St Valery and Stalag XXIB
Ian Mitchie was in the 51st Highland Division in Cameron Barracks, Inverness. He landed at St Valery and was captured in May 1940. He marched into Silesia. One friend escaped and hid in a farm. He stayed on the farm for the rest of the war and married the farmer's daughter. Came to settle in Inverness where he worked for the water department. Pretended to be deaf and dumb.
Arthur Fraser "Ian Michie" became a broadcaster and tour guide. Full name John Fraser Michie in Stalag XXIB. Spoke fluent German and was a spokesman for prisoners. Liaised daily with the Commander and guards. All are disabled or unable to fight. When liberated by Americans in 1945, prisoners asked for prison guards' families because of the way they were treated. (After the war Ian Michie was behind interviewing Inverness with Augsburg)
Big brother was Willie Michie an auctioneer. The stopped auction was returned. After 1945 in the Crown Commission until 1950 when returned to German control Commander of 51st Highland Division Lt Gen [?] Derek Long was wounded but managed to survive. Invited as guest of honour at a reunion in 1960.
History
Item list and details
1. Personal file for Stalag XXIB 2. Two letters from Stalag XXIBPerson the story/items relate to
Captain John Fraser "Ian" Michie / Arthur FraserPerson who shared the story/items
Kenneth Alexander JohnstonRelationship between the subject of the story and its contributor
Father-in-lawType of submission
Shared at Duncansburgh Church Hall, Highlands on 27 September 2023. The event was organised by Lochaber Archive Centre and West Highland Museum.Record ID
96477 | FOR014Usage metrics
