A German POW's Artistic Legacy and Offering

<p dir="ltr">My father was an interpreter at a British Army POW Camp in North Africa in 1943. A souvenir of his service is a wood carving made by one of the prisoners. It portrays a peasant leading a donkey and cart. The details are appealing: the man has his left hand in his pocket, while the other holds a stick; the cart is laden with sacks of fruit and vegetables; and the donkey's elaborate harness is clearly delineated. This creation is all the more impressive when you know that the only tools available were a razor blade and a nail. The prisoner had been a wood carver in civilian life, which explains his skill. Underneath the base he carved his name: J Fischer 209 POW Camp.</p>