Library Reference Number: 132
Hitler's Hostages?
Towards the end of WW2, with Allied Forces closing in and Hitler seeking desperate measures to negotiate a suitable bargaining weapon, many sources have studied his plans to hold hostages in Berlin. It was recognized by Hitler that he would require a strong number of both British and American prisoners-of-war to have any effect or influence to apply pressure on those two countries. Unlike America's attitude to returning P.O.W.s, it was to Britain's shame that similar treatment or recognition was not given to returning British prisoners. It was only during the post-war years that any attempt was made to understand or record their harrowing experiences.
It was therefore to more organized American studies that we can glean some information on Hitler's plan to secure Allied hostages. Having survived the 'Long Forced March' during one of the worst winters on record, POWs were exhausted and had little idea of what now confronted them. With little on record, we are dependent on information derived from eye-witness accounts from British ex-POWs.
Such an account is given here, in the form of extracts from George Thomson's POW Diary. It shows how George at that time, described the mystery surrounding the shock announcement, that he and his fellow prisoners were to be suddenly moved even closer to the city of Berlin. But for the discovery that the railway line to Berlin had been cut (presumably by Allied Forces) George realised later that there may have been a different outcome.
"In January 1945, ahead of the Red Army's advance, the two easternmost Prisoner of War Camps were moved to the west and this included the evacuation of Stalag Luft Vll to Stalag lllA, Luckenwalde, the story of which is told elsewhere."
"StalaglllA was situated some 40 km south of Berlin. The camp contained many nationalities; it was overcrowded and filthy; men were crammed in to barracks fitted with three-tiered bunks, crowded close together. Many fell ill, rations were very limited and yet we made the best of our poor circumstances."
"My diary contains the following:-
1945 - April 10 - Promises to be a lovely day. Rumours of moving again. The officers are supposed to beleaving tomorrow; we shall wait and see!
April 11 - Another lovely day. An open-air concert provided good amusement. Got a TAB jab today. We were greatly shaken by the news that our barrack block, plus a few from barrack 7 were to be ready to move at 08.00 hours tomorrow. We are in a flat-spin getting organised.
April12 - Still here all packed and ready to go. We started moving at 12.00 hours but by the time we were all searched it was 16.30 by the time we reached the station and were put in to the usual cattle wagons, 40 men to a wagon. However, we had extra rations of food and cigarettes, but it had been a blow to leave the other members of my crew behind. Had sardines for tea.
April 13 - We are still at Luckenwalde station. Well organised outside, the boys brewing up on smokies and blowers. The Wing Cdr. in charge of the train gave us a pep talk. Drew more rations. Soup and potato rations came up; soup more like porridge so we added sugar and milk to make it more palatable. Fried spam for tea - under the wagon to avoid the rain showers Still no sign of moving.
April 14 - Now waiting to go back to camp. Seems they cannot move us as the railway line has been cut to the south. Finally returned to camp at 15.00 hours. A generous soup ration issued, again more like porridge and again improved by addition of milk and sugar. Quite enjoyed the 48 hours change of scene but glad to be back in camp."
"We didn't really know what the attempt to move us had been about but of recent times I have been given to understand that it had been the intention to take us to Berlin to be held there as hostages. True or not true, who can say, but perhaps the cutting of the railway line and our return to camp had saved us from an uncertain fate."