I only subscribed to this website today. My father-in-law served in the 2nd Battalion Irish Guards in WW2, was captured at the Battle of Boulogne in May 1940 and was a prisoner of war at Stalag XXB for the remainder of the war. I have six black and white group photographs taken in Stalag XXB. Would there be any interest in my posting them on the website and, if so, how do I do this?
Peter, Certainly would be for others future interest. You can attach them to this post by using the 'More Reply Option' below. What was your Father in Law's name and l will see if l can find his Liberation Questionnaire at Kew today. Regards, Nick.
Nick Thanks for response. I shall have to scan the photos and attach them to a reply as you suggest. My father-in-law's name was John Joseph Donoghue, Guardsman service number 2720093. I have just finished writing a novel about the two engagements he fought in. He served in 2nd battalion Irish Guards and was a member of the Harpoon Force. In May 1940 they rescued Queen Wilhelmina and the Dutch Government from the Hook of Holland, then they fought at the battle of Boulogne, where John was captured. The book is titled Harpoon Force and is based on factual events up until the end of the battle at Outre (although the characters are fictional); the story then speculates on what the ultimate aim of the mission may have been. I hope people find it interesting. It will be published in November and available on Amazon, etc. I don't know if it is a coincidence but the Harpoon Force was created the night Winston Churchill became :Prime Minister. Regards Peter
Here are the photographs that Guardsman John Joseph Donoghue brought back from Stalag XXb. In the photograph at the top (Stalag XXb Main Camp, London District Group), John is the tallest one at the end of the back row. I apologise for the quality of the photograps; in reality they are pretty good but I'm not sure I am scanning them correctly. Peter
Peter, You have obviously done a great deal of research, do you have his Liberation Questionnaire? regards, Nick
Nick No. I don't even know what a Liberation Questionnaire is, but very interested to find out. Peter
Peter, Check the files out today and sorry to say, but he does not appear to have completed one so sorry but unable to help. Regards, Nick
Great pictures! and wonderful that you have written about his experience. My Father-in-law was with the Canadian Grenadier Guards, captured in NW Holland on October 24, 1944, and interned in Stalag XIB from October 44 until liberation in April. 45. So great that you have these pictures and information about your father-in-law, something you don't often see. Good luck.
I have written a novel based on the missions of the Harpoon Force (Irish and Welsh Guards) that was formed in May 1940. It will be published on 10 October 2014 and is available to pre-order from Amazon now. It is available in paperback and eBook/Kndle. Harpoon Force is a novel but recaptures the events of May 1940 including the rescue of Queen Wilhelmina from The Netherlands and the Battle of Boulogne. I hope you enjoy it - I certainly enjoyed researching and writing the story.
