Snapshot of life as a prisoner in WWII
Exhibition of Cultybraggan Camp cartoons
An “internationally significant” collection of cartoons by a German intern at Cultybraggan Camp is to go on show in May.
The POW penned the drawings depicting everyday life at the camp between 1944 and 1945 and they will be unveiled at Cultybraggan Camp on Saturday, May 12, during a special event.
The collection of 66 pen and ink drawings is described as the most comprehensive visual record of what daily life was like for German prisoners of war in the UK.
Comrie’s Camp 21 housed up to 4000 prisoners during the Second World War, including many of the most zealous Nazis and members of the notorious Waffen SS as well as troublemakers sent from other POW camps elsewhere in Britain.
Despite known cases of intimidation, violence and even murder, these pictures vividly show that life was not all bad for the inmates.
Using basic ink and paper materials, the German prisoner has managed to capture, not only the conditions inside the camp and activities that the prisoners engaged in, such as sports and pastimes, music and theatre and English lessons, but also the feelings and emotions of the incarcerated men.
The relief of being away from the fighting, the pain of being a thousand miles away from home and loved ones, the camaraderie, humour and even fun of being together with comrades and the despair and boredom of daily life are all vividly portrayed in these pictures.
Dr Iain Banks, executive director of the Centre for Battlefield Archaeology at the University of Glasgow, said: “This unique and internationally significant collection provides an unprecedented insight into the daily lives of German POWs in the UK.
“But even more than this, they showcase the humanity and spirit which transcends nationalities and ideologies.”
The images will be displayed in the Camp at the “Carry On, Culty” event, which is being organised by Comrie Development Trust (CDT).
Dr Banks has been researching the pictures to create a narrative and historical context which will be presented on the day.
Phil Mestecky, heritage and events manager at CDT, said: “All money raised from the event will be used to maintain and preserve the most complete and extensive WWII POW camp in the UK and to develop the facilities for visitors who want to learn more about its fascinating history.
“Besides the cartoons, there will be a full programme of entertainment including swing music, dancing, military vehicles and living history displays and plenty more to see and do.”
Tickets for the event are on sale now at https://www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/carry-on-cultytickets-42707047930. There is an early bird discount up till March 31. soldier is devastated to have been captured by the Allies POWs arrive in Scotland in 1942
The collection will go on show at the former Cultybraggan Camp