Post by connie on Jun 26, 2009 12:38:14 GMT -5
Did those in captivity wonder if they had been forgotten by those who remained free to fight again?
I know, from my father's letters, that those in captivity were on the minds of those who remained behind. They knew that as they fought their battles, you were fighting your own. And, I believe they fought in your name as much as for themselves.
I know there was a sense of overwhelming helplessness at the thought that friends were captive and they could not help. (And many times some of these fellows came close to sharing your fate.)
Dad kept lists with notes added as information was learned about missing comrades.
He was in touch with Mom, and she in turn, was in touch with other wives and mothers who networked, sharing any information they learned about "missing" men. (I am sure there were many others who were keeping such lists.) And, I know that they listened to German broadcasts giving names of POW's.
I know that Dad and those with him followed the news when men from the division were freed.. Occasionally Dad's notes would indicate word that someone had been freed or gone home. He also made mention of hope that a camp he knew of would be freed soon or might have been already.
And, when word came back about tremendous weight loss and other health problems that came from POW treatment, I know Dad's anger ran deep.
You were not forgotten by your comrades.
Connie
offspring of Lt. Gerald Pratt 590th SV Battery Lt.
(590th A Battery Admin Assistant to Jack Pitts during maneuvers)
(with 589th remnants from Dec. 17-31)
(592nd A Battery Jan. 1- April reactivation of old units)
I know, from my father's letters, that those in captivity were on the minds of those who remained behind. They knew that as they fought their battles, you were fighting your own. And, I believe they fought in your name as much as for themselves.
I know there was a sense of overwhelming helplessness at the thought that friends were captive and they could not help. (And many times some of these fellows came close to sharing your fate.)
Dad kept lists with notes added as information was learned about missing comrades.
He was in touch with Mom, and she in turn, was in touch with other wives and mothers who networked, sharing any information they learned about "missing" men. (I am sure there were many others who were keeping such lists.) And, I know that they listened to German broadcasts giving names of POW's.
I know that Dad and those with him followed the news when men from the division were freed.. Occasionally Dad's notes would indicate word that someone had been freed or gone home. He also made mention of hope that a camp he knew of would be freed soon or might have been already.
And, when word came back about tremendous weight loss and other health problems that came from POW treatment, I know Dad's anger ran deep.
You were not forgotten by your comrades.
Connie
offspring of Lt. Gerald Pratt 590th SV Battery Lt.
(590th A Battery Admin Assistant to Jack Pitts during maneuvers)
(with 589th remnants from Dec. 17-31)
(592nd A Battery Jan. 1- April reactivation of old units)