BEHIND CASTLE WALLS

Southland Times, Issue 24832, 26 August 1942, Page 4

BEHIND CASTLE WALLS

GERMAN PRISON FOR OFFICERS Experiences of life in German prisoner of war camps are related in letters sent to the National Council of the Y.M.C.A. of New Zealand by Mr J. D. Hunter, a Y.M.C.A. worker with the New Zealand forces who fell into enemy hands during the campaign in the Middle East. After a period at one prison camp in Germany Mr Hunter was transferred to a camp reserved for officers from majors up to generals. There were four New Zealand majors among the prisoners. Mr Hunter adds that the camp “was just a little out of my element, but that can’t be helped.” “The prison camp,” says Mr Hunter, “is a large castle (schloss) on top of a high hill looking down on the’ surrounding village. The castle dates from 1238. Fortunately there are modem improvements such as electric lighting and heating. The castle is mostly made of stone. Surrounding it are inner and outer ramparts, between which is a deep moat. The castle itself encloses a central courtyard. While the drawbridge is permanently down, it is well guarded. All that spoils the picture of medieval times is the absence of knights in armour. There are only prisoners of. war. “Around my room are mural frescoes showing ladies and knights and carriages of the Middle Ages, indicating that it had been a nursery at some time or another. The weather has been very fine of late, but the cold outside (about 2 to 10 degrees F.) means that 90 per cent, of the day is spent inside.” HOUR OF FREEDOM In a later letter Mr Hunter states that the weather had improved though there was still snow on the ground, and that he and other prisoners were allowed out “for a glorious hour of freedom accompanied by an unobtrusive sentry. Even the sun smiled on us,” he says. “Just to get out for that period was a tonic. We sauntered for a couple of miles into the surrounding country. Four things I noticed: (1.) Long trails across the deep snow of hares’ feet. Frequently they led to small trees which had been denuded of bark for 18 inches off the ground similar to the way deer attack our own forests. (2.) Birds singing in the forest heralding spring. (3.) A mob of boys, cutting pretty figures on skis down the hill slopes. (4.) Many mothers taking the sunny day as a chance to give their little kiddies an airing. These latter, bright, fair-headed youngsters, were drawn not in prams, but in sledges on runners. I did some cross-cutting with the general in the morning. This was good exercise and provides wood for the fire.” A week later Mr Hunter writes that the snow had gone. “This time last week,” he says, “I had a great.snow fight with the R.A.F. prisoners, but today it would be impossible, for the snow has gone, probably for good. What Has interested me has been the quick uncovering of the fields.”