April 28, 2005 marked the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Marlag und Milag Nord by British troops. Gabe Thomas, Herbert Hall, Billy McGee and Uwe Heitmann were instrumental in having plaques placed to mark the anniversary. Here are some pictures of the ceremony.

During the years 1942 to 1945 as many as 4,500 Merchant Seamen were held prisoner in this camp. These men and boys reached captivity by various means. Some were the sole survivors of their ship, others were joined in captivity by all their shipmates. Although generally well treated by their guards, their survival was assured by the continuous supply of food parcels from the International Red Cross. The camp was liberated on the 28th April 1945 by units of the Guards Armoured Division, many of whom died in the fighting to assure the safe release of these prisoners. This plaque is dedicated to the seamen of all nations who died in the second World War.

 

George Shaker at the plaque. George was the radio officer on the AD Huff which was in the same convoy as Tommy's ship the Kantara. Both were sunk on the same day. George lives in Toronto and you can click above to read his log.

Photos on this page were provided by Gabe Thomas and George Shaker.