EX-SERVICE COLUMN

Northern Advocate, 16 July 1949, Page 7

EX-SERVICE COLUMN

Conducted by L. S. Pitcher

Barbed Wire Memories

Written while in t'he hands of the Germans during the war by M. N. McKibbern, and illustrated by A. Dallimore, the POW souvenir book Barbed Wire Memories of Stalag 383 has arrived in New Zealand and is a treasured possession of many of the Kriegies who step across the stage of prison camp life in the book. The book gives the reader an insight into a strange life, or mere existence in Stalag 383 Hohenfels Bavaria, when food was the yardstick by which all things were measured. It is the story of British NCOs who would not work for Hitler, The story of how so many NCOs canto to be captured is typical of the spirit of the men. Many of the prisoners were genuine NCOs but many more were self-promoted to improve the chances of the individual in the days to coine. If those who remained rankers suffered any worse ills, their lot must have been grim indeed. While the life the men led was as drab as it could be in many respects it was colourful in others. The book touches on the soul-destroying monotony of endless under-fed days, staring at the ceiling doing nothing, and then light-heartedly treats prison camp entertainment, and the activities of the ‘gallopers.’ These gallopers were the bane of the camp guards 1 as they were prone to digging tunnels and taking to their scrapers in a manner most verboten. By their continual refusal to accept the fact of their incarceration as a more or less permanent, affair they caused considerable numbers of German troop? to be detailed for their ri(|„vvisi'’n. '"’"1 It"

super-men that, although they temporarily had the upper hand, they had riot, broken the spirits of the British POWs. CIGARETTE CURRENCY

Marketing was a daily occupation for those who could raise the necessary cigarettes which were standard currency.

Although money had some meaning all camp staples could be quoted at so many smokes. Baiting German troops was a permanent occupation, and the auther confesses to being a little sorry for the unfortunate Hun. bit then, as he said, the Kriegies “did not like him very much anyway.” In a separate chapter McKibbon pays special tribute to the escapists, those men who indulged in ‘‘That damned dangerous ■ sport” of breaking out. The penalty for being caught outside the wire was death. Behind Barbed Wire is more than just a book—it is an epic of solid courage in hopeless conditions. — and humour when pathos could be expected. Manqakahia Reunion

The Maugakahia branch of the RSA held another of its popular reunions in the Titoki Hall last Saturday, when an excellent get together social was enjoyed. Unfortunately the weather was more suitable for raiding in noman’s land than for leaving the warm fireplace, and the attendance was not what it might have been. Those who did brave the elements spent an enjoyable .evening, a special feature of which was the supper provided by the Titoki district members and their wives.

Mr F. C. Eyles, the senior branch president was the official guest and proposer ef the toast to Fallen Comrades.

The Loyal Toast was proposed by the Mangakahia president. (Mr A Christie - ) and Kindred Associations bv Mr ,7. A. Mcßeth. Mr W. D. V Word-