This case study focuses on Private Hugh Moran in the AIF who was captured in Libya in 1941, imprisoned as a POW in Italy until 1943, when he was moved to a German Stalag in current-day Poland. He, and others, were forced to labour in the mines and industry until early 1945. With the progress of the encroaching Russian Army, the Stalags were vacated by the Germans. The POWs and guards from Stalag VIIIB trudged westward across the bitter winter of 1945 in what became known as the Lamsdorf Death March for its high mortality. Hugh was fortunate and survived 4 years of life as a POW and returned to Australia in 1945.
We are less familiar with the POW experience in Europe and this presentation will provide records and resources that can assist Australian and New Zealand researchers.
Presenter: Pauleen Cass
