1 Reply Latest reply on Dec 17, 2019 7:31 AM by Sylvia Naylor

    Seeking records of Project R escapees & debriefings

    Val Burgess Wayfarer
    Val Burgess Nov 30, 2019 7:57 PM

      Where do I find information on Project R escapees from the European Theater during  WWII? I am also interested in finding these escapees stories and/or debriefings conducted upon their return to the U.S. at Camp Kilmer and other bases. Where would I find these debriefings?

       

      Does anyone know where to find information on POW escapees that left forced marches in the European Theater? It my understanding some POWs escaped on the forced march from Nurnberg to Moosburg. Please provide location where to find this information. Thank you

        • Re: Seeking records of Project R escapees & debriefings
          Sylvia Naylor Adventurer
          Sylvia Naylor Expert Dec 17, 2019 7:31 AM (in response to Val Burgess)

          Dear Val Burgess,

           

          Thank you for posting your question on History Hub!

           

          We searched the National Archives Catalog for any records relating to Moosburg or Mooseburg.  The search results can be found here and here.  Also, we looked into the series titled “European Place Name Index to the Series ‘Case Files, 1944-1949’” in the Records of the Office of the Judge Advocate General (Army) (Record Group 153) for any index cards that would reference “Moosburg” or “Mooseburg.”  We were able to locate several index cards for these two names.

           

          Further, we suggest looking into the records of the Allied Screening Commission (Italy) in the Records of Allied Operational and Occupation Headquarters, World War II (Record Group 331) as they may contain information relevant to your inquiry, e.g. how and when the POWs escaped.

           

          These records may be viewed at the National Archives at College Park, MD. The staff of the National Archives at College Park - Textual Reference (RDT2) will be pleased to make the finding aids to these records available to you or your representative in the Textual Research Room located 8601 Adelphi Road, College Park, MD, near the University of Maryland--College Park campus. The Textual Research Room (Room 2000) hours are 8:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., Monday through Friday, except legal holidays. The RDT2 consultation room hours are 8:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except legal holidays. No appointment is necessary. Prior to your visit, please consult College Park websites at https://www.archives.gov/dc-metro/college-park/,  https://www.archives.gov/dc-metro/self-service-copying.html, and https://www.archives.gov/research/start/getting-started.pdf.

           

          Also, extensive accounts of the evacuation marches can be found in a book by Charles R. Meltsen titled “Roads to Liberation from Oflag 64.”

           

          We hope this information is helpful.  Best of luck with your research!