Category Archives: German

Pertaining to a German prisoner or war, or otherwise to the Axis countries in the Second World War.

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German prisoner of war woodcraft showing anti-aircraft symbol

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Mr. Henderson’s notes: Carved from “Apple Box Wood” (Pine), this wall hanger represents a Luftwaffe Anti-Aircraft Badge.  Note that the PoW was obliged to remove the Swastika symbol normally clutched in the eagle’s claws, though the outline remains.

Model schooner in an ink bottle

Mr. Henderson’s notes:

Because bottled ink for fountain pens was widely used, the ink bottle was a common bottle during the war years, readily acquired by PoW – in this case, the bottle became a location to secure a three masted schooner model.

Ship in an ink bottle, made by a prisoner of war (Henderson Homefront Collection)

Ship in an ink bottle, made by a prisoner of war (Henderson Homefront Collection)

 

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PoW photo album from Riding Mountain Provincial Park, Manitoba

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Mr. Henderson’s notes: This photo album was acquired from a man who had worked with the PoW in Manitoba.  Regretfully, the historic photographs enclosed in the album were removed and presumably destroyed. The patience used to collect, cut, organize and produce … Continue reading

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Decorated wooden box made by prisoner at Medicine Hat Camp 132

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Six views of a wooden box made by a German prisoner of war at the Medicine Hat Camp 132, dated 1945. The drawings resemble cartoons as seen on PoW YMCA postcards.

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Small model schooner in glass box

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Mr. Henderson’s Notes: Research required, but this model schooner looks like it came from a U-110 survivor, with the sub having a significant history.  Requires more research, but has exciting possibilities. Only 7 inches wide and 3 3/4 inches tall; … Continue reading

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A Medicine Hat PoW Journal from 1944, page 7: Capture and transport

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Continuing on from A Medicine Hat PoW Journal from 1944, pages 1-6, here is page 7, which tells how the prisoners’ journey started in Africa. Although this book appears to belong to one man, Rudolf KRUSE, I do not know … Continue reading

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A Medicine Hat PoW Journal from 1944, pages 1-6

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Hello, this is Jill Browne posting after a long absence. As you may know already, I am not an expert in German Prisoners of War in Canada, but I have a lot of relevant photos. Most of these are from … Continue reading

Item 455: Wood Carving of a PoW Dressed in a Navy Pea Jacket

Item 455: Wood carving of a PoW dressed in a navy pea jacket with red PoW patch, trousers and cap

DESCRIPTION:   Wood carving of a PoW dressed in a navy blue pea jacket having the distinctive circular red PoW patch on the back, trousers with a red stripe down one side, work boots, and a cap.  Arms at his side.  On a wooden base with P.O.W. on one side, No.14259 on the opposite side.
The number represents the owner’s number, not the carver!
14 cm tall. Base is 6 X 6 cm. The base at the feet is broken on all four sides.
Four photos showing different views.
From the Henderson Homefront Collection

A primitive style wooden carving of a man dressed in navy pea-jacket and cap, mounted on a block of wood, recognizably a piece of folk art with discernible details (cap,boots, trousers, jacket)

Item 455, View 1 of 4, Wooden carving of a German prisoner of war held in Canada during the Second World War. seen from front. (Photo credit R. H. Henderson)

Item 455 View 2 of 4 Wooden carving of a PoW in navy coat, right side (Photo credit R J Henderson)

Item 455 View 2 of 4 Wooden carving of a PoW in navy jacket (Photo credit R J Henderson)

Item 455 View 3 of 4 Wooden carving of a PoW in navy coat seen from the back. Large red circle on back of jacket

Item 455 View 3 of 4 Wooden carving of a PoW in navy jacket, seen from back (Photo credit R J Henderson)

Item 455 View 4 of 4 Wooden carving of a PoW in navy jacket seen from the left side (Photo credit R J Henderson)

Item 455 View 4 of 4 Wooden carving of a PoW in navy jacket (Photo credit R J Henderson)

 

ITEM 366: Solid brass U-Boat model

 

ITEM 366:    SOLID BRASS U-BOAT MODEL

Item 366: Brass U-Boat, side view

DESCRIPTION: A solid brass U-Boat model made by a “trusted” PoW in the waning days of WW2. Because of war time rationing and restrictions, a piece of suitable brass of the size required to shape this item would have normally been difficult to acquire.

Item 366: Brass U-Boat, side view with scale

 

As part of the transition to being released into civilian life, the PoW were encouraged to take classes and to develop skills on machinery to help rebuild war-torn Europe.

 

21 X 3.5 X 2 cm

Item 366 02: Brass U-Boat, top view

From the Henderson Home Front Collection

Otto ELLMAURER, Internee 380

Internee 380  Otto J. ELLMAURER was an Auslander, a German national living in Canada with a strong liking of the Canadian way of life.
R.J. Henderson