British Prisoners of War in First World War Germany

During the First World War, the Germans captured over 185,000 British military servicemen and held them as prisoners of war (POWs). This research explores their experiences of captivity, including the psychological anguish, physical trials, and coping strategies they employed. It reveals a range of responses, such as resistance, leadership, support networks, and connections with their home worlds. The study offers an original insight into First World War captivity and the mentalities of British servicemen.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 322 pages
Publication date: 28 March 2019
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

During the First World War, the Germans apprehended over 185,000 British military personnel and confined them as prisoners of war (POWs). In this groundbreaking exploration of their captivity experiences, Wilkinson utilizes official and private British source material to delve into how these servicemen grappled with and reacted to their wartime predicament. By examining the psychological torment and physical hardships they endured, such as the cramped camp conditions, strict routines, scarcity of essential resources, and, for many, compulsory labor demands, he seeks to answer the question of how, how, and to what extent British POWs were able to respond to these challenges. The culmination of this research unveils a diverse array of coping strategies, encompassing resistance, leadership, organization, support networks, and connections with their home worlds. British Prisoners of War in First World War Germany provides a unique perspective on First World War captivity, the German POW camps, and the mentalities and perceptions of the British servicemen confined within.

Weight: 476g
Dimension: 154 x 228 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781316648872