How to handle 1,000s of liberated PoWs
I was reading a history of Lt. Gen. William Simpson’s Ninth Army and was struck by this account of how it handled 10,000 newly liberated British and American prisoners of war in Hildesheim, Germany, in April 1945: As each truckload arrived, each man was given a hot shower, dusted with DDT powder, and examined by ...
I was reading a history of Lt. Gen. William Simpson's Ninth Army and was struck by this account of how it handled 10,000 newly liberated British and American prisoners of war in Hildesheim, Germany, in April 1945:
As each truckload arrived, each man was given a hot shower, dusted with DDT powder, and examined by a medical officer. Red Cross ditty bags given to each man contained soap, towel, comb, toothbrush, razor and blades, shaving soap, cigarettes, candy and gum. The men were grouped in airplane load units of 22 and quartered in barracks where cots and clean blankets were provided. For personnel being processed during meal times, K and C rations, hot soup, and coffee, were served. Nothing was left undone to provide ease and comfort to the men who had suffered so much. Chaplains of each faith were in constant attendance. Writing materials, books, the daily Stars and Stripes, Yank and other magazines, ping-pong tables, and small games were provided. An Army Ground Forces Band gave a concert each morning and afternoon. In the evenings, a Special Service company band played dance music and the ex-prisoners danced with Red Cross girls. Two motion picture theaters and a "live talent" Special Service show were open daily. British and American planes began arriving en masse. Sometimes seventy C-47s were on the field at one time. The planes would fly in with gasoline, food, or medical supplies and leave with happy American and British soldiers. Often men who arrived at the camp at 9:00 A.M. were boarding a plane by 2:00 P.M."
Tom again: This is all the more remarkable because the Ninth Army also was dealing with nearly 1 million displaced persons in the area -- as well as a ton of German prisoners, including some who had gone well out of their way to surrender to the Western allies instead of the Red Army.
I was reading a history of Lt. Gen. William Simpson’s Ninth Army and was struck by this account of how it handled 10,000 newly liberated British and American prisoners of war in Hildesheim, Germany, in April 1945:
As each truckload arrived, each man was given a hot shower, dusted with DDT powder, and examined by a medical officer. Red Cross ditty bags given to each man contained soap, towel, comb, toothbrush, razor and blades, shaving soap, cigarettes, candy and gum. The men were grouped in airplane load units of 22 and quartered in barracks where cots and clean blankets were provided. For personnel being processed during meal times, K and C rations, hot soup, and coffee, were served. Nothing was left undone to provide ease and comfort to the men who had suffered so much. Chaplains of each faith were in constant attendance. Writing materials, books, the daily Stars and Stripes, Yank and other magazines, ping-pong tables, and small games were provided. An Army Ground Forces Band gave a concert each morning and afternoon. In the evenings, a Special Service company band played dance music and the ex-prisoners danced with Red Cross girls. Two motion picture theaters and a "live talent" Special Service show were open daily. British and American planes began arriving en masse. Sometimes seventy C-47s were on the field at one time. The planes would fly in with gasoline, food, or medical supplies and leave with happy American and British soldiers. Often men who arrived at the camp at 9:00 A.M. were boarding a plane by 2:00 P.M."
Tom again: This is all the more remarkable because the Ninth Army also was dealing with nearly 1 million displaced persons in the area — as well as a ton of German prisoners, including some who had gone well out of their way to surrender to the Western allies instead of the Red Army.
I think Simpson emerged from World War II as the Army’s ideal general: competent, cooperative, worked well with allies, low-key, and almost forgotten. I’ve just read a dissertation and a book about him and there is not a single memorable anecdote or quote in either.
More from Foreign Policy
Lessons for the Next War
Twelve experts weigh in on how to prevent, deter, and—if necessary—fight the next conflict.
It’s High Time to Prepare for Russia’s Collapse
Not planning for the possibility of disintegration betrays a dangerous lack of imagination.
Turkey Is Sending Cold War-Era Cluster Bombs to Ukraine
The artillery-fired cluster munitions could be lethal to Russian troops—and Ukrainian civilians.
Congrats, You’re a Member of Congress. Now Listen Up.
Some brief foreign-policy advice for the newest members of the U.S. legislature.
Sign up for Morning Brief
Foreign Policy’s flagship daily newsletter with what’s coming up around the world today. Delivered weekdays.
By submitting your email, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and to receive email correspondence from us. You may opt out at any time.
