PRISONERS OF WAR – EGYPT 1942-1948

The 10 large camps were mainly located in the area of the Bitter Lake with further camps near Alexandria and Cairo. At the end of WWII it was reported that some 100,000 German prisoners of war were being detained in these camps.

Until the defeat of Germany the prisoners had lived in guarded camps and did not work as they were still receiving pay from Germany through Sweden and were able to supplement their rations and purchase cigarettes and sweets. When Germany collapsed pay ceased.

These former adversaries had a common concern with the British troops, repatriation back home to their families. So when, in 1946, the authorities announced that there was a shortage of shipping as the ships were needed to transport troops elsewhere and that any demob would be delayed for six months, there was an outcry from the British troops and despair on the part of the POWs. A call was made to set up the Soldiers’ Council and soon a strike was called for. Though it was agreed to suspend all drill, rosters and work, the majority would not agree not to do guard duties for fear that the Egyptians may break into the camps and kill them in their sleep. The first strike was in Tel el Kebir.

Whilst the strike was on the authorities fell back on greater use of the POWs and in September/October 1946 there were 26 German Independent Working Companies, often controlled by the Pioneer Corps, of 48,000 men with an additional 4,000 men in ten Artisan Working Companies. Their work included construction of quarters in the Canal Zone, motor vehicle workshops, drivers, orderlies etc., including the defusing, blowing up and shipment of ammunition. Many drove Service vehicles, acted as wireless mechanics and serving staff in Messes , were cooks and bakers and about 100 technicians worked for the Royal Navy. For expert work a prisoner was paid 10 piastres (a few shillings) a day.

Like the British they longed for repatriation but were in no position to go on strike. Left with no one to guard them, their own NCOs took command and they carried on with their duties. While the British troops refused duties, the Germans kept things running. Camps were run and guarded by the inmates, armed with nothing more than pickaxe handles. The effect of being employed and able to buy simple luxuries was extraordinary. As a result of this, the British authorities were determined more than ever not to part with them.

Prisoners were allowed to send 2 letters and 4 postcards home per month with no restrictions on the incoming post. They were allowed to travel 5 miles outside the camp and built all their own camp amenities themselves including a fine mud-brick stadium with football pitch. They formed several excellent orchestras with instruments supplied by the YMCA as well as theatrical groups.

The first repatriation came in late 1946, with 6,000. In February 1948, there were still some 60,000 awaiting repatriation and repatriation continued throughout ’48, with one point contention – they were only allowed to take out ten pounds in wieght worth of goods..

Off to Work:

They were counted out	And counted back in at Camp 380

Making their own entertainment:

After one of the many theatrical performances	Final curtain call - what lovely ladies they made!
One of the football teams	At the Stadium in Port Fouad
No safety net here	Or Here!
When it finally rained and washed everything away	Like all Canal Zoners, they went out and danced!
Maybe collecting scrap metal to make those wonderful ...	cigarette and tinket boxes all the troops bought back
Making the most of yet another Christmas in Egypt	Winter Wonderland in the Canal Zone
Listening to the band on the home-made stage	Hoping to receive mail from home

In and around the camp:

Back to POW Camp

Back to Canal Zoners Memories

Back to Main Page