Subject
Prisoners of war Books
Best books
Thomas (Thomas James) Walker
The Depot for Prisoners of War at Norman Cross, Huntingdonshire. 1796 to 1816
"The Depot for Prisoners of War at Norman Cross, Huntingdonshire. 1796 to 1816" by Thomas James Walker, M.D., F.R.C.S. is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book provides a comprehensive examination of the Norman Cross Depot, the first purpose-built prison for captives during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, highlighting the conditions and treatment of prisoners during a tumultuous era in British history. The opening of the narrative establishes the urgent need for the Depot, detailing the context of the extensive conflicts between Britain and France that necessitated a dedicated facility for prisoners of war. As tensions escalated following the outbreak of hostilities in the 1790s, the inadequacies of existing confinement methods became apparent, leading to the selection and rapid construction of the Norman Cross Depot. The introduction emphasizes both the physical challenges of housing thousands of prisoners and the social complexities involved in their management, setting the stage for an in-depth exploration of life within the prison and the broader implications of wartime captivity.
Guido Kisch
War Prisoner Money and Medals
"War Prisoner Money and Medals" by Guido Kisch is a historical account written in the mid-20th century. This book explores the specific types of currency and medals associated with prisoners of war, focusing on their issuance and significance during conflicts, particularly from the World War eras. It provides an in-depth analysis of both internment camp money and commemorative medals, highlighting their roles in wartime economies and the humanitarian considerations surrounding the treatment of prisoners. Kisch’s work meticulously details how different nations, particularly Germany and France during World War I, produced special currency for prisoners of war to mitigate the economic impact of having captives. The book discusses various types of internment camp money, their design, and numismatic interest, suggesting that these were often produced in vast quantities, far exceeding the actual wartime needs. Additionally, the author examines commemorative medals created for the welfare and recognition of war prisoners, asserting that while these tokens served to raise funds and honor captives, they never achieved the systemic production of internment money. Each section of the book presents a collection of historical narratives, alongside illustrations of the currency and medals, making it a valuable resource for numismatists and those interested in military history.
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