Franc, Joseph Louis (Private, b.1905 - d.1985)

Collection relating to the Second World War service of VX12850 Private Joseph Louis Franc, 2/17th Battalion, prisoner of war, Stalag VIII-B, Stalag-344, 1940-1945.

Franc was 34 years old and living in Langkoop, Victoria, when he enlisted for service in the Second Australian Imperial Force in April 1940. He was allocated to the 2/17th Battalion and served in the ill-fated Battles of Greece and Crete; on Crete he, along with half of his battalion, became a prisoner of war to the Germans from May 1941. Franc spent much of the next three years confined at Stalag VIII-B (renumbered as Stalag-344 in 1943) at Lamsdorf, Silesia in what was then German-occupied Poland.

The collection consists of 7 letters and 2 lettercards Franc sent to his sister, Hilda Murphy, between June 1942 and February 1944 while in captivity. The letters indicate a longing for contact with Australia. He begins two communications with "Just a line to let you know I am still alive & well", remarking in one that he is "leading a nice quiet life". He often comments on the few letters that arrive at the camp, requests Hilda to write more often, and asks her to send books, suggesting the works of Banjo Paterson and others.

Franc also remarks on the weather, noting the seasonal changes between the snow and slush of winter to the warmth of the summertime. He comments on how the seasonal changes affect the grass and scenery around the camp, as well as the impact the weather has on sports. He often updates Hilda on the sporting contests played by the prisoners. Few games are possible in the cold, snow and rain of winter, but in the warmer months, Franc writes in August 1943, "the Canadian’s Baseball has taken quite a hold". The men also played cricket and soccer, forming 'national' teams for competitions. Franc also discusses the entertainment put on by some of the prisoners at Christmas time (including "a couple concerts" and an "Xmass pantomime") and in one letter confirms that, although there is only the one priest, "we have Mass here every morning" and an evening mass on Christmas Eve. He includes with one letter a group postcard photograph of himself with other prisoners at Stalag VIII-B.

Franc was liberated from captivity in April 1945 and, following repatriation home, was discharged from service the following August.