The Historic Flying Clothing Company Tel: 01332 345729
Email: david@historicflyingclothing.com
Web site: https://www.historicflyingclothing.com/

The Royal Air Force School for PoW

SOLD

Code: P19749

Dimensions:

W: 19cm (7.5")H: 24.7cm (9.7")



P/b, 19 x 24.7cm. 16p. Published by the Red Cross and St. John War Organisation.  This is a period facsimile of a manuscript illuminated by R.A.F. Sergeant James W. Lambert in Stalag Luft VI and was printed in 1945 for fund-raising purposes. The book is in the form of a prospectus of study from a 'Barbed Wire University whose only qualification for entry is to have faced death'. Schools were set up in many camps in order to combat boredom and provide a way to improve qualifications, learn new skills and prepare the men for the 'after-war' period and re-entry into civilian life. Contrary to popular belief not all p-o-w's were hell-bent on escape and sought other ways to pass the time. Within Stalag Luft VI, a camp of 4,686 prisoners there were 4,259 in classes with 23 subjects initially being taught (later expanding to 84) and 17 study groups provided for professional examinations. Books were sent into the camps by the Red Cross.  The initial subjects covered ranged from  Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry to Botany, Navigation, Book-keeping and Hotel Management.  The book is in good overall condition but has light creasing and bent corners.  Comes with the original paper 'sleeve'.  Now rare to find.  Stock code P19749.