LAST week, we were introduced to Admiral Ludwig Von Reuter and saw how the scuttling of the Imperial German Navy’s High Seas Fleet lead to his imprisonment at Park Hall Camp.

We also saw how he was welcomed by many angry, bitter Oswestrians.

Today, we are looking at what actually happened when Von Reuter and his crew were brought to Gobowen in 1919.

The account was written by the Western Gazette on the June 27, 1919.

Two trains arrived at Gobowen Railway Station, bringing 430 Prisoners of War in total; 300 were crew and 30 were officers, including Von Reuter.

The escort which brought the prisoners to Gobowen was a strong detachment of Gordon Highlanders. Whereas the crew were interned at Henlle Camp, Von Reuter was interned at Park Hall Camp.

Upon arrival, the 430 prisoners were marched throughout the village of Gobowen to Henlle Camp.

The march proceeded with the officers taking the lead and the crew following.

The march was guarded by the Gordon Highlanders, while joining forces with the Royal Defence Corps.

Although these were defeated men, the attitudes of the prisoners were described in the article as “defiant” and “arrogant”, who “sang” and “whistled” as if it were they who had captured the Highlanders.

Let’s just say, they were not given the rather generous welcoming by the locals of Gobowen that was given by the Royal Defence Corps and the Gordon Highlanders.

The Germans soon brought their arrogant little parade of songs and whistles to an end when met with a harmonic symphony of boos, hisses and bootings from the local women.

Hmm, going back to Von Reuter’s internment at Park Hall Camp, it does make one wonder – perhaps Von Reuter and Private Oster met each other and became friends(?) Perhaps, they shared a bunk bed together(?)

Here concludes the second installation of our several-part series on Admiral Von Reuter and his ‘stay’ at Oswestry.

Look out for the next part which shall be published next week…

Sources:

http://www.oswestrygenealogy.org.uk/photos/osw-henlle-pow-arrive-27-june-1919/