A "Thank You" from the Other Side

Reading the current reports about the 60th Anniversary of D-Day brought me to your site. And the memories came back to mind. Having been taken prisoner of war during the campaign in Brittany weeks after D-Day, this then young German soldier lived in camps located in France, the USA and finally England. By this time, the war was over and it was just a matter of time until discharge back into civilian life back in the homeland.
The PoW's of the camp outside Cockermouth mainly worked on farms in the beautiful Lake District. Since the rules concerning fraternization later had been relaxed, the population was permitted to have personal contacts with the prisoners of the camp. With several fellow POW's I had the wonderful opportunity of becoming acquainted with two Cockermouth families who over time invited us into their homes. Their graciousness introduced us not only to the lovely town and surrounding area, they opened to these young fellows their hearts and showed to them British hospitality. Thank you so much, friends! It was only befitting that at the time the camp was disbanded, the camp's orchestra was permitted by the Camp Commander and Town Council to thank the population for their hospitality with a well attended concert performance in town. It was a great evening for the POW's saying "Farewell" and "Thank You".

© Copyright of content contributed to this Archive rests with the author. Find out how you can use this.