Wednesday 24 April 2019

A bit overcrowded


Prompted by a curious friend, I looked at SLIII’s population statistics. 

According to Red Cross visitor reports, in April 1944, the camp total of British, Commonwealth and allies, and Americans (including in Belaria compound) was 5229. 

By November 1944, the total population, across 6 compounds was 10,091. It had almost doubled in seven months.

The 10,091 comprised 1992 British, 695 Canadians, 261 Australians, 165 New Zealanders, 150 South Africans, 174 other British Commonwealth and Ireland, and 6654 American (not sure what category other nationalities such as Czechs fitted into). 

While the Americans were largely confined to their own compounds (West, Centre and South) there was considerable overspill into the British compounds. 

You have all heard about the increasing numbers of roommates: from six to eight, to ten and even more. One room in Belaria had 16 denizens, accommodated in six beds. As you can see from these images from John Dack’s wartime log book, they very carefully managed their space. 

From 'So, You Wanted Wings, Hey!' by Irwin John Dack. 

And as you can see from George Archer’s, double decker bunks were converted to triple deckers to accommodate them! Despite the cramped quarters, George at least still maintained his sense of humour.
Courtesy of David Archer.