An original 'A Wartime Log' book, published by the Canadian ...

Hammer

£380.00

An original 'A Wartime Log' book, published by the Canadian Y.M.C.A. during World War II, provided to Canadian Prisoners of War (POWs) as a means of documenting their experiences behind enemy lines. This particular log belonged to POWs held at Stalag VIII-B, Lamsdorf—one of the largest and most infamous POW camps in Nazi-occupied Europe. The book contains a fascinating collection of illustrations, drawings, poems, and writings, created by the prisoners themselves, offering a rare and deeply personal insight into life inside the camp.

Among the contributors is Warrant Officer William Hughes (RAF, POW No. 26834), whose artistic and literary entries provide a poignant reflection on the hardship, camaraderie, and resilience of the prisoners. His work, alongside that of fellow inmates, captures the emotional and psychological landscape of wartime imprisonment, blending humor, sorrow, and hope through detailed sketches, poetic verses, and diary-like passages.

Though the log is incomplete, the material it contains is an invaluable time capsule, offering not just glimpses of POW daily life but also extraordinary examples of wartime creativity. These entries illustrate how the prisoners used art and literature to cope with the horrors of captivity, maintaining a sense of identity and morale. The artwork and poetry, created with whatever limited materials were available, stand as enduring testaments to the human spirit in times of extreme adversity.

This logbook is a remarkable piece of history, reflecting the resourcefulness, courage, and hope of those who endured internment at Stalag VIII-B.