Confused

Discussion in 'Prisoners of War' started by debra, Oct 19, 2007.

  1. debra

    debra Member

    On this site, you wonderful folks were able to identify my father, UK, Alfred E. New, a POW of the Germans, Stalag 4B. Dad was captured in Africa.

    My new question: Before Dad died in 1987, he told me the Germans sent him to Greece and then to India. I have been searching but still have no idea why this would have occurred. Do you fine people know anyone or have an idea why he would have been moved in this way?

    I do appreciate your thoughts and ideas.

    Cheers! Deb, USA
     
  2. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

    I can understand why they'd send him to Greece as it was occupied by the Germans.
    As for India, that has to be wrong.
     
  3. debra

    debra Member

    Thanks, Owen. That got me stumped, too. There was some talk in the family....Dad may have been a Nazi sympathizer. I do know he was interrogated by the FBI, something to do with The War....but it was unfounded. I know the men who served in The War did not talk about their experiences; however, it has been ever so difficult for me to acquire much about Dad's experiences in light of the above. I'll keep digging. Thank you for your response.
     
  4. NickFenton

    NickFenton Well-Known Member

    Debra,

    I take it your Father was in the US army?

    Nick
     
    debra likes this.
  5. debra

    debra Member

    Dad was in the British Army. He immigrated to the States.
     
  6. kfz

    kfz Very Senior Member

    The only thing I can think of is that he had escaped, was released or back in the Kings service. Ive read somewhere that allied lost souls from the Balkens or Eastern Europe often found the easiest friendly coutnry to get to was India.

    Kev
     
  7. NickFenton

    NickFenton Well-Known Member

    Debra,

    I will look up his liberation questionaire on Monday and let you know.

    Regards,

    Nick
     
  8. debra

    debra Member

    Thank you both ever so much. And, Nick, that would mean so much to me. All the best, Deb
     
  9. NickFenton

    NickFenton Well-Known Member

    Debra,

    Gunner Alfred Ernest New, 1150279, enlisted 28th May 1942, Q Battery, 56th Heavy Regiment, Royal Artillery captured 20th April 1943 in Tunis. No injury.

    Camp No. 98, Scilly 27th April 1943 to 20th June 1943.
    Camp No 53, Macerta 23rd June 1943 to 20th August 1943
    N.A.44.E. Konnern 1st September 1943 to 14th April 1945 working on the Railways.

    No interrogation, no escape attempts or sabotage carried out, no war crimes or collaberation witnessed. Form completed 3rd May 1945.

    Is this your Dad?

    Nick
     
  10. debra

    debra Member

    Well....that just about answers it. I don't have anymore anxiety. He looks clean as a whistle..........Nick...if I can help with anything in the future for you, please let me know. I thank you so much. Deb
     
  11. machine shop tom

    machine shop tom Senior Member

    This is a wonderful example of how the internet should work.

    Bravo!

    tom
     
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  12. von Poop

    von Poop Adaministrator Admin

    If we had a reputation system I suspect you'd be buried under positive 'pips' Nick.
    Great stuff.

    Cheers,
    Adam.
     
  13. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

    Question I want to know now is how does someone in a Heavy Regt get captured?
    They're meant to be well behind the lines?
    Good work Nick.
    I see there History was published in 1988, might be worth tracking down.
    Amazon.co.uk: 56 Heavy Regiment Royal Artillery, History Of, 1940-46: Books

    EDIT Here for £7.50
    >>> Welcome to Caliver Books

    Wonder if he was captured in this action?

    Tunisia

    With the Allies still preparing their next move, the Germans tested the British V Corps in a strong attack by the Hermann Goering Division the night of 20-21 April. Though enemy forces penetrated five miles at some points, they could not force a withdrawal and returned to their lines with British tanks in pursuit
     
  14. NickFenton

    NickFenton Well-Known Member

    No probs.
     
  15. 52nd Airborne

    52nd Airborne Green Jacket Brat

    Debra,
    N.A.44.E. Konnern 1st September 1943 to 14th April 1945 working on the Railways.
    Nick

    I think you will find that the above is his work camp number and not his POW camp.

    Your fathers POW number was: 266658. Seeing as your fathers last reported camp was Stalag IVB, there is a chance that the Veterans Agency may hold his German POW records. If you contact the V.A. and ask them nicely they may send you a copy (Should they have it!).

    Good Luck!
     
  16. South Staffs

    South Staffs Junior Member

    The regiment rang a bell with me.......Spike Milligan was in 56 Heavy Regiment. According to his diary/memoirs, at the time that Debra's dad was captured, they were involved in the fighting for Longstop.
     
  17. debra

    debra Member

    Thanks, I'm on the internet looking it up now. Appreciate you!
     

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