P.O.W. Camp Discipline

Discussion in 'Prisoners of War' started by Brian S, Jun 24, 2008.

  1. Brian S

    Brian S Guest

    Copied this some while ago and thought I would share it.

    COPY Certified true Copy.
    (signed) - Harris
    CHARGE SHEET S/Ldr.

    Charge against :-

    No. Rank Name

    SFX417 L/A Lancaster E.
    515182 Sgt. Greenhalgh E.
    KG884 R.S.M. O'Brien A.
    633914 Sgt. Fraser D.
    1331734 Sgt. Arnold J.F.
    1003628 Sgt. Rigley J.J.McK.
    546026 Sgt. James G.


    At Barth,Germany,on 15th February 1944 when on active service.

    1. When ordered by Wing Commander F.W.Hilton,R.A.F. Senior British
    Officer at Stalag Luft 1, to shave the hair from their bodies by by
    12:00 hours on the 15th February 1944,did not do so.

    2. When ordered by Colonel W.A.Hatcher U.S.A.A.F.,Senior Allied
    Officer at Stalag Luft 1,to shave the hair from their bodies by 15:00 hours on the 15th February 1944,did not do so.

    3. Endangering the health of other Prisoners Of War by not carrying
    out Medical precautions ordered by Wing Commander Hilton and Colonel Hatcher.


    Awarded :-
    TO BE REDUCED TO THE RANKS w.e.e. 15/12/44


    Signature
    F.W.HILTON

    Senior British Officer Stalag Luft 1,


    Countersignature

    W.A. HATCHER



    Brings a whole new meaning to "Get Your Hair Cut."
     
  2. Kyt

    Kyt Άρης

    Fascinating Brian. I wonder if they put up any defence - the cold maybe?
     
  3. Brian S

    Brian S Guest

    P.O.W. Discipline

    I should imagine that at this time of year it would be cool to say the least Kyt.

    Perhaps the order had come on advice from the M.O. due lice. The Document didn't give any more information.

    What was an R.S.M. doing in an Airforce Camp.?
     
  4. Ferhilt

    Ferhilt New Member

  5. Pathfinder

    Pathfinder Guest

    Thanks for this interesting document Brian.

    I guess their punishment showed the others what could happen if they didn't do it.
     
  6. Brian S

    Brian S Guest

  7. Kyt

    Kyt Άρης

    Seems Hatcher was quite a thorn in the German's side. He lasted about 3 months at Stalag Luft I before he was transferred to SL 3 because of his constant complaints about the conditions
     
  8. Ferhilt

    Ferhilt New Member

    Sounds like he was doing a good job as an officer in captivity :)
     
  9. Higgy001

    Higgy001 Guest

    Brian S, do you have anymore details about the POWs at Stalag Luft I? Was Wg Cdr FW Hilton's first name name Fred?

    If so he's my late great-uncle.
     
  10. Kyt

    Kyt Άρης

    Hi higgy,

    it was Frederick William HILTON 32195 POW No: 1591

    Do you have any more details of his service?
     
  11. David Layne

    David Layne Active Member

    Your uncle was shot down on a raid to Berlin 26/11/'43 while serving with 7 Squadron in Lancaster JB 538.
     
  12. Higgy001

    Higgy001 Guest

    Thanks David & Kyt I never knew that. I wish I'd have known it 4 years ago when I spent 2 months on operations on 7 Sqn! I only have sketchy details of Fred's career, memories that my grandfather told me before he died. I knew he got shot down flying withthe pathfinders and went to Stalag Luft I, but I didn't know which Sqn it was with.
     

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