionary force. He was sent to Belgium and was chased to farm house where the Nazis caught him. He was sent to the camp and after 4 years collapsed and after a near beating the commandant sent him to the camp doctor who said he had angina. The German doc said he should never have been enlisted! Anyway he ended up being repatriated in 1944 due to his ill health.
So just wondering as I can’t find any records on line, also I’m not sure if I can get a copy of his medals sent out as they got lost years ago.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: tim091 on Wednesday 11 September 19 08:05 BST (UK)
Hi Parky25.

Stalag xxb (not 15) was Marienburg in Poland and was a admin central hub for many work camps (lagers or Arbeitskommandos). These were each known by an "E" number so maybe the "stalag 15" that you have is E15?

If he was repatriated due to ill health then there a very good chance his Red Cross record will be available.

You can apply for that here https://www.icrc.org/en/document/request-information-about-individuals-detained-during-second-world-war-or-spanish-civil-war-quota but not until 23rd September when they re-open requests. Suggestions are that you need to be quick as there is only a small window before they stop accepting requests.

You can apply for his military service record here: https://www.gov.uk/get-copy-military-service-records (https://www.gov.uk/get-copy-military-service-records)

Most returning POWs filled out an Mi9 questionnaire and these are available in the Public Records Office. I used https://www.arcre.com/ (https://www.arcre.com/) to find one for my relative at a very reasonable cost (no affiliation, just a happy customer!).

Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: Parky25 on Wednesday 11 September 19 09:11 BST (UK)
Thank you for the reply. I have sent a PM
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: BumbleB on Wednesday 11 September 19 09:26 BST (UK)
Parky25 - welcome to Rootschat.

Please amend your e-mail address - remove @ and replace with "space at space".  E-mail addresses are not allowed on Rootschat to avoid spamming.

Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: cardboard on Thursday 19 September 19 23:58 BST (UK)
Hi, tim091

A book that contains prisoner of war experience at Stalag XXA at Thorn and a satellite working party at Bromberg, now Bydgoszcz, and a state farm in East Prussia, along with gruesome mention of a Russian POW camp near Thorn, and can be found on Amazon Books, is,

The Memoirs of Private James Peters 1939 - 1945       ISBN: 798-0-244-31799-7

Cardboard
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: tim091 on Friday 20 September 19 06:41 BST (UK)
Excellent, thanks Cardboard.
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: cardboard on Friday 20 September 19 19:36 BST (UK)
You are most welcome Tim.
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: Carol mussell on Thursday 30 January 20 15:36 GMT (UK)
Mike,
        there are two possibilities. Could the No 9933 be read as 9988 as there is a Rfn L J Britton 6846139 listed as Stalag XXA in 1945. Wasn't unusual for a POW to be moved from Camp to Camp. There is also Pte L.A. Britton 6204135 listed as XXB.



I have found some old family postcards that my Great Uncle Les 'Micky' Britton sent to his mother from Stalag XXB. His no was 9933 I think.
The picture on the front is of him as the lead singer/entertainer of a music/dance act.
There is another with a troop of soldiers and the number 68243.
If this means anything to anyone else please let me know.

He was born in 1920

Thanks
Mike
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: Carol mussell on Thursday 30 January 20 15:40 GMT (UK)
This is a very old posting but If I have the correct army no. Etc how can I get more info  please
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: MAITLAND_Finlays on Sunday 26 April 20 08:35 BST (UK)
My grandfather also only mentioned XXb but on receiving his ICRC red Cross records found he was in 4 camps, the last of which was XXb



hi there i am new to this and would like a little help, not sure if im posting on the wrong post but here goes,

im looking for some info on my grandad who was a pow in stalag xxb, we know he was made to work on a farm but not much else, i have the following details
Name: J. Burke
Rank: Private
Army Number: 891020
Regiment: Gordon Highlanders
POW Number: 16483
Camp Type: Stalag
Camp Number: XX-B
Camp Location: Malbork, Poland
he never spoke much about the war but i am on a quest to find out what he went through he was a fantastic man,

kind regards
michael
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: Khearns on Tuesday 12 May 20 11:10 BST (UK)
Hi, I am hoping someone may be able to help me with some information on Stalag XXB.  I have recently found out that my Grandfather was held here,

Private James Patrick McNulty, 2984644, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 7th Battalion.
PO War number 13511
Recorded at Marienburg Stalag XXB

I have his Army discharge book which states P.O.W 18th June 1940 - 18/5/1945

I have copies of his records

Missing, 15/7/1940 Casualty list 255.

POW (Previously reported missing) 20/8/1940, Duty location France. 

22/6/1945 Reported to the war office casualty branch, casualty list 1789, states previously reported on Casualty List No. 286 as Prisoner of War in German Hands (Germany) now Not Prisoner of War. Previous Theatre of War, France.

I have copies of the transcripts that I found on the National Archive from the Casualty list and the Imperial POW lists.  They all state that he was in Stalag camp 20B, but this is where I am hitting a wall.

I have tried to look and see if he filled out a questionnaire on his return, I can't see any digital records of this, is there a way?

I would also love to know if he was one of the liberated prisoners. Does anyone know the dates?

He told stories of eating watery potato soup and being so hungry that they either ate or contemplated eating rats.  He did say he managed to escape 3 times, each time being caught. Both of which read like many stories I have read of others at Stalag XXB.

He was older when he had my mum and she doesn't recall him talking too much about the war, so we do not know what he did while he was there. He was Glasgwegian and went by Jimmy, he had a popeye and olive tattoo done whilst he was there, the Germans caved in his wedding finger with the butt of a gun in order to remove a gold band and they removed his gold tooth.

The picture below is one of the only pictures we have of him in his uniform, he also wore glasses.

I would be very grateful for any help or information.

Kimberley


 
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: Lottie_AFC on Wednesday 13 May 20 20:29 BST (UK)
Hi! I have just found out that my Great, Great Uncle was a POW in Stalag XXB . His name was Harry Frederick Kelly. I have just found out that he was a Rifleman for the Kings Royal Rifle Corps. I have spoken to his daughter and she said he never really spoke much about his time there he only mentioned some of the funny things that happened. This is what she knows: he was sent to France in 1939 and was told he was to help defend Calais. This was not the case. He was captured and marched to Stalag XXB. He was there for 5 years. He worked on a farm and always said the the Frau fed him well.
He is in the picture that amberden has posted. He is the man on the bottom left. I would love to here if anyone has any info on him and his time in the camp or if he had any friends in there.

Charlotte
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please
Post by: Lottie_AFC on Wednesday 13 May 20 21:01 BST (UK)
Hi! I have just found out that my Great, Great Uncle was a POW in Stalag XXB Malbork, Poland. His name was Harry Frederick Kelly. I have just found out that he was a Rifleman for the Kings Royal Rifle Corps. Army Number 6846638, POW Number 4671. I have spoken to his daughter and she said he never really spoke much about his time there he only mentioned some of the funny things that happened. This is what she knows: he was sent to France in 1939 and was told he was to help defend Calais. This was not the case. He was captured and marched to Stalag XXB. He was there for 5 years. He worked on a farm and always said the the Frau fed him well. He was liberated in 1945 but got mumps on his way home and was sent to an American hospital in France.
He is in the picture that Greg Anthony has posted on page 4. He is the man on the bottom left. I would love to here if anyone has any info on him and his time in the camp or if he had any friends in there.

Charlotte
Title: Re: POW in Stalag XXB - advice please (See New Facebook group on XXB)
Post by: MAITLAND_Finlays on Sunday 02 May 21 03:49 BST (UK)
Stalag XXB Facebook group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2191167800961547

My grandfather wat in XXB , and also XX1C/Z, XX1A, XX1B

There are facebook groups for each, XXB is most active (everyone welcome)