The Dutch army tried to get as many German POWs to the UK as possible during the few days that it managed to hold its own. In the end around 1,300-1,400 must have reached the UK until the 18th of May 1940. I believe that these 'Dutch' POWs formed the majority of what POWs the UK contained for a long time, for very few had been taken in from France. On 15 May 1940 a Dutch vessel arrived in the UK containing around 1,000 German POWs. In the few days before another 200-300 POWs had been aboard many different merchant and navy ships of both Dutch and Royal Navy. Of these German POWs most officer names are known. Other ranks only partially. Basically these POWs are considered to have been shipped to Canada during the Summer of 1940, but Dutch records show no more intel than that general label. I suspect however that at least a few Germans remained POW in the UK for the duration of the war. In one of the airborne archives I found the record of Feldwebel (staff sergeant) Walter Knetemann (*22.9.1919, Oldenburg) of 2./FJR.2 (captured at The Hague). He was listed as a British POW from 16.5.1940 u/i 17.11.1946. The camp however, is not clear to me. It says (possible wrong spelling included) "Elg Camps Nr. 26 POW Camp Great Britain 17.253". Can anyone get my any further on this one, possibly too on the contents of that specific camp? Much appreciated.
Camp 26 Barton field ELY, cambridgshire, now the site of housing and a golf course. Thanks. I thought it had to be that one. I also purchased the book "Churchill's unexpected guests", which I hope to receive soonest. I hope I can find some more info on the first German POWs and their fates. If anyone can get me further on that one it will me much appreciated.
