| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | AWM2019.22.83 |
| Collection number | PR01035 |
| Collection type | Digitised Collection |
| Record type | Item |
| Item count | 1 |
| Object type | Diary |
| Physical description | 94 Image/s captured |
| Maker |
Clark, George William Edward |
| Place made | Austria, Germany |
| Date made | 1942-1943 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
| Copying Provisions | Digital format and content protected by copyright. |
| Source credit to | This item has been digitised with funding provided by Commonwealth Government. |
Diary of George William Edward Clark, January 1942 - January 1943
Description
Collection relating to the Second World War service of NX1058 Gunner George William Edward Clark, 1 Battery, 2/1 Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, 1940-1988.
In the third of five diaries, Clark documents his ongoing internment as a prisoner of war in Austria and Germany. He opens the diary by recalling an incident on New Year's Eve where "The mob were marching round with band instruments last night at 12 and Jerry thought there was a riot on and stopped it." He goes on to document camp routines at Stalag XVIII-A in Wolfsberg, paying close attention to rations and Red Cross parcels. He makes regular references to cold weather and the tribulations of being interned during winter, a range of recreational activities, news reports and rumours amongst the prisoners. He also remarks on unusual events observed both in camp and Wolfsberg including German guards removing boots from French prisoners due to leather shortages, the Gestapo checking Red Cross parcels and a Hitler youth sports meeting.
In late July 1942 Clark covers his transfer to Stalag XVIII-B at Spittal an der Drau. He describes his new surroundings and the ongoing challenges of dealing with usual camp routines. During this period of internment, he also remarks on several prisoner escapes and subsequent security measures adopted by camp officials. In mid-September, he documents his transfer to Oflag III-C (renamed Stalag 383 in 1943) at Hohenfels in southern Germany. He outlines conditions at this large camp, and writes about the arrival, composition and treatment of prisoners including the use of restraints such as handcuffs and chains. Closing diary entries largely focus on rations and Red Cross parcels, cold weather and a Christmas period featuring concerts, carolling and sports.
Three prison camp coupons issued at Stalag XVIII have also been deposited in the diary.