Oflag IV-D


Oflag IV-D was a World War II German Army German [prisoner-of-war camps in World War II|prisoner-of-war camp] located in Elsterhorst near Hoyerswerda, then part of Lower Silesia, north-east of Dresden. It held mostly French [prisoners of war in World War II|French], but also Belgian, Polish, Serbian, British and other Allied officers.

History

In June 1940, part of Stalag IV-A was separated and made into an Oflag for Belgian, British, and French officers taken prisoner during the Battle of France. Also a separate part of the camp was set aside as a hospital for prisoners Reserve Lazarett 742. There was a resistance movement in the camp. Several escape attempts occurred. On March 29–30, 1941, some 30 officers escaped through a tunnel. In September 1943 many British Commonwealth officers from the North Africa campaign. that had been held in List of [POW camps in Italy|Italian prisoner of war camp]s were transferred to Oflag IV-D
In February 1945, many prisoners were evacuated in death marches in various destinations, whereas some 600 sick officers and French officers-physicians were left in the camp. On April 20, 1945 the camp was liberated by the Red Army.

Notable inmates