Back Pay for German POWs on Return Home: A Personal Journey and Historical Context

The question of back pay for German Prisoners of War (POWs) who returned home after the Second World War has been a topic of interest and discussion. This essay delves into the personal story of a POW and explores the broader historical context surrounding the issue of back pay for POWs in various countries during and after the war.

A Personal Story: My Grandfather's Experience

My grandfather, like many other POWs, faced significant challenges upon his return to his home country, Australia. Here's a brief account of his experience:

He was released from captivity and returned to Australia sick and in poor health. He had lost most of his toes due to the harsh conditions of the POW camp, making it difficult for him to walk or work. He battled with alcoholism, which could be attributed in part to the psychological trauma he suffered in captivity. He passed away in bed 20 years after his return, having lived a life of relative hardship and struggle. Despite these challenges, he was given a house and a pension by the Australian government, which likely served as a form of compensation or back pay, though the exact nature is unclear.

My grandmother was also impacted by my grandfather's experience. Around 15 years after his return, she was awarded $10,000 from the government, indicating a recognition of the sacrifices made by my grandfather as a POW.

A Broader Historical Context

During the Second World War, the treatment of POWs varied significantly between different countries and military conventions. Here are some key points to consider:

United Kingdom

British POWs were generally paid during captivity. When they were finally released and repatriated, they received back pay, less the small monthly allowances they were granted to purchase necessities such as soap, razor blades, and cigarettes. However, this was not consistently paid in all camps, and Japanese POWs did not receive any back pay.

Germany and Italy

German and Italian POWs typically continued to receive some form of pay during captivity, but the amount was often minimal and meager compared to what they would have earned at home. They were given a small allowance to cover basic necessities, but it was often insufficient to sustain a decent standard of living.

United States

US POWs had their pay continuously deposited into their accounts, and if they had joint accounts with their families, the money would be accessible immediately upon their return. This made it easier for families to support each other during and after the war.

The Process of Receiving Back Pay

There were specific procedures in place for the management and distribution of POW back pay. The US, for example, had a form (Form 4) that POWs filled out to allocate a portion of their pay to their families. This form served multiple purposes, including planning for future compensation and ensuring that there would be resources available if the POW were to be declared Missing In Action (MIA) or even killed in action (KIA).

If a POW was MIA, a portion of their pay would go to their spouse or designated beneficiaries. If the POW was found to be alive after the fact, they would receive their full pay and any life insurance payouts would be forgiven.

For German POWs, the process of receiving back pay was typically less straightforward, with varying allowances provided in different camps and a lack of consistent treatment between German POWs and those from other Axis nations.

Conclusion

The story of back pay for German POWs on return home is a complex one, reflecting the broader challenges of post-war adjustment for those who had been through the traumas of captivity. My grandfather's story, while a personal one, is part of a larger narrative about the aftermath of war and the varied ways in which countries sought to address the needs of their returning soldiers.