Thaw All Round

Abstract

In March 1947, as the winter cold gradually receded, Mr Bellenger could announce that the results of the experimental relaxation of restrictions on the POWs had been favourable. He was therefore prepared to make further concessions. First and foremost, the patches and distinctive lettering on prisoners’ clothing would gradually disappear as and when chocolate-coloured and blessedly undistinctive battledress became available for them. Next, provision was made in special cases for the extension of the 5-mile limit. Thirdly, prisoners were allowed to enter private houses on invitation, without first needing to obtain the camp commandant’s permission-though the commandant still retained the right to place individual houses or areas out of bounds if he considered it advisable. In January this prerogative had actually been used in relation to the town of Gloucester, where, it was said, the privilege of walking unescorted in the town had been abused. In some cases, towns were put out of bounds because of the continuing hostility of the inhabitants towards the Germans. This could be the case with towns, such as Swansea, which had suffered heavily from enemy bombing.