1955/56 release of Germans held as POWs.

[kristensen]

Dear Sirs.

Most german soldiers I read about who was a POW in Russia was release in 1955/56.

Does anyone of you know why? Was there some negotiations?

[Douglas Jr.]

Dear Sirs.

Most german soldiers I read about who was a POW in Russia was release in 1955/56.

Does anyone of you know why? Was there some negotiations?

Hi,

If I remember correctly the last German POWs held in Russia were freed after a Adenauer's visit in Moscow, when he agreed to reocognize the DDR (the communist East Germany) as a sovereign country. This led to several protests from UK and USA against Adenauer but he was aiming the return of such battered soldiers. Among the last ones to return to Germany were Erich Hartmann (all-time top fighter ace and Diamonds holder), Hajo Herrmann (bomber and night fighter ace and tactic, Swords winner), Ferdinand Schörner (Feldmarschall and Diamonds winner), Dietrich Sauckel (General and Diamonds winner),Hans Baur (Hitler's personal pilot), Otto Günsche (Hitler's SS vallet), just to mention a very few ones.

Douglas.

[kristensen]

Hi Douglas.

Thank you very much for the very detailed answer. Just what I needed.
I will search the internet for a complete list of POWs "freed by Adenaur".

Again thank you very much.

[Eric Gaumann]

I'd love to read more about this if anyone finds anymore details.