As was the fate of so many others fortunate enough to survive the crash, Opa was taken captive by the Nazis and transported to one of the many Prisoner of War camps in Eastern Europe. For Opa, that meant detention in the infamous Stalag XVII.
Held without medical treatment until the liberation of the camp in 1945, Opa rarely shared his experience at Stalag XVII with us - although a slight limp and chronic back pain was a daily reminder of his time as a POW. Driving through Austria we decided to search for the sight of Stalag XVII. Approximately 3 miles outside of the small Austrian village of Gneixendorf, nothing remains today of the imposing camp that impacted the lives of so many soldiers.
Using latitude and longitude coordinates in the SatNav we eventually managed to find the area formerly known as Stalag XVII. Although it might seem odd to say this, I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to see this place. Looking out over the surrounding hills I wondered what it was like for him, what he thought of when he viewed those same hills each morning during his time in the camp. It goes without saying that I wish I could share these pictures with him today...
The road approaching Gneixendorf, Austria. A quiet, winding path though the vineyards:
It took a while, but eventually we found the road leading up to the site formerly housing Stalag 17:
We probably would have missed the turn had it not been for a few small memorials on the site of the road in memory of the camp:
Aside from a few memorials, nothing remains of Stalag XVII. The entire area is now converted into a small airstrip:
View of the surrounding hills from the airstrip:
The only acknowledgement of the former Nazi POW camp Stalag XVII - a few quiet memorials on the side of the road entering the air field:
To Opa and all the POW veterans of Stalag XVII B --- we will never forget you.
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