Russian Liberate Stalag Luft 1
May 1, 1945
Allied Captive Rout Nazis
Allied Captives Rout Nazis
(Editors Note: Lowell Bennett, International News Service Correspondent, parachuted into German captivity December 3, 1943, when a British bomber from which he was reporting a raid on Berlin was shot down. Following is his first dispatch since his liberation from a Nazi prison camp at Barth, Pomerania. He now is in Paris, en route home.)
By Lowell Bennett
International News Service
BARTH, Pomerania, May 1, – (Delayed) – Nine thousand Allied air force war prisoners who were my companions in Stalag Luft No. 1 were liberated in time to go back to the war today and be in on the kill.
These men, who for long months and years waited for this wonderful day, have taken more than 200 square miles of German territory, have linked up with the Russians and now are waiting to go home after their long exile.
ONE CASUALTY
The total casualties of their entire operation so far is one man killed.
During the past 12 hours they have seized their prison camp, captured three towns, an important airfield and flak school and large quantities of equipment and fuel. Moreover they have taken almost 2,000 German prisoners.
A junction has been established with the Russian forces battering westward from Stettin and our joint victory in Pomerania is being riotously celebrated.
The action began last night when the Germans began evacuating the camp.
The Nazis had received reports the advancing Russian armies had reached the nearby sea base at Greifswald.
TOWERS CAPTURED
Long rehearsed operations got under way. We were fully prepared for such an eventuality. The “kriegies” (our abbreviation for the unwieldy, tongue-twisting German word for war prisoners) captured the guard towers and the radio station.
Scouts were dispatched in every direction and fully armed skirmish and picket lines were established. Expeditionary forces were organized to seize the entire area.
Little opposition was encountered by the airmen who, operation on the ground for the first time, disarmed the Germans they encountered and swiftly captured 50 vehicles, thousands of weapons and 3,000 gallons of fuel.
FIVE CAMPS FREED
Five neighboring prisoner of war camps and a concentration camp in the vicinity were liberated. Quickly afterward the liberated airmen captured Barth’s air base where they seized 14 planes intact and 16 others which were only slightly damaged.
This evening two of our scouts returned to camp with a Russian first lieutenant, Nich Karmytoff. Complete liaison with the Russians was quickly established.
At this writing, the forces are in control of 175 square miles of Pomeranian territory and have taken almost 2,000 prisoners.
Tell America that her “Kriegie” sons of Stalag Luft No. 1 are all right and are soon coming home.
European Camps Liberate 10 More
European Camps Liberate 10 More
Releases of Bay Men Now Raised to 41
The list of Bay City and county liberated soldiers mounted to 41 today, with announcement of 10 more freed from Nazi prison camps as the Allies move through conquered Europe.
The group includes: Cpl. Michael C. Weaver, Cpl. Leon Lipan, Pvt. Ernest O. Ashmun, PFC Fred J. Leonard, Sgt. John C. Eschenburg, Lieut. Norman A. E. Quast, Second Lieut. Louis M. Boehm, Pvt. Walter E. Neal, Cpl. Forrest McCollum and Pvt. Robert S. Andrews.
Bombardier Liberated
Lieut. Boehm, son of Mr. and Mrs. Max Boehm, 938 Scheurmann road, was a bombardier on a Flying Fortress when his plane was shot down over Austria in March, 1944. He has been held captive by the Germans since that time. After the initial report that he was missing, which the family received that month, news that he was prisoner reached them on Mothers' Day, 1944. They heard periodically from him while he was in prison camp.
Lieut. Quast has written to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Schutt, 919 Ketchum street, that he was freed on May 1 by the Russians. Now in France, he expects to arrive home in June. He was reported missing in action over Germany July 29, 1944, when the Flying Fortress he was aboard was shot down. He was serving as co-pilot. - Bay City Times - May 1945
Norman A. E. Quast Journal - April 30 – May 15, 1945
April 30th
The news leaked out at 1400 that the Germans were leaving the camp sometime tonight. We were afraid they would make us go with them. However our guard was formed secretly and ready to take over. The Germans started blowing up the airport and flak school. Explosives all afternoon. At midnight the Germans left and at 01:55 the Americans took over. In the afternoon we dug fox holes and slit trenches. That night every one was so excited they lay down with their clothes on. In the afternoon the civilians and soldiers broke into the stores and looted 7000 Red Cross Parcels leaving 38,000. The first uncensored mail was brought to camp. Received news Mussolini & Staff were assassinated.
May 1
All day there seemed to be nothing of interest.
Phonetic Pronunciation or Russian Phrases
May 3rd
Col. Zemke addresses us and we are to stay in camp to wait arrival of planes to carry us out of here. Lot of fellows leaving on own accord. Russians are very colorful army - hardly any 2 uniforms alike. They carry beautiful knives, guns, etc. They will stop you if you don't have a hat on. Once they know you are an American they will do anything for you. They have the Germans Frantic. As they take what they want from the Germans. Some of the Americans were seen trading with the Germans - they soon stopped this. - "Take It" they said. The Russians shoot first and ask questions later. Rape is common sight.
May 4th
Americans drunk last night and one was killed, several injured by Russians. French captives brought into hospital who had been in underground concentration camp for 3 years. They average about 55 lbs. per man. T.B. in last stage – however they were happy. News is we will fly out in few days. Airport clear of mines now. Russian planes flying there now.
May 5th
Marshall Rokossoosky and General Borison in camp with staff. Everyone is restless wanting to leave. Some have. Others going. Some have contacted British 34 miles away and return to await evacuation. No one now seems to know what is best to do. German collaborators taken to Barth and shot in public view of Germans. Col. of Airborne comes into camp to arrange our evacuation. American Major, caption and sergeant drive 80 miles, three hours to see brother here, Lt. Gaynor. When jeep entered camp, everyone went wild. Sgt. George A. Sasso of Mass. come to our room.
May 6th
More than 30% of camp so far has walked out. Col. Zemke has threatened anyone leaving camp with a dishonorable discharge. Russian soldier found shot last night, 30 Germans rounded up and shot. Camp is becoming disorderly due to promises by CO Russian CO wanted to move all officers to homes in Barth but our CO asked to let us remain in camp. Russian movie in camp. Russian barge load of whisky in sinks for Americans, however according to our CO it is off limits, but the wheels are getting plenty. Most of them drunk all the time including CO
May 7th *** Big Day ***
We took over old German Guard house and make Jr. Officers club. Russians put on big show for us. Very fine dancing and signing. Three Russian girls perform too. Oh Boy, what stuff! They have just announced over BBC that we have officially been liberated and our next of kin would be notified. Also told us that 800 airplanes would fly 50,000 Americans a month to the States and we are very high on the priority list. Germany has quit fighting. Tomorrow is VE Day in Europe.
May 8th - VE Day Begins
Very quiet day. Washed clothes and listened to radio. Went to M.P. kitchen where Russians had just driven in some fresh meat. Had my first drink since being liberated. Blackberry brandy. Very good.
May 9th
Col. Zemke make speech over radio about evacuation. Everyone is P.O. at him. They know he has a big job and he knows it too. Everyone is getting impatient with him as he never says anything worth much. Seems he has too much to drink. We are really anxious to get out of here. 11:00 – Col. Spicer takes over command of camp. Col. Zemke is in charge of Barth Refugees and diplomat to Russians. Had steak for dinner. Went up to club. Still no beer or drinks yet. However they had music and fudge. Cols. Spicer, Wilson & Gabreski there. Col. Spicer makes speech. Plenty of flares being shot off at night and guard towers being shot down.
May 10th
Weather chilly this morning. Listening to the radio of programs from USA and England. Hoping to hear today when we are leaving. Now we have to have passports to leave here, as Russia is a neutral power now. Lot of red tape. It will take at least 3 days to make out passports. Went to club and played cards. Went to flak school to search for things for club.
May 11th
If nothing is done soon 2000 officers are rumored to be walking out Sunday morning. Received fresh hamburger from Russians. Filled up on that all day. Went to club and had barbecue. At 11:00 P.M. we were informed planes would begin arriving today and not later than Sunday morning. So we are watching everything now as they say we will only be detained long enough to get clothes. Two of the boys, Wagner and Frey who have been gone for a week, returned yesterday and said that the Russians had given them a farm. The Russians simply shot the people who owned it and gave it to the boys because they liked America. A Sgt. arrived here today with a case of whiskey and said the Gestapo had arrested him some 30 days ago and he was put in jail in Stralsund. When the Russians freed him 12 days ago they killed the mayor and a Russian officer took over the town. He gave the Sgt. and a Canadian a 7 story hotel, a polish cook, two hun laborers, and a wine cellar. He came in here due to the fact he was ready to go home, so he couldn't stand the pace any longer. British Sgt. dies from too much Kriege Coke.
May 12th
At 10:00 A.M. we received the announcement that planes would begin arriving and the evacuation would begin at 2:00 P.M. So we will leave here either today or tomorrow So everyone is very happy now as BBC announces in the 0600 news that Stalag Luft 1 would begin evacuation today. 1,000 copies of Stars & Stripes arrive as well as other periodicals. Also much fruit juice. A picture "Flying High" is being shown over at the club. I was suppose to go on work detail at 3:15 P.M., but Major Bronson told us to "hit the road". The first two B-17s showed up at exactly 2:00 P.M. At about 3:30 two C-47's came in and then about 4:00 P.M. B-17s from the 91st Group in England started showing up in big bunches. The boys went wild and everyone is celebrating by making candy and having big dinners. The sick and wounded are being taken out first followed by the English and then Americans. Everyone is turning in their excess clothes and food for the refugees. We burned Hitler in effigy at night. During the night my rack broke for good.
May 13th
Mothers Day. This is the most remembered Mothers Day I have ever had. Instead of making mom happy I was made the recipient of such a surprise. We got up at 8:00 A. M. and had our last German meal. We packed and marched to the airport about 10:00 A.M. As we marched through Barth the people watched with curiosity. They seemed glad to be rid of us as we were of them. Everyone was in good humor and there was much singing as we marched. We arrived at the airport and ransacked a workshop. I picked up a metal workers book and steel scale in cm. Our plane arrived shortly and we took off. The navigator was a boy from Flint. We traveled over the most devastated parts of Germany including Wismar the outskirts of Hamburg, Munster, Osnabruck, the Ruhr, Dusseldorf, Liege, the Meuse River Valley, and other places. Everything was in shambles and the trenches were still visible from the air. We landed at an airport near Laon France which is 50 miles N.E. of Paris. We sat around for 4 or 5 hours and then went to a camp near Rheims. Arrived about 11:00 P.M. and assigned to tents. Then had our first American meal of Liver, potatoes, tomatoes, pickle relish, peaches, white bread & butter, and lemonade. Then came back to tent and hit the sack. It sure feels good to be back among friends again.
May 14th
Got up about 7:30 A.M. and had chow. Signed up to leave here at 9:45 A.M. Did not leave until after dinner. Got on big trailer trucks and went to Rheims where the Peace Conference was signed. Saw the school where it was signed and also General Eisenhower's train. Left the station in the afternoon and traveled all day and night toward Le Havre. It doesn't look as though I'll see much of France the same as I saw England. We traveled on hospital cars with 30 men to a car. Had our meals on board and everything is done for our benefit and comfort. We received Red Cross Comfort Kits at the camp before we left. The strange thing about this is that German P.O.W.'s had to hand them out to us. There are P.W.'s everywhere we go and the American and British sure keep them well occupied, which is as it should be. France is a country very little different in physical appearance than any other country close by. When you get to the towns and villages you notice the difference more. The streets are narrow and all the buildings, roads, airports, have been devastated by bombs and artillery shells. Two of the boys on the truck from Leon to Rheims displayed a Nazi flag and the people of France displayed mixed emotions when they saw it. Some laughed and clapped their hands while others were a bit different and motioned to tear it up.
May 15th
Was awakened this morning by the sound of the ward men who served us breakfast in bed. Passed through Dieppe early and during the night we went through Soissons.