Let's hope the museum idea takes off. "Trent Park, a stately home in north London, will soon be developed into luxury homes. But during World War Two, this grand red-brick building housed one of the most secret and significant British intelligence operations. And historians and local politicians say a substantial part should be preserved as a museum. Nearly 60 captured German generals were held at Trent Park, their conversations secretly monitored and recorded. There were even microphones hidden in trees to catch their exchanges as they strolled through the extensive well-tended park, part of it planted with a million daffodil bulbs - creating a vast white and yellow lawn in front of the house every spring. Trent Park was one of three World War Two eavesdropping centres and, campaigners say, the only one which could now be turned into a museum or memorial. Fritz Lustig, now 97, is one of very few surviving "listeners" (German speakers working for British intelligence), who monitored the conversations of prisoners of war. He worked at the other two centres, Latimer House and Wilton Park, both in Buckinghamshire. He strongly supports a museum at "Cockfosters" - the codename for Trent Park during the war. Fritz Lustig was one of about 100 "secret listeners" during World War Two Mr Lustig told me that listeners had to keep an ear across everything the Germans said - from the moment they woke until they went to sleep. The conversation was only recorded when it touched on certain sensitive topics. Then the listeners would switch on the gramophone. In all, according to historian Dr Helen Fry, at least 100,000 such conversations were recorded and transcribed in full and have been kept in the National Archives. Mr Lustig doubts the Germans knew they were being bugged. "They weren't very security conscious," he says. "The microphones were very good though - even when they turned the tap on to drown the conversations, we could still hear the words."" http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-35978418
I agree ( but don't hold out too much hope ). German historian Sonke Neitzel in recent years unearthed an incredible cache of material recorded at Trent Park and the results can be found in his books 'Tapping Hitler's Generals' and 'Soldaten', both of which are unique resources.
l was invited to Dr Helen Fry's "The London Cage" book launch on 24th Sept 2017 at Forty Hall, near Enfield U.K. and expecting to meet Fritz Lustig, however he was in ill health, and was represented by his son Robin. Sadly Fritz passed away on 18th Dec.2017. German historians Sonke Neitzel and Harald Welzer's book "Soldaten" give a great insight into 2nd. World War secret tapes of German P.O.W.'s. A recently published book "Castaways of the Kriegsmarine" by Naval historian DEREK NUDD gives a wonderful insight into Latimer House, and Wilton Park Lance shippey U.K.
Thanks for reviving this thread, Lance ( & welcome to the Forums, BTW ! ). I know Forty Hall quite well - I imagine it's a nice venue for a book launch. In another coincidence, developers Berkeley Homes are a client of mine. Housing developers are not the most popular people in the UK so they're keen to display 'community spirit' - and it does indeed appear that a museum at Trent Park will, after all, be a reality... Trent Park Museum – Home of the Secret Listeners – The National 'Secret War' Museum
About a year ago I read "Tapping Hitler's Generals" by Neitzel is quite a read. Monolithic those generals weren't! Not that my opinion matters, but I'd like to see a museum on those grounds.
Dear Martin, Thanks for the news. re. Trent Park. l look forward to the opening of the museum. l believe a new book is currently being written, about the interrogations at Trent Park. I have a particular interest in Trent Park, and Latimer House, as my father, Marine Frank Shippey R.M. served at Plymouth div. and H.M.S. Spartiate (St Agnes Hotel) Glasgow, before joining H.M.S. Duke of York on the 20th August 1941. He would remain serving as R.M. on D.of Y. until 14th March 1945. After the sinking of German battleship Scharnhorst, survivors were transferred from H.M.S Scorpion , and H.M.S. Matchless to H.M.S. Duke of York. for their journey to Scapa Flow. A directive had come down to the Marines, that the survivors should be treated as survivors, rather than P.O.W.s (In order that the food rations would be better} My father was one of six marines, charged to guard the survivors. One of whom my father got to know, and spoke fluent English, albeit with an American accent. This was a young man, born in Yugoslavia, and at the age of two, was taken to Canada. He attended school in Canada, however had to speak German at home. Prior to the start or WW11, the family were suffering ill feeling in Canada, as they were German. The father had been fired from his job, so the family left Canada, via the U.S.A. and returned to Yugoslavia, the Germany. The teenage boy, was then to join the German navy, and sent to serve on Scharnhorst. He was one of the 36 survivors from a crew of 1968. On arrival in Scarpa Flow, my father was along with 5 other R.M.'s were tasked with escorting the survivors from Scotland to Latimer House and Wilton Park, where they would undergo interrogation, before being sent as P.O.W.s to Canada, and the U.S.A. My father met Prime Minister Winston Churchill, on arrival at either Latimer House, or Wilton Park. and asked by Mr Churchill "What have the prisoners been given to eat, whilst on the D.of York ? The answer my father gave was "The same as the Navy received Sir." This was not the first time my father came in contact with Mr Churchill, as the D.of Y. had transported him to Norfolk Virginia, to meet President Roosevelt. I have been researching where the meeting between my father and Mr. Churchill took place. Latimer House OR Wilton Park. which would have been around the 4th January 1944. Of the 36 survivors, 1 was exchanged via the Red Cross, and was used by the German Propaganda machine on his return to Germany. 27 were sent to P.O.W. camps in the U.S.A. and 7 sent to Canada, The final survivor either was sent to Canada, making 8 to Canada. but l have found no evidence of his removal to Canada. I would be interested in hearing of information pertaining to Winston Churchill's visits to Latimer House and Wilton Park around 4th January 1944. These are not noted on a diary of appointments l located on a Canadian website, Lance Shippey.
I walk in Trent Park once a week, with my daughter, and am fully acquainted with the mansion and it's past history. I sincerely hope that the new owners of the property carry out their proposed plans to start a museum on the site that will make visitors aware of the history of the house, including it's WW2 story. German POWs in Trent Park I shall watch this thread with much interest Ron
In September 2019, I was fortunate to be invited by Dr. Helen Fry, to her book launch, "The Walls Have Ears" at Trent Park. and learned that the Museum will go ahead. I was privileged to rub shoulders with some of the surviving members of the British Intelligence Service of WW2. whilst sipping "Pink Gin" and enjoying a piece of delicious cake. Helen will be releasing her next book later this year. Lance.
ANTON DIFFRING. The Pollack / Diffring Family. Koblenz, Rheinland Pfalz. Germany. Born 20th Dec 1916. Alfred Oskar Diffring was born in Koblenz a.k.a. Anton Diffring died 19th May 1989 in Chateauneuf - Grasse, France. a.k.a. Anthony Israel Diffring a.k.a. Tony Diffring to his friends. His father Solomon [Solly] Pollack born 06th Nov.1877 A jewish store owner on Loehrstrasse died 04th Apr 1989 40, Koblenz. survived WW2 by being hidden. His mother Bertha Diffring Non Jewish. Spent time in Switzerland due Tuberculosis Much of Alfred's childhood, together with his two sisters, Ruth Margot Sara Pollack, and Ilse Sara Pollack was with a governess. The family was successful, however things would take a turn for the worse. 1929 There were 709 Jews in Koblenz. this fell to 669 in 1933, and 309 in 1939. 1933 saw a boycott of Jewish business's In July 1935, the wife of the Burgermeister [ Mayor] was thrown out of the NSDAP. for buying from a Jewish store. Koblenz had interested the NSDAP, with a "Thingplatz" being built in front of the Electors Palace, 1938. Jews were told that by 01st Jan 1939 Jewish men must have the name "Israel" and woman the name "Sara" on their identity cards. From Autumn 1938 Jewish families had to have the letter "J" in their passports. It was considered beneficial, to have the Pollack Children move away from the town of Koblenz, to the large city of Berlin, where they hopefully would be less identifiable than in Koblenz. The children arrived in Berlin in 1929. in 1937 Isle would attend the Reimann School in Berlin.Alfred were spend time in Berlin, and then Vienna, They would emigrate to Great Britain in 1939. using the name of their mother "Diffring", as refugees. Alfred [Anton] was termed as "Male Enemy Allien" but exempted from Internment as refugee on 13th Oct. 1939. He lived at Sussex Gardens, London W2. stating his occupation as actor. with a police registration no. 769603. There were over 55,000 refugees, and the majority of "No Risk" They were left alone until the German invasion of France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. In May 1940 Churchill said "Collar them all" I In 1940, Anton, had appeared in two films made in Great Britain. "Convoy" and "Neutral Port". On 21st June 1940, his exemption of Internment was revoked, after a circular on internment was issued. It was thought that with the risk of invasion, Internees and captured enemy should be sent to Canada. The camps would be paid for by the British government. 6437 civilian interness, merchant navy, and refugees were sent to Canada. They should be all released by 1946. 06th May 1942. Alfred {Anton] was listed as Enemy Alien No 9006 in Canada. however he was released 25th Jan 1943 as a Censor of P.O.W. Mail 04th Jun 1944 Appeared in Play at Alexandra Theatre, Toronto "Aren't we All" 7 days. 03rd Jul .1944 Appeared in Play at Alexandra Theatre Toronto "Mr and Mrs North " 6 days 18th Sep 1946 Left Buffalo Canada, for New York, listing friend Donalda McGreachy, speech therapist, and actress as his contact in Toronto, and Robert Henderson, Friend, and actor as his contact in New York. 09th Nov 1946 Again Buffalo, and arrival in New York. Oct 1946 Appeared in "Player from Abroad" New York Nov 1947 Appeared in "Faust" 1949 Living in Manhatton 319 East 50th St Plaza. 25th Feb 1949 Sailed on S.S. Veendam New York / Burmuda / Southampton 08th Mar 1949 Arrived at Southampton. 1950 Spend time at Berewyk Hall, White Colne, where his sister Ruth Maria Dando has settled. 1951 living Westburn Terrace, London 1954 Appears in Film with fellow Jewish [Austrian] actor Reggie Nalder, whom fled to G.B. 1940. 1955 BBC German Service under Austin Harrison, start programme. "London Calling" also Including "Letters without Signatures" A programme concerning the G.D.R. and the feelings and views of East Germans on the failing of communism behind the "Wall" Photographs of the Broadcasters at the BBC. which would last until 1970, suggest that Anton was one of the team. [Require confirmation of this ?] 1958 Anton arrives in San Francisco on Board Pan Am Flight PA121, and travels to Hollywood Staying at the Knickerbocker Hotel. His profession is given as Film Director. 1961 to 1965 Address given as Hogarth Court Hampstead, and Burgh House Hampstead. 1965 Address given Nordend strasse, Munich. Anton would move to Rome, then to France, where he died in the village where his sister, Ilse was living in Chateauneuf-Grasse, She was famous artist Jacqueline Diffring. 1989 Antons ashes were brought back to Britain, and buried in White Colne.
ANTON DIFFRING. I would like to hear from anyone who knows which POW camp in Canada, Anton worked as Mail Censor ? Also anyone who can confirm Anton's involvement in the BBC German Service programmes. I have already contacted the BBC. and they say that there is no record of the people featured in the photograph used in a recent television documentary made for BBC4 T.V. The German Director of the programme does however say, "there is certainly a good likeness" between the photograpgh, and the images online of Mr Diffring. The Programme featured on Nov. 7th at 20.00hrs 2019. entitled LONDON CALLING - Cold War Letters. It is ironic that just two years after the death on "Koblenzer" Anton, the Berlin Wall would fall, and three pieces of the wall, placed near the Deutsches Eck, to mark the second unification of Germany. Lance Shippey
Confirmation of Anton Diffring's involvement in "London Calling" and "Letters without Signature" is given in the Association of Jewish Refugees journal February 2018 edition, which can be viewed on their website A 'British' actor in Germany, a German actor in Britain. The article includes the photograph of some of the "Letters without Signature" broadcasters, a shows Anton Diffring and Josef Stein who was married to soprano Johanna Storbeck German born Stein played in many film roles, including a small part in "The Third Man". The interesting article is written by Lilian Levy. Anton died on the 19th May 1989, I feel sure that he would have been satisfied in the knowledge that the Berlin Wall would fall on the 9th November 1989. Visiting both West and East Berlin on June 12th. 1987, when President Reagan made his famous speech "Mr. Gorbachev Tear Down This Wall". I am truly grateful for the contribution Anton Diffring made in helping to chip away at the system, which kept 16 million of its people caged within its borders from 1961 until 1989. I am still in the dark, as to where Anton Diffring worked as p.o.w. camp censor during his time during WW2 in Canada.. Lance Shippey
Not only were the Generals and Soldaten bugged - so were the scientists. There was a camp somewhere in Britain for top German scientists interned at the end of the war. They were it appears much more tight lipped than the generals. They believed that Germany was far more advanced than the Allies in all fields of knowledge and were not prepared to share that knowledge with the victors. What rattled that sense of superiority was the news of the bomb on Hiroshima. There was recently a snippet on the BBC on the conversations recorded on the hidden mikes . They had not believed that an A bomb could be produced any time soon - if at all. After this they became much more loquacious. Does anyone know where this science camp was?
Dear ARWR. In Answer to your question about the Scientists. There were 10 captured scientists. They were. Bagge, Diebner, Gerlach, Hahn, Harteck, Heisenberg, Koersching, Von Lane,,Von Weissacker, Wirtz. They were were in Farm Hall, Godmanchester, near Cambridge. They were there for, "Kernphysik forschung zu verschaffen" or "To provide nuclear physics research" They were at Farm Hall from £rd July 1945 until Dec.1945, or January 1946. Their capture and time in bugged cells, was likened to that in Trent Park, and given the codename "OPERATION EPSILON". There is a book by author Dieter Hoffmann, entitled . "Die Farm-Hall Protokolle" oder (or) Die Angst der Allierten vor der deutschen atombombe" ( The Allies fear of a German atom bomb.) Lance Shippey
Thanks Although I suppose that Heisenberg could never be sure if he was at the farm or if he was travelling with some momentum!
