Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 26, 2023 20:24:47 GMT 12
I found this very interesting. I would have thought blind POWs would have been repatriated through the Red Cross as they would not be able to serve again, and would only be eating food and taking up beds. Seems not the case.
BLINDED MEN
PRISONERS OF WAR
A CAMP IN GERMANY
Reports of the work which is being carried out at Stalag IX, A/H Germany, a prisoner-of-war camp containing 35 blind British prisoners of war, including one New Zealander, have recently been received by Mr. D. McPhee, chairman of the New Zealand Committee for War Service Blinded.
The camp has been organised by Lieutenant Lord Normanby, a seriously wounded, although not blinded, British officer. Working in co-operation with the International Red Cross and the authorities of St. Dunstan's, England, he is responsible for the men's welfare and training.
Originally there were three New Zealanders in the camp, but under medical treatment, two of them, Driver Walter G. Dunn, the son of Mr. G. Dunn, of Mataura, and Private Samuel G. Scholfield, whose father is Mr. T. Scholfield, of Te Puke, have recovered almost normal vision. The third, Signalman Thomas R. H. Wood, the son of Mrs. N. Wood, of North-East Valley, Dunedin, is still in the camp, and is making excellent progress.
Housed in Old Monastery
The men are housed in a large brick-built establishment, which is probably an old monastery. They have plenty of room to get about in the house and grounds for walks and exercise.
As soon as a prisoner of war is reported as blind a braille parcel is sent to him. A braille watch helps him to attain a degree of independence at once, and the parcel also contains instructions for learning braille, which takes some months before it can be read and written accurately. Various games enable the men to take part in that aspect of camp life, and material for such activities as netting is sent them. They are also provided with typewriters.
Conquering His Handicap
In letters to Mrs. Wood, both the medical officer of the camp, Major D. L. Charters, R.A.M.C., and Lord Normanby tell of the way in which her son has succeeded in very largely conquering his handicap of blindness.
Lord Normanby says, "Everything which he takes up he masters thoroughly. At present he is our quickest reader. This means that he can read a book at a pace which maintains interest to everyone listening. He can type his letters and does daily dictation on an ordinary typewriter. He plays the harmonica very well and has performed at a concert here. You will be delighted to know also of his great independence. He is a keen walker, and when out of doors walks unaided, only keeping a normal contact with whoever is with him."
Mrs. Wood has already received typewritten letters from her son, and from reports received from him and from his fellow-prisoners, it appears that the men are as comfortable in their quarters as they can be under the circumstances. and appreciate all that is being done for them in their little St. Dunstan's in the heart of the enemy country.
NEW ZEALAND HERALD, 27 APRIL 1943
BLINDED MEN
PRISONERS OF WAR
A CAMP IN GERMANY
Reports of the work which is being carried out at Stalag IX, A/H Germany, a prisoner-of-war camp containing 35 blind British prisoners of war, including one New Zealander, have recently been received by Mr. D. McPhee, chairman of the New Zealand Committee for War Service Blinded.
The camp has been organised by Lieutenant Lord Normanby, a seriously wounded, although not blinded, British officer. Working in co-operation with the International Red Cross and the authorities of St. Dunstan's, England, he is responsible for the men's welfare and training.
Originally there were three New Zealanders in the camp, but under medical treatment, two of them, Driver Walter G. Dunn, the son of Mr. G. Dunn, of Mataura, and Private Samuel G. Scholfield, whose father is Mr. T. Scholfield, of Te Puke, have recovered almost normal vision. The third, Signalman Thomas R. H. Wood, the son of Mrs. N. Wood, of North-East Valley, Dunedin, is still in the camp, and is making excellent progress.
Housed in Old Monastery
The men are housed in a large brick-built establishment, which is probably an old monastery. They have plenty of room to get about in the house and grounds for walks and exercise.
As soon as a prisoner of war is reported as blind a braille parcel is sent to him. A braille watch helps him to attain a degree of independence at once, and the parcel also contains instructions for learning braille, which takes some months before it can be read and written accurately. Various games enable the men to take part in that aspect of camp life, and material for such activities as netting is sent them. They are also provided with typewriters.
Conquering His Handicap
In letters to Mrs. Wood, both the medical officer of the camp, Major D. L. Charters, R.A.M.C., and Lord Normanby tell of the way in which her son has succeeded in very largely conquering his handicap of blindness.
Lord Normanby says, "Everything which he takes up he masters thoroughly. At present he is our quickest reader. This means that he can read a book at a pace which maintains interest to everyone listening. He can type his letters and does daily dictation on an ordinary typewriter. He plays the harmonica very well and has performed at a concert here. You will be delighted to know also of his great independence. He is a keen walker, and when out of doors walks unaided, only keeping a normal contact with whoever is with him."
Mrs. Wood has already received typewritten letters from her son, and from reports received from him and from his fellow-prisoners, it appears that the men are as comfortable in their quarters as they can be under the circumstances. and appreciate all that is being done for them in their little St. Dunstan's in the heart of the enemy country.
NEW ZEALAND HERALD, 27 APRIL 1943
