LIFE IN P.O.W. CAMP

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 19, 18 October 1943, Page 4

LIFE IN P.O.W. CAMP

Importance Of Red Cross Parcels BISHOP GERARD’S TALK “Had it not been for these parcels, many of the prisoners would have suffered iu health and might not have survived,” said the Bishop of Waiapu, Rt. Rev. G. V. Gerard, in a broadcast address last night describing his experiences as a prisoner of war in Italy. Bishop Gerard was a chaplain with the New Zealand forces in the Middle East, and was captured iu Libya in December, 1941. On ills arrival in Italy he had been quartered at a transit camp. He and other officers had been housed in w’ooden huts, but had been greatlv concerned at the plight of 1000 Allied soldiers confined in a small, muddy area nearby. These men had to sleep on- damp floors under exposed conditions. Many had lived in hot climates for years and suffered considerably. Chaplains were allowed to visit these men, said Bishop Gerard, but their requests for improved conditions met with one reply, a word they were to hear frequently, and which meant tomorrow.

In the course of proceeding to join New Zealand prisoners, Bishop Gerard found himself at one etage quartered in a strongly-guarded castle containing several high-ranking British officers. Their interest in his welfare was unbounded, aud he found himself the possessor of a pair of General O’Connor’s trousers, another officer’s shirt, a batman’s pullover, and other personal garments. Despite the difficult conditions, it was a treat to see how they managed to retain tlie courtesies of civilized life, said Bishop Gerard. Before their privileges had been curtailed because of the discovery of plans for escape they had enjoyed many delightful walks. The escape of Brigadiers Hargest and Miles had been a truly masterly piece of work. There were 3300 prisoners—English, South African and New Zealand —at the camp 25 miles south of Genoa where he was later posted. He had associated with him other chaplains, including Padre Mitchell, of Dunedin. Their best friend was an Italian priest, through whom they were enabled to purchase additional requirements for the men. The greatest comfort was derived through the Red Cross parcels. Bishop Gerard paid a tribute to these workers, and to those at home who had sent the parcels, without which he hardly knew what life would have meant to the men. The loss of a piece of chocolate or the upsetting of a brew of cocoa were sufficient to cause deep concern among the men. In describing the living conditions in this camp Bishop Gerard remarked .on a peculiar trait among the Italians. A mess hall had been built outside the compound. The Italians often made mistakes of that kind, but were very slow to rectify them. That particular mess hall was not brought into use till 12 months later. Mails were often months late in reaching them, said Bishop Gerard, who spoke of the great comfort they meant,, though in some cases they brought messages of sorrow.

Bishop Gerard concluded with an appeal for a sustained war effort. He had seen the present gigantic struggle from two sides, he said, and was convinced that the present was no time for relaxation or complacency. Th.e priceless gifts of freedom were best remembered by those who had had to go without them.