North East Branch

North East Branch

NEXPOWA
&
Auxiliary Territorial Service

Elizabeth Herschel (Betty)
North East Branch EX POW Association

Please note from North East Branch Ex POW Association.
If you are an Ex POW. And would like to join us get yourself along to next meeting 10^th October at 12-00 noon.
We meet second Thursday of each month at:
Companions Club,
45-47 Leazes Park Road,
Newcastle. Upon Tyne
NE1 4PG

Click Here For Map

Photograph Gallery

Photo: Betty Herschel
Photo: Betty Herschel

I am holding three crosses for my late husband Stan and his 2 best mates Albert Hills and Jimmy Towler sadly all now passed away they were among the many lucky P.O.W’s to get back home after 5 years in Poland Stalag 8b.

Betty Herschel And Great-granddaughter Laura At Dunkirk Memorial At C.S.M Higgins Grave.

He Saved Stan My Husbands Life But Lost His Own At Dunkirk.

This photo was taken after the family had Scatered Stan's ashes at Dunkirk in April 2006.

C.S.M Higgins Grave At Dunkirk.

.

Photo: Betty Herschel

I am holding three crosses for my late husband Stan and his 2 best mates Albert Hills and Jimmy Towler sadly all now passed away they were among the many lucky P.O.W’s to get back home after 5 years in Poland Stalag 8b.

Remote User:
Date:: 24 April 2013
Time:: 11:19:04

Comments

any imformation concerning lager 41 ,wahren station,leipzig would be very welcome. paul might have some other notes apart from the 1945 report on the work camps at stammlager 4g. j briggs son of a pow.

Remote User:
Date:: 06 April 2013
Time:: 09:55:21

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paul forden, have you any imformation about the pow camp across the road from the hospital on pittlerstrasse,wahren ,leipzig.was tthis the site of lager 41?. j briggs.elswick ,newcastle upon tyne.

Remote User:
Date:: 07 February 2013
Time:: 16:46:54

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the photo of arbeitskommando 227 in hartha with harold forden standing next to the wooden hut on the south side of the railway line. the line on the photo in the background could be a wooden aerial pole on the roof of a building on north side of the tracks behind the trees.

Remote User:
Date:: 04 January 2013
Time:: 11:46:39

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the photo of arbeitskommando 227,hartha,could have been taken in the yard of the R.H.G lesnig oschatz e.g baustoffe ,hartha,germany,19 schillerstrasse.the sun shadows are right for this location,the small black shed has a door in the corner near the wooden fence.a tall pole with lights on the top in the trees.google map]. j briggs.

Remote User:
Date:: 21 December 2012
Time:: 17:00:58

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j. h briggs r.n.f. pow no.252593.james henry,aged 22, lager 41,campo 65 and 70,italy, on the jason.1941 dec.mother and father hanna and james henry 60 rokeby street lemington,newcastle 1940.

Remote User:
Date:: 16 December 2012
Time:: 13:53:24

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searching for imformation about lager 41 , site wahren railway station, 120 pows loading ;unloading railway wagons and other goods.food situation not to good at this camp?. the b6 runs through this site now, a new road. two photos of men playing football on a field in a paper diary. j briggs.newcastle upon tyne

Remote User:
Date:: 13 December 2012
Time:: 19:08:20

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hartha railway station, not far from colditz oflag 4c.did the pows load and unload railway wagons or work on the railway laying tracks.?.

Remote User:
Date:: 12 December 2012
Time:: 19:59:56

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Gunner Harold Forden of the Royal Artillery, at Arbeitskommando 227, Hartha. Paul Forden. Gunner Forden's son is searching for any photos of stalag IVG in particular Hartha railway station Searching for my Dad: Gunner Harold Forden Royal Artillery 886934 04/01/39 to 11/07/46 Prisoner of War: Italian POW camp unknown, Stalag IVB & IVG P.O.W. No. 248123 20/06/42 to 13/05/45 If you have any info please email pforden@btinternet.com

Remote User:
Date:: 12 December 2012
Time:: 19:56:19

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Remote User:
Date:: 25 October 2012
Time:: 15:33:25

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Information regarding my father Leslie Howe?Taken prisoner at Arras.

Remote User:
Date:: 15 October 2012
Time:: 14:36:22

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lager 41 wahren railway station ,leipzig.mr.white,13 richmond street,newcastle on tyne. mr.w.lowrey,22howard street,newcastle on tyne. mr.t.w.charlton 3 south front row choppington colliery.mr.j.a sample 55 rocket way,croft estate,forest hall ,newcastle.mr.j devonport, 11 edwins avenue forest hall,newcastleupon tyne. pows.

Remote User:
Date:: 12 October 2012
Time:: 20:30:23

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Hi! I wonder if anyone in the N/E Branch may know anything of my Grandfather, Flt Sgt 'Jack' Love (deceased, from Ashington)? He was Obs/Nav in 101 Squadron, Wellingtons, crash-landed in France, captured at Swiss border June 1942; taken to Dulag Luft, then to Stalag Luft III, Sagan, then 1yr later to Heydekrug, finally Fallingbostel, before the "Long March" under 'Dixie' Deans... You may have seen the (accidentally inaccurate) recent article in the Ashington Journal on his exploits...? No matter, if not. Any information or social contact welcome, please, to barry-l@live.co.uk - nice to know there's still some Vets' back "home"! :-)

Remote User:
Date:: 29 September 2012
Time:: 10:42:41

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the work camp lager 41 wahren railway station , leipzig was the same type of camp as the one at gaschwitz about 5 miles south of the central rail station. this camp also provided workers for the railway system an d was called lager 31. the camp is opposite the staion at gaschwitz. j.briggs ,elswick road .newcastle upon tyne.

Remote User:
Date:: 18 September 2012
Time:: 14:27:16

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Lager 41 wahren station ,leipzig.pows, james mason,private 2930943, 252636 perth. a rogers,private ,3717103,227595,preston.B kenny 1093212, 252731,gunner,r.a. kent. V J godwin, 1699883, 252677,gunner,r a. rugby.J dale 4346970 ,252502,sapper r e.brighton..G A V purdy ,driver 252585 rasc. hastings. W white 252591 sapper,re.2074011. 120 men ,railway work

Remote User:
Date:: 12 September 2012
Time:: 12:03:22

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paul forden of stockton on tees, the pow hospital at pittlersrasse, wahren, leipzig.did the private d. a .kidd of the green howards attend this hospital.is he the person mentioned in the book by adrian gilbert,called pow.price 8.99. his name,pow number,and rank are in middlesbrough library.

Remote User:
Date:: 19 August 2012
Time:: 14:49:30

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camp 41.wahren railway station,leipzig.was it opposite the elida perfume works at 33 Pittlerstasse through the trees on the oppposite side of the road. ?.Paul Forden , son of pow gunner harold forden has taken a photo of the building in 2005.did this building become a pow hospital for the camp.A new road the B6n now runs through the camp area. j briggs 4 bentinck cres, elswick road newcastle on tyne.

Remote User:
Date:: 08 May 2012
Time:: 15:08:11

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on the powvets. com internet site, two rnf,s are listed with the service numbers. j sample rnf.4269780 and t a sample rnf. 4278803.were they at stalag 4g or any of the work camps.j briggs 4 bentinck crescent, elswick road ,newcastle upon tyne? .

Remote User:
Date:: 11 April 2012
Time:: 16:06:37

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lager 41 east leipzig,work ,railway goods. wahren railway station.150 prisoners,all spent time in gaol,sabotaged at all times.239 full alarms in leipzig,

Remote User:
Date:: 23 February 2012
Time:: 06:52:20

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Might anyone have information on a 2nd Lt MERTON (sorry, no initials) who was a POW in the Tyneside Scottish in WW2? He was one of the members of the Biberach escape party of September 1941.

Remote User:
Date:: 14 December 2011
Time:: 18:15:31

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any ex pows who were at lager 41 ,wahren railway station,w0rk camp 1944 -1945, part of stalag 4g at oschatz,germany.Was this camp on a site to the south of the main railway lines , a now derelict site with a watchtower on it.[google map of the area].this area used by russian ground forces 1n the cold war?. j briggs.newcastle upon tyne.

Remote User:
Date:: 27 November 2011
Time:: 09:34:56

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Hi, I've been trying to get information about my Grandfather and his time in Stalag V111B and his subsequent involvement in the 'Long March'. His details are as follows; Rank. C.S.M, Name. Richard Stanley Shepherdson, Regiment. East Yorkshire Regiment, He was captured at Tubruk. Some details that might jog the odd memory. He carried a small photograph of a young boy wearing an ARP tin helmet and cowboy gun belt. (My Dad). This picture was reproduced as a pencil or charcoal drawing which my Grandad carried throughout his captivity, (Sadly stolen before his release). There is a family tale detailing his involvement in the liberation of a Fire Engine during the Long March. If anyone can remember him, My Dad and I would love to find out more. Chance in a million I know. Thanks for looking. Mike Shepherdson.

Remote User:
Date:: 24 August 2011
Time:: 21:44:39

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My 3 uncles all brothers were captured at Dunkirk and sent to prison camps in Germany and Poland. There names were Richard, Howard and Charles adamson all in the Northumberland Fusiliers. Any information appreciated. William Robson

Remote User:
Date:: 30 July 2011
Time:: 12:17:07

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I was wondering if anyone would happen to know of my father, Alan McCulloch, who volunteered, aged 19, in 1939, with the Tyneside Scottish (Black Watch. We think he was captured at Ficheux.He was from The Grange, Ponteland, Northumberland. He spent 5 years in POW camps, and having attempted escapes a few times had it quite tough down the salt mines in Poland. We have only snippets of things about his time in POW camp because he rarely talked about it, and as small boys my bro and I never pushed him to. He always used to tell us what a terrible thing war is, how he always used to feel sorry for the animals, etc, and of course how they used to dream of food all the time. He described to me once running through the snow with machine gun bullets landing all round him as he was being chased by the Germans. We understand that during one escape period he was taken in and treated really well by a Polish family, whose daughter he fell in love with. Sadly they never regained contact following the war. He described to me once the panic and confusion when they were attacked by the Germans, the vehicles exploding, etc. (Presumably during the action at Ficheux?)He described another time how he saw a mother machine gunned to death by a tank infront of him, and her young child crying her eyes out stood next to her. He said on another occasion how the Germans put him and his mates infront of a firing squad at one point. He told me once how when the war began he had been boy, but that when it ended he had turned into an old man. My Godfather, Sgt Major Doug Harpin (Duke of Wellington's Regiment, was captured at St Valery and they subsequently became great friends in POW camp. Douglas Harpin told me that at the end of the war when they were being marched away from the Russians, my Dad told him he was going to hide up and wait for the Russians. (He was very ill, with T.B)Uncle Douglas tried to pursuade him to stick with the rest of them, but he was very stubborn and wouldn't listen. (Earlier in the war he had been put on a train with Russians for 4 days on the way to a POW camp, and said what great people they were.) When he hid-up he was lucky because the Russians were good to him and he got back to Britain two weeks earlier than the rest of his mates. After the war he became a veterinary surgeon and we moved to Herefordshire. He never got over the war fully and had a sad death following serious depression. I wish I had been older and more mature so that I could have been more support. I would welcome any comments from anyone who might have known him as we are trying very late to piece together some further details of his time in the Tyneside Scottish (Black Watch) Thankyou - Ian McCulloch (imwmcculloch@hotmail.com)

Remote User:
Date:: 09 March 2011
Time:: 08:23:45

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HI BETTY MY NAME IS JOHN MARSH AND I WAS GOING THROUGH MY OLD AUNTIE BOX AND CAME ACROSS A LEAD TAG WITH STALAG V11/A Nr 6342. CAN YOU ENLIGHTEN ME ON THIS. JCMARSH@HARVESTING.PLUS.COM. THANK YOU

Remote User:
Date:: 23 January 2011
Time:: 19:13:18

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I am currently making the final edits to a book on the battle for Calais 1940. The book is based on the personal accounts of those who fought in the battle. I am happy to share any information I have to those who are interested. Tom tg_buck@hotmail.co.uk

Remote User:
Date:: 23 January 2011
Time:: 19:13:16

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Remote User:
Date:: 01 July 2010
Time:: 12:23:38

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I have just found your site. At present I'am trying to trace my fathers army days. 7592615 Staff Sergeant Cyril Wass. Captured at Calais and after hospital treatment went to Stalag 9c November 1940. I'm interested in finding more info if anyone could help.Thank you, cyril.wass@ntlworld.com.

Remote User:
Date:: 31 May 2010
Time:: 20:32:59

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i am going down to the arboretum soon, i am sorry to inform one and all that we did not get the funding we had expected to take the last few members of the north east branch ex p.o.w. association to view the P.O.W. GATES i will as instructe take poppy cross`s with names of loved one and a wreath to be placed at the war widows memorial garden... betty herschel

Remote User:
Date:: 27 March 2010
Time:: 13:27:52

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Hello, I have just recieved information from the ICRC in Geneva,with my late Brother in Law,{BEF} John C Watling's Army no 834161 & POW No30892 & tellng us he was in Stalag 1X C & Stalag 8b camp.They also tell us John was Wounded & Captured @ Rumon & hospitalised @ Enghein Hospital & then @ Res.Laz.Saalfeld-Salle {Does anyone know where these place names are?as we thought he was captured @ Dunkirk} John was then sent on to Stalag 1X C first then Stalag 8b 2nd & repatriated home on 26-10-1943. I would really appreciate any help. Thank You.Jeff Appleyard. jefada41@aol.com

Remote User:
Date:: 11 March 2010
Time:: 13:01:21

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Hello I work for Hurricane films and we are looking for contributors to share their experiences or memories of war on camera. Any age. Any war we would like to hear you to share your memories and experiences. It's for a museum fixture and we'll be travelling to Leeds, Sheffield, Liverpool and Newcastle. Do you know anybody who would be able to help or willing to take part in this experience? Thankyou for your time, jeni@hurricanefilms.co.uk

Remote User:
Date:: 21 February 2010
Time:: 14:53:45

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My late Stepdad, Joseph Grimshaw, D.O.B. 21ST SEPT 1913, was a P.O.W. in Europe from 1942, I think, he didn't talk about it much. I do know that he was a private with the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. His service history would be of interest to me, plus of particular interest to my son, Andrew. If your Association could point me in the right direction, or be of direct help i would much appreciate it. However the thing that prompted me to get in touch, was that while insulating our loft, I came across some documents, photos and P.O.W. magazines. If these would be of any interest, or any historical importance, please let me know and you will be welcome to them (free of course). My email address is jack-morley@tiscali.co.uk I sincerely hope that they will be of some use.

Remote User:
Date:: 15 February 2010
Time:: 14:03:51

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Hello Betty, I wonder if I might post a general request for help. I am doing my Masters Degree in Oral History and researching the prisoner of war camps in HOlderness, East Yorkshire, and I want to compare the experiences we gave German, Italian and Polish POW's with those our men had when working on farms when captured. If you think anyone can help, please contact lyzt@msn.com. Thank you very much

Remote User:
Date:: 27 December 2009
Time:: 14:00:19

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HI ALL DUE TO BEING SO BUSY AND ILL HOSPITAL AGAIN THIS WEEK I DONT GET ONTO THE SITE AS OFTEN AS I SHOULD . WE HAVE JUST HAD THE NORTH EAST BRANCH P.O.W. CHRISTMAS LUNCH EVEN THOUGH WE ONLY HAVE A FEW MEMBERS HOWEVERE THIS YEAR WE WERE AGAIN JOINED BY THE WAR WIDOWS ASSOCIATION AND THE A.T.S. FROM NEWCASTLE I AM R.O. FOR THE WAR WIDOWS ASSOCIATION AND A MEMBER OF THE A.T.S. / W.R.A.C. IN AUGUST THIS YEAR WE RETURNED TO FRANCE / BELGIUM THANKS TO THE NATIONAL LOTTERY HERO`S RETURN FUNDING AS USUAL WE STAYED AT "ANNY`S" SHE IS OWNER ALONG WITH HER FAMILY OF THE HOTEL OUDE ABDIJ LO RENINGE NEAR YPRES ( 20MINS) HANDY FOR THE TUNNEL (45MINS) IF YOU GET A CHANCE GIVE THE HOTEL A VISIT TELL HER BETTY SENT YOU .....

Remote User:
Date:: 18 December 2009
Time:: 22:54:47

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My grandad Malcolm Armstrong was captured in Ficheux France and taken to a POW camp in Poland - he was married to"lil" and moved to Suffolk from the Wallsend area if you knew him pse email stephenbunn1@googlemail.com or 01502 478481

Remote User:
Date:: 18 December 2009
Time:: 22:46:24

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My grandad was Malcolm Armstrong - I know he fought in Ficheux. He was captured and was taken to Poland - Sadly he has now deceased. If you think you knew my grandad please contact me on stephenbunn1@googlemail.com or 01502 478481. He was married to "Lil" and moved to Suffolk from the North East

Remote User:
Date:: 27 November 2009
Time:: 15:38:02

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My late Uncle was a prisoner of war during WWII following capture at Dunkirk. He was a POW at a camp called Lamsdorf - camp 344. I was told by my parents that he forced to work in the salt mines - can anyone help with further information. His name was John Alexander Davidson - Belladrum Beauly Inverness-shire - he served in the Cameron Highlanders.

Remote User:
Date:: 29 October 2009
Time:: 14:15:26

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My Grandad James (Jimmy) Hassan was a Northumberland Fusilier and he was a POW at Stalag VIIIB. I have just come across pictures from his time there. He past away 15 years ago and I really want to know more about him, could anyone help me please?

Remote User:
Date:: 10 October 2009
Time:: 18:16:57

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My father was Gnr William Burn , he served with the 4th Durham Survey Regiment RA and was captured in Greece April 1941. he spent the rest of the war as a POW in Stalag XVIIIB & D. Sadly Dad died in 1987. I now live in Suffolk but still feel that Tyneside is home! Enid James

Remote User:
Date:: 09 September 2009
Time:: 13:12:30

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my great uncle was in Stalag 21D. Want to know more about him. Any help?

Remote User:
Date:: 26 August 2009
Time:: 22:39:32

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My father was Frank Carter of the Royal Norfolk regiment. He was a pow during WW2 in Stalag 9c and was friends with Andy Redpath (I think of the Northumberland Fusiliers). I would love to hear any info of what happened to Andy who was from around Guidepost. cheryl@harbottle.net

Remote User:
Date:: 24 August 2009
Time:: 10:01:10

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Clearing through my mother's attic, I found a book of photos from my late father Bill Noble. These include a group shot of the NCO's of the Tyneside Scottish at Stalag 383 and a shot of CSM Baggs and Newton. If any relatives would like a copy, I would be happy to scan and e-mail them. My e-mail is mrasnoble@aol.com

Remote User:
Date:: 01 August 2009
Time:: 19:36:27

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My dad Matthew McLeod Douglass was POW at Stalag V111B/344. A Northumberland Fusilier from Stobswood in Northumberland, he was wounded and captured at Dunkirk His POW no was 36812. He died in 1970 and I feel I don't really know him. I recently found a site which found out what camp and his number, but I would really love to learn more about him. If any one knows him please let me know. Ivy

Remote User:
Date:: 01 August 2009
Time:: 19:36:16

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Remote User:
Date:: 21 July 2009
Time:: 11:16:24

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My late Father-in-law Robert Scholes (ex Green Howard) was sent to a POW camp in Italy - Campo 23 during the Second World War. He later escaped with a a few other prisoners and made his way to Switzerland and was then repatriated to England.Does anybody out there have anymore info about his escape. I can be contacted on braindead1954@hotmail.com. Thankyou Dave Harker

Remote User:
Date:: 21 July 2009
Time:: 10:59:56

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Remote User:
Date:: 07 May 2009
Time:: 19:55:10

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My late father in law served with The Tyneside Scottish and was captured at Ficheux, resulting in 5 years as a POW in Stalag XXA. My wife would like to go to the location of the POW camp he was in at Torun, Poland. Anyone got any suggestions on the easiest way to get there,where to stay,the exact location of the camp. I understand there is a castle which formed part of the camp complex. Any info woyld be appreciated. I Can be contacted on:- carolehall@talktalk.net Thank You Terry Hall

Remote User:
Date:: 01 May 2009
Time:: 10:15:07

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I'm currently working on a book about the events of 20th May 1940 and the actions of the 12th, 23rd and 46th Divisions, especially those involving 70 Brigade. I can see a lot of references to the battle around Ficheux in the comments here and would be very grateful for any information about individuals, especially any personal accounts. I have the official war diaries for the time and would be happy to share whatever I can. Thanks, Tim Lynch (elyncho@aol.com)

Remote User:
Date:: 12 April 2009
Time:: 10:02:08

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Please could anyone help me on how to trace my Late fathers time spentas POW in Camp 75 PM 3450 italy.... thankyou kindly

Remote User:
Date:: 22 January 2009
Time:: 19:34:45

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sorry for not keeping up to date but as an 86 year old iam not as quick as i used to be regarding FICHEUX our members from the nort east have been lucky enough to have returned to the ARAS area and hhave been back to the FICHEUX cemetary many times it`s always very well kept . we have had our christmas lunch at the assembly rooms in Newcastle again however we have very few members able to attend therefore we rely on the A.T.S. GIRLS and our war widows . iam off to the A.T.S. reunion at BLACKPOOL this march o that should be a good weekend .

Remote User:
Date:: 12 January 2009
Time:: 20:03:36

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With reference to my previous messages, I now find that my father-in-law, Harry Bell, was in fact a L/Corporal in the 11th DLI and not the 12th. He was fighting with men from the 1st Tyneside Scottish in Ficheux when he was wounded and captured. Accoring to Harry, they were all part of the same Brigade. Des Elston

Remote User:
Date:: 05 January 2009
Time:: 22:57:25

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Reference the previous entry regarding my father in law Harry Bell, I have been trying to contact John Dixon with some more information but the mail address does not seem to be active. Any further information would be appreciated. Des Elston (deselst@yahoo.co.uk)

Remote User:
Date:: 28 December 2008
Time:: 23:59:15

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I write on behalf of my father in law Harry Bell. Harry was a Lance Corporal in 12 DLI which became (as I understand it) 1st Tyneside Scottish. He was taken prisoner at Ficheux on 29/05/1940 after being wounded and spent the rest of the war in Lamsdorf, Stalag 8B. He was always reluctant to speak about his experiences but time and gentle probing has made him more willing to talk. We took him back to Ficheux in May 2007 but he didn't recognise anything. He did though recognise road signs to St Pol sur Ternoise and Frevent. He remembers staying a couple of nights in a pig sty in St Pol and marching through Frevent! We have photo's from Stalag 8B and Christmas cards from the camp. Des Elston.

Remote User:
Date:: 18 November 2008
Time:: 17:08:09

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Hello Is there anyone who knows my father Roderick MacPherson who was taken prisoner in Abbeyville and then was a prisoner of war in Stalag 9c camp 1401 and worked in a saltmine at Bleicherode. Margaret MacPherson

Remote User:
Date:: 10 November 2008
Time:: 10:34:40

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Im researching my late grandfathers service, in paticular where he was during his period as a pow. He would never speak about it when he was alive, despite my many attempts Fusilier John George Cecil Gaunt, his Army No was 4270205. He enlisted 4th Jan 1935 and was discharged 23 Dec 1945. I know that he was a POW in Italy and then Germany after being taken prisoner in North Africa in 1941. His brother in law, my grandmothers brother, Fusilier James Arthur Emerson service no 4274806 also served in 9th Battalion. I visited his grave at the Commonwealth war graves cemetery, Kanchanaburi, Thailand in 1998. I believe he fought at Dunkirk and was then sent to Singapore before being capture by the Japanese. He was 25 years old when he died on 05/11/1943. I would be grateful for ant details if anyone knew either or knew generally where my grandfather would have been Grant Mallon

Remote User:
Date:: 05 November 2008
Time:: 13:52:05

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Dear Betty I am working on a short history of 70 Brigade 1939-1944. This included 10th and 11th Durham Light Infantry, and 1st Tyneside Scottish (formerly 12th DLI)together with Field Ambulance and Artillery Units. Naturally the large number of members of the Brigade taken prisoner in 1940 will form a significant part of the history, and I am trying to complete a nominal roll of the names, and collect their stories - IWM and NRO are being very helpful. Several of the names mentioned on your message board are already on my database, thanks in part to the work done by Noel Davidson on DLI records. I've got a lot more work to do on this, but would be most grateful to hear from anyone with family memorabilia or information that would add to the research already done. My late father was Brigadier Kirkup's driver from 1939-1942 and they narrowly evaded capture themselves in May 1940. I can be contacted by e-mail on johnldixon2002@yahoo.co.uk and hope that my work will go some way to acknowledging the sacrifice of the men of this Brigade. Regards John L Dixon

Remote User:
Date:: 12 October 2008
Time:: 18:11:04

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Re:- Royal Northumberland Fusiliers. To anyone who may be able to help. i'm looking for information about my father in law. I know he was captured in Egypt and sent to Italy to 1 of 3 camps, PG52,57 or 82. from there the records show he was in Germany at Stalag V111A. Any info on Thomas Watt would be gratefully welcomed. thank you

Remote User:
Date:: 12 October 2008
Time:: 15:07:33

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Re Black Watch at Ficheux May 1940. My father, Lieutenant Bill Noble was caught there. The Imperial War museum has two detailed accounts. One by Colonel Swinburne the CO, and another by CSM Baggs. In addition, an account from the French perspective, is available in ' 'Sombres Jours de Mai 1940'. It took a while to track these down, but they give as much detail as possible. I'm unaware of surviving Tyneside Scottish members from this battle, who could give any more info.

Remote User:
Date:: 05 October 2008
Time:: 15:24:30

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Hi Betty My Dad Wilfred Alan Hogg was a prisoner at stalag 8b . Unfortunately he died in 1976 but i was always curious what happened to him as a POW. All i know is he was in the Black Watch was captured in may 1940.I have recently got a postcard sent to him with a number 11642 will this be his army number or pow no?. There is also a Stalag 8b post mark. If you can help me in this or direct me where i can get more help please let me know. Regards Paul Hogg

Remote User:
Date:: 28 June 2008
Time:: 08:36:09

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Thanks for the comments. Were any members caught with the Tyneside Scottish in May 1940 at Ficheux?

Remote User:
Date:: 10 June 2008
Time:: 07:08:08

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RE FICHEUX, We that is members of the N.E. BRANCH have been back to FRANCE / BELGIUM many times we had some mem bers who fought at FICHEUX STAN HERSCHEL my late husband was taken prisoner near ARAS ALAN AISTON RALPH HENDERSON AMBROSE HUNTER all taken p.o.w. FICHEUX

09 June 2008

An Invitation to North East Ladies Members

We are very keen to make sure that older women's issues are taken into account as we develop the Women's Network.
The booking form follows.
Please contact me if you have any queries. Stella Magoye, Development worker, Tel: 07506936668. North East Women's Sector Networking event - 'The survival of the Women's Sector' The next NEWomen's Sector Networking event will be held on Thursday 10th July 2008 from 10.30 to 4.30pm at Morpeth Methodist Centre (Northumberland).

There is more info and a map on the website http://www.morpethmeth.org/
The theme of the event will be the survival of the Women's Sector - we will look at how we can better share our skills, knowledge and resources and there will be workshops on funding and commissioning opportunities and how to complete applications and tenders. Sue and Stella will feedback the findings on their research into the social and economic position of women in the North East and the strengths and capacity needs of women's sector - this information will be useful for evidencing the need for more funding for the Women's Sector and for you to use in your own funding applications.

A booking form follows in next message - either complete it/ or send me an email with your details to stella.newnet4@yahoo.co.uk In preparation for the event (whether you are able to make it or not) please can you complete the online skills, knowledge and resources audit on behalf of your organisation by clicking on the link below (it should only take 10 to 15 mins of your time) http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=V2eYpwBzUwrNCmggGN33hg_3d_3d
A detailed programme will follow.
Best Wishes Sue Robson and Stella Magoye
Development Workers North East Women's Sector Network
Sue: 07813 109 215, Stella: 07506936668

Voluntary and Community Sector Event Booking Form

This event is free, but places are limited. Please fill in one form for each person attending.
To tell us you are coming without filling in the form, please contact (INSERT PROVIDER CONTACT PHONE / TEXTPHONE HERE) Event title: The Survival of the Women’s Sector in the North East Date: 20th July 2008 Venue: Morpeth Methodist Centre Time: 10.30am – 4.30 pm Please make a note of the details of the event before you return this form. Please tell us with the following information for quality and monitoring purposes: Do you have any disability-related access requirements? (please tell us and we will do our best to meet them) Do you have any dietary or other requirements? (please tell us) I will be attending the event (please tick one box):  As an individual  To represent a group or organisation If you are representing a group, please tell us which one: Is the organisation you are representing (please tick one box only): Registered charity  Company limited by guarantee  Unconstituted group  Other (please tell us) I would like to attend the above event. Signed: Date: Would you like to be kept up to date with the work of the North East VCS Equalities Coalition? Yes / No (please delete as appropriate)

Please return this form, at least 24 hours before the event if possible, to: Sue Robson, sue@suerobson.co.uk or post to 6, Clydesdale Avenue, Penshaw, Houghton le Spring, Tyne and Wear DH4 7RL If you book a place and find you cannot come, please let us know – someone else may be able to attend in your place. Thank you.

Remote User:
Date:: 05 April 2008
Time:: 06:41:48

Comments

No I haven't. I would be very interested to see copies. Do you know where these can be obtained? Thanks

Remote User:
Date:: 31 March 2008
Time:: 14:18:21

Comments

have you any records of peoples diarys of the battle a ficheux may 20th 1940 the last stand for the 1st battlion Tyne side Scottish. And any photos took of this battlion.

Remote User:
Date:: 22 March 2008
Time:: 15:55:07

Comments

My father Bill Noble was a POW for 5 years. He was in the Tyneside Black Watch. He was captured at Mercatel. I would be interested if any members knew him. He passed away in 1992. Many thanks Adrian Noble

Remote User:
Date:: 22 March 2008
Time:: 15:54:58

Comments

Remote User:
Date:: 16 February 2008
Time:: 19:52:46

Comments

hallo betty, we at fallingbostel and the fallingbostel military museum are once again sorting out the pow memorial weekend to be held here in fallingbostel.18-20 april this year.. if there are any of your members who would like an invite please get in touch.accom can be sorted.. and less allen will tell you its always a great weekend. all best kev greenhalgh curator www.fallingbostelmilitarymuseum.de

Remote User:
Date:: 18 December 2007
Time:: 14:26:03

Comments

Betty and George,have just found your site,I am the eldest daughter of Albert Hills and have been looking for you to see if you had a photo of Stan and Dad,I seem to remember one of the whole regiment published many years ago in the Chronicle.I live in Darlington now but can be contacted at williamson007@hotmail.com Barbara Williamson

Remote User:
Date:: 02 December 2007
Time:: 17:22:15

Comments

Have had another reply from M.O.D. re compensation for European p.o.w`s don't think we will have much luck with them but I am not going to give up yet copies sent to Les Allen

Had news from C.W.G.C THEY HAVE CLEANED UP THE MEMORIAL AT DUNKIRK PHOTO SENT TO PHIL MAY BE IN NEXT NEWSLETTER .

HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A GOOD CHRISTMAS WE HAVE ARRANGED CHRISTMAS LUNCH AND YET AGAIN WE HAVE BEEN JOINED BY THE WAR WIDOWS ASSOCIATION AND THE "GIRLS" FROM THE A.T.S.

GEORGE HERSCHEL

Remote User:
Date:: 29 November 2007
Time:: 13:32:46

Comments

My uncle, Fusilier J Simm was shot whilst attempting to escape from stalag xxb in may 1944. can anyone supply me with any information on this event please contact peterfoggoa@hotmail.co.uk

Remote User:
Date:: 09 November 2007
Time:: 15:10:02

Comments

FAO Mr Les Allan - President My Father, William Bray, ex-Oxford & Bucks BEF, was captured in France, and subsequently imprisoned in Stalag 21D for the duration of the war. He died shortly after arriving home from TB. I understand from Phil Chinnery that you may have been in the same camp or regiment. It is my intention to write my Father's story but I lack information on the Death March. I'm unable to find any information as to how the prisoners got to Poland. Did they walk? Were they transported? Why was it called the Death March? Are you able to give me any information or advice on any publications that would help me. I should be grateful to receive any information you have with regard to the Death March and also on conditions in Stalag 21D. Many thanks in advance. John Bray

Remote User:
Date:: 20 September 2007
Time:: 18:19:57

Comments

M.O.D. LETTER ON MAIN SITE GEORGE HERSCHEL

Remote User:
Date:: 18 September 2007
Time:: 13:42:22

Comments

Have had reply from M.O.D. re compensation for European ex p.o.w`s in line with Australian government. will print out later GEORGE HERSCHEL, NORTH EAST BRANCH

Remote User:
Date:: 28 August 2007
Time:: 07:43:24

Comments

Have just been down to the p.o.w memorial at the NATIONAL MEMORIAL ARBORETUM it`s in agood possition at the end of the road laid cross`s for STAN ,ALBERT & JIMMY they were taken p.o.w near ARAS FRANCE then off to STALAG 8B they were some of the lucky ones who made it safely home but like many of those liberated with terible memories of those 5 years of captivity.

Remote User:
Date:: 25 August 2007
Time:: 19:38:19

Comments

HAVE SENT EMAIL TO CHRIS WHAT A SMALL WORLD IT IS

Remote User:
Date:: 14 August 2007
Time:: 23:25:51

Comments

Dear Betty, I hope it is o.k. to contact you this way. Im Albert Hills daughter Chris I am trying to put a family tree and history together for my children and I know Dad and Stan went through a lot of the war together. I only found out yesterday where stalag 344 was I know they did the death march together if you could give me any information for my reserch I would be very gratful. my web address is cbias@hotmail.com It has been good to learn from these sites I just wish the tecnology had been here when Dad was alive. Keep up the good work.

Remote User:
Date:: 11 August 2007
Time:: 21:13:17

Comments

THE EX P.O.W`S FROM NEWCASTLE WERE JOINED BY THE WAR WIDOWS ASSOCIATION NEWCASTLE BRANCH WE TRAVELED UP TO ROTHBURY FOR LUNCH AT THE R.A.F.A CARE HOME WE HAD A NICE DAY OUT AND MADE A CHANGE FROM NORMAL METING. GEORGE HAS WRITTEN MANY LETTERS TO GOVERNMENT MINISTERS RE COMPENSATION FOR EUROPEAN EX P.O.W`S FOLLOWING THE PRESS RELEASE FROM AUSTRALIAN MINISTER FOR VETERANS AFFAIRE SBRUCE BILLSON M.P. WILL KEEP YOU INFORMED IF WE HAVE ANY NEWS WE SHOULD PUSH FOR THIS COMPENSATION

Remote User:
Date:: 26 July 2007
Time:: 20:56:18

Comments

Due to the rain and floods i was unable to get down to the memorial unveiling my son George was very dissapointed as he was looking forward to the unveiling anyway on Saturday 21st july i received an invitation to attend a reception at number 10 at first i had no idea as to why i had been invited but found out via downing st events it was for the war widows association every thing had to move so quick and we waited to see if the rain had stopped before we decided to travel down it rained all the way down to London and most of monday afternoon but the reception at number 10 was great P.M. he valued the work done by WAR WIDOWS ASSOCIATION and as many previous P.M`s had said they were all very courages. well as i speak as they used to say in the p.o.w camp the rain is STARTING TO STOP. HOPE ALL WENT WELL RE THE UNVEILING NO DOUBT US LOT IN THE NORTH EAST WILL ONE DAY GET DOWN TO VIEW THE MEMORIAL. THE EX P.O.W`S NORTH EAST BRANCH ARE GOING FOR LUNCH AT ROTHBURY HOUSE 9TH AUGUST WE WILL BE JOINED BY WAR WIDOWS ASSOCIATION WILL KEEP YOU INFORMED THANKS BETTY

Remote User:
Date:: 17 July 2007
Time:: 12:31:35

Comments

Mr Leslie Allan, AM(inst)BE, President, Knight of the Order of Leopold II. 99 Parlaunt Road, Langley, Berkshire SL3 8BE. Telephone/Fax 01753-818308.

Remote User:
Date:: 16 July 2007
Time:: 17:44:29

Comments

RE E E DOBSON IVE GOT NO INFO ON HIM AT THE NEWCASTLE BRANCH TRY OUR HQ AT SLOUGH LES ALLEN ALSO TRY VETERANS AGENCY BETTY

Remote User:
Date:: 15 July 2007
Time:: 19:28:08

Comments

Hi. I just started a family tree, & been show some POW memrobelia. Grandad was in 383 Hofenfel. Included in the momentos was a Geordie POW Club card. Grandad was in from '42-'45 taken prisoner in Crete. He was Quartermaster Sargent. Edward Ernest Dobson. I was hoping you could lead me to more info' on the camps. Yours Paul Dobson

Remote User:
Date:: 05 July 2007
Time:: 18:30:20

Comments

Bad news the garden party at DOXFORD HALL will not take place this year BRIAN and SHIRLEY have been good friends of the ex p.o.w. association and other groups will keep in touch with BRIAN and SHIRLEY and i would like to thank them for all the help they have given us over the last few years. in August the north east branch will be joined by the war widows Newcastle for a short trip to Rothbury for lunch we will be having lunch at the R.A.F ASSOCIATION rest home Rothbury house not sure of the date as yet.

Remote User:
Date:: 23 June 2007
Time:: 18:40:11

Comments

I MUST APOLOGISE FOR LACK OF INFORMATION ON OUR WEB LINK THIS WAS DUE TO ILLNESS I HAVE BEEN VERY BUSY OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS AND HAVE HAD MANY HOSPITAL VISITS FOR TESTS IVE ALSO HAD SOME TIME AWAY TO GIVE MY SON GEORGE A BREAK. I WAS ABLE TO HAVE 1 WEEKS RESPITE CARE AT ROTHBURY HOUSE ROYAL AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION REST HOME THIS REST HOME IS MARVELOUS AND IF YOU EVER HAVE THE CHANCE TO STAY WITH THEM YOU WILL BE WELL IMPRESSED THE STAFF ARE MARVELOUS AND IAM LOOKING FORWARD TO MY NEXT STAY IN SEPTEMBER (THANKS TO THE VETERANS AGENCY) ANY WAY BACK TO WORK EVEN THOUGH ITS ONLY JUNE WE HAVE HAD TO PAY OUR DEPOSIT FOR OUR CHRISTMAS LUNCH SO FUNDS ARE VERY LOW NOW. WE HAD HOPED TO BE ABLE TO GET A COACH FOR THE UNVEILING OF THE P.O.W. MEMORIAL AT THE NATIONAL ARBORETUM BUT NO LUCK COACH HIRE IS £440 FOR THE ONE DAY AND AS YOU KNOW MOST OF OUR MEMBERS ARE IN THEIR 80`S AND CANT USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND VERY FEW OF THEM HAVE THEIR OWN CARS OR FAMILY MEMBERS TO TAKE THEM DOWN TO STAFFORDSHIRE. ANY WAY MY SON GEORGE MAY BE ABLE TO BRING ME DOWN BUT HE HAS SOME BUSINESS TO SORT OUT ON THE FRIDAY SO MAY HAVE TO TRAVEL ON THE DAY. IF WE HAD BEEN GIVEN NOTICE EARLIER WE MAY HAVE GOT SOME HELP FROM LOCAL CHARITY BUT NEVER MIND. OUR NORTH EAST BRANCH IS JUST ABOUT TICKING OVER WE ONLY HAVE ABOUT 6 EX P.O.W`S SO WE RELY ON WIDOWS AND FRIENDS TO KEEP GROUP GOING WE HAVE STRONG LINKS WITH A.T.S. GIRLS AND WAR WIDOWS ASSOCIATION WITHOUT THEM THINGS LIKE OUR CHRISTMAS LUNCH WOULD NEVER TAKE PLACE. WE HAVE ORGANISED A DAY TRIP TO ROTHBURY FOR LUNCH AT THE R.A.F.ASSOCIATION CARE HOME BUS £5 EACH LUNCH £6 SO NOT TO BAD WE DEPART 10-30 SECOND THURSDAY IN AUGUST RETURN 4-40 FROM ROTHBURY IT`S ONLY A 1 HOUR RUN DATES TIMES TO BE CONFIRMED. MANY THANKS EVERY ONE WHO WISHED ME WELL IAM BACK ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY. BY THE WAY IF YOU ARE GOING OVER TO BELGIUM WE STAY AT THE HOTEL OUDE ABDIJ LO RENNING JUST 10 MILES FROM YPRES THIS HOTEL IS GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY.

Remote User:

Date:: 11 Mar 2007
Time:: 14:11:13

Comments

WELCOME TO THE NEW LINK ON P.O.W WEB SITE. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK WEB MASTER MALCOLM BAMFORD FOR ALL HIS HELP IN SETTING UP THIS LINK. DOWN TO BUSINESS I AM THE SECRETARY / TREASURER OF THE NORTH EAST BRANCH DETAILS ABOVE WE STILL MEET BUT UNFORTUNATELY OUR MEMBERSHIP IS VERY LOW FOR LARGER DO'S W JOIN UP WITH THE A.T.S. OF WHICH I AM PRESIDENT. I'VE ALSO TAKEN OVER AS REGIONAL OFFICER FOR THE WAR WIDOWS ASSOCIATION NEWCASTLE BRANCH. IF YOU WANT INFORMATION ON ANY OF THESE GROUPS JUST CONTACT ME MANY THANKS BETTY HERSCHEL

Remote User:
Date: 02 Mar 2007
Time: 18:03:50

Comments
BETTY HERSCHEL
P.O.W. ASSOCIATION
NORTH EAST BRANCH

WE HAVE HAD TO CHANGE THE DAY OF OUR MONTHLY MEETING WE NOW MEET ON THE SECOND THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH AT THE COMPANIONS CLUB, LEAZES PARK ROAD. NEWCASTLE ON TYNE.

THE GARDEN PARTY AT DOXFORD HALL IS ON SOMETIME IN AUGUST WILL CONFIRM DATES LATER BUT WE MAY HAVE TO PAY FOR OUR OWN TRANSPORT WATCH THIS SPACE.

Remote User:
Date: 13 Dec 2006
Time: 15:33:48

Comments
Elizabeth Herschel (Betty)
North East Branch EX POW Association

Well our Christmas lunch was yet again a great success we were joined by the A.T.S./ W.R.A.C. Association and the war widows association plus a couple of far east P.O.W’S we would like to thank all of the staff at the assembly rooms Newcastle for yet another marvellous lunch special thanks to Anthony and Homer Michaelides for looking after all of the veterans and it was really nice to see Trudi and Aruna from the veterans agency who are always ready to help with any problems the veterans have.

Next meeting 2nd Tuesday in February 2007

Remote User:
Date: 10 Nov 2006
Time: 14:23:16

Comments
Elizabeth Herschel (Betty)
North East Branch EX POW Association

It’s our monthly meeting on Tuesday 14th November get yourself along.
Payment required for Christmas lunch we meet at the.
Companions club, Leazes Park Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne 12-00 noon all welcome

Remote User:
Date: 28 Oct 2006
Time: 14:46:50

Comments
Betty Herschel.
Secretary
North East Branch Ex POW Association.

Would you like to join us for our Christmas lunch at the assembly rooms, Newcastle on Tyne, on the 13 December 12-00 noon cost £12-00
if so contact Trudi at the Veterans Agency Arden House Gosforth who will give you my details.
Or get yourself along to our next meeting in November 2nd Tuesday 14th November 12-00 noon.
We meet at the Companions Club, Leazes Park Road, Newcastle on Tyne.

This Web Site Is Much Better Then Previous Site Keep Up The Good Work All Who Are Involved

Remote User:
Date: 24 Oct 2006
Time: 17:35:62

Comments
Betty Herschel.
Secretary
North East Branch Ex POW Association.

Our chairman Mr Alan Aiston, Black Watch Tyneside Scottish POW. Poland 1940-1945 passed away October this year Alan will be missed by all members of the north east branch our thoughts are with Alan’s family during this sad time.

Remote User:
Date: 07 Oct 2006
Time: 06:56:07

Comments
From George Herschel. North East Branch.
To the committee who are in charge of the Staffordshire national memorial arboretum. £40-000 pounds is a large amount if money and I think I may have an idea that would get the money within weeks??????????? As a big football fan (Sunderland) when we built our new stadium the club sold "BRICKS" that's correct they sold building bricks these bricks were engraved with details of your loved ones or in fact anything you wanted death's, births, weddings any anniversary in fact however I would suggest for the memorial priority should be given to those relatives of POWs who did not return then those who did return but who have since passed away you should also have each brick the same i.e. name, stalag and DOB. and death. If the brick work has say 1-500 bricks and you were to charge £30-00 per brick (a price I would pay for my father’s memory) I am not sure how much each brick would cost from suppliers but @ £30-00 each that would bring in £45-000.
Will contact les direct George Herschel

Remote User:
Date: 05 Oct 2006
Time: 08:55:08

Comments
From George Herschel.
Could I pass on some information that may be of help to ex POWs who are in receipt of a war disablement pension. If you need constant care due to your war related disability please make sure you are in receipt of the constant care allowance component with your war pension. In the event of your death your spouse will automatically receive the temp war widows/war widowers allowance for 6 months and then you will receive a full war widow/war widower's allowance. Also if you are in receipt of constant care allowance you will be able to claim the full funeral grant. Please check with veteran’s agency and make sure you are claiming the correct allowance.

Admin: The Veterans Agency Website http://www.veteransagency.mod.uk/

Remote User:
Date: 04 Oct 2006
Time: 17:48:06

Comments
In February my husband STAN HERSCHEL passed away STAN was a POW in Stalag V111B Lamsdorf, if any one knows STAN I would love to hear from you. STAN was taken prisoner near ARAS, FRANCE, and on his last visit to FRANCE / BELGIUM to visit the grave of his C.S.M. A.HIGGINS who saved STANS life but lost his own as tried to get back to DUNKIRK.
STAN told us that on his death could we return with his ashes and scatter them at the DUNKIRK memorial to be with his mates, this we did at Easter.
However on my visit in September this year we were talking to one of the gardeners at the DUNKIRK memorial and he told me we should have got permission from c.w.g.c. and from FRENCH authorities so if anyone is going out to do the same get permission.

Thanks to PHIL AND LES ALAN FOR ALL THE GOOD WORK THEY DO FOR ALL EX P.O.W`S

Admin: The Commonwealth War Graves Commission Website http://www.cwgc.org/