Van Emden - Prisoners of the Kaiser

Thomas Spriggs at 103; before he died in January 2001 he was the last prisoner taken during the German counter-offensive at Cambrai, November 1917.

A rare image taken by a German photographer of British POWs doubling back after capture near Armentires, 10th April 1918. It is noticeable that the foreground is in focus and not the soldiers, giving the impression that this was a hastily taken snapshot. IWM Q48376

George Gadsby, August 1999

George Gadsby, front right, before he went to France. He is with his father and three brothers.

30th March 1918. The King talks to Private Denny and the remainder of the 7th Sherwood Foresters at Hermin, after the Battle of Bullecourt. Jack Rogers battalion had suffered over 95 per cent casualties, killed, wounded, and taken prisoner, on the 21st March 1918. IWM Q295

British officers are photographed by a German war photographer. Their depression at capture and their utter fatigue are clearly etched on their faces.

Bill Easton, sitting, prior to going to France in 1917.

British NCOs and other ranks congregate in a holding cage after capture. The heap of gas masks is testimony to their number.

A remarkable picture of British prisoners arriving in Germany, filthy and clearly battle worn. The journey might take over two days and was often made without a break.

A letter written from the front by a friend of Bill Eastons informing Bills mother of her sons disappearance. He is keen to reassure her that Bill is probably a prisoner of war and not dead.

The card filled out by Ernie Stevens and sent to his mother. Ernies mother, Mrs Philpotts, had remarried after Ernies father was killed in the Boer War.

Men filling out a card which will be sent to England informing loved ones of their capture.

British prisoners lying in a church. The Germans have thoughtfully provided straw and blankets for the men.

Walking through the streets of Mnster on the way to one of the three camps that held British prisoners in or just outside the town.

Grubby and tired POWs waiting around under guard.

An entrance typical of a German POW camp. This gate belonged to the camp at Friedrichsfeld, where Frederick Hammond and, later in the war, Bill Easton were kept captive.

Tightly packed beds in a British POW barracks in a camp at Mnster. Sleeping accommodation was often at a premium, so that soldiers slept close together as in this picture, or in lines of bunk beds.