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- Notes:
- Russian prisoners stand bare-headed in the prison compound at Purgstall during a Christmas celebration during the dedication of the new Association hall in January 1917. A group of Austrian officers stand to the left, next to the POW choir. The YMCA hall is decorated with garland and a large Christmas tree. On the platform by the door stands a WPA secretary, Edgar MacNaughten, and the camp commandant.
- Date Created:
- 1917-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- The stringed orchestra performs during the Christmas service in the YMCA building in Braunau-am-Inn in 1916. Note the extensive decorations in the building which include garland, paper chains, pine boughs, and a large, decorated Christmas tree behind the stage. There are Christmas presents on the floor to the right of the stage, near a phonograph. Association secretaries went to great lengths to provide POW's with Christmas cheer at a time when many prisoners suffered from depression and home sickness.
- Date Created:
- 1916-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- A rabbi leads an outdoor service for Russian prisoners of war from a set of stairs in the prison compound at Hammerstein. A large number of Russians have assembled to participate in the service, including a man in civilian clothing, possibly a German rabbi. A prisoner in front of the stairs holds the Talmud.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Russian prisoners observe All Saints' Day in the prison cemetery at Theresienstadt in memory of their dead comrades. Two Austrian officers stand in the center of the photograph, which was taken on 14 November 1916 (the Orthodox holiday). The War Prisoners' Aid office provided the flowers that the prisoners used for decorations for the service.
- Date Created:
- 1916-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Date Created:
- 1916-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- German officers observe a Muslim outdoor service at the prison camp at Zossen-Wuensdorf. Two iman kneel under a tent while thousands of faithful behind them pray towards Mecca. The Germans encouraged their Muslim POW's to practice their religion freely and strove to attract recruits for the Turkish Army to fight against the Allied infidels.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Members of a Russian choir perform a hymn in front of the altar at the prison chapel at Worms. While there is a Greek Orthodox cross on top of the altar, a Roman cross is stiched on the altar cloth which suggests that his chapel was also used by Catholic and Protestant prisoners as well. Note the arm bands on the upper left arms of the POW's to designate their prisoner status.
- Date Created:
- 1916-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- French, British, and Russian prisoners sit on prayer rugs facing Mecca outside of the mosque. The Germans hoped to recruit Muslim POW's to fight on behalf of the Turkish Sultan by showing their support for subject Muslims in the French, British, and Russian Empires.
- Date Created:
- 1916-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- This photograph shows a Polish Jewish prisoner in the Russian Army, in captivity in the prison camp at Altdamm. Jewish POW's were free to practice their religion in synagogues in German prison camps during World War I.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Polish Roman Catholic prisoners participate in confession with a priest in his vestments at Koenigsbrueck. Note the white identity badges on the front of the prisoners' hats.
- Date Created:
- 1916-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Bare-headed and kneeling Russian prisoners participate in an Orthodox divine service in the church in Wahn. There are no pews in the church to accommodate as many prisoners as possible for the service. The building was decorated with pine garlands and wreaths which suggests that this was a Yuletide service. German authorities often permitted POW's to convert unused barracks into churches to accommodate the prisoners' spiritual needs.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- The Russian prisoners in Reichenberg display the contents of the recreation chest they just received from the YMCA War Prisoners' Aid organization in Vienna. Each chest held games (Tambola, dominoes, chess, checkers, and Mensch aergere dich nicht), musical instruments (accordions and harmonicas), books, and Russian Orthodox crosses. An unidentified Association secretary, in the civilian clothing and wearing the C.V.J.M. armband), poses with the Russian prisoners. The YMCA committee in the prison camp then sent these recreation chests to POW's working outside of the camp in Arbeitskommandos (labor detachments).
- Date Created:
- 1917-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- His Royal Highness Prince Max of Saxony preaches in Russian to a large group of Russian Orthodox prisoners in the prison compound at Heuberg. Note the wooden barracks in the background of the photograph which reflected the war prisoners' quarters in the camp.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- A group of Jewish Russian prisoners sit at a table, decorated with candles in wine bottles, outside of their barracks for their Passover meal. One prisoner pours wine while another reads from the Torah.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- A rabbi leads a Jewish choir composed of Russian prisoners outside their barrack in the prison camp at Crossen-an-der-Oder. The congregation had access to vestments and other religious articles to support religious services in the camp.
- Date Created:
- 1916-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- This sketch of a group of Russian officers at Torgau, enjoying the evening by drinking hot tea and caramel beer while singing hymns in the prison camp canteen. Officers had a lot of time on their hands, especially since they were not expected to work by the German authorities.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Russian prisoners assemble in the prison compound at Purgstall for the dedication of the new YMCA building on Christmas Day, 8 January 1917. The camp commandant, several Austrian officers, Austrian officials,and several Association secretaries (including Edgar MacNaughten) stand on the platform at the entrance to the building next to a large Christmas tree. A group of Austrian officers stand as group to the left; a choir is about to perform to the left of the platform, while members of the prison band, with instruments provided by the YMCA, peek around the corner to the right, ready for their cue to begin playing.
- Date Created:
- 1917-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Russian prisoners participate in the dedication of a memorial to fallen comrades at the cemetery outside the prison camp at Frankfurt-an-der-Oder. A monument stands to the rights, surrounded by four white poles, topped with wreathes. A Russian Orthodox priest and several ministers lead the bareheaded soldiers in a prayer of remembrance.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Secretary John Klanmann, in civilian clothing, stands in the center of a group of prisoners in the prison camp compound at Wieselburg in January 1918. The Swedish Red Triangle worker just gave a Christmas address to the POW's in front of the Christmas tree behind the men.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- After the YMCA building inauguration and Christmas service at Purgstall, the Austrian officers and visitors stop for a photograph. The visitors included Austrian Baron von Haitin, the Swedish minister to Austria-Hungary; His Excellency Berks-Fries, Charge d'Affairs; Leche; Pastor Neander (a YMCA secretary); and Edgar MacNaughten, the Senior WPA Secretary for Austria-Hungary, who stand on the front porch of the building. Russian prisoners look on the scene from the background.
- Date Created:
- 1917-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Russian prisoners participate in an outdoor Greek Orthodox divine service on the dock near the prison camp at Danzig. A German steamship is tied to the pier behind the prisoners. Prisoners at Danzig worked in labor detachments in this major German port.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Seven Polish prisoners of war painted this picture of the Black Madonna of Czestohowe during their incarceration in a German prison camp. Artists could enhance the beauty and symbolism of prison camp churches through their art work.
- Date Created:
- 1917-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- This Red Cross Post Card (Germany No. 20) shows a Russian Orthodox priest, in his vestments, and an assistant with a censor holding a religious service for Russian prisoners in the church in the prison camp at Guben. As the church is decorated with palm branches and one of the prisoners is holding palms, the congregants were probably celebrating Palm Sunday. The POW's wear identification bands on their upper left arms. This photograph was posed--note the soldier to the right who is still wearing his hat inside the church.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- A Russian officer is buried outside the prison compound at Erfurt. Russian prisoners and German officers attend the funeral, along with a Landsturm guard of honor standing in the background. There are two open graves, but a priest, possibly Protestant Minister Charles Correvon, stands to the right next to the coffin of the dead officer and leads the service.
- Date Created:
- 1916-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- The Russian prisoners in this prison camp display the contents of the recreation chest they just received from the YMCA's War Prisoners' Aid organization in Vienna. Each chest held games (Tambola, dominoes, chess, checkers, and Mensch aergere dich nicht), musical instruments (accordions and harmonicas), books, and Russian Orthodox crosses. An unidentified Association secretary, in the civilian clothing and wearing the C.V.J.M. armband), poses with the Russian prisoners. The YMCA committee in the prison camps then sent these recreation chests to POW's working outside the camp in Arbeitskommandos (labor detachments).
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Russian prisoners of war, with their hats in their hands, carry a cross and the casket of a comrade along the barbed-wire fence outside of a German prison camp en route to the prison cemetery.
- Date Created:
- 1917-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- A Russian Orthodox priest leads a burial service for a Russian prisoner at Spratzern in the prison cemetery. Secretary Hertig, a Danish YMCA secretary, stands next to the priest in civilian clothing. Behind the coffin on the hand truck is an Orthodox cross and the prison camp band, as well as Russian POW's paying their respects. Note the white identification badges on the prisoners' caps.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Russian prisoners assemble in the snow in the prison compound at Wieselburg for Christmas celebrations in January 1918. Secretary John Klanmann, a Swedish YMCA worker, addresses the prisoners from the platform in front of a decorated Christmas tree. Prisoners carry a cross and religious banners and the POW band stands to the left of the platform.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- A Greek Orthodox priest conducts an outdoor service for a large group of devout Russian prisoners of war at Sprottau on a makeshift platform and altar. While most prison camps in Germany had chapels (converted from barracks) or churches, these buildings could not accommodate large numbers of men. When weather permitted, priests could conduct outdoor services.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
-
The YMCA and other Christian organizations printed and distributed a wide range of religious tracts to provide solace to prisoners of war caught behind barbed-wire. The German War Prisoners' Aid (WPA) printed this prayer book, "Thus Saith the Lord," to comfort Russian POW's.
- Date Created:
- 1917-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Russian prisoners sit on in one of the classrooms of the YMCA building at Wieselburg with an unidentified YMCA secretary (in civilian clothing) standing in the middle of the room. The photo was taken from the back of the room, which was decorated with garland in the rafters, probably for Christmas celebrations. The classroom is equipped with a large chalkboard and maps. In the insert, another Association secretary stands next to two boys in the prison camp with small chalkboards in their hands. The YMCA took a special interest in protecting and educating these young prisoners.
- Date Created:
- 1916-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- View of the cemetery memorial dedication ceremony at Wieselburg from the top of the hill. The distinctive prison camp watch tower can be seen in the background to the right; the town stands in the background to the left. A number of Austrian civilians stand outside of the cemetery fence paying their respects.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- American YMCA Secretary Bryant Ryall distributes bags of presents, bread, and a Christmas tree to Serbian boy prisoners at Braunau-am-Inn. Russian and Serbian prisoners observe this activity. The YMCA focused a great deal of attention on these boys and sought to make the Christmas season a joyous occasion.
- Date Created:
- 1916-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Bareheaded Russian prisoners participate in the monument dedication ceremony in the prison camp cemetery at Wieselburg. An Orthodox priest leads the service in front of the new monument. Note the photographer to the right in the photograph.
- 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:
- Three Russian prisoners pray on their knees before the altar in the chapel at the prison camp in Millowitz. The altar is decorated with paintings of the Virgin Mary and the baby Jesus (to the left), Christ (to the right), and the Last Supper (on the top) and there are two Orthodox crosses on the pillars of the room. The chapel is also decorated for Christmas--two small Christmas trees flank the altar and there is garland hanging from the rafters.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Russian prisoners gather around the prison compound at Wieselburg in the snow for Christmas celebrations in January 1918. An Austrian officer stands in the center of the compound with a decorated Christmas tree in the background.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- A Russian POW is about to be lowered into a grave for his final resting place at the prisoner of war cemetery at Koenigsbrueck. The cemetery is lined with fir trees and a priest officiates the service at the foot of the casket. The dead prisoner might have been a Pole as reflected by the Latin cross used in the ceremony.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Bareheaded Russian prisoners participate in an outdoor religious service in the prison compound at Goerlitz. One prisoner receives the host during communion from a Russian Orthodox priest.
- Date Created:
- 1916-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Recuperating prisoners of war stand outside of the hospital chapel at the prison camp in Darmstadt. Catholic nuns operated the hospital at the prison camp.
- Date Created:
- 1916-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Russian prisoners stand outside the gaily decorated YMCA building, which is festooned with strings of garland, during the inauguration ceremony in the prison camp at Sopronnyek. Hungarian officers stand in the foreground on the right hand sice and an official delegation, led by His Excellency, M. de Sjilessy, the Privy Councilor of the Emperor-King. The Association hut became the center of social activities in most prison camps during World War I.
- Date Created:
- 1916-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Prisoners assemble outside of a YMCA hall in an Austrian prison camp in preparation for their Christmas celebration. Dignitaries are standing on the steps of the building by the front door.
- Date Created:
- 1917-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Thousands of Russian prisoners celebrated Christmas outdoors in the prison compound at Purgstall by a large, decorated Christmas tree. American YMCA Secretary Paul B. Anderson took this photograph during the celebrations.
- Date Created:
- 1917-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Russian prisoners of war study in a synagogue in the prison camp at Zwickau. Several sit at a table, reading the Talmud and several men standing in the rear of the synagogue wear prayer shawls. The synagogue is not as ornate as the Catholic chapel in the camp.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Russian prisoners stand in front of the YMCA building in the prison camp at Spratzern. The building and the flag pole are decorated with garlands, possibly for Christmas celebrations.
- Date Created:
- 1916-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- Russian prisoners and a visiting delegation official dedicate a monument to fallen comrades in the prison camp cemetery at Wieselburg. Two religious banners stand on both sides of the wreath-covered monument in the center of the cemetery.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- A Russian Orthodox priest leads Russian prisoners in the dedication of a new cemetery memorial at the prison camp cemetery at Wieselburg. The monument was a large white stone obelisk with an Orthodox cross; it was decorated for the ceremony with a funeral wreath and ribbon.
- Date Created:
- 1918-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries
- Notes:
- A Russian Orthodox priest in vestments holds an outdoor divine service in the prison compound at Goerlitz in front of a make-shift altar. Wooden barracks stand in the background of the photograph.
- Date Created:
- 1915-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Western Michigan University. Libraries