STALAG VIIIB CLUB

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 4, Issue 200, 7 January 1942, Page 2

STALAG VIIIB CLUB

EXCHANGE OF ALL NEWS

GROUP MEET IN AUCKLAND/

So that they may exchange news of their relatives who are prisoners of war in Germany, a group of people in Auckland have formed a club known as the Stalag VIIIB Club.

A member of this club has recently written explaining the activities of the club to date to a resident of this district whose son is a pris-

oner of Avar in the same camp

The letter reads as under:—

"In answer to your letter concerning Stalag VII/B, I would like to explain what we are doing. Mrs Fry, whose son is in Stalag VIIIB and I, (my husband is there), thought that if interested relatives met to communicate every so often to exchange news, we would all gain some idea of the conditions undei which our beys are living.

"Kaeh man is allowed to write so little and so infrequently that one letter docs not contain much news, but by piecing together extracts from a number of letters we think that the knowledge gained will be helpful to all. ■

"We feel also that when the boys learn their relatives are in contact in New Zealand, they will have an interest which will, we hope, help pass their time. That is our object in forming a Stalag VIIIB Club.

"We have a'read}- had a few gatherings—our last on November 22. The following is a summary of the facts gathered to date.

"You will know that VIIIB is in Lamsdorf, near the old Czeeho-Slo-vakian-German frontier, approximately 80 miles from Dresden on the river Elbe. There are about 18,000' prisoners of war in Stalag VTIIB including men taken at Dunkirk and 150 airmen, so that it must be a large early established camp.

"The food supply is fair, although not in much variety, but one boy mentions he is putting on weight. Although they have manual work to do, canalisation of river and coalmining, the latter voluntary, they have lighter activities—drill in the mornings and some time for games, such as deck tennis, and basketball. They evidently are able to arrange matches among themselves, for one boy in the air force said they had beaten an army team. They may .sunbathe and go swimming occasionally (written in August).

"For less strenuous recreation they have access to a library of mostly detective books, and have formed a, dance orchestra, using instruments supplied in the camp. Entertainments, are given several nights in the week.

"When writing home the boys have asked for warm clothing as socks, jumpers, etc.. chocolate and soap.

"Manual work lor N. C.O.'s is apparently optional.

"Our next meeting is to be held at 11a Sylvan Avenue, Mount Eden, but as you are not in Auckland, you will probably be unable to attend. If your interest continues, just send a stamped addressed envelope for any further news, which will be mailed to you as soon as it becomes available.

"We would be very pleased to receive any news should you care, to send it in. I expect you have by now written to your son. I send one surface and one airmail each fortnight, but have so far had no news from my husband.

"When you write you may like to mention my husband's name to your son. He. is Gunner-Artificer EL B. Sergeant-Pilot John Fry. Perhaps they will meet in Stalag VIIIB.

"I can readily understand your relief and thankfulness at receiving news of your son's safety, as I felt similarly myself after a long period of anxiety. I trust that the information herein, will be helpful to you and your son's wife and daughter."