|
|
 |
 |
Background history
There are a few exhibits on the display, which come from the collection of Józef Kobylański, a prisoner-of-war in Oflag VI B Dössel and Oflag VI E Dörsten. By profession, a librarian and archivist, he gathered memorabilia connected with World War II and internment in the German captivity with great diligence and perseverance. This pricelist of the camp canteen comes from Oflag VI E Dörsten, in which Polish officers were detained. They were able to set up a small shop upon the permission from the German camp authorities. The POWs could purchase a variety of goods, paying for them with the currency that was acceptable there, the so-called Lagermarks. As if follows from the document drawn up in March 1941, the officers of the oflag could buy, besides beer and lemonade, shaving utensils or knives to sharpen pencils, but not bread. The variety and quantity of the assortment of camp canteens depended on the possibilities of provision from outside the individual camp, the attitude of the German authorities towards this type of POWs’ activity and POWs’ business initiative. Since those were changing, pricelists were subject to alterations every now and then. What can surprise today, though, is the significance of this document as it was the Camp Senior who approved it with his signature. Canteens based in German camps definitely were not shops in which POWs could buy everything they wanted and in quantities they wished. Generally, the selection on offer was rather poor. Also, the shops did not necessarily provide essential articles so they could hardly be regarded as a vital source of POWs’ additional provision. One cannot belittle their usefulness, though. Objects made by the POWs themselves were traded with in the camp canteen, as well. POWs used the shops to purchase books outside the camp, provided they obtained permission of the German authorities. One needs to be aware of the fact that the basic trading developed unofficially and was of the bartering nature. A particular role in it was played by cigarettes which made the most popular tender – almost everybody had them at their disposal. The products came generally from parcels from families and friends, “wartime aunts” and humanitarian organizations, primarily – the Red Cross.
Prepared by: Bartosz Janczak
|
|
|
Blouse of a blind actress
Source of acquisition
The item comes from the collection of Józef Kobylański who was gradually giving it over to the Museum in the years 1968-1970.
Description of the item
The pricelist typewritten on a sheet of paper of 30cm x 21.5cm. In the top center there is a heading, and below – a list of articles with corresponding prices given in the camp currency. At the bottom, there is information about the name of the person who drew it up and approved, including the signature of the Camp Senior, General Leon Berbecki.
|
