241871 Gnr. Douglas Hewitt British Army Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment Royal Artillery from:Sheffield My Dad Douglas Hewitt enlisted before the war as there was little work available. He joined the Royal Artillery as a gunner in a light anti-aircraft Battery. He went to France with the B.E.F and I think he was evacuated at the time of the infamous retreat. I believe it was not from Dunkirk but near by. Dad then served in the Middle East until captured in 1942 by the Italian forces.
He was at first sent to San Lorenzo POW camp then at some point sent by rail to Stalag IV-D/Z at Annaburg Saxony-Anhalt.
During his time as a POW, he lost all of his teeth which had to be pulled out by pliers as they were beyond saving.
Dad talked about comrades getting blind drunk on covert potato wine and having to go on work duties by train to other towns. He spoke of certain trips when they threw their tools from the train and had hardly any to work with at journeys end.
Dad said some of the guards were ok and some were bad buggers. For one of the good guards, he and other POWs got stuff together for him as the guy was getting married. I may be mistaken but I recall Mum saying he was called Fritz.
Dad died in 1995 age 78 leaving behind a loving wife Hilda and five Children. He was a hard working gentleman. A loving and kind gentle man. A lovely dad and we still miss him and honour his life
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