Group portrait of Australian and New Zealand prisoners of war (POWs) on stage following a concert ...

Group portrait of Australian and New Zealand prisoners of war (POWs) on stage following a concert called 'Anzacs on Parade' in Stalag 383, a special non-work camp for non-commissioned officers (NCOs) from October 1942. The presentation of theatrical productions was common at the camp and provided a creative outlet for the POWs. Many of the men pictured were from the Maori Battalion of the New Zealand armed forces. Identified are: NX11187 Sergeant David William (Dave) Barry, 2/4th Battalion (standing, third from right in dark cardigan), and Spence Hill, New Zealand Infantry (standing, centre wearing a grey short sleeved shirt). The photographers Hodges and Chase were permitted to take photographs of sporting events and theatrical performances at Stalag 383. Photographs featuring their signatures would not be confiscated by camp guards. These prints were traded among the prisoners at the price of four or five cigarettes each to raise funds for theatre and sporting activities within the camp.