Did the American send the Axis Pows back to America during WW2?
If so, what was the rationale behind in sending them over the long distance and the number of these POWs involved?
If so, what was the rationale behind in sending them over the long distance and the number of these POWs involved?
Marcia F
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In a way,I'm not answering your question,but thanking you for asking it. My grandfather was one of the Germans that came here. The story goes that he was a German exchange guard which to me didn't make sense (why would they allow a German to come and go?) Obviously he was here as a prisoner. Everyone is dead now so I can't find out much about it. My family was very secretive about a lot of things. Even my father did not know he was adopted by his stepfather after his father deserted him until he was in his 20's
Thanks for your question and to all that answered.
DeSaxe
In the early part of WW2 Axis prisoners were imprisoned on the North American continent. The British became this practice in 1940 by shipping POW's to Canada. 1 German Pilot did manage to escape by swimming the Niagara river and entering the US. then to Mexico, across to Spain and into occupied France where he survived the war.
Reasoning for this was simple, in 1940 Britain became the front line. Housing Axis prisoners within operational range of Axis Air& Naval commandos was a security risk, transporting them back to Canada was less a risk, and since a huge amount of shipping was returning the the USA empty it was fairily cost effective to transport the prisioners to Canada. The chances of a prisioner being able to return to duty was far less 3000+ miles away.
When the US entered the war the US adobted the pratice continued, the POWs were allowed to work in accordance with the terms of the Geneva Convention. POW's had to volunteer and were paid.
cowboydoc
There were large German POW camps in Minnesota's Duluth area. In fact they got along so good with the people of the area, very little concern was used to guard them. They were taken out on week-ends for dances in the city and to the theater in the city.
The same thing happen in most American cities. Some were so amazed at America that were a large percentage of them that asked to be left here in America, there wish was granted and, some, going back home, came right back.
applebeer
Yes, many german troops were sent back to america, the rationale behind it was so that they could have no chance whatsoever in getting back into the war. The POW's were put to work, just about any physical labor you can think of they did it.
knight1192a
Yes, some Axis POWs were sent to prison camps on this continent during the war, and there was atleast one breakout. I don't know what the reasoning was behind doing so, probably to make it harder for them to excape and return to the fight. All I've ever seen has concerned German POWs sent here.