222727 L/Cpl. Francis Daniel "Knocker" Johnson British Army Welch Regiment My late grandfather, Francis Daniel Johnson, was captured in Crete 1939, taken to Stalag 8a or 8b he was held as a POW from 41 to 45, and put to work in salt mines in Poland. He faked an appendix while a POW, and the Germans operated using a lid from an empty can.
Then he tried to escape with three mates and was shot through the foot,and punished.
When my grandfather died, my mum was clearing out a box and found a map of all the German POW camps, we took a copy to Welch Regiment museum in Cardiff Castle, and John Dart was asking did we know how my Dad came to have it? It is on show in a glass case. I believe it is now held in the museum in Brecon.
We have heard from an ex POW in New Zealand who was with my grandad and has sent pictures of them all on parade. Following his release he was transferred to 246 Plant Sqn. Royal Engineers Reserves I believe. I would like to take my mum on a visit to Stalag 8a in Poland and wondered if it was worthwhile doing. Great website!
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