Frank C. McGinley - POW Stalag Luft 1
I visited the Stalag Luft I homepage and was thrilled with the information and detail found there. Thank you!.
I recorded below a transcription from my father's Wartime Journal. It may be of interest to you and those who visit your site.
It was only in the last year that I found some of this information from my fathers wartime diary. Since he died when I was 3 years old, it is a great blessing indeed that he can speak to us now about those days.
Chuck McGinley, Beaverton OR
I have spent some time this evening on your website as my father (James R. Wicker) was a B-17 Co-Pilot and a POW at Stalag Luft I. He is now deceased, but coincidentally was a prisoner from: July 7, 1944 until the Liberation in May of 1945. Norm certainly kept lots and lots of memorabilia...as did my father. You have inspired me to take it and make it into a website...in the future.
Thanks for sharing.
Jill Gooding
Raleigh, North Carolina
Thanks for a most interesting web site. I was a Kriegie at Barth from July 1944 on.
I just returned from a Conference sponsored by the town. There were four other Ex-POWs and eight survivors of the nearby concentration camp.
A large number of townspeople including school children attended the sessions and receptions.
It was well worth attending. I plan to keep in touch.
Bruce Bockstqnz, Kriegie No 5195
My father, Lt. E. C. Vaughan was at Stalag Luft 1 Feb 20, 1944 (shot down) through liberation. His navigator, Lt. Peacock was too. I am looking for Lt. Peacock. If you would like to contact my dad; 1624 SW 67th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73159. He helped dig tunnels and build the bellows used for ventillation. 8th Air Force, 92nd, BG, 327th BS, Triagle B, Podington, England, (B-17s of course). What Bomb Group and Squadron were you in? Many thanks. Mary Ann Vaughan (1640 NW Kline St., Roseburg, OR 97470) brianmc@pioneer-net.com
Hi. My name is John R. Hodgson (T/Sgt.). I was a member of the 390th BG - 570th Sq. I was a top turret gunner and engineer. I was a member of crew 54. Was shot down on May 11, 1944. I was at Stalag 1 (as well as several other places). I don't recall ever meeting your dad but there were so many of us unless they were in your barracks you didn't really get to met them. Besides, I was not an officer. My daughter is helping me cause I am not so good with a computer. You can e-mail me back at her address if you like. She'll let me know. I have not studied all the areas of your web page but we will do that little by little.
Take care and have a good day! John R. Hodgson
Dear N. A. Quast,
My grandfather and I are looking for anyone that he may have known during World War II. I have information on where he trained and his missions. I would love to hear from any of you who may know my grandfather or the people he knew.
My grandfather went to Pre-Flight at Maxwell Field, Alabama, in May and June of 1943. (Stearman PT 17) From there, he went to primary in Jackson, Tennessee from July to August 1943. (Vultee BT 13A) Next, he went to Newport Arkansas for his basic training in September and October of 1943. (Curtiss AT9-Twin Engine) My grandfather then took his advanced training at Blytheville, Arkansas in November and December of 1943. (Twin Engine Advance) Carroll Snidow (my grandfather) graduated from flight school in Class 44A at Blytheville, Ark., in January of 1944.
After graduation, my grandfather went to Salt Lake, Utah for one month. From there, (February ’44) he went to Davis Monthan Field, Tuscon Arizona. While there, my grandfather got B-24 training to be a Co-Pilot.
After training, Mr. Snidow left for Lincoln, Nebraska. In May of 1944, he and his crew left with a new B-24 for England via Bangor, Maine, Iceland and Scotland. He arrived in England around June 10, 1944. He was assigned to the 445 Bomb Group on July 1, 1944 in Tibenham, England.
The following are a list of the missions that my grandfather flew on (all in 1944): July 18, July 21, July 23, July 24, July 25, August 1, August 2, August 4, August 6, August 9, August 14, August 25, August 26, August 30, September 13, September 22, September 25, and September 27. He flew a total of 18 missions and was shot down about 30 miles from France over Kassel, Germany.
He was captured on September 27 by the Germans. He landed on a farm, after evacuation the plane. He there met a kind women who’s husband was a POW and was in the United States. She however, was required to turn him in to the government. After being captured, he was taken to Frankford on Main for one week of interrogation.
After that week, he arrived at POW camp Stalagluft #1 on October 10th. He was in the North Compound 2. While he was there, he wrote a 10-page story of the mission. He also recorded the rations he received. He wrote a journal for 2 months on the back of cigarette rappers.
Finally, on May 2, 1945 he and the rest of his camp were liberated by the Russians.
Some of the people that my grandfather had written in his journal are: John Mayfield “Pancho”, Ray Barthelmy “Pop”, Joseph Pokorny “Porky”, William Smithdeal “Boy”, Archie Sornberger “Sandy”, William Schultz “Rudolph”, Stanley Johnson “The Baker”, Herman Beck “Food”, John Dougherty, Jr. “Doc”, Richard Stark “Shark”, Rollins Mahony Jr. “Head”, Wesley Akins “Hoppy”, Rollins Wade “Joe Miller Jokes”, Gilberttt Hollingsworth Jr. “Holly”, William Fitzroy “Fitz”, Herbert Bridges “Bridge”, and James Wicker “Wick”.
Thank you so much for your time. My Grandfather and I would really appriciate any and all information that you have. Thank you again,
Molly Howard and Carroll Snidow
My E-mail address is mollyhoward@hotmail.com
Kriegie greeting to Norman A. E. Quast!
Dear Norm,
I greatly enjoy your site, especially the drawings and poems. Have you heard the following? There must be more, but this is all that I can remember.
FOUR, FOUR, B-24, I WENT OFF TO WAR IN A B-24.
BLOOD AND GUTS ON THE RUNWAY AND NO ONE STOPPING TO PRAY.
BLOOD AND GUTS ON THE RUNWAY, ANOTHER B-24 CREW PASSED AWAY.
Regards, Bruce Bockstanz, Navigator on B-17, The Silver Slipper, Kriegie No. 5195
Stalag Luft 1, Barth, North 2, Block 4, Room 12
Shot down 7/19/44. Hit at Schweinfurt. Bailed out along Mosel, near Real (between Trier and Koblenz)
Your website is great! I have been researching people and POW memorablia from my Dad's tour at Stalag Luft I. I believe my Dad was also in North 2 compound at some time, but I think he moved barracks..He lived in a tent at first.
I am writing because while looking through his diary and pictures, I noticed some similar to ones in my Dad's book and drawn by one of my Dad's roomates: Norman J. Morrison. In fact, Mr. Morrison wrote me a week ago and sent some copies from his book. His letter said he was somewhat "of official artist". If you notice, the pictures of the Air Raid, Roll Call and Tin Smith have his initials NJM...Just thought you might like to know his name...he is now living in Peabody, MA.
Wonder if our Dad's new each other? My Dad went down July 7, 1944 and ended up at Barth July 23, 1944. According to his Capture card his Barracks was 205/2......Sorry to have rambled! Jill Gooding (father: James R. Wicker, B-17 co-pilot, 390th)
Hi,
My name is Larry Shurilla. I got your e-mail address off the behind barbed wire web site. I am interested if you knew my father who was also a POW in the North Compound at Stalag Luft I during WWII. His name was Bob Shurilla and he was a bombardier on a B-17 and was in the camp for the 13 months prior to liberation. He told us he played the trumpet in the prison band. My father died 26 years ago and my family knows very little about his experiences. Any information would be most welcome.
Thank you
Larry Shurilla
larrys@lds.net
Greetings,
I really enjoyed your website with Norm's WWII diary.
I have my grandfather's diary on my web page http://www.dennper.com/pages/book/bookintr.htm - it is also a 'Wartime Log' from the YMCA/Red Cross, and he also was at Stalag 1 for a time. Would you be interested in exchanging links on our pages?
-Dennis
Really enjoyed viewing your site! My father did not talk about his WWII career. I do know he was shot down and captured in St. Vith Belgium on December 24, 1944. This would have been during the Battle of the Bulge. He was a rare commodity, an elisted pilot, but I have no idea where he was taken. He was not an officer so it is hard to say where he ended up. I had been trying to find lists of POW's when I came across your site. Didn't see my Dad's name but did find the diary to be fascinating and a great insight into the time. Thanks for sharing that with the world.
Denise F. Hayden
Proud Daughter of M/Sgt Raymond M. Hayden, 9th USAAF, 453rd Squadron, 323rd Bomb Group.
Hi,
Just wanted to drop you a note and let you know how much I enjoyed your website on your father's "Wartime Log". My dad was also at Stalag Luft I, but I never got to see his diary and it is lost now, so I really enjoyed viewing your father's. I found your site originally a couple of years ago when I first started my search for information about Stalag Luft I. Since then I have contacted some of his crewmembers and built a website with my sister about Stalag Luft I. I had forgotten about your site, until I ran across it again today. I have added a link to it from my site (www.merkki.com) and also from the American Ex-Prisoners of War website (www.axpow.org) - (where I am the volunteer webmaster).
Have you been in contact with Helga in Barth and are you planning on joining us in Barth in September 2001?
Take care,
Mary
Stalag Luft One Online
www.merkki.com
I am trying to find info about an Uncle of mine who was a WW2 POW. His name was Jacob Linstra. I have not been able to locate any records info yet but will hope to soon. Do you know of any other lists of prisoners or lists of the German Camps. He was Army Infantry not Air Force.
Thanks,
Sergeant First Class John Linstra
Mo National Guard
Hello,
My name is Nancy Russo, and I'm trying to help my fiance, Peter, to find out more info on his Dad, who spent a few years as a POW in Stalag Luft 1, Barth, Germany.
His Dad's name is William "Willy" Krupitsch. He was shot down. Not sure what division, maybe B17. Anyway, he lived and returned to the US, but he passed away a few years ago.
If you know him, or have any info on him, please email at "neremt@aol.com"
Thank you kindly, Nancy Russo
Hi my name is Jenny. My dad was a Germany prisoner of War. His name was Coy Robinson. He was from Pettsville, Al. Do you know how I can find out any information on his experience. Thank you very much. Your web site was so very interesting.
Dear Mr.Quast,
I just found your homepage and read the diary about your experiences in Germany. I live in Wismar and I´m very interested in the events of World War II in North Germany, especially in Wismar. I your diary you mentioned that the POWs Mead, Army, Dick, Koch and Winkle left the Barth camp and headed to Wismar (diary entry from May 5th 1945). Maybe you can answer some of my questions. Can you remember the first names of these POWs? Do you know the names other POWs who left Stalag Luft 1? Do you have the e-mail adresses of these POWs? I would be very thankful if you have time to answer me.
Best regards
Tobias Metzner
My dad was POW there also. Perhaps you knew him. Robert (Bob) Miller from Indianapolis, IN. He was a navigator on a 17. Please let me know.
Stephen Miller
smiller@freitaginc.com
In searching the web tonight, I ran across your site about your father(?). In reading it I found my father-in-law's name in the diary. He was Robert Culwell of Tyler, Texas, who appears on page 63. I also noticed that Robert and your father were shot down on the same day, but not the same aircraft. I would love to be in touched and ask that you contact me at the above email address. Betty Culwell
A TIME FOR RECONCILIATION
The small north German town of Barth up on the Baltic coast would seem an unlikely place in which to experience a remarkable manifestation of reconciliation between old enemies. Yet that was true of the occasion last September when men who were hating, hurting killing sixty years ago were now greeting one another in the spirit of true friendship, warm handshakes for the men, hugs and kisses for the women and children.
This extraordinary transformation has been brought about by a small group of German men and women belonging to the Association for Documentation and Dialogue at Barth who, above all, seek the unvarnished truth about man's inhumanity to man during the 1939-45 war. They aim to initiate and support research and educational work into the local history of National Socialism (Nazism), the Second World War and consequent injustice between 1945 and 1989.
One focus of that quest by is the site just outside the town of the memorial to Stalag Luft 1, the first of the prisoner of war camps for allied airmen shot down over Germany and the Continent.
Although those attending from outside Germany were largely American and British veterans, the occasion was in no sense just another reunion. On the contrary, all the delegates had been invited to a "conference" at which the lessons of the past would be discussed not just by the old warriors, but also by their wives, grandchildren, German dignitaries and civilians and their children, a former Russian Army sergeant who was involved in the fighting in the area at the end of the war, and his interpreter grandson.
The conference was just as concerned about the hardships endured by German civilians and the inmates of the concentration camp set up outside Barth later in the war as with the inmates of Stalag Luft 1.
In fact, the all pervading spirit of reconciliation was probably best epitomized by the attendance of a German woman whose father, "Henry the Butcher", a member of the camp intelligence staff, was shot dead at the end of the war by a newly-liberated, but enraged American.
She was in tears at the conference banquet, mystified about how such a tragic loss for her could have happened, yet her very presence bore eloquent witness to her lack of animosity for the rest of the Americans. (Her father derived his nickname from his civilian occupation and not from any activity in the camp).
The banquet was in honor of Helga Radau who worked so hard to make the conference a success and whose work for the association deserves wider understanding.
Such a unique gathering had to have a deeper significance than merely to afford old airmen the chance to exchange memories of wartime exploits and consequential hardships. Equally involved was that Russian soldier, the German survivors of the last battle in which he fought, and, most importantly, children from the local school. Time may well prove their participation to be the most significant outcome of all the effort being put into this unique quest for international understanding. Few who were there will easily forget the session at the school at which groups of 12 to13 year-olds eagerly questioned the veterans who had fought against their grandfathers.
The conference agenda was equally international. After a welcome by the burgomaster there were in depth talks by:
- Helga Radau (Germany):"Behind Barbed Wire at Barth".
- Alfred Jenner (Britain):"Tribute to Dixie Deans of Stalag Luft
- Irwin Stovroff (USA):"The separation of the Jewish POWs at Stalag Luft 1 in
1945"
- Vasily Bezugly (Russia):"My Deployment at Barth in May 1945"
- George Lesko (USA) who recalled the defiant speech by Col. H.R.Spicer, senior American officer of the North Compound.
- Stephan Scherer (Germany):"My father was the Commandant of Stalag Luft 1"
- Mary Smith (USA):" Why my sister and I created a web site for our father and other kriegies"
The conference found time to pay respect at three memorials---that a for Stalag Luft 1, the memorial for the victims of the concentration camp, and that for the dead of the Red Army, the youngest of whom was nineteen and the oldest fifty.
Later, basking in the glow of goodwill, the delegates said their farewells---totally unaware that within 48 hours international understanding would again be sorely tested by the deadly attack on the World Trade Center in New York
Alfred Jenner Sept 2001
From: Rolgeiger@aol.com
I am trying to find out information about my grandad. He was on the troop ship Orama in 1940, in company with the aircraft carrier Glourious on route to Narvik, when sunk by Hipper. He was taken to Stalag XIII where he spent the war. I have old newspaper cuttings from local papers but would love to find out any further information. I am new to the Net and would appreciate any details of sites that may be useful. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Darren
Darren, you forgot to give us his name!
Hello
I was hoping maybe you could steer me in the right direction to find information about my father Leroy M Hauf. He was a tail gunner in a B-17 he was shot down but I'm not sure where. He was also a P.O.W but I'm not sure where. He died about 15 yrs ago but I want to share his history with my children. Would you know where I could get information about him. I would greatly appreciate any information you could give me. Thank you.
Frank Hauf
I produced a documentary a few years ago titled "A Wartime Log". It was about John Cordwell who was a British pilot shot down to spend four years in Stalug Luft 1. If you would like a copy just give me an address where I can send one. I loved your page by the way.
Jim Quattrocki
Terry,
What a FANTASTIC web site you've got there. I've got a fascimile of a diary by Suadron Leader B.Arct here which looks similar.
I've sent your URL on to Kenneth Lockwood,now 90 years old . He was in Colditz from 1940 till 1945. I think he'll love it.
I'm working on a project with ex-Colditz prisoners. Have a look. http://www.geocities.com/visualpropaganda/INTRODUCTION.html
All the best.
Stefan
Just to let you know, Sea-Tech Exploration has added greatly to it's collection of photographs of WWII Warbirds that have crashed into the sea. Check out the photos of the B-17 at 100ft under the Med off the coast of Corsica. Check out the P47 with the pilots remains still inside the cockpit. We have sent all the information we have gathered to the US military with the hope that these remains canbe recovered and returned home. Check us out and don't forget to sign the guestbook.
Greetings: I am writing to ask if would be possible for you to send the Stalag Luft 1 "Rules and Regulations" as referenced in the Norman A E Quast web site. I am writing the story of S/Sgt Leon Freedman who was captured 4/11/44 after bailing out over the Baltic. He was imprisoned at Stalag Luft 1 and subsequently shot to death by the Germans.
I have attached a painting I have done representing S/Sgt Freedman's B17. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Eldon P Slick
Escondido, California
I am curious to find the author of the poem "An Escort of P-38's". I believe he was a crew member in the 12th or 14th AF (MTO), as there is a reference to the Messina Straits which is off Sicily.
I have heard that it was T/SGT Donald H. Bryson but was never able to find that person.
Any ideas??
Mike
Dear Terry
You might be interested to know I'm looking through my Dad's, 'A Wartime Log' only this one was issued for British Prisoners by the YMCA, identical to your Dad's though.
I smiled as my Father's records, 'Book I read', Insignia, Sketches and Poems and My Dad being Soccer crazy, all the matchs they played.
My father was In Stalag Luft one for a bit but spent most of his time in Luft IV, he was in the RAF.
Anyway, enjoyed your website
Thanks
Bob Biggart
Meppershall, England