LIFE IN PRISON CAMP

Southland Times, Issue 24860, 28 September 1942, Page 3

LIFE IN PRISON CAMP

WYNDHAM MAN WELL TREATED ‘‘l have had excellent treatment since being captured on October 8, 1941, and yoti can believe every word I write. Impress upon any of your friends who have relations prisoners of war that they are getting a fair deal.” These reassuring words are contained in one of a budget of letters received recently in Wyndham from Sergeant-Major J. B. Macpherson, who is a prisoner of war in Stalag XXA Camp, Poland. Ser-geant-Major Macpherson was wounded in Greece on April 24, 1941, and after being posted as missing for some months, was taken prisoner of war on October 8, 1941. He was interned in a prison in Athens and later transferred to his present camp. The letters are of more than ordinary interest as. they give an insight into the daily routine of a prisoner of war in a German prison camp. Extracts from the letters are as follows:— January 10, 1942. Health first class. Worry not, conditions are excellent. Have had a most interesting journey. Country snow-clad everywhere. Camp well organized with excellent concerts. Have joined choir and at present are doing "Messiah” and “Pilgrim’s Chorus.” Food is very good. I have coffee, cocoa, tea, ovaltine, honey, jam and cheese. Today s lunch, meat loaf cooked by me, together with generous supply of mashed potatoes and turnips. I enjoy morning and afternoon tea and supper, and most of our time is spent eating. Everybody is putting on weight. Spent this morning sliding in the snow. Very cold out, but we have fires in each room and a generous supply of coal. The weekly parcels we receive from the Red Cross contain lovely food. Cooking by us is not necessary, but we have a go at something dally with varied results. INSTRUCTION IN LANGUAGES January 23, 1942. Instruction In German, French and Spanish is available, also classes in accountancy, art drawing, and numerous other subjects. Plenty of music. One camp boasts a symphony orchestra, military band and jazz band, all of a high order. Our own camp orchestra is quite a treat. Variety concert in four days’ time. It’s amazing how they manage costumes, but necessity is the mother of invention. Food continues to be excellent. I’m a frying pan expert. Such things as razor blades, shaving soap, general toilet, tobacco and cigarettes are always appreciated. I lost everything before being taken prisoner, but have now been reasonably equipped. New uniform next month. Health excellent. February 14, 1942.

Today is my birthday and celebrating with dinner of bacon, tomatoes and potatoes: own cooking. Now singing in male octet for church choir. Beer and lemonade issue this week; one bottle of each. Some New Zealand boys receiving mail. None for me as I was captured late. April 25, 1942.

Good news today. Have received eight letters from the family circle. Severe winter has passed and enjoying beautiful spring. This afternoon I’m playing fullback for Anzacs v. the Rest, so you can see my wound is nothing now. Received 12 letters this week.