| Robert Hodgson World War II P. O. W. Diary |
| up from R. C. parcels and Jerry rations, stayed at the camp until the night of the 22nd, left on train for permanent camp Stalag Luft 7 at Bankow. Issued with 1 No. 10 American parcel and half loaf Jerry bread and some liver sausage. Travelled in 1st class P. O. W. carriage along with 53 other RAF personnel. Arrived morning 28th, searched again and then given billet number. 45 block room 4. Room had eight men in it but number was brought up to sixteen with our draft, became acquainted with Danny Sales (Birmingham), Harry Lauder (N.J.), Danny Harrington (London), Paddy O'Dear (Belfast), Leslie Westbrook (London), Dave Jacops (London), Morris Collins (Brighton), Greggory (unknown), Gill Potter, Bruce Collins (Aus.), R. Robinson (Ottawa), Al Mellenaki (Trail, B.C.), Jim Gale (Medicine Hat), Ted McLeod (Hamilton), Al Woods (Port Hope). We lived quite qell on 1/2 Red Cross Parcel a week per person, all mucking in together. Able to save enough to have a really bang-up Xmas dinner, as did everyone in camp. Unfortunately it was too much of a shock to the system. People were seen dashing madly to block 53 (Lavatory) for the next couple of days, also sick at stomach. Xmas meals were: Breakfast - 2 pieces of toast, jam, bowl of porridge, thick creamy powdered milk, two cups coffee. Morning Lunch - 1 slice bread, jam, 2 American biscuits with cheese Dinner - fried Spam, chipped potatoes Jan. 16, 1945 Russians are still advancing. Rumors have it we shall be moved. Roads are congested by numerous kinds of traffic on the move away from the Russian onslaught, both civies and army. Russian air raid near camp, couple of bombs really close, rather hair raising. Jan. 17, 1945 Germans give us orders to prepare for march - given an hour to make ready. Terrific panic, marching order cancelled later. Jan. 18, 1945 Be ready to move at any time are orders, rearranged my kit, decided to take only barest necessities, discarded Red Cross suitcase and clothes not already wearing. Kit taken: razor, etc., towel, soap, pr Socks, remainder marching ration issued by Germans consisting of 1/4 loaf bread, 1/3 tin of "bully", 1/5 block margarine, and a little honey. Lined up at six p. m. to march off - formed up in three columns of three. Hospital cases sent to Kreuzburg, later to Lamsdorf which was evacuated three days later. Marching order cancelled until morning. Jan. 19, 1945 Ready to move at 6 a. m. for 14 day march. 50 mile an hour wind blowing, roads very icy, very difficult marching. Marched 30 km today to Konstadt (heading south), nights spent in small barns, very cold and wet feet. |
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