Stalag IVB

The prisoner of war camp which Bill was sent to was one of the largest in Germany, and was located at Mühlberg-on-Elbe, approximately 50km north of the city of Dresden.  It housed prisoners of more than 30 nationalities, including British, American, Russian, Canadian, French, Polish, South African, Australian and New Zealanders.  There were soldiers, airmen, paratroopers, and even civilians, all separated into different compounds according to their nationality or service.  At the time Bill Smith arrived at Stalag IVB in January 1944, there were 7-8,000 prisoners, but by the time the Russian Army liberated it in April 1945, approximately 30,000 were crammed within its perimeters.

Bill describes his first experiences upon entering the camp that would become his home for more than a year:

Entered the prison without any ceremony except a few cat calls at the guards…  Flying boots taken from us.  Clogs in place.  Searched and disinfected clothes and had hot showers.  Taken to “Bungalow”.  200 men in each hut.  [Bunks] 3 high in sections of 18…  It was good to be alive.  Given a Red X parcel to be shared by four, so ate well that night.  Went to my wooden and straw bed a very happy and thankful man, and at the same time realising the unhappy time all at home were experiencing.

Bill Smith, diary, 8 January 1944 1999/195.14aj

Bill was originally put in a hut with mostly British Army soldiers, captured in the Middle East and Italy, but was later moved into the RAF compound, where he shared a hut with around 200 fellow airmen. 

All things considered, it was a great relief for Bill to be alive and well, despite being a prisoner.  He describes his feelings at the end of his first week at Stalag IVB in his diary:

It is a wonderful help to have a sense of humour, and not worry about the present conditions, but look forward to the happy ending of all this mess.  As a P.O.W. I can do that.  When I was operating the issue was in doubt every time I left the deck, but now the issue is more secure.  At the moment my thoughts are very much with you all at home. 

– Bill Smith, diary, 15 Jan 1944 1999/195.14aj

Next section: Prison Life.