Hello Christoph!
Hooray! You are here and me too!
I really appreciate your analysis of the expression "Man Of Confidence." I assumed it was kind of a title that was used and I did google it. In Dad's case, because it was not a real POW camp, and people got lucky to stay there until they were well enough to be moved along, someone maybe told Dad to use that title at some point. He clearily was not elected to the position. And maybe there were other American prisoners there that used the title and helped in the way Dad did. He never mentioned them to me but by the way we are getting this figured out maybe we will get that figured out too
It was not an expression that my Dad ever used after the War, not that I can ever recall. He had some real weird ramblings that he would do, but I stupidly never specifically asked him about each one of them. It was kind of like rolling your eyes, but only to myself, and then moving on. There were always a few in the morning - like A ttention, and this is you friendly platoon leader, and so many more... There were some things that I realize now he said and did to help himself handle what he had experienced.
I went to Amazon and found the book. It is pricey but then somehow I found a "alibris" site and that may be the best place for me to get it. Also there is a book by a French prisoner with a chapter in it with that Vert. name. Much less expensive on Alibris site so I will think about it.
I will look at the other 2 references after sending this - because I know I will probably lose this otherwise.
More to follow, and Thank You,
Jean J
Christoph,
Interesting sites. I signed up at the 2nd one and will hopefully get to read the other 9 posts on Man of Confidence.
I believe in the files of 2 other men, I saw that expression Man of Confidence and Dad's name. But no letters or anything. I will at some point get back to those files.
Now the latest news is that Sister Edeltrud is not well. The other Sister that we met wrote back a little note after they received my Christmas card. I will stay on top of the situation, and once I get my voice back, I will call over to them. This time I will arrange everything around your schedule once you know it.
I have alerted Nina the lady who went out of her way to help me, and who was with kind of like the German Embassy in NY, and who has now moved back to Germany about the Sister's health. I sent her your Theo article and the article by Sister Edeltrud. Not only would she like to read them, but she can. She like you was so smart - to learn German and English; unlike me.
Jean J
Stranger than fiction, someone had a book from someone and she wanted to review it before giving it to me. Well yesterday I got it and believe it or not it was YES, the book by Helion. First, second and third printing are from 1943. Its Chapter 13 is 'The Vertrauensmann.'
Christoph, Until you wrote in prior post the other day word 'vertrauensmann' I would never of known what it meant.
My voice is returning so can maybe work on tracking down some things.
Jean J
Well Christoph, I found another one! You say another What?
Yes a POW that was in Siegburg fairly early on and for a short period of time
His number was 13086. I now think there is a good chance that those near 500 men did go to Siegburg. And lots of people had to be pitching in to handle them ---
More to follow, discovery was made late last night.
I still need to call Sister E's Abbey to see her status and then know your schedule.
Bye,
JJ
Christoph,
Guess what? I have located and spoken with another prisoner. Yes! And this gentleman has a great memory for the parts he experienced while there. This was quite a huge operation. He is now No.4 of the living prisoners and both he and No. 1 remembered my Dad. He used the name Moose and that was all it took.... It was pretty incredible.
He mentioned a Dr. Anton Kaiser that was at the Abbey and the Dr. put a spiker cast on this gentleman. Dr. Kaiser wore dark horned rim glasses, black boots, and was very handsome. When his son was in Germany he looked up Dr. Kaiser and found that his son was studying to be a Dr. or was a Dr. The Drs. son actually met this gentleman's son. I think at that time the Drs. son was in Siegburg.
You are such a sleuth - I wonder if you can locate him. Maybe we could meet him together on a trip we would take. Also, remember that man that wanted to retire from his work on the Abbey, I wonder if he is available for all of us to meet. I have not called Sister Johanna about Sister Edeltrud because maybe April will be a better time to see her when it is warmer.
I want to type up my notes and try to digest what I heard, Definitely the Russian Dr. and red pills are in the picture.
Bye,
JJ
Guess What! Yep, Found another EX POW who had been at Lazarett Siegburg. He was only there for 4 or 5 days - a temporary stop.. Stalag 6G in Bonn was bombed by Allieds and on fire and they were walked to Siegburg. From there went to next Camp. He has a great memory and brought up a French Priest that came in a couple of times while they were there. I was able to tell him more about the Priest.
This gentleman started the War at 195 lbs - he was 6Ft 1/2/ inch and at liberation he was 98 lbs. He is 89 years old.
I have pages of notes from the conversation and feel so privileged to know all of these men! What a blessing!
My life is very complex right now and regret not being able to write more often. I am sure everyone else has lots going on too.
Bye for now,
Jean J
Quick note, The POW I referred to above is not on the list of Siegburg prisoners. I have failed to ask the others when they got their POW #. Remember Norton had no clue that he had a POW number. I will eventually ask the other Siegburg POW's if they remember the sequence.
Jean J
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRISTOPH!!!
You are such a wonderful young man!!!
Thank you for all of your help and discoveries as we sift through the Siegburg maze! We are making progress Thanks To You!
Jean J
I have been reading through here occasionally. This is very fascinating stuff!
Sorry I have been off line a bit. Thank you so much for your comments '24th Armored Engineer Site' - I am eager to get back on your site!
I continue my research, and today is POW Recognition Day so I will contact the wonderful POW's that I have met over the years in my research.
I have recently received from POW #!, Norton, his photos from his 1985 journey to Siegburg. They are in the queue to get scanned.
Also received War Memories from POW #4, and his memories of Siegburg, which was relatively brief, and then the rest of his time in other POW Camps.
And yesterday, received a picture from a wonderful Veteran who was a Replacement in the Medical Battalion of the 22nd, some time after Dad had been captured. His photo showed the front of a 2 1/2 ton truck which is was the same truck that my Dad would have been using.
Lots of things bubbling along..... will share when time permits.
Hello Marion and Christoph!
Jean J