Archive Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Postcard |
Caption |
German POW message, 1944 |
Scope & Content |
Kriegsgefangenenpost German Prisoner of War Camp airmail postcard addressed to LaVerna Birkholz, Lester Prairie, MN U.S.A. from Pvt. Walter F. Birkholz. Dated November 19, 1944. Walter was a German Prisoner of War at Stalag 2 B. He asked Fred (his brother), Elsie and LaVerna to send old or new pictures of the farm, tell him about the farm & boys at home, about Arnold's sale of cow and horses. He requested that Martin should write. It was 36 days before Christmas and not good for him and for those at home, but he sent greetings for a Merry Xmas, a Happy New Year, God's blessings, good luck & lots of love. U.S. Censor stamp on the front bottom left. Rose colored 40 pfennig Deutschesreich stamp with image of Hitler. Walter Friedrich Birkholz was born to Herman and Ottilia nee Paul Birkholz on September 18, 1919 in Lester Prairie. He grew up on a farm in Lester Prairie. During World War II he served in the U. S. Army from March 16, 1942 through October 18, 1945. He served in North Africa as a machine gunner on a suicide squad. His jeep was hit by an 88 mm shell, knocking him unconscious. He received permanent lung damage. He was taken to an Italian POW camp near Rome, where 150 men shared each barrack & living conditions were fairly good. However, POWs were allowed to escape when Italy broke off its ties with Germany. Later, in the fall, he was captured by the German Army and transported by cattle car to Stalag 2B at Hammerstein, about 150 miles from Berlin. The trip was made by rail with 100 men per cattle car with no food, water or toilets, and he was held in a camp which was far worse than the Italian one. In January, 1945 Mr. Birkholz and his comrades began a death march in Germany, walking about 25 to 30 miles daily, trying to stay ahead of the oncoming Russian army. Approximately four and one-half months later he was freed when the German guards deserted. He was awarded a Purple Heart and a POW medal. Walter Birkholz died December 12, 1997. |
Catalog Number |
2011-0090-152 |
Search Terms |
Postcards Prisoners of war Soldiers U. S. Army World War II Birkholz Family |
Subjects |
Postcards Prisoners of war Soldiers World War II |