| Robert Hodgson World War II P. O. W. Diary |
| (5) Keeping accurate accounts on feed and crops money transacted, start year with an inventory and value, at the end of year allow for depreciation, etc. and draw up another inventory. (6) Draw up a budget, by making an estimate of costs and returns, from previous crops, this will be approximate but serve as a guide for seasons' operation. 21 and 22 APRIL 1945 Morning of 21st Jerries in a state of flap as Russians close in. We know they are fairly close by the artillery noise and flashes. At around one o'clock all the Jerries leave, leaving command of camp to S. B. O., very optimistic as to when Russians will arrive. Camp flying white flags as well as ensigns of France, Russia, Norway, Poland, and Great Britain. Russians not arrived by night, prepare for bed. Warned that a group of "SS" troop holding out in woods behind camp, their commandant has woarned us we are acting in a combative manner and if it didn't cease we would be fired on. Sort of put the wind up us wondering if they would make a stand around the camp as we are situated on a strip of high ground, at around 11 o'clock a Jerry plane came over our camp straffing, just dozing off, never hit the deck so fast in my life rather a sleepless night with straffing and artillery, finally dozed off, fully dressed with great coat. To be awakened at 0620 hours by the welcomed sound of the "Russians are at the gate." Bags of cheering as Russian tanks and trucks roll through. Confidentally I am glad they are our allies; rather a tough looking bunch. Now we are waiting around for something in the way of getting home, news came through Russians linked up with Americans. 22 April to May 1 Not badly organized. Russians supplying us with plenty of grub. Have been rather impatient to leave for home, but somehow it seems so slow. The Russian repatriation Officer has arrived which puts us in hopes of moving but apparently the snag is to evacuate us via US/Russian link up or through the regular Odessa route. Repatriation officer concerned with our living conditions has arranged to move us to Adolf Hitler Lager an officers rest home, rumored to be very luxurious, we are to move there on the fourth. Joe and I getting cheesed off decided to make for American lines, changed our minds, in view of military situation of pockets of Germans hanging about endeavoring to link up. I really want to get out of here to get in touch with home. It has caused me considerable worry as to how things are back home - maybe someday soon I'll see home. May 2 -- 6, 1945 Joe bought half shares in horse and cart (20 fags) really pleased with his bargain, bought from Italian refugees. Not moving to Hitler lager French and Italian refugees looted and put buildings in a terrible state. Joe thrown from horse broke ankle in two places. Decided it was a rather dear horse in the long run. Americans arrive, press correspondent, hadn't heard of our being relieved until April 29. Arrangement made to evacuate us across Elbe in trucks and then by air to England. |
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