Fake wooden 'passed by censor' stamp used prisoners of war in Stalag 383

Place Europe: Germany, Hohenfels
Accession Number REL/02861.001
Collection type Heraldry
Object type Heraldry
Physical description Wood
Maker Unknown
Place made Germany: Hohenfels
Date made 1942-1943
Conflict Second World War, 1939-1945
Description

Small piece of wood with a carved wooden shield attached to one side. The sield has a raised edge and bears carved words within it 'Stalag 383 7 Gepruff'.

History / Summary

Made by British prisoners of war held at Stalag 383 at Hohenfels in Germany in 1942-1943. 'Gepruff' means 'passed' and was used as an approval stamp by the Germans when they had censored incoming and outgoing mail for Allied prisoners of war held in the camp. The fake stamp was used by prisoners handling the mail to defeat German camp security. Collected by NX45678 F Casley an Australian prisoner from 6 Division Australian Army Service Corps.