A 'Great Escape' Ludwaffe Question

cirelaw · 09-08-2013, 01:23 PM

I noticed the camp commander had the Blue max and Ludwaffe emblem. Was that branch responsible for German pow camps? I think I found my answer! The True Story Of The Great Escape!! http://www.b24.net/pow/greatescape.htmand http://www.historyonthenet.com/WW2/german_pow_camps.htm

alanint · 09-08-2013, 06:17 PM

Yes, since initially most POWs originating outside the continent of Europe were opposing airmen, (most captured French and Belgians were outprossesed and sent home. Others were sent to labor camps), Herman Goering insisted that this be a Luftwaffe responsibility. Goering still held some illusions of Chivalry and "Knights of the Air" imagery, so airmen tended to be treated better than most captives of the germans.

This system changed drastically when the allies invaded Europe and most prisoners were suddenly army, versus airforce. Then camps were run by any body that was available, including the SS, Police, etc.

GySgt1811 · 09-08-2013, 06:58 PM

Thanks, Eric, great read. I thought of my Dad the whole time.

All the best,

Gunny John

cirelaw · 09-08-2013, 07:09 PM

John we are all lucky. We can now share great historys that would have gotten forgotten long ago! When I practiced law twenty years ago, our law library took up one whole room with at least several hundred expensive books. Updates took weeks and were costly. Now with one key I can trace any case or any defendant or subject matter! They now they sell false facades of law books to put on a office walls! Both my grandkids each have their own computer.....WOW!

09-08-2013, 01:23 PM	#1
cirelaw Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: PORT ST LUCIE, FLORIDA Posts: 12,216 Thanks: 6,209 Thanked 4,133 Times in 2,173 Posts	A 'Great Escape' Ludwaffe Question I noticed the camp commander had the Blue max and Ludwaffe emblem. Was that branch responsible for German pow camps? I think I found my answer! The True Story Of The Great Escape!! http://www.b24.net/pow/greatescape.htmand http://www.historyonthenet.com/WW2/german_pow_camps.htm Attached Thumbnails

09-08-2013, 06:17 PM	#2
alanint User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Marco Island, Florida Posts: 4,867 Thanks: 1,685 Thanked 1,916 Times in 1,192 Posts	Yes, since initially most POWs originating outside the continent of Europe were opposing airmen, (most captured French and Belgians were outprossesed and sent home. Others were sent to labor camps), Herman Goering insisted that this be a Luftwaffe responsibility. Goering still held some illusions of Chivalry and "Knights of the Air" imagery, so airmen tended to be treated better than most captives of the germans. This system changed drastically when the allies invaded Europe and most prisoners were suddenly army, versus airforce. Then camps were run by any body that was available, including the SS, Police, etc. Last edited by alanint; 09-08-2013 at 09:29 PM.

09-08-2013, 06:58 PM	#3
GySgt1811 Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Southern Indiana Posts: 237 Thanks: 1,238 Thanked 126 Times in 84 Posts	Thanks, Eric, great read. I thought of my Dad the whole time. All the best, Gunny John

09-08-2013, 07:09 PM	#4
cirelaw Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: PORT ST LUCIE, FLORIDA Posts: 12,216 Thanks: 6,209 Thanked 4,133 Times in 2,173 Posts	John we are all lucky. We can now share great historys that would have gotten forgotten long ago! When I practiced law twenty years ago, our law library took up one whole room with at least several hundred expensive books. Updates took weeks and were costly. Now with one key I can trace any case or any defendant or subject matter! They now they sell false facades of law books to put on a office walls! Both my grandkids each have their own computer.....WOW!