Stalag 383 Bavaria: A History of the Camp, the Escapes and the Liberation

Stalag 383 was a unique Second World War prisoner of war camp in Hofenfels, Bavaria, known for its holiday camp feel and numerous clubs. It was originally a training ground for the German Army and was commandeered by the German authorities for Allied non-commissioned officers. The camp housed 400 huts, each home to 14 men, and many of the British service men were captured during the Dunkirk evacuations or the fall of Crete. The book examines life in the camp, including escapes and photographs of the men who lived there for more than five years.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 184 pages
\n Publication date: 30 March 2021
\n Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd
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Stalag 383, situated in the picturesque high valley of Hofenfels, Bavaria, stands out as a unique Second World War prisoner of war camp. Originally established in 1938 as a training ground for the German Army, it was swiftly commandeered by the German authorities at the outbreak of war and repurposed as a detention facility for Allied non-commissioned officers. Renamed Oflag III C, it served as a holding ground for these officers until November 1942, when it was officially redesignated as Stalag 383.

Over its duration, the camp consisted of approximately 400 huts, each measuring 30 feet in length and 14 feet in width, accommodating 14 men each. Many of the British service men who found themselves incarcerated at Stalag 383 had been captured during the evacuations at Dunkirk or the subsequent fall of the Greek island of Crete to the Germans on June 1, 1941. The camp exuded a distinct holiday camp atmosphere, with numerous clubs formed by different regiments, or groups of men from the same town or county. These clubs catered to diverse interests, including education, sports, theatrical performances, and debates.

This book delves into the daily life of the camp inmates, explores the daring escapes that were attempted, and presents a selection of previously unpublished photographs that offer a glimpse into the lives of the men who resided at Stalag 383 for extended periods, some for over five years. These photographs provide a unique perspective on the hardships and resilience of those who endured captivity during World War II.

\n Weight: 574g\n
Dimension: 164 x 240 x 24 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781526757241\n \n