A 'Great Escape' Ludwaffe Question

alanint · 09-08-2013, 05:17 PM

Yes, since initially most POWs originating outside the continent of Europe were opposing airmen, (most captured French and Belgians were outprossesed and sent home. Others were sent to labor camps), Herman Goering insisted that this be a Luftwaffe responsibility. Goering still held some illusions of Chivalry and "Knights of the Air" imagery, so airmen tended to be treated better than most captives of the germans.

This system changed drastically when the allies invaded Europe and most prisoners were suddenly army, versus airforce. Then camps were run by any body that was available, including the SS, Police, etc.

09-08-2013, 05:17 PM	#2
alanint User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Marco Island, Florida Posts: 4,867 Thanks: 1,685 Thanked 1,917 Times in 1,193 Posts	Yes, since initially most POWs originating outside the continent of Europe were opposing airmen, (most captured French and Belgians were outprossesed and sent home. Others were sent to labor camps), Herman Goering insisted that this be a Luftwaffe responsibility. Goering still held some illusions of Chivalry and "Knights of the Air" imagery, so airmen tended to be treated better than most captives of the germans. This system changed drastically when the allies invaded Europe and most prisoners were suddenly army, versus airforce. Then camps were run by any body that was available, including the SS, Police, etc. Last edited by alanint; 09-08-2013 at 08:29 PM.