Christoph, I wrote a really long response and then lost it because I left this site and wanted to test out the http address that I was including. I have never been part of a site like this before so I need to learn more. I am so irritated because I appear to have lost what I wrote and now do not have enough time to write it all again but I will try to write what I can.
Most importantly I want to tell you that your kindness in trying to help me is incredible!!
And I promised you
www.jjworld.com/images/POWLetter.tiff
I will let you know when and if I get any debriefing info.
Mr. Norton said there were 4 or 5 primitive barracks below the Abbey. The Americans were in 1 of them. He said there was a Guard. And your news on the March 8th bombing may fit into what my Dad said. The bombing bent the barbed wired fence and he and Gidrie both had the same thought - that they could escape. Dad said the Guard was asleep when they left.
I do not think these guys could have done much labor because they were wounded.
On our War Journey with my Dad he tried to figure out where the cemetery was located. The morgue was located inside the rounded door on the left as you go up the now driveway. Dad buried the bodies with their dogtags and made a map of the cemetery. He felt it was a long distance down that path to the cemetery. He gave that map to the Allies - maybe to General Collins himself.
There was a German Comandant of the Camp with 2 beautiful daughters. They lived in a large area in the basement.
A lady working for a German organization was able to find a Nun and someone else that was there during the War or knew about it. I will look through my notes and send the information to you.
Good night! And Thank You So much for trying to help me!
Jean J