| Robert Hodgson World War II P. O. W. Diary |
| Today 6th first convoy of Yanks left, very optimistic of our being moved tonight. Rumored to be having disagreements with Russians about evacuation. May 6 - 19, 1945 Everyone quite happy about the American evacuation, considerable trouble with Russians but American apparently had orders to evacuate us and would not leave without us. Russians prove that American had no higher orders than from a divisional commander. Russians ordered Yanks back or they would be interned. Yanks return empty. However, quite a few of the Stalag went earlier in the morning when some of the trucks went back, but the flap it caused in the camp! -- fellows were walking to the American lines, I almost went myself, but seeing that I hated walking and also I didn't trust the Russians as they had some pretty fair idea we had to stay put, and also rumored quite a few Germans running around in British battle dress and civies NCO strength 555 out of previous 1500. May 8th hostilities ceased. Seems hard to realize it is over, still in these pens. Thousands of Italian, Belgian, French etc. - 25 nationalities in all came into the camp. 1200 approximately, camp very overcrowded. May 12th moved to German troopenlager, quite good billets and much better grounds. At least there was some grass on the ground. Also flush lavatories, instead of our previous outside bogs. Food declined terribly, 1/3 loaf of bread, cheese, soup our stable diet, 25 grams sugar every three days. Saturday 19 dance held for NCO's told we would evacuate tomorrow. Evacuated by Russians to American lines, 25 men to a Studbaker truck traveling slow because of bridges blown and road blocks had to detour through woods etc. Russians rather rough drivers, but you had to hand it to them they can handle them. Started journey 12:30 p. m. Russian time arrived Elbe 6:30 p. m. Americans loaded us on their trucks, 40 to a truck, taken to Halle where we arrived at 8:30 p. m. American time, billeted in former Luffwaffe wireless school. Feeding well here, white bread - so white it is amazing and after eating sour Jerry bread it tastes like cake. Saw a show on 21st and been told we would probably be evacuated DC3 tomorrow, weather permitting. Epilogue May 21 Flown by DC3 to airfield near Brussels - stayed overnight in Brussels |
 |
 |