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- Notes:
- Two boxers square off in a boxing exposition on stage at the theater at Goettingen. A referee stands behind the boxers in front of a landscape scene to officiate over the bout.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Russian prisoners exercise en masse in the compound of an unidentified German prison camp. Callisthenics helped keep the prisoners in shape and improved camp morale.
- Date Created:
- 1916-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- This photograph shows spectators watching an unidentified sporting event on the infield of the race track at Ruhleben.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Muslim volunteers practice drilling in marching exercises under the direction of German NCO's in the prison compound at Zossen-Wuensdorf beside the mosque. These men volunteered to fight for the Sultan with the Turkish armies in the East against the British and the Russians.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- The prisoners stand on the starting line of a foot race awaiting the command to begin the competition at Rastatt. Three judges stand by the starting post while another prisoner in the background holds a large chalkboard on a stick to inform the spectators of the event.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- French prisoners compete in a soccer game in the compound of a German prison camp. Prisoners enjoyed playing soccer and it helped keep them in shape. A German non-commissioned officer serves as the referee.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- The ball is on its way to the plate as American prisoners of war play a game of baseball in the compound of Rastatt, for the entertainment of Ukrainian spectators. Sports were an important element in maintaining POW morale during their incarceration.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Russian prisoners conduct squat thrusts as part of their exercise regimen in the compound at the prison camp in Zittau (Gross Poritsch). The POWs wear white identification badges on the left breast pockets of their uniforms. Healthy war prisoners were more likely to survive captivity and exercise maintained military discipline.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- British Muslim prisoners perform with Indian clubs before a group of spectators, which includes several German NCO's, in the prison camp at Zossen-Wuensdorf. These troops were Hindu and enjoyed cultural activities at this propaganda camp.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Russian prisoners participate in a game of lawn bowling in the prison compound in Germany. Several prisoners examine the standing pins, while others wait their turn on a bench. The POW's went to considerable pains to construct bowling lanes for these games.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Russian officers display their gymnastic abilities on parallel bars near the prison camp at Bezau (Kreuzstein). The prisoners had access to a wide range of activities in this facility.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- A soccer team in an unidentified German prison camp poses for this photograph with a German non-commissioned officer. The prisoners formed sports leagues in prison camps which gave the POW's an activity which kept them physically fit.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- A group of British prisoners stand in front of their barrack displaying some of their belongings at Schneidemuehl. The prisoners enjoy a gramophone, several musical instruments (including drums, a mandolin, and harmonicas), and what appears to be a set of Indian clubs for exercise.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Prisoners are in the middle of a soccer match in the prison compound at Dunaszerdahley. The camp's wooden barracks stand in the background of the photograph. A few Italian POW's watch the competition from the sidelines.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Prisoners are locked in a wrestling competition in the prison compound at Zossen-Wuensdorf. A group of Indian POW's spectators enjoy the match. The Germans encouraged Indian soldiers to practice their religion and culture, including games, in the propaganda camp.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- A considerable number of British internees took advantage of the fine weather to walk along the race track at Ruhleben during the summer. Others were content to socialize in the grand stands behind the strollers.
- Date Created:
- 1917-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- French prisoners play an interesting ball game on the backs of their comrades in the prison compound at Darmstadt. It is interesting to note that several of the "horses" are smoking pipes while their "jockeys" prepare to play.
- Date Created:
- 1916-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- For entertainment and to keep in shape, athletic matches became popular at the prison camp at Darmstadt. These French POW's are playing soccer on the athletic field at the camp.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- American POWs continued to play baseball, football, and volleyball in German prison camps with sports equipment supplied by the YMCA. U.S. soldiers are in the middle of a football game on the compound at Rastatt with a sizeable crowd of spectators cheering them on. The POWs barracks stand in the background.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- A cricket team prepares for a match on the pitch on the infield of the race track at Ruhleben. One of the grand stands can be seen in the back of the photograph.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- A group of Russian prisoners enjoy a soccer match at the prison camp at Cassel. Sports helped keep POW's in physical shape and provided entertainment for spectators.
- Date Created:
- 1916-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Two Japanese prisoners wrestle in a competition in the prison compound at Frankfurt-an-der-Oder under the supervision of a referee. This match is very popular, given the number of spectators sitting the perimeter of the wrestling ring.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- For physical exercise, French prisoners compete in a game of leap frog in the compound of a German prison camp. German non-commissioned officers oversee the exercise.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- French officers enjoy a game of pool in the Billiard Room at Mainz. In addition to the four billiard tables, the prisoners could enjoy drinks at the tables in the room.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- French officers sit to the right on the sidelines of a tennis match at Erfurt, as French and Russian enlisted men stand to watch the game. One of the players stands to the left with his tennis racket in his hand.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- French and British prisoners of war pose for a photograph with a German non-commissioned officer as one prisoner straddles atop a horizontal bar. Gymnastics were a popular form of exercise in German prison camps.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- This poster promotes a field hockey match between players from Oxford University and Cambridge University. The artist pokes fun at some of the intellectuals in the prison camp at Kedos, who are slowing up the start of the match. Hockey not only kept the POW's in good physical shape, it also provided entertainment for the other prisoners.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- American prisoners carried their sports along with them, even to prison camp. This photograph captures the middle of a football game on the compound at Rastatt, as spectators line the sidelines. The American YMCA provided the equipment and the Y Committee organized the camp's sports program, which included NCO's serving as refugees. Note the large number of spectators and the POWs' quarters in the background.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Russian prisoners enjoy themselves outdoors wrestling for a group of spectators, which includes an Austrian officer at Josefstadt. A Russian band plays for the amusement of the men.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- British prisoners enjoyed considerable freedom during their captivity in the prison camp at Yozgad. These POW's are skiing in the mountains outside of the city. They were in the process of training in preparation for an escape from the facility.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Blindfolded Indian POW's from South Asia appear to be conducting an exhibition of their powers of concentration. They seem to be working with a bowl of snakes in front of an audience in the prison compound at Zossen-Wuensdorf.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Members of this soccer team pose for a photograph near one of the goals on a field near the prison camp at Bezau (Kreuzstein).
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- A cricket player chases down a ball in the infield of the race track at Ruhleben as spectators watch the match. Civilian internees could watch a wide range of games during their captivity in Germany.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- For physical exercise, French prisoners compete in a game of leap frog in the compound of a German prison camp. German non-commissioned officers oversee the exercise.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Prisoners at Reichenberg had the opportunity to swim in a small lake next to the prison camp. The Austrians constructed wooden walls around the beach and into the water to reduce the chances of escape. Swimming was an excellent activity for prisoners since the men could clean off, get some exercise, and cool off during the hot summer months.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- A batsman stands by the wicket, awaiting the pitch from the bowler during a cricket match on the infield of the race track at Ruhleben. Spectators follow the game on the sidelines.
- Date Created:
- 1917-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- British officers perform their morning exercise through callisthenics in front of a group of German guards at Torgau. The British prisoners maintained their daily military drill to the amazement of their German captors.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- The canteen at Mainz was well-stocked as evidenced by this photograph. Allied officers enjoyed a wide variety of games, athletic equipment, hobby tools, reading material, cigars, furniture, luggage, architectural tools, food, and drinks, as shown in this display. By the end of the war, the availability of food, drinks, and tobacco were seriously reduced. POW officers had the financial resources to take advantage of these stores to improve their lives within the citadel.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- The prison camp at Ruhleben had a very active athletic program, which helped internees pass their time and kept them physically fit. This drawing shows several internees taking their lives in their hands as they walk along the race track amid a variety of games in progress. The strollers are assaulted by other internees playing cricket, field hockey, soccer, golf, and rugby.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- British internees exercised by walking around the race course track at Ruhleben. This is a photograph of the grand stands and internees taking a stroll during the winter months.
- Date Created:
- 1917-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Italian prisoners of war compete in a weight-lifting competition in an unidentified Austrian prison camp. POW's often organized "Sports Days" in which prisoners competed in a variety of track and field events. Such events helped improve camp morale and training for the competition kept prisoners physically fit.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Russian prisoners compete in a game of soccer in an unidentified German prison camp in this YMCA photograph. The introduction of sports in prison camps provided the prisoners with healthy competition and a relief from the monotony of prison life.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- French and Belgian prisoners of war play a friendly soccer game between their barracks at Goettingen. A number of spectators have gathered to watch the game. Sports provided the participants with healthy exercise and spectators with entertainment.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Prisoners attack a goal (as seen by the pole to the left) during a soccer match at a prison camp in Germany. Soccer was a very popular sport in prison camps as the prisoners organized leagues. Games usually drew a large number of spectators. As a result, soccer was a healthy pastime for players and provided entertainment for other POW's in the camp.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- This is a general view of the four-story prison facility for officers at Heidelberg. The photograph clearly shows the three tennis courts and exercise ground within the compound. A tennis match is underway in the center court. German sentries guard the perimeter of the fence at the bottom of the photo.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- A French prisoner executes a jump while ice skating at an unidentified German prison camp. Two other POW's are skating behind him. While winters meant cold barracks and a struggle to keep warm for many prisoners, some POW's took advantage of the weather for some healthy exercise.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- A group of French POW's compete in a game of bowling (skittles) in the prison yard at Muenster III. The game has attracted an international audience which includes several Russian POW's. In the background stands one of the camp's administrative buildings.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Russian POW's engage in outdoor calisthenics at Zittau (Gross Poritsch) under the watchful eye of German officers to the left by the building. They are conducting stretching exercises. Maintaining physical health was important for both military discipline and healthy troops. Note that the POW's are wearing white identification badges on the left breast pockets of their uniforms.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- A group of Allied officers enjoy a swim in the Elbe on a hot summer day under the watchful eyes of their German guards. The Germans did not take any chances during this excursion away from the prison; note the guard boat in the middle of the river to make sure that there are no long distance swimming records.
- Date Created:
- 1916-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- An exterior view of the Citadel at Mainz, depicting Allied officers relaxing during the day. Some lounge in chairs under trees while others converse. The tennis court is located to the lower left.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- A panoramic view of the prison camp at Rennbahn (Muenster II) showing how the facility was divided into four quarters by two perpendicular streets. Barracks formed the perimeter of the compound. By dividing the camp into different compounds, the Germans could improve security by organizing the number of POW's into smaller units while maintaining economies of scale for camp operations in regard to transportation, supply, feeding, and medical care. Note the tennis courts in the center of the compound, on the street running to the left.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- British prisoners of war participate in compulsory exercise in this drawing of the prison compound at Muenster, including wounded POW's, under the supervision of German guards. Two prisoners are busy cutting firewood to the right; behind them stands a one-story wooden barrack found in many German prison camps.
- Date Created:
- 1916-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Five French officers enjoy the outdoors during a game of croquet in the compound of an unidentified German prison camp. Several prisoners watch as a player prepares to hit his ball.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- British enlisted prisoners participate in the YMCA Sports Day competition at the prison camp at Cellelager before a large crowd of spectators of Russian POW's and German officers. Note the construction of a new barrack in the background.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- This is a general view of the prison camp at Ebersdorf bei Chemnitz which shows the POW barracks, the enclosed athletic field, and the camp fence. The Germans built this facility shortly before the war and incarcerated Allied prisoners here in 1914. Note the prisoners by the entrance of the building to the right.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- French and Belgian officers enjoy a game of croquet on the exercise grounds in the prison compound at Heidelberg. A group of spectators, which include British officers, watch the action.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- The YMCA Physical Culture Association presented an "Assault at Arms" performance in the prison camp in Ruhleben. This program included a punching bag demonstration and a number of wrestling, fencing, and boxing matches. These activities kept internees in shape and provided entertainment for the camp population.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- A British prisoner of war painted this view of the town of Changri and the fortress from the Barracks Field. Art work provided POW's with a pastime during their captivity. Allied prisoners played a variety of sports on the Barracks Field to help them stay in physical shape.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Members of a French gymnastics club at Erfurt exercise on the high bar in the compound of the camp. One prisoner is swinging on the bar and another is landing in a dismount to the right. Two German soldiers and the club members observe the performance. Some of the camp's two-story buildings stand in the background.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Drawing of 500-odd Allied officers strolling around the "prison square" while some officers kick a soccer ball around in the center of the compound at Mainz. The daily walk was a way for officers to receive some exercise while exchanging the latest social gossip.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- The ball is in play high above the net as American POW's enjoy a game of volleyball in the compound at Rastatt. The American YMCA "invented" basketball and volleyball to make better use of their gymnasiums in Association buildings. WPA Secretaries provided war prisoners with balls and nets to play volleyball in prison camps.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Despite the peace treaty between Russia and Germany, the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk (3 March 1918), Russian POW's continued to languish in German prison camps due to the Russian Civil War. Russian prisoners could not return home because the Allies did not want to swell the ranks of the Red Army and rail transportation through Poland was cut off due to the Russo-Polish War. The American YMCA sent War Prisoners' Aid secretaries back into Germany to provide relief for Russian POW's and M.V. Arnold was assigned to the prison camp at Parchim to restore welfare services. This program, developed by the Russian POW's to honor Arnold's work, depicts various scenes in the prison camp: food provided by the Association, a Christmas tree, a boxing match, a view of a camp barrack, and a German sentry guarding the fence. Note the Red Star at the top of the program. Bolshevik agitators infiltrated many of the German prison camps especially after German authorities captured Red Army troops that chose internment in East Prussia rather than decimation by the Polish Army during the Russo-Polish War.
- Date Created:
- 1920-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Prisoners passed time in a variety of outdoor sports. This drawing shows French prisoners bowling outside of their barrack at Muensingen. A Landsturm guard watches the match intently.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Prisoners compete in a foot race, watched by a large crowd of spectators at Rastatt. Note the sentry box on top of the building which may have been a magazine in the old fortress. Athletic competitions kept the men in shape and provided diversions for the camp population.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- An exterior photograph of the prison camp at Mainz showing the soccer field and tennis courts. Allied officers could enjoy a wide range of sports during their incarceration at Mainz.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- All three tennis courts are in action in this photograph of tennis matches in an unidentified German prison. The center court features a game of singles, while the other two matches are doubles. Tennis was one sport which allowed Allied officers to enjoy the weather and get some exercise.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- British prisoners of war perform a gymnastic routine for the camera in the prison compound at Goettingen. The sport of gymnastics was very popular in prison camps as a way for prisoners to keep physically fit.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- British Gurkha prisoners exercise in marching step under the command of a non-commissioned officer. They are probably exercising in the prison compound at Zossen-Wuensdorf. Their barracks can be seen in the background of this photograph.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- British prisoners of war exercise and get some fresh air on a street in Yozgad, near their quarters. The Turks incarcerated British POW's in houses in this city.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- British prisoners pose with a soccer ball before a match in the prison compound at Schneidemuehl. The British POW's enjoyed playing soccer and organized leagues to help stay in shape during their long captivity.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- French and Belgian prisoners engage in a bowling game in the prison compound at Eichstaett. A crowd of spectators enjoy the competition, although a prisoner to the right is reading a book. In the background, POW clothing dries on wash lines next to one of the camp's stone buildings.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- This drawing shows a winter scene at twilight at the prison camp at Ruhleben from the top of the grand stand. Despite the snow, the internees continue their walks around the race track for their exercise and conversations.
- Date Created:
- 1917-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Interned civilians and POW's mill about the court yard at Rastatt, while some prisoners compete in a bowling game in the background.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- British prisoners compete in a soccer game in the prison compound at Dyrotz. In the background, to the left, are the typical wooden barracks found in German prison camps. The larger building to the right, however, may have been the barracks for French prisoners captured at the fortress of Mauberuge in 1914, as indicated by the sign over the entrance.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- British prisoners chase the ball during a field hockey match at Yozgad. Spectators enjoy the tournament from the sidelines. Sports kept the players in shape and provided entertainment for the spectators.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- This photograph, taken early in the war, shows British prisoners of war lounging about on the ground with a lot of free time on their hands and nothing to do in a new German prison camp. The arrival of YMCA secretaries resulted in access to sports equipment and the organization of leagues to promote POW health and morale.
- Date Created:
- 1917-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Two internees square off in the ring during a boxing match outside one of the barracks at Ruhleben. The event has drawn a respectable crowd in to view the bout. Laundry hangs from lines from the barracks as internees take advantage of the good weather to dry their clothing.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- French prisoners enjoy a croquet match in the prison compound at Muenster III. These types of games helped POW's pass their time in captivity. One of the administrative buildings stands in the background beyond the camp fence.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- A group of prisoners exercise outside of their barrack with light weights at Goettingen. Calisthetics kept the men physically fit during their incarceration.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Italian prisoners compete on a Sport's Day in the prison camp at Dunaszerdahley. This photograph caught a POW in the middle of a high jump amid a group of spectators.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Several British prisoners had the opportunity to go skiing in the mountains outside of Yozgad during the winter. The Turkish authorities felt confident that British POW's could not travel very far in the mountains of Anatolia, especially during the winter.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- A Russian officer tries his hand at fishing while other prisoners test out the water in the lake by the bathing house behind the hotel/prison facility at Bezau (Kreuzstein). Swimming kept the POW's in shape while fishing added fresh food to their dinner table.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Prisoners of war enjoy a lively soccer match on the athletic grounds at the prison camp at Celle. POW's took these games seriously and acquired the proper sports gear to play their games rather than playing in their military uniforms.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- French war prisoners enjoy a game of bowling in the prison compound at Landshut. A German non-commissioned officer, to the left, appreciates the fine throw. Bowling was one of the popular games enjoyed by French POW's in prison camps.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Italian prisoners compete in a game of doubles on the tennis court at Dunaszerdahley. Italian POW spectators sit on bleachers watching another game to the left.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Gymnasts, in the Stuttgart II prison camp, perform a pyramid on the parallel bars outdoors in the prison compound. A group of French spectators sit behind the performers. Gymnastic exercises helped keep prisoners in shape and the performances provided a diversion for camp inhabitants.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- British, French, and Russian officers, who make up the Sports Committee at Werl, pose for a picture with several of the athletes who received awards for winning competitions that day. Sports days were a way to keep prisoners in shape and improve morale in prison camps.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Russian prisoners relax on the bank of a small lake while other prisoners enjoy a swim near Grafenwoehr. The Germans fenced off the swimming area to deter prisoners from taking too long a swim. Such excursions usually required prisoners to give their parole, or word, that they would not try to escape during their trip away from camp.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- This map of the prison facilities at Kastamuni shows where the Turks incarcerated British prisoners in the Lower House camp. The prisoners had access to a chapel, library, restaurant, badminton court, and soccer field, in addition ot the quarters and messes where they lived and ate. After an escape, the Turks severely limited the prisoners' freedom and privileges in the town.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Four prisoners compete in a sprint on a Sport's Day in the prison camp at Dunaszerdahley as Italian prisoners observe the race. Track and field events kept POW's in shape and provided entertainment for non-competitors in the camp.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- The Germans constructed this playground for the children interned in the civilian camp in the city of Rastatt. Children play on the swings and on the merry-go-round while adults look on along the perimeter of the grounds.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Prisoners at Rastatt are stretching out for a high jump competition in a track and field contest. Athletic competitions were an important part of prison camp life because physical activities helped keep POW's in shape.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Recuperating sick and wounded prisoners play skittles (bowling) in the hospital ward's garden at Munsterlager. This recreation provided fresh air and outdoor activity for POW's cooped up in bed in the hospital ward.
- Date Created:
- 1916-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- A group of Russian prisoners, from the prison camp at Brandenburg, take a swim in the Havel River on a hot summer day. They were probably on a labor detachment and got the opportunity to cool off in the river. A German factory stands across the river in the background of the photograph.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries