Memories of Stalag Luft I: the story of RAF Navigator, Henry 'Harry' Rouse
Father, Henry 'Harry' Rouse, served as a Navigator in RAF (Bomber Command). Shot down over Germany, and became POW in Stalag Luft One.
He was a member of the 'Caterpillar Club' - so-called club for people who were saved by parachute (in scrapbook). When shot down, 3-4 crew members bailed out of aircraft. Like other RAF airmen shot down over Germany, they were more afraid of farmers and civilians due to the fact that they were area-bombing civilian areas, but fortunately German military found them first.
Didn't work as POW, but did classes and crafts, learning from other POWs, e.g. crafting out of chicken bones. Not a great 'taker of war'. When he got back to the UK, he could never eat turnips again as his diet in the camp had been turnips and very heavy black bread.
Newspaper produced in POW camp! Also organized Christmas show/pantomime with other POWs in theatre within prison.
In 1945, POWs in camp were worried that Russians (Red Army) were going to take them back to Russia when liberated.
Harry's wife, Elsie Mary Ellis, worked in the local Post Office near RAF Scampton (presumably Harry's RAF station).
History
Item list and details
Items not submitted for digitization: Logbook/scrapbook that contains poetry, sketches, newspaper cuttings (in German and French), and photos.Person the story/items relate to
Henry 'Harry' RousePerson who shared the story/items
Martin Lewin RouseRelationship between the subject of the story and its contributor
FatherType of submission
Shared at University of Plymouth, Plymouth on 15 November 2023.Record ID
113428 | PLY038Usage metrics
