Prigione di Guerra (Campo) P.G. 82 Prisoner of War Camp

If you can provide any additional information, please add it here.

Those known to have been held in or employed at
Prigione di Guerra (Campo) P.G. 82 Prisoner of War Camp
during the Second World War 1939-1945.

Green WE.
Joubert John Adriaan. Gnr.
Ledbury William Nelson Ellsmore. Pte.
Miller Peter.
Paver Ian Albert . WO1.
Rumble Leslie William. Gnr.
Warf Norman. Pte.
White Ernest Albert. Cpl.

The names on this list have been submitted by relatives, friends, neighbours and others who wish to remember them, if you have any names to add or any recollections or photos of those listed, please Add a Name to this List

Records from Prigione di Guerra (Campo) P.G. 82 Prisoner of War Camp other sources.

The Wartime Memories Project is the original WW1 and WW2 commemoration website.

Announcements

1st of September 2024 marks 25 years since the launch of the Wartime Memories Project. Thanks to everyone who has supported us over this time.
The Wartime Memories Project has been running for 25 years. If you would like to support us, a donation, no matter how small, would be much appreciated, annually we need to raise enough funds to pay for our web hosting and admin or this site will vanish from the web.

18th Dec 2024 - Please note we currently have a huge backlog of submitted material, our volunteers are working through this as quickly as possible and all names, stories and photos will be added to the site. If you have already submitted a story to the site and your UID reference number is higher than 265120 your information is still in the queue, please do not resubmit, we are working through them as quickly as possible.
Looking for help with Family History Research? Please read our Family History FAQs
The free to access section of The Wartime Memories Project website is run by volunteers and funded by donations from our visitors. If the information here has been helpful or you have enjoyed reaching the stories please conside making a donation, no matter how small, would be much appreciated, annually we need to raise enough funds to pay for our web hosting or this site will vanish from the web.
If you enjoy this site
please consider making a donation.

Want to find out more about your relative's service? Want to know what life was like during the War? Our Library contains an ever growing number diary entries, personal letters and other documents, most transcribed into plain text.

Wanted: Digital copies of Group photographs, Scrapbooks, Autograph books, photo albums, newspaper clippings, letters, postcards and ephemera relating to WW2. We would like to obtain digital copies of any documents or photographs relating to WW2 you may have at home.
If you have any unwanted photographs, documents or items from the First or Second World War, please do not destroy them. The Wartime Memories Project will give them a good home and ensure that they are used for educational purposes. Please get in touch for the postal address, do not sent them to our PO Box as packages are not accepted. World War 1 One ww1 wwII second 1939 1945 battalion
Did you know? We also have a section on The Great War. and a Timecapsule to preserve stories from other conflicts for future generations.

Want to know more about Prigione di Guerra (Campo) P.G. 82 Prisoner of War Camp?

There are:0 items tagged Prigione di Guerra (Campo) P.G. 82 Prisoner of War Camp available in our Library

These include information on officers, regimental histories, letters, diary entries, personal accounts and information about actions during the Second World War.

WE Green 8th Kings Royal Irish Hussars

WE Green served with the 8th Kings Royal Irish Hussars British Army. I have his unissued dogtags, made in preparation for deployment to the Far East and would love to get them home to his family. I am happy to cover all costs. If you are a family member or can put me in touch with them please get in touch.
Update: Unfortunately The Wartime Memories Project has lost touch with Dan, his website, facebook page and email have all ceased to function. But if you can add any details about the person listed, please use the add to record link below.

Dan

Add to this record.

Peter Miller 1st Btn. Cameron Highlanders

My dad, Peter Miller was in the 1st Battalion, Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders and the King's Own Scottish Borderers. He was born on in April 1927. He mentioned PG82 in Italy and someone called Vic Watling. He will be 93 this year and now lives in Ingatestone, Essex.

Brenda Bensley

Add to this record.

Gnr. Leslie William Rumble Royal Hampshire Regiment

Les Rumble was captured in North Africa and taken to Camp 82 in Laterina, Italy. He escaped from there, but was recaptured by the Germans and taken to Stalag IV-B, where he remained until the end of the war.

Peter Rumble

Add to this record.

Pte. William Nelson Ellsmore Ledbury 172nd Field Regiment Royal Artillery

My father, William Ledbury, has written his own story and you can read this on the WW2 Peoples War website. He served in 172nd Field Regiment, Royal Artillery and was held as a PoW in Stalag 4c, Wistritz Bei Teplitz, He celebrated his 100th birthday last July and still has a good memory of wartime. He is now looking forward to his 101th birthday in July this year. Journey into the Unknown

Cherryl Wharton

Add to this record.

WO1. Ian Albert "Jock " Paver Die Middlelandse Regiment

My grandfather Ian Paver has documented much of his war experience. He has sketches and prison tokens from some of the POW camps he was interned in.He was the Regimental Sergeant Major of Die Middlelandse Regiment from Umtata and he was taken prisoner in Tobruk and this is the short version of his experiences.
He was Taken prisoner at Tobruk 21st June 1942 by German Panza forces, and held in Benghazi 1st July 1942. On 12th Nov. 1942 Ian was moved by ship from Benghazi to Italy, he arrived in Taranto on 23rd Nov. 1942 then was moved again to PG 82 PM 3200, Laterina on 25th November 1942. The Italian guards leave Laterina on 12th Sept. 1943, and German guards take over 13th Sept. 1943. 16th Sept. 1943 Ian leaves Laterina by train in cattle a truck. 17th Sept. 1943 at midnight he crossed into Austria through the Brenner Pass arriving at Stalag IV B on 8th Oct. 1943. US Troops arrived 25th April 1945. Finally they were released.

Michelle Daniel

Add to this record.

Gnr. John Adriaan Joubert Artillery

This is my grandfather's War Diary that is in my cousin's possession. I took the time to type it up and place the 2 books in chronological order.
The Truth
When danger is near and trouble is high God and the soldier Is everyone's cry
When troubles are over And danger is righted God is forgotten And the soldier is slighted
1941
Departed Durban - 29/9/40
Arrived Mombassa - 4/10/40
Do Gil Gil - 6/10/40 Departed Gil Gil - 4/11/40
Arrived Marsebit - 7/11/40
Departed Marsabit - 30/1/41
ived Dukana - 1/1/41
Departed Dukana - 13/2/41
Arrived Kunehuarra - 13/2/41
Departed do - 5/3/41
Arrived Mega - 5/3/41
Departed Mega - 14/3/41
Arrived Yavello - 14/4/41
eparted Yavello - 20/4/41
Arrived Megga Luba - 21/4/41
eparted do - 28/4/41
Arrived Seghelli - 30/4/41
Departed do - 31/4/41
Arrived Uadarra - 31/4/41
Arrived Adola - 15/5/41
Arrived Hula - 26/5/41
Do Uindo - 27/5/41
Do Scioloi - 29/5/41
Do Omo River - 30/5/41
Departed Omo River - 13/6/41
Arrived X Rd Fiume Indodo - 14/6/41
Departed do - 21/6/41
Arrived G (J)imam - 1/6/41
Do Dembi Dola - 24/6/41
Returned Gimma - 31/6/41
Departed do - 19/7/41
Departed Adis for Asmara - 24/7/41
Webra Sina, Giarra, Alomata, Wessil, Mia Biu, Madani Alem, Quiha, Uogora, Adigrat, Sanafi, Adi Caih, Saganetti, Weeamere Asmara - 28/7/41
Nefasit, Ghinda, Dolngollo Basar, Massawa. Arrived Egypt - 7/8/41
Sindi Regegh - 23.11.41

1942
Captured Tobruk - 21.6.42
Arrived Benghazi - 26.6.42
Do Brindisi - 13.7.42
Had fist hot meal 14.7.42 for 3 weeks.
Received Red Cross Parcel 16.7.42 split between 4 men what a feed up we had.
21.7.42 - Wrote Card Home.
2.7.42 - wrote better card receiving a Red Cross parcel
2.23.7 - got our parcel today but what a poor one
27.7 - Left Bari at 3:30 for labor camp at Co? Camp Colle de Compito
29.7 - Received one parcel to five men, quite a good parcel
30.7 - Worked for a painter received ten cigarettes in payment
?.8 - Worked in cookhouse for the day + had a good meal for a change.
12.8 - Wrote home again for a change, have received no parcel for 7 days
?.6.8 - had water and sweet milk today costing about 2 lire not much to eat but very welcome.
17.8 - still no red+ parcel, all the lads looking forward to getting one
18.8- Had two peaches + 4 tomatoes today costing me 1 lira it was very tasty indeed it also included 2 pieced garlic
23.8 - Had 4 peaches +3 pears today Red Cross parcel.
2.9 - Had writing paper today and wrote home, no signs of cigs which we have not had for over a week. Still no signs of the red+ parcels yet. Canteen fruit also getting very scarce now.
4.9 - Got Red cross parcel today 1 to 2 men can have a good feed again.
6.9 - Oscar and myself had porridge for breakfast. Oatmeal supplied by parcel. Made an apple pudding and had a good dinner in the evening. A good day it was
14.9 - The Rev Burger and another padre has arrived in our camp as
15.9 - Musical instruments have arrived in camp for our entertainment
16.9 - Red Cross representative paid us a visit today and promised a more even flow of parcels
17.9 - We received a lot of canteen fruit today and had a good feed again for a change. I think it was it was only to make an impression upon
1.10 - Received one red cross parcel per man today Canadian type we all feel that we are living, and it is a real God sent to us.
4.10 - Had Holy communion today the first since I joined up in the army.
4.11 - There is a general move on again where to no one knows yet. Had drunken mealie porridge this morning with boiled milk and how enjoyable it was.
11.11 - we observed a? muster? this morning as usual and it makes one think very far.
13.11 - A man T.C. Lee died this morning on his way to the station.
15.11 - Had holy communion for the last time at Lucia camp.
16.11 - Left Colle de Campito, arrived at camp 65.
18.11 - In bitter cold weather to find no parcels awaiting us.
22.11 - our food Sunday in new camp, parcels today
23.11 - It is one year today since we made such a desperate stand at Sidi Rezagh. I met a lot of my pals in this camp that were captured there. It was quite a reunion for us after not having seen each other for.

1943
30.1.43 - I have not entered anything in this book for a long time now because I have not had anything worth writing in we have not had red cross parcels for a long time now. 10 men were confirmed tonight the second lot since I have been a prisoner.
31.1 - We had Holy communion this evening the first in this sector in Gravina Camp
25.2 - the Pope's delegate paid us a visit today and sympathized with us and promised us that his Holiness would pray for us.
26.3 - Today the Rev Guido Coma visited us, I was quite surprised to know that he is a Wesleyan minister and that the authorities allows him to visit POW's Any way he is quite a nice stick
4.4 - Major Hunter and several SA medicals left today on repatriation. I hope we will follow soon.
11.4 - I went to my first concert last night since coming to this camp it really helped to show the blues away.
6.5.43 - Received my first letter from home today since I have been captured.
26.5 - We today arrived in the province of Taranto at a place called Mottola we are going to do farm work.
3.7 - I celebrated my second birthday today in Italy we are doing Farm jobs around here mine being wall digging.
23.7 - we arrived in the province of Foggia, at a farm outside San Ferdinando, this is a better farm that the one we were on at Mottola, but we have not met the owner yet.
6.7 - Today we heard that??? Mussolini has left this country and that Marshall Badoglio has taken over, so the end of this country must be in sight.
18-8 - the Fighting in Sicily finished yesterday according to the Iti Press it finished this morning so it cannot be many more months before this life will cease.
20.8 - Left San Samuele this morning on foot for Cerinola and were dumped in an abattoir.
22.8 - After two days in Cerinola we left for Foggia by train.
23.8 - we passed through Foggia on foot this morning and found the town in ruins after being bombed by the RAF and the 192 no trains were able to pass through so we had to walk 10 ?? to the next station.
25.8 - We arrived this morning at Camp 82 Situated in mountains at a place called Laterina, rather a queer name. It is rather nice here and I like the surroundings. I have also met a lot off my old pals here.
27.8 - No cigarettes or parcels here we arrived at camp 65 in similar circumstances 10 months ago and as it is we have had no issue of cigarettes for two months now. Out on the working parties. I seem to have the misfortune to get into a sector where there are always a lot of colored men.
30.8 - There seems to be great expectations in the air everyone seems to be talking of nothing else but peace, I hope it will not be long before Italy withdraws from the war and we can return home again but, these Itis seem to be very stubborn and think they are still going to win the war. We had 10 English cigs today for a change.
4.9 - Very strong rumors today that our forces landed in Italy yesterday and the Iti Sentries recon it will only be ten days then we will be free men again. I hope they are right about it.
9.9 - Last night we heard that the Italians had capitulated and the men took it with great joy. I have just come in from outside and cold see Italian soldiers and civilians running in all direction. Nobody seems to know what all the excitement is about, rumors have it though that the Germans are coming to take over the camp and of our men seem to be very worried about it? Why? I do not know.
11.10 - At 4PM this afternoon there was a concerted escape from this Sector led by the French Foreign Legion. I am sorry to say that some S Africans also took part in it. For my part I would have nothing to do with it as I value my life too much. A certain section is still busy breaking down the barbed wire fence and breaking down he poles.
12.9 - The Italians deserted us this evening leaving us to our own cares, a few of the officers at least had the decency of remaining with us. The camp is in a chaos especially in this sector, the fences being down prisoners are roaming around the fields.
13.9 - Last night more Iti soldiers turned up but by 12 noon they had all departed again, two German officers paid us a visits in the ordinary course of their duties and found us all by ourselves, but said that if the prisoners kept in the camp they would leave us alone, so it is up to the men now to behave themselves if they do not want the Germans taking over.
14.9 - The Germans took the camp over last evening but found it quite in order and very calm. From now on news is going to be very scarce in this camp, so we have to rely solely on rumors which is rather dangerous in a P.O.W. camp. Any way we have it on good authority that the Itis threw open the camps at Genora & Milan and that the Germans are having a busy time rounding up P.O.W. any way they have a thou? From this camp as well.
9.9 - We arrived in this camp this afternoon from Italy in pouring rain. We had rather uncomfortable trip, though through pleasant country, Austria especially is very attractive, so is Germany only too many factories in the Towns, the Germans also treated us very well on the journey over and is still doing so, and I must say very much better than the Italians did.
20.9 - We had rather a busy day as we had to be registered again and we received POW numbers and we find that we are at Stalag V1110. I wonder for how long. The weather is still not treating is well as it is very cold after the rain.
29.9 - The weather is still bad here at Sagan, evidently they have a very early winter around these parts of the country. We have had no Red Cross parcels since coming here and the German supply of food is very little so I hope they will hurry with the red cross parcels so we can have our daily fill.
4.10 - The Germans gave us a sort of Mealie Porridge for lunch today but on the whole the food had been very poor this last week unlike the first week we were here. It is also 3 years today that I arrived up north. There is talk of a working party leaving this camp this week. Up to now we have had no writing material to write home. I recon it is a poor show.
12.10 - Left Sagan yesterday and arrived at Hubereashof today, commencing work in sugar factory this evening. We had a very good breakfast on arriving here.
1.11 - We had a heavy frost last night and it as not too pleasant this morning loading sugar beat on to the trucks.
5.11 - Today we had a slight fall of snow throughout the day and it may continue through the night. This is only the beginning and I dread working in the cold, cold snow.
16.11 - We awoke this morning to a heavy fall of snow, which lasted until about 11 o clock. It was only a few inches deep but of course more is expected.
21.11 - We arrived in Breslan today at a locomotive factory, the food is good and the bread is excellent in the event of an air raid we are well within the target area.
10.12 - It is Eliza's birthday today and oh how I longed to be home. It has also been snowing continuously since yesterday and we had a bit of afternoon fighting during the day.
25.12 - Well another Christmas has come around and I am still in the work house. I hope it will be the last one in captivity, as usual the Red Cross supplied good Christmas fare and we all had a good meal, the clerk of the weather also obliged by making it a white Christmas as it started to snow this afternoon after we had been thinking there was going to be nothing but ice we also had beer which the boys enjoyed very much, but I of course only had a very little having given myself over as a TT lad. I enjoyed myself as much as possible in the circumstances so I pray that 25.12.44 will not find me behind any more barbed wire but at or well on the way.

1944

25.1.44 - We had the first sunshine today for nearly 2 months it was really enjoyable to stand and bask in it. The first SA mail arrived at our working camp today, we also had the news that some men who escaped in Italy had got home safely.
24-2 - After having had snow continually since the 14th we had sunshine again today. Also the first daylight air raid alarms since coming here.
13. - Received my first letter in Germany today. How nice it is to receive news again from the old country.
17.3 - Received another two letters from home today to my great satisfaction and joy.
3.4 - Received another letter from home today.
4.4 - We had some photos taken this evening by a German woman and her father. It was strange to see a woman in the billets she was rather cheerful and could also speak English.
19.5 - Received 13 letters today being addressed to Italy.
6.6 - Heard this morning that the Invasion of France started at midnight. It has been raining here most of the night and morning so I wonder what the weather was like in France. Also received 4 letters 4 from Italy one being over a year old.
13.7 - I celebrated my 3rd birthday today in captivity. It was not so bad though. I had rather many well wishes. Also received a bunch of flowers and a packet of fresh fruit mixed but oh, how I longed to be home with my own darlings.
30.7 - Started on our way to Sagan en route for rest camp.
2.8 - Arrived in the middle of the night at the rest camp after a trying train journey.
4. - Went to Reich's Sports field today it was quite an interesting tour.
6.8 - Had quite an air raid close to this camp today. First experience of Yank high altitude Bombing.
8.11 - Had another air raid yesterday evening lasting hrs.
12.8 - Another Air Road last night this evening we are having a fancy dress cabaret
13.8 - Cabaret a huge success followed by an air raid
15.8 - Another very heavy air raid last night. Capt. Burger arrived here this morning, was very glad to see him again.
18.8 - Went to Potsdam City today to view old historic sights, saw the old castle of Frederick the Great one ???? new castle Sans Souci palace, Garrison Church and Church of Peace.
19.8 - Capt. Henrico also arrived here this morning.
25.(8) - We heard today that Romania capitulated today.
3.9 - Arrived back at work last night, I wonder how long it will still be to the end of the war.
7.10 - It is a long time since I entered anything in this book. The Allied forces are already on the German soil and this evening this town Breslan had its first air raid lasting almost 2 hours.
17.11 - Had my first parcel from South Africa after it had been 19 months on its way also had the first fall of snow yesterday
15.11 - I have had no letters now from home for two months and life is getting very monotonous. Still we are full of expectations that the war will not last long now anymore since the Anglo Americans has reached the Rheine River
22.12 - Capt. Burger paid us a visit here longer and held A service for us and I of course was very glad to see him again being old friends
24.12 - Well this is Christmas eve and rather dreary, having no red X parcels and haven't had any for a long time now. Anyway this is a good sign for us we hope the boys are trying to be happy and I must also say trying to indulge on community singing but their minds seem to be far away somehow we have had some very nice sing songs here in the past.
25.12 - Christmas passed rather quietly, then one cannot expect men to be very happy on a Christmas in a life like this we also did not have any snow.

1945
31-12-1-1-45 - We had a concert here tonight staged by men of this Xdo and then hasred the rest of the night with community singing which lasting well into the morning.
11. - Received one parcel to 3 men again today after not having had any for a long time.
18-1 - Had another air raid this evening lasting an hour. The RG have started pushing again and coming on well.
19.1 - Received our Christmas parcels today one to 2 men rather late than never.
20.1 - Got orders to stand by to move at any time men are all packing. RS reported to be well on their way to this place.
22.1 - The Jerrys are evacuating Breslan in a hurry, we are even dismantling machinery for removal from here.
24.1 - We did go out to work today gunfire has been heard all night and today. Jerry ??? not taken away to Frankfort. 1943 Sept Italian days seems to be starting all over again for us, and expectations are great at the present for us.
6.2 - We have now travelled through snow, sleet and mud and are having our first days rest. The Jerries also shot one of our chaps accidentally while shooting at a Russian. We have also had to discard our sleighs for wheeled carts.
8.2 - We have passed by one Stalag and on our way to own now.
15.2 - The weather has turned out for the better and again we have passed our own Stalag
25.2 - Arrive last night at Stalag IX C but were told this morning to be on our way again so we still live on the road and being starved as rations are few and far between and mostly we live by bartering our own personal bit.
27.2 - Were strafed by Anglo American fighters this afternoon and lost six killed and nine wounded. Wally Sheppard of my dept. also being killed.
8.3 - Went out bartering today among the German civilians and had a good feed from them as well, expect to arrive at a Stalag tomorrow.
10.3 - Arrived at Stalag IX A yesterday which is situated in S.W. Germany anyway it is not a good camp it is as bad as our first camp in Italy if not worse from the food point of view the excuse again is that it is a French Stalag and not British. A peculiar thing I have noticed in this part of Germany is the strange way woman dress and make up their hair it reminds one of the dress of woman about 1900
17.3 - Cooked meals are quite good in this camp but could do with more bread ration very small, 7 men to one load and 10 men to one loaf on Fridays, we are all feeling the hunger already and are wishing that our troops were here. Cigs are also very scarce and which to make life very miserable.
20.3 - We are still sleeping on the hard floor and no blankets issued yet we are getting very hungry now and some men are already suffering from black gut ours are very good and it seem to be well pleased for??????????
21-3 - Today I started writing UP in this book as the other one is full, had to go and work for the Germans outside with no extra ration and big complaint on our side, getting hungrier by the day. Mad Yankee Fighter pilot strafed our camp, killing 12 Frenchman and wounding 50. This is my second experience of Yankee strafing.
22-3 - Bad rumours today of 10 men to a loaf of bread as from Monday 26th it is bad enough now on 7 to a loaf, anyway Jerrys end must be in sight. Protective Power representative also in camp today, suppose it will be the usual old promises and nothing done, no news yet of Red Cross parcels.
24.3 - Germans announce General Montgomery big offensive in Northern sector of West front news is generally good for us, Hundreds of Flying Fortresses passed over here this afternoon, dropping only smoke bombs or flares or whatever they were no on knows. Men are still dying in this camp, most from exhaustion, 9th man to date was buried today.
27.3 - It is one month today since we were strafed by Yanks on the Reich Autobahn, food is deteriorating by the day in this camp, news is very good for us and perhaps we will be free men by the end of this month. Anyway we have heard artillery fire in and before we reached this camp. Roll on the big day and CompoPacketo
28.3 - 3 PM Marching orders just came through to us and we will once again be on our way tomorrow morning at 8 how are we going to last on this trip as we are all in a weak condition, we have just marched west now we are marching back east again. I don't know why but I think I am with a Jonah crowd as I seem to miss liberation by the skin of my teeth every time, according to news our forces are not far from here.
8.4 - We have now been on the road for 11 days again and the men are in a bad condition. For the past week we have been getting a cup of thin soup only and then we have had to stand in a queue for hours to get bread, we have not had for a whole week now, The Germans are also marching us by night so we are not going down in condition owing to lack of food but also through lack of sleep as the best. part of the day is spending in waiting for soup
11-4 (1944?) At least the Germans have decided to give us a rest day, but incidentally we cannot do any cooking for ourselves though we have potatoes and wheat of our own to cook, of course we put it all down to reprisals. The Germans still have not come up with any bread rations. Last night a lot of us even went without our broth (drop) of soup and had to walk all night on an empty stomach, of course we got a couple of Red Cross Parcels from somewhere, which we had to share 1 to 25 men so of course Jerry must have thought we had a royal feed though it was just a bare taste for us. Anglo American planes are now flying around this country as if it belongs to them, especially fighter planes are very active strafing all vehicles on roads. The German Air force seems to be non-existent as we have not on any occasion yet seen any of their planes in action against ours. Still no news of when we will be reaching a Stalag again. Anyway roll on the end of the march, roll on victory and peace and Bread. Last night before leaving billets my muckers and myself pinched a rabbit and have just managed to give it at rather bribed a woman to cook it for us, so we are hopefully looking forward to a bit of a feast for three. Roll on the peace bells. Later we have just had a rabbit and spuds which we all agree was the best. meal we have had for 10 days now.
12-4 - Had horse meat first thing this morning, I have always frowned upon horse flesh, but whether it is from hunger I do not know, but it tasted very well, in fact I should say better than beef.
17-4 - I have now been travelling for 3 days with the sick I have been suffering for 14 days with dysentery and still no sign of it coming to a stop, this morning we were left with the major of the village with our guards, but the major seems to be anxious for us to be on our way again, we at least got a very small piece of bread each, which the major thought was a great treat for us. Yesterday we enjoyed some coffee with milk which the farm woman gave us
18-4 - Yesterday passed quite well for us in this village of Langenhau, I've even had some fresh eggs the first I have had in Germany? we are still stopping here and we are quite contended to remain here, as the American force are not very far from here and there just may be a chance of being released. I am now getting weaker by the day and do not know if I will be able to manage a? 30 km walk now.
19-4 (1944) - Last night we were taken to a big town Eder to be handed over to the military authorities again but were refused so we returned to our old cam(p) again. Thousands of bombers have passed over here in the last few days. Today the town near here were heavily machine gunned from the air artillery fire is also much neared today, and our hopes are still high for a speedy release.
20 - The fighting came right UP to this village last night and is still continuing this morning and our hopes are still high for our release
21 - well the town of Selb is supposed to be in the hands of the Yanks and two civvies came along to fetch two of our men away to go to Selb to contact the Yanks at Selb and we are anxiously awaiting their return. Later. The Americans have arrived here with some cigs and chocs and at last we are free men again after 2 years and 10 months to the day. Hooray. Later still we marched into Selb this afternoon and we were received right royalty by the Americans, they simply showered us with cigs and fed us till we could not eat anymore, then found us accommodation and send us in more food which I cooked and have just finished it 11-30 PM. What a treat to be free men again
22 - Believe it or not we did not sleep a wink on the first night of our liberation, though we had an excellent house at our disposal and beds with spring mattresses and white sheets we could not. perhaps it was over eating or drinking too much coffee, these yanks sure have good coffee and I drank dozens of cups of it. This afternoon we moved forward with the yanks nearer to the front and were then promptly sent off from there to Bayreuthe were are supposed to get a plane from here tomorrow to Blighty
23 - we did not leave Bayreuthe today to our disappointment but are leaving tomorrow morning for Erlangen and rumour has it that we will leave from there by plane, so we are all hoping that this is true. Frikkie Els, Pimple Abbot, Nobby Clark, Laurie Gibson and myself today celebrated our liberation with two roast Chickens, roast potatoes and Yorkshire pudding, so I am only hoping that it is not going to have any after effects on me, as my stomach seems to be getting right now, owing I think to eating good food again
24 - We were supposed to have left this morning at 7-30 for Erlangen Port on our way to England but the transport did not arrive until 2-20. I got browned off and made the boys a baked custard in the time of waiting. Any way we arrived at Herzogenaurach aerodrome this afternoon late were disinfected and leave tomorrow for Blighty.
25 - There were thousands coming in and out we arrived at Brussels Air Port at 3:30 and are staying overnight, it is quite delightful to be in a city again that is all lit up and where English is predominant
26 - We left Brussels this afternoon at 5-30 for Ostend by train to catch a boat for England. I am a bit disappointed as I really hoped to fly there. Anyway another day is wasted in getting to England.
27 - Left Ostend at 1-30 this afternoon TBS Vienna, a very smooth running ship though the channel is a bit rough and cold. We landed at Tilbury Docks and were taken for dinner which we enjoyed very much as it was the first lamb we had for many years.
28 - We arrived in Brighton this morning had a good breakfast and then started filling in various, it was like joining the army all over again.

Francois Joubert

Add to this record.

Pte. Norman Warf 16th Btn. Durham Light Infantry

Norman Warf was captured at Sedjenane in Tunisia in February 1943. He was transported to Italy and held in Camp 66 Capua. Then he was sent to Camp 82. After the Italian surrender Norman was transported to Stalag 8a and then, in November, to Stalag 8b Lamsdorf. He worked on railways and in mines. Norman survived the long march and was liberated by the Americans in May 1945.

Mark Burton

Add to this record.

Cpl. Ernest Albert "Chalky" White 5th Battalion Hampshire Regiment

Having been captured by the Germans in Tunisia on 27 February, 1943 my father, Ernie White, was handed over to the Italians and embarked on an Italian ship at Bizerta for Naples and then by train to PG 66 at Capua.
He received his first letter from his wife, Iris, on 15 May, enclosing a photo of herself taken in February 1943. On 16 June he was moved to PG 82 at Laterina. On 23 August another move took him to a working camp - No. 82/XV at Borgo san Lorenzo - where he worked on building a sugar refinery.
On 8 September 1943 Italy signed the Armistice and the prisoners of war finished work the next day. The Italians deserted the camp and the prisoners, having heard (false) reports of Allied landings at Ancona and Leghorn, fled into the countryside. After 3 days of liberty Ernie bumped into a column of German tanks and was recaptured (13 September)and taken the following day to an evacuated officers' camp at Bologna. On 16 September 1943 Ernie, along with many other P.O.W.s, were herded into railway horse trucks and after a nightmare journey of 4 days and nights via the Brenner Pass arrived at Stalag VIIIA in Gorlitz in Lower Silesia.

Hilary Spon

Add to this record.

WE Green 8th Kings Royal Irish Hussars

WE Green served with the 8th Kings Royal Irish Hussars British Army. I have his unissued dogtags, made in preparation for deployment to the Far East and would love to get them home to his family. I am happy to cover all costs. If you are a family member or can put me in touch with them please get in touch.
Update: Unfortunately The Wartime Memories Project has lost touch with Dan, his website, facebook page and email have all ceased to function. But if you can add any details about the person listed, please use the add to record link below.

Dan

Peter Miller 1st Btn. Cameron Highlanders

My dad, Peter Miller was in the 1st Battalion, Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders and the King's Own Scottish Borderers. He was born on in April 1927. He mentioned PG82 in Italy and someone called Vic Watling. He will be 93 this year and now lives in Ingatestone, Essex.

Brenda Bensley

Gnr. Leslie William Rumble Royal Hampshire Regiment

Les Rumble was captured in North Africa and taken to Camp 82 in Laterina, Italy. He escaped from there, but was recaptured by the Germans and taken to Stalag IV-B, where he remained until the end of the war.

Peter Rumble

Pte. William Nelson Ellsmore Ledbury 172nd Field Regiment Royal Artillery

My father, William Ledbury, has written his own story and you can read this on the WW2 Peoples War website. He served in 172nd Field Regiment, Royal Artillery and was held as a PoW in Stalag 4c, Wistritz Bei Teplitz, He celebrated his 100th birthday last July and still has a good memory of wartime. He is now looking forward to his 101th birthday in July this year. Journey into the Unknown

Cherryl Wharton

WO1. Ian Albert "Jock " Paver Die Middlelandse Regiment

My grandfather Ian Paver has documented much of his war experience. He has sketches and prison tokens from some of the POW camps he was interned in.He was the Regimental Sergeant Major of Die Middlelandse Regiment from Umtata and he was taken prisoner in Tobruk and this is the short version of his experiences.
He was Taken prisoner at Tobruk 21st June 1942 by German Panza forces, and held in Benghazi 1st July 1942. On 12th Nov. 1942 Ian was moved by ship from Benghazi to Italy, he arrived in Taranto on 23rd Nov. 1942 then was moved again to PG 82 PM 3200, Laterina on 25th November 1942. The Italian guards leave Laterina on 12th Sept. 1943, and German guards take over 13th Sept. 1943. 16th Sept. 1943 Ian leaves Laterina by train in cattle a truck. 17th Sept. 1943 at midnight he crossed into Austria through the Brenner Pass arriving at Stalag IV B on 8th Oct. 1943. US Troops arrived 25th April 1945. Finally they were released.

Michelle Daniel

Gnr. John Adriaan Joubert Artillery

This is my grandfather's War Diary that is in my cousin's possession. I took the time to type it up and place the 2 books in chronological order.
The Truth
When danger is near and trouble is high God and the soldier Is everyone's cry
When troubles are over And danger is righted God is forgotten And the soldier is slighted
1941
Departed Durban - 29/9/40
Arrived Mombassa - 4/10/40
Do Gil Gil - 6/10/40 Departed Gil Gil - 4/11/40
Arrived Marsebit - 7/11/40
Departed Marsabit - 30/1/41
ived Dukana - 1/1/41
Departed Dukana - 13/2/41
Arrived Kunehuarra - 13/2/41
Departed do - 5/3/41
Arrived Mega - 5/3/41
Departed Mega - 14/3/41
Arrived Yavello - 14/4/41
eparted Yavello - 20/4/41
Arrived Megga Luba - 21/4/41
eparted do - 28/4/41
Arrived Seghelli - 30/4/41
Departed do - 31/4/41
Arrived Uadarra - 31/4/41
Arrived Adola - 15/5/41
Arrived Hula - 26/5/41
Do Uindo - 27/5/41
Do Scioloi - 29/5/41
Do Omo River - 30/5/41
Departed Omo River - 13/6/41
Arrived X Rd Fiume Indodo - 14/6/41
Departed do - 21/6/41
Arrived G (J)imam - 1/6/41
Do Dembi Dola - 24/6/41
Returned Gimma - 31/6/41
Departed do - 19/7/41
Departed Adis for Asmara - 24/7/41
Webra Sina, Giarra, Alomata, Wessil, Mia Biu, Madani Alem, Quiha, Uogora, Adigrat, Sanafi, Adi Caih, Saganetti, Weeamere Asmara - 28/7/41
Nefasit, Ghinda, Dolngollo Basar, Massawa. Arrived Egypt - 7/8/41
Sindi Regegh - 23.11.41

1942
Captured Tobruk - 21.6.42
Arrived Benghazi - 26.6.42
Do Brindisi - 13.7.42
Had fist hot meal 14.7.42 for 3 weeks.
Received Red Cross Parcel 16.7.42 split between 4 men what a feed up we had.
21.7.42 - Wrote Card Home.
2.7.42 - wrote better card receiving a Red Cross parcel
2.23.7 - got our parcel today but what a poor one
27.7 - Left Bari at 3:30 for labor camp at Co? Camp Colle de Compito
29.7 - Received one parcel to five men, quite a good parcel
30.7 - Worked for a painter received ten cigarettes in payment
?.8 - Worked in cookhouse for the day + had a good meal for a change.
12.8 - Wrote home again for a change, have received no parcel for 7 days
?.6.8 - had water and sweet milk today costing about 2 lire not much to eat but very welcome.
17.8 - still no red+ parcel, all the lads looking forward to getting one
18.8- Had two peaches + 4 tomatoes today costing me 1 lira it was very tasty indeed it also included 2 pieced garlic
23.8 - Had 4 peaches +3 pears today Red Cross parcel.
2.9 - Had writing paper today and wrote home, no signs of cigs which we have not had for over a week. Still no signs of the red+ parcels yet. Canteen fruit also getting very scarce now.
4.9 - Got Red cross parcel today 1 to 2 men can have a good feed again.
6.9 - Oscar and myself had porridge for breakfast. Oatmeal supplied by parcel. Made an apple pudding and had a good dinner in the evening. A good day it was
14.9 - The Rev Burger and another padre has arrived in our camp as
15.9 - Musical instruments have arrived in camp for our entertainment
16.9 - Red Cross representative paid us a visit today and promised a more even flow of parcels
17.9 - We received a lot of canteen fruit today and had a good feed again for a change. I think it was it was only to make an impression upon
1.10 - Received one red cross parcel per man today Canadian type we all feel that we are living, and it is a real God sent to us.
4.10 - Had Holy communion today the first since I joined up in the army.
4.11 - There is a general move on again where to no one knows yet. Had drunken mealie porridge this morning with boiled milk and how enjoyable it was.
11.11 - we observed a? muster? this morning as usual and it makes one think very far.
13.11 - A man T.C. Lee died this morning on his way to the station.
15.11 - Had holy communion for the last time at Lucia camp.
16.11 - Left Colle de Campito, arrived at camp 65.
18.11 - In bitter cold weather to find no parcels awaiting us.
22.11 - our food Sunday in new camp, parcels today
23.11 - It is one year today since we made such a desperate stand at Sidi Rezagh. I met a lot of my pals in this camp that were captured there. It was quite a reunion for us after not having seen each other for.

1943
30.1.43 - I have not entered anything in this book for a long time now because I have not had anything worth writing in we have not had red cross parcels for a long time now. 10 men were confirmed tonight the second lot since I have been a prisoner.
31.1 - We had Holy communion this evening the first in this sector in Gravina Camp
25.2 - the Pope's delegate paid us a visit today and sympathized with us and promised us that his Holiness would pray for us.
26.3 - Today the Rev Guido Coma visited us, I was quite surprised to know that he is a Wesleyan minister and that the authorities allows him to visit POW's Any way he is quite a nice stick
4.4 - Major Hunter and several SA medicals left today on repatriation. I hope we will follow soon.
11.4 - I went to my first concert last night since coming to this camp it really helped to show the blues away.
6.5.43 - Received my first letter from home today since I have been captured.
26.5 - We today arrived in the province of Taranto at a place called Mottola we are going to do farm work.
3.7 - I celebrated my second birthday today in Italy we are doing Farm jobs around here mine being wall digging.
23.7 - we arrived in the province of Foggia, at a farm outside San Ferdinando, this is a better farm that the one we were on at Mottola, but we have not met the owner yet.
6.7 - Today we heard that??? Mussolini has left this country and that Marshall Badoglio has taken over, so the end of this country must be in sight.
18-8 - the Fighting in Sicily finished yesterday according to the Iti Press it finished this morning so it cannot be many more months before this life will cease.
20.8 - Left San Samuele this morning on foot for Cerinola and were dumped in an abattoir.
22.8 - After two days in Cerinola we left for Foggia by train.
23.8 - we passed through Foggia on foot this morning and found the town in ruins after being bombed by the RAF and the 192 no trains were able to pass through so we had to walk 10 ?? to the next station.
25.8 - We arrived this morning at Camp 82 Situated in mountains at a place called Laterina, rather a queer name. It is rather nice here and I like the surroundings. I have also met a lot off my old pals here.
27.8 - No cigarettes or parcels here we arrived at camp 65 in similar circumstances 10 months ago and as it is we have had no issue of cigarettes for two months now. Out on the working parties. I seem to have the misfortune to get into a sector where there are always a lot of colored men.
30.8 - There seems to be great expectations in the air everyone seems to be talking of nothing else but peace, I hope it will not be long before Italy withdraws from the war and we can return home again but, these Itis seem to be very stubborn and think they are still going to win the war. We had 10 English cigs today for a change.
4.9 - Very strong rumors today that our forces landed in Italy yesterday and the Iti Sentries recon it will only be ten days then we will be free men again. I hope they are right about it.
9.9 - Last night we heard that the Italians had capitulated and the men took it with great joy. I have just come in from outside and cold see Italian soldiers and civilians running in all direction. Nobody seems to know what all the excitement is about, rumors have it though that the Germans are coming to take over the camp and of our men seem to be very worried about it? Why? I do not know.
11.10 - At 4PM this afternoon there was a concerted escape from this Sector led by the French Foreign Legion. I am sorry to say that some S Africans also took part in it. For my part I would have nothing to do with it as I value my life too much. A certain section is still busy breaking down the barbed wire fence and breaking down he poles.
12.9 - The Italians deserted us this evening leaving us to our own cares, a few of the officers at least had the decency of remaining with us. The camp is in a chaos especially in this sector, the fences being down prisoners are roaming around the fields.
13.9 - Last night more Iti soldiers turned up but by 12 noon they had all departed again, two German officers paid us a visits in the ordinary course of their duties and found us all by ourselves, but said that if the prisoners kept in the camp they would leave us alone, so it is up to the men now to behave themselves if they do not want the Germans taking over.
14.9 - The Germans took the camp over last evening but found it quite in order and very calm. From now on news is going to be very scarce in this camp, so we have to rely solely on rumors which is rather dangerous in a P.O.W. camp. Any way we have it on good authority that the Itis threw open the camps at Genora & Milan and that the Germans are having a busy time rounding up P.O.W. any way they have a thou? From this camp as well.
9.9 - We arrived in this camp this afternoon from Italy in pouring rain. We had rather uncomfortable trip, though through pleasant country, Austria especially is very attractive, so is Germany only too many factories in the Towns, the Germans also treated us very well on the journey over and is still doing so, and I must say very much better than the Italians did.
20.9 - We had rather a busy day as we had to be registered again and we received POW numbers and we find that we are at Stalag V1110. I wonder for how long. The weather is still not treating is well as it is very cold after the rain.
29.9 - The weather is still bad here at Sagan, evidently they have a very early winter around these parts of the country. We have had no Red Cross parcels since coming here and the German supply of food is very little so I hope they will hurry with the red cross parcels so we can have our daily fill.
4.10 - The Germans gave us a sort of Mealie Porridge for lunch today but on the whole the food had been very poor this last week unlike the first week we were here. It is also 3 years today that I arrived up north. There is talk of a working party leaving this camp this week. Up to now we have had no writing material to write home. I recon it is a poor show.
12.10 - Left Sagan yesterday and arrived at Hubereashof today, commencing work in sugar factory this evening. We had a very good breakfast on arriving here.
1.11 - We had a heavy frost last night and it as not too pleasant this morning loading sugar beat on to the trucks.
5.11 - Today we had a slight fall of snow throughout the day and it may continue through the night. This is only the beginning and I dread working in the cold, cold snow.
16.11 - We awoke this morning to a heavy fall of snow, which lasted until about 11 o clock. It was only a few inches deep but of course more is expected.
21.11 - We arrived in Breslan today at a locomotive factory, the food is good and the bread is excellent in the event of an air raid we are well within the target area.
10.12 - It is Eliza's birthday today and oh how I longed to be home. It has also been snowing continuously since yesterday and we had a bit of afternoon fighting during the day.
25.12 - Well another Christmas has come around and I am still in the work house. I hope it will be the last one in captivity, as usual the Red Cross supplied good Christmas fare and we all had a good meal, the clerk of the weather also obliged by making it a white Christmas as it started to snow this afternoon after we had been thinking there was going to be nothing but ice we also had beer which the boys enjoyed very much, but I of course only had a very little having given myself over as a TT lad. I enjoyed myself as much as possible in the circumstances so I pray that 25.12.44 will not find me behind any more barbed wire but at or well on the way.

1944

25.1.44 - We had the first sunshine today for nearly 2 months it was really enjoyable to stand and bask in it. The first SA mail arrived at our working camp today, we also had the news that some men who escaped in Italy had got home safely.
24-2 - After having had snow continually since the 14th we had sunshine again today. Also the first daylight air raid alarms since coming here.
13. - Received my first letter in Germany today. How nice it is to receive news again from the old country.
17.3 - Received another two letters from home today to my great satisfaction and joy.
3.4 - Received another letter from home today.
4.4 - We had some photos taken this evening by a German woman and her father. It was strange to see a woman in the billets she was rather cheerful and could also speak English.
19.5 - Received 13 letters today being addressed to Italy.
6.6 - Heard this morning that the Invasion of France started at midnight. It has been raining here most of the night and morning so I wonder what the weather was like in France. Also received 4 letters 4 from Italy one being over a year old.
13.7 - I celebrated my 3rd birthday today in captivity. It was not so bad though. I had rather many well wishes. Also received a bunch of flowers and a packet of fresh fruit mixed but oh, how I longed to be home with my own darlings.
30.7 - Started on our way to Sagan en route for rest camp.
2.8 - Arrived in the middle of the night at the rest camp after a trying train journey.
4. - Went to Reich's Sports field today it was quite an interesting tour.
6.8 - Had quite an air raid close to this camp today. First experience of Yank high altitude Bombing.
8.11 - Had another air raid yesterday evening lasting hrs.
12.8 - Another Air Road last night this evening we are having a fancy dress cabaret
13.8 - Cabaret a huge success followed by an air raid
15.8 - Another very heavy air raid last night. Capt. Burger arrived here this morning, was very glad to see him again.
18.8 - Went to Potsdam City today to view old historic sights, saw the old castle of Frederick the Great one ???? new castle Sans Souci palace, Garrison Church and Church of Peace.
19.8 - Capt. Henrico also arrived here this morning.
25.(8) - We heard today that Romania capitulated today.
3.9 - Arrived back at work last night, I wonder how long it will still be to the end of the war.
7.10 - It is a long time since I entered anything in this book. The Allied forces are already on the German soil and this evening this town Breslan had its first air raid lasting almost 2 hours.
17.11 - Had my first parcel from South Africa after it had been 19 months on its way also had the first fall of snow yesterday
15.11 - I have had no letters now from home for two months and life is getting very monotonous. Still we are full of expectations that the war will not last long now anymore since the Anglo Americans has reached the Rheine River
22.12 - Capt. Burger paid us a visit here longer and held A service for us and I of course was very glad to see him again being old friends
24.12 - Well this is Christmas eve and rather dreary, having no red X parcels and haven't had any for a long time now. Anyway this is a good sign for us we hope the boys are trying to be happy and I must also say trying to indulge on community singing but their minds seem to be far away somehow we have had some very nice sing songs here in the past.
25.12 - Christmas passed rather quietly, then one cannot expect men to be very happy on a Christmas in a life like this we also did not have any snow.

1945
31-12-1-1-45 - We had a concert here tonight staged by men of this Xdo and then hasred the rest of the night with community singing which lasting well into the morning.
11. - Received one parcel to 3 men again today after not having had any for a long time.
18-1 - Had another air raid this evening lasting an hour. The RG have started pushing again and coming on well.
19.1 - Received our Christmas parcels today one to 2 men rather late than never.
20.1 - Got orders to stand by to move at any time men are all packing. RS reported to be well on their way to this place.
22.1 - The Jerrys are evacuating Breslan in a hurry, we are even dismantling machinery for removal from here.
24.1 - We did go out to work today gunfire has been heard all night and today. Jerry ??? not taken away to Frankfort. 1943 Sept Italian days seems to be starting all over again for us, and expectations are great at the present for us.
6.2 - We have now travelled through snow, sleet and mud and are having our first days rest. The Jerries also shot one of our chaps accidentally while shooting at a Russian. We have also had to discard our sleighs for wheeled carts.
8.2 - We have passed by one Stalag and on our way to own now.
15.2 - The weather has turned out for the better and again we have passed our own Stalag
25.2 - Arrive last night at Stalag IX C but were told this morning to be on our way again so we still live on the road and being starved as rations are few and far between and mostly we live by bartering our own personal bit.
27.2 - Were strafed by Anglo American fighters this afternoon and lost six killed and nine wounded. Wally Sheppard of my dept. also being killed.
8.3 - Went out bartering today among the German civilians and had a good feed from them as well, expect to arrive at a Stalag tomorrow.
10.3 - Arrived at Stalag IX A yesterday which is situated in S.W. Germany anyway it is not a good camp it is as bad as our first camp in Italy if not worse from the food point of view the excuse again is that it is a French Stalag and not British. A peculiar thing I have noticed in this part of Germany is the strange way woman dress and make up their hair it reminds one of the dress of woman about 1900
17.3 - Cooked meals are quite good in this camp but could do with more bread ration very small, 7 men to one load and 10 men to one loaf on Fridays, we are all feeling the hunger already and are wishing that our troops were here. Cigs are also very scarce and which to make life very miserable.
20.3 - We are still sleeping on the hard floor and no blankets issued yet we are getting very hungry now and some men are already suffering from black gut ours are very good and it seem to be well pleased for??????????
21-3 - Today I started writing UP in this book as the other one is full, had to go and work for the Germans outside with no extra ration and big complaint on our side, getting hungrier by the day. Mad Yankee Fighter pilot strafed our camp, killing 12 Frenchman and wounding 50. This is my second experience of Yankee strafing.
22-3 - Bad rumours today of 10 men to a loaf of bread as from Monday 26th it is bad enough now on 7 to a loaf, anyway Jerrys end must be in sight. Protective Power representative also in camp today, suppose it will be the usual old promises and nothing done, no news yet of Red Cross parcels.
24.3 - Germans announce General Montgomery big offensive in Northern sector of West front news is generally good for us, Hundreds of Flying Fortresses passed over here this afternoon, dropping only smoke bombs or flares or whatever they were no on knows. Men are still dying in this camp, most from exhaustion, 9th man to date was buried today.
27.3 - It is one month today since we were strafed by Yanks on the Reich Autobahn, food is deteriorating by the day in this camp, news is very good for us and perhaps we will be free men by the end of this month. Anyway we have heard artillery fire in and before we reached this camp. Roll on the big day and CompoPacketo
28.3 - 3 PM Marching orders just came through to us and we will once again be on our way tomorrow morning at 8 how are we going to last on this trip as we are all in a weak condition, we have just marched west now we are marching back east again. I don't know why but I think I am with a Jonah crowd as I seem to miss liberation by the skin of my teeth every time, according to news our forces are not far from here.
8.4 - We have now been on the road for 11 days again and the men are in a bad condition. For the past week we have been getting a cup of thin soup only and then we have had to stand in a queue for hours to get bread, we have not had for a whole week now, The Germans are also marching us by night so we are not going down in condition owing to lack of food but also through lack of sleep as the best. part of the day is spending in waiting for soup
11-4 (1944?) At least the Germans have decided to give us a rest day, but incidentally we cannot do any cooking for ourselves though we have potatoes and wheat of our own to cook, of course we put it all down to reprisals. The Germans still have not come up with any bread rations. Last night a lot of us even went without our broth (drop) of soup and had to walk all night on an empty stomach, of course we got a couple of Red Cross Parcels from somewhere, which we had to share 1 to 25 men so of course Jerry must have thought we had a royal feed though it was just a bare taste for us. Anglo American planes are now flying around this country as if it belongs to them, especially fighter planes are very active strafing all vehicles on roads. The German Air force seems to be non-existent as we have not on any occasion yet seen any of their planes in action against ours. Still no news of when we will be reaching a Stalag again. Anyway roll on the end of the march, roll on victory and peace and Bread. Last night before leaving billets my muckers and myself pinched a rabbit and have just managed to give it at rather bribed a woman to cook it for us, so we are hopefully looking forward to a bit of a feast for three. Roll on the peace bells. Later we have just had a rabbit and spuds which we all agree was the best. meal we have had for 10 days now.
12-4 - Had horse meat first thing this morning, I have always frowned upon horse flesh, but whether it is from hunger I do not know, but it tasted very well, in fact I should say better than beef.
17-4 - I have now been travelling for 3 days with the sick I have been suffering for 14 days with dysentery and still no sign of it coming to a stop, this morning we were left with the major of the village with our guards, but the major seems to be anxious for us to be on our way again, we at least got a very small piece of bread each, which the major thought was a great treat for us. Yesterday we enjoyed some coffee with milk which the farm woman gave us
18-4 - Yesterday passed quite well for us in this village of Langenhau, I've even had some fresh eggs the first I have had in Germany? we are still stopping here and we are quite contended to remain here, as the American force are not very far from here and there just may be a chance of being released. I am now getting weaker by the day and do not know if I will be able to manage a? 30 km walk now.
19-4 (1944) - Last night we were taken to a big town Eder to be handed over to the military authorities again but were refused so we returned to our old cam(p) again. Thousands of bombers have passed over here in the last few days. Today the town near here were heavily machine gunned from the air artillery fire is also much neared today, and our hopes are still high for a speedy release.
20 - The fighting came right UP to this village last night and is still continuing this morning and our hopes are still high for our release
21 - well the town of Selb is supposed to be in the hands of the Yanks and two civvies came along to fetch two of our men away to go to Selb to contact the Yanks at Selb and we are anxiously awaiting their return. Later. The Americans have arrived here with some cigs and chocs and at last we are free men again after 2 years and 10 months to the day. Hooray. Later still we marched into Selb this afternoon and we were received right royalty by the Americans, they simply showered us with cigs and fed us till we could not eat anymore, then found us accommodation and send us in more food which I cooked and have just finished it 11-30 PM. What a treat to be free men again
22 - Believe it or not we did not sleep a wink on the first night of our liberation, though we had an excellent house at our disposal and beds with spring mattresses and white sheets we could not. perhaps it was over eating or drinking too much coffee, these yanks sure have good coffee and I drank dozens of cups of it. This afternoon we moved forward with the yanks nearer to the front and were then promptly sent off from there to Bayreuthe were are supposed to get a plane from here tomorrow to Blighty
23 - we did not leave Bayreuthe today to our disappointment but are leaving tomorrow morning for Erlangen and rumour has it that we will leave from there by plane, so we are all hoping that this is true. Frikkie Els, Pimple Abbot, Nobby Clark, Laurie Gibson and myself today celebrated our liberation with two roast Chickens, roast potatoes and Yorkshire pudding, so I am only hoping that it is not going to have any after effects on me, as my stomach seems to be getting right now, owing I think to eating good food again
24 - We were supposed to have left this morning at 7-30 for Erlangen Port on our way to England but the transport did not arrive until 2-20. I got browned off and made the boys a baked custard in the time of waiting. Any way we arrived at Herzogenaurach aerodrome this afternoon late were disinfected and leave tomorrow for Blighty.
25 - There were thousands coming in and out we arrived at Brussels Air Port at 3:30 and are staying overnight, it is quite delightful to be in a city again that is all lit up and where English is predominant
26 - We left Brussels this afternoon at 5-30 for Ostend by train to catch a boat for England. I am a bit disappointed as I really hoped to fly there. Anyway another day is wasted in getting to England.
27 - Left Ostend at 1-30 this afternoon TBS Vienna, a very smooth running ship though the channel is a bit rough and cold. We landed at Tilbury Docks and were taken for dinner which we enjoyed very much as it was the first lamb we had for many years.
28 - We arrived in Brighton this morning had a good breakfast and then started filling in various, it was like joining the army all over again.

Francois Joubert

Pte. Norman Warf 16th Btn. Durham Light Infantry

Norman Warf was captured at Sedjenane in Tunisia in February 1943. He was transported to Italy and held in Camp 66 Capua. Then he was sent to Camp 82. After the Italian surrender Norman was transported to Stalag 8a and then, in November, to Stalag 8b Lamsdorf. He worked on railways and in mines. Norman survived the long march and was liberated by the Americans in May 1945.

Mark Burton

Cpl. Ernest Albert "Chalky" White 5th Battalion Hampshire Regiment

Having been captured by the Germans in Tunisia on 27 February, 1943 my father, Ernie White, was handed over to the Italians and embarked on an Italian ship at Bizerta for Naples and then by train to PG 66 at Capua.
He received his first letter from his wife, Iris, on 15 May, enclosing a photo of herself taken in February 1943. On 16 June he was moved to PG 82 at Laterina. On 23 August another move took him to a working camp - No. 82/XV at Borgo san Lorenzo - where he worked on building a sugar refinery.
On 8 September 1943 Italy signed the Armistice and the prisoners of war finished work the next day. The Italians deserted the camp and the prisoners, having heard (false) reports of Allied landings at Ancona and Leghorn, fled into the countryside. After 3 days of liberty Ernie bumped into a column of German tanks and was recaptured (13 September)and taken the following day to an evacuated officers' camp at Bologna. On 16 September 1943 Ernie, along with many other P.O.W.s, were herded into railway horse trucks and after a nightmare journey of 4 days and nights via the Brenner Pass arrived at Stalag VIIIA in Gorlitz in Lower Silesia.

Hilary Spon

Recomended Reading.

Available at discounted prices.

The Wartime Memories Project
- Prigione di Guerra (Campo) P.G. 82 Prisoner of War Camp during the Second World War -

Prigione di Guerra (Campo) P.G. 82 Prisoner of War Camp

Those known to have been held in or employed at
Prigione di Guerra (Campo) P.G. 82 Prisoner of War Camp
during the Second World War 1939-1945.

The Wartime Memories Project is the original WW1 and WW2 commemoration website.

Announcements

Want to know more about Prigione di Guerra (Campo) P.G. 82 Prisoner of War Camp?

Recomended Reading.

Links

The Wartime Memories Project - Prigione di Guerra (Campo) P.G. 82 Prisoner of War Camp during the Second World War -

Prigione di Guerra (Campo) P.G. 82 Prisoner of War Camp

Those known to have been held in or employed at Prigione di Guerra (Campo) P.G. 82 Prisoner of War Campduring the Second World War 1939-1945.

The Wartime Memories Project is the original WW1 and WW2 commemoration website.

Announcements

Want to know more about Prigione di Guerra (Campo) P.G. 82 Prisoner of War Camp?

Recomended Reading.

Links

The Wartime Memories Project
- Prigione di Guerra (Campo) P.G. 82 Prisoner of War Camp during the Second World War -

Those known to have been held in or employed at
Prigione di Guerra (Campo) P.G. 82 Prisoner of War Camp
during the Second World War 1939-1945.