DUTCH soldiers POW at Muhlberg/Stalag IVb

[JWL]

Hi guys,

Just wanted to share one of my most interesting photo here. It shows Dutch POW's at Stalag IVb in Muhlberg.
The photo itself is special, but what really makes it special is the 'message' on the back. I'll try to give a translation later,
and will first post the pics!

Hope you like it,

Jan-Willem.

[Eric JB]

Nice photo Jan-Willem !

I don't see a censor stamp or other German markings on the back of the photo, so I don't think that this photo was made in the POW camp but in the Netherlands.

I like the landscape painting on the wall behind them, could be the view around they did have from that position.

Where did this photo come from - Polish source ? or was the photo never given to his Polish friend Josef and did the Dutch officer keep the photo.

If there is any extra history to that photo - please let us know about it.

yours friendly

Eric-Jan

[JWL]

Nice photo Jan-Willem !

I don't see a censor stamp or other German markings on the back of the photo, so I don't think that this photo was made in the POW camp but in the Netherlands.

I like the landscape painting on the wall behind them, could be the view around they did have from that position.

Where did this photo come from - Polish source ? or was the photo never given to his Polish friend Josef and did the Dutch officer keep the photo.

If there is any extra history to that photo - please let us know about it.

yours friendly

Eric-Jan

Hi Eric-Jan,

I have to agree with you. I assume that this photo was taken before the war and kept inside a diary or so.
Then, when the friendship 'ended', this photo was probably given to his Polish friend. That also
explains the source: as you already mentioned, the photo comes from Poland, so I guess 'Braaksma' díd gave the photo to his friend Josef.

Interesting history IMO and for sure a not to common photo. Too bad I have no further information,
regarding the men on the photo. Maybe worth some research..!(?)

Thank you,

Jan-Willem.

(ps. Im sorry for the 'oversized' images. I just wanted to make sure the photo was clear and sharp)

[JWL]

Translation:

Sept. '44 Mühlberg


This photo offered to my Polish POW-friend Josef. In remberance of our .... walks and conversations.
One of my most appreciated 'friendships'. I wish you good luck and a safe journey back home.

J.K Braaksma


Corrections are welcome!

J.W.L.

[Bjorn S]

Very nice picture!
I didn't know that Dutch officers were imprisoned for such a long time!