I am in contact with a few US researchers who brought to my attention the Joint US-Russian Commission on PoW's who disappeared while under Soviet control. These were mainly German held US PoW's who disappeared after they were liberated by the Russians. Apparently a few hundred remain missing and 39 cases are still under investigation. One is the case of S/Sgt Itmusu Sasaoka I know at least one Dutchman is still missing from such a situation and am wondering if anything is known about British PoW's and if the British government is still persuing these cases? Many thanks, Stevin
I saw something on TV a few months back - to do with flights in the baltic , landing of agnets behind the "Iron Curtain" - the Russians knew what was coming thanks to the famous five who had sold their country down the road - several aircrew are still missing. As I recall ex german E-Boats were also used , some of these going "missing" as well.
Some time ago I tried to find out more about Pte W H Sore of the Green Howards. It was known he had escaped when the Italians Capitulated but was presumed to have died on Christmas Day 1943. Obviously no recognisable remains were recovered as he is Remembered on the Memorial where he last served. El Alamein. The Family asked how he had been given a specific D.O.D. and the M.O.D. said that was the date he was last seen alive. When they asked "seen by who and where", they were told "that information is no longer available". I feel it would have been given by someone who made a Report when reaching Allied Lines,or by someone who was recaptured and made a Report when Liberated. Obviously the man is still "Missing". I don't know if further information was sought by the M.O.D. Regarding Eastern Europe; many P.O.W. were repatriated out of the Ports of Odessa and Constance. This was organised by 30 Military Mission Moscow.
The name escapes me at the moment but there was an Arnhem POW,who wrote a book in the 50/60's as he also ended up in a russian POW for many years after the war, Private ??, if I remember it I will let you know.
Thanks for your responses. I appreciate it. First time I heard of 20 Military Mission Moscow. I wonder if there are still MIA cases. Interesting how the military/ministry of defense come to certain conclusions, d.o.d's etc. Same with the US cases; there are some statements made that would suggest more comprehensive reports were made up by people who saw them last or have had some knowledge of what happened, but somehow these reports/documents seem to be gone... Philip. I remember reading about that book on a forum (this one? ww2forums.com?) not too long ago, but there seem to be considerable doubt as to the historical accuracy of the book. However, I have to find out which book it is and see what it says... Thanks again for the input everyone. I know the Dutch are not persuing the matter, but I am only aware of just one man. There may be more....
That is a very interesting article. I am just surprised by the numbers. I have never heard of so many Dutchmen still missing, or even heard this being an issue. I know my father's aunt was forced to work in Berlin, lived through the bombings and after the liberation by the Russians, ended up in the Soviet sector. She met a German and married him and stayed. She was not missing, however. Another subject to look into....Thanks again, Verrieres!
The name of the 'last' British prisoner of war who was held by the Russians was paratrooper Private Kelly of the RAMC 1st Airborne Division captured at Arnhem. WO 32/17546 Pte F J W Kelly: court of enquiry into failure to return to unit when released as POW 1945 and subsequent imprisonment by Russians 1946-1953 [1945-1955]
Have you seen this thread: http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/eastern-front/28369-lost-commonwealth-soldiers-soviet-union-during-ww2.html Interesting information on the grave of a POW in Russia, who is also commemorated on the Dunkirk memorial.
The name of the 'last' British prisoner of war who was held by the Russians was paratrooper Private Kelly of the RAMC 1st Airborne Division captured in Arnhem. WO 32/17546 Pte F J W Kelly: court of enquiry into failure to return to unit when released as POW 1945 and subsequent imprisonment by Russians 1946-1953 [1945-1955] Private Kelly of 133 Parachute Field Ambulance wrote a book about his experiences called "Private Kelly" John
Found these at National Archives and one of the documents was Signed by R.N. Gale of the 6th Airborne Division then Commander in Chief of the British Army of the Rhine.
