[Photocopied typescript; PoW Stalag IV] Entitled THE LAST MONTH" [of being a prisoner of the Germans]

  • Hardcover
  • Used
See all details
Heritage seller

Seller: Richard M. Ford Ltd, London, United KingdomRichard M. Ford Ltd

5-star seller

AbeBooks seller since November 20, 1997

Association member: ABAILAB

Hardcover

Condition: Used

£ 120.00

£ 4.50 shipping 
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.

Quantity: 1 available

Add to basket
Free 30-day returns

Item description from seller

'The Last Month' by Wilmott. 13pp., foolscap 8vo. A photocopied typescript on thirteen leaves of paper, stapled together. The first reads '"Big funf" was one of the German Guards - had no roof to his mouth - spoke funnily' and the fourth 'We had a "Union Jack" which was used for burials when P.O.W.'s died.' Wilmott's account commences: 'There had been gun fire from the west and the south for the last three days. Friday the 13th April 1945 the usual officials did not come to fetch the men, but a little later than usual the Gaschwyz [sic] column was called, so we assembled and left for work, about 20 of us. There was a lot of activity in the station yard, German military vehicles were coming and going, and a contingent of unarmed Russian fatigue men were on parade.' A typically vivid passage reads: 'In the morning of the 24th April I heard chaps reporting prisoners passing through and our guards not interfering, a lot of Indians were going through without any guards. Chaps with kit got up early because of being cold. I got up after seven and went outside and saw the Indians going through. A column of Russian prisoners appeared with guards and were halted just outside. The German guards were standing about in groups talking to each other, and taking no notice of the prisoners some of whom were already making off. A man got up on a cart and addressed us, he said he couldn't advise us to go, he couldn't advise us to stay, the German commandant had said that if we stayed he would do his best to obtain food for us, there was a horse dying in the next village, and he had the first refusal of it if it expired and we should have it.' The account ends on Wilmott's return: 'At London I bid my comrades of the last 2 years goodbye and got on a train at Paddington. It was a noisy journey, ex P.O.W.'s one side of the compartment, civilians the other, we all talked at once. At Bristol I had to catch a bus home, and suddenly realised I had to pay the fare, it was more than 3 years since I had paid a fare anywhere.'.…

Seller Inventory # 26871

Bibliographic details

Title
[Photocopied typescript; PoW Stalag IV] Entitled THE LAST MONTH" [of being a prisoner of the Germans]
Author
Ernie Wilmott, ['Camp Leader, Lager 31, Stalag IVG, Gaschwitz']
Publication year
1945
Binding
Hardcover

Richard M. Ford Ltd

London, United Kingdom

5-star seller

AbeBooks seller since November 20, 1997

Association member:

Shipping rates from United Kingdom to U.S.A.

Item14 to 45 business days5 to 10 business days
First item£ 4.50£ 8.85
Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.

Payment methods

  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Google Pay
  • Bank Draft
  • Bank Wire Transfer
  • Cash
  • Cash on Delivery
  • Check
  • Direct Debit
  • Money Order

Store description

Private premises. Autographs, manuscripts and archives on any subject. Particular interest in publishing and bookselling history. Occasional catalogues. Company number: 03785276

Specialty

Bookselling History, Publishing History, Autographs And Manuscripts

Association member

  • Antiquarian Booksellers' Association
  • International League of Antiquarian Booksellers
Members of these associations are committed to maintaining the highest standards. They vouch for the authenticity of all items offered for sale. They provide expert and detailed descriptions, disclose all significant defects and/or restorations, provide clear and accurate pricing, and operate with fairness and honesty during the purchase experience.

Seller's business information

Richard M. Ford Ltd

7 The Close
Norwich, United Kingdom NR1 4DJ