German Prisoners of War in Australia WW2 - Naval Historical Society of Australia (navyhistory.au) Interesting stories/information. Compared with the German and especially the Japanese POW camps, the German and Italian prisoners of war were on a holiday. The Australian Government took its Geneva Convention obligations seriously, so much so that both German and Italian ex-prisoners were unanimous in their praise of the generally humane treatment they received from the military authorities. In the Victorian camps, there was a cordial understanding between the officers and men who guarded the prisoners and the officers and men who were the prisoners but most trouble came from the Germans. No matter how well they were treated, there was the sheer frustration of being a POW in a strange country almost on the other side of the world with no news from the Fatherland or their loved ones. They were crowded together with differences of opinion on a great many issues, especially between Austrians and Germans, Nazi and non-Nazi. Trouble simmered. The bars of their cage could have been made with gold but those bars still prevented their freedom. Escape plans began to hatch... On 5 August 1944, a total of 1,100 Japanese prisoners broke out from their prison camp near the small rural township of Cowra in New South Wales, stabbing or bludgeoning four unfortunate guards to death and wounding four others. The Japanese actively sought death. They wanted to be killed. Only death would wipe away the shame of being captured, the disgrace to their parents, to the Emperor and to Japan. The escape sent shock waves throughout the local communities and caused tremendous concern throughout country Victoria, and it was to temporarily stifle escape attempts for the Germans at Camp 13 at Murchison. The military authorities killed 183 Japanese while trying to prevent the escape. Great recreation of the breakout: (EDIT: The man firing the machine gun is an old Australian actor whos been in the business since he was quite young...Many Australian classics feature Max Cullen. Americans would remember him in the movie Wolverine. He played the old guy whos farm Wolverine holds up in...its from him Wolverine get his famous jacket and Motorbike. Cowra Japanese Garden I lived in the ACT (Australian Capital Territory) for 17 years - Many would be surprised to know the Capital of the ACT is Canberra - Australia's Capital City - The Nations Capital)
