Does anyone know the likely route home, and method of transport, liberated POWs would have taken from camps in the Leipzig and Chemnitz areas in April 1945? Would any have been airlifted out from RAF Celle? Any info appreciated. John
My dad was in or attached to Stalag IVF Hartmannsdorf, according to his war service record, before notice was sent 'Safe in UK'. Hartmannsdorf in now on the outskirts of Chemnitz. I also understand he was working in a coal mine at the time, which may have been a work camp associated with IVF. One morning they woke up and the gates were unguarded. My brother recalls him saying they went into town to celebrate but the Americans wouldn't let them. I don't think he did that much (if any) walking back to Belgium. Was probably one of the lucky ones who got a ride. And I think was airlifted to SE England from one of the American bases in Belgium. If since you posted this enquiry you have heard anything which can enlarge on my picture I would very much like to hear. Best wishes Graham
Does anyone know the likely route home, and method of transport, liberated POWs would have taken from camps in the Leipzig and Chemnitz areas in April 1945? Would any have been airlifted out from RAF Celle? Any info appreciated. John Sorry for the late reply, I've just found this message, John. My father was captured on Kos in 1943 and was a POW for 20 months. Not sure what camp he was in but I know he worked for a builder in Leipzig, clearing up after the bombing. I asked him once how he got home when the war was over and he said from Leipzig he was flown to Brussels, spent one night there and was then flown home to Oxford. Best wishes, Anne
Does anyone know the likely route home, and method of transport, liberated POWs would have taken from camps in the Leipzig and Chemnitz areas in April 1945? Would any have been airlifted out from RAF Celle? Any info appreciated. John I am lookijng for information on POWs at Hartmansdorf where my late father (Gerald Baxter -- South African 2nd Infantry Division) was held . Regards Kevin
Kevin I believe your Father was Sgn. G F Baxter 9749 P.O.W. No. 263029 The Base Camp was at Hartsmandorf 10kms N/W of Chemnitz.50-53N - 12-48E. The Camp inmates varied between 4 & 5000 in number and were distributed between 95 work Kommandos. British P.O.W. made up the large majority followed by S/Africans who numbered 250 to 300 with a small minority of Canadians,Australians and New Zealanders. Hope this helps, but I do have more. Brian I am lookijng for information on POWs at Hartmansdorf where my late father (Gerald Baxter -- South African 2nd Infantry Division) was held . Regards Kevin
Brian As the resident "Head Shed" it seems on Stalag IV F at Hartmansdorf Chemnitz, have you any data on a Dvr. George Henry Blackwell, RASC. Originally captured very early on in the Italian campaign. Thanks
