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© Henri Portales Collection loaned by Franck Walter - Stalag IID (Stargard) - Prisoners of war not yet identified.
What is a prisoner of war?
A prisoner of war is any person held by the enemy during a war, in particular to weaken the forces of an opposing army. The Geneva Convention signed in 1929 marked a turning point in the protection of the dignity and rights of prisoners of war.
Are the prisoners all held captive in a common location?
No !
When they were captured, they passed through Frontstalags in France before being transferred by train for their years in captivity.
Non-commissioned officers and soldiers were sent to ‘Stalags’ (Stammlager) and officers to ‘Oflags’ (Offizierslager).
There were more than 69 Stalags and 28 Oflags spread throughout Germany, particularly in the Pomerania region (currentPoland).
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