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PLEASE NOTE:
EXCEPT FOR RELATIVES OF SEAMEN LOST ON IRISH MERCHANT VESSELS
DURING WW2, ENQUIRIES ARE NO LONGER FACILITATED: |
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LAST UPDATE:
FRIDAY: 22 OCTOBER 2021 |
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Foreign
Seafarers Lost While Serving on Irish Ships
1939-1946: Excluded from Irish National Commemoration
Consistently, the Irish National Commemoration held by
the Irish Government in July each year has excluded
from mention foreign seafarers who lost their lives
through belligerent action while serving on Irish
registered vessels during the Emergency
1939-1946.
To
restate: Seafarers from other countries who lost
their lives as a result of belligerent action while
serving on
board neutral Irish flagged vessels during
the emergency period 1939-1946, were awarded
posthumously the Irish Mercantile Marine Valour Medal with 3
Bars, Citation and Tunic Bar, which is the Irish
Government's highest decoration for service during
World War two. When the hostilities were over, on 16
May 1945,
Taoiseach
(Prime Minister) Éamon de Valera, in his speech to
the nation said: "To the men of our Mercantile
Marine who faced all the perils of the ocean to bring
us essential supplies, the nation is profoundly
grateful". Consequently, foreign seafarers, who
were lost while in the service of the Irish State
during
WW2, and who were honoured for their sacrifice
by the same Irish State in 1945,
being excluded from any mention during the annual
Irish National Commemoration, is an insult to their
memory, and indicates the Irish Government has lost
its moral compass:
Foreign
Merchant Vessels Lost While on Passage to EIRE:
1939-1942
Extract from our
archive for the period 15/12/1939 to 09/07/1942: shows
that foreign vessels (and several of their crews)
contracted by the Irish Government to bring supplies
to Ireland were attacked and sunk by German Submarines
with the loss of 85,842 Tons of Wheat, Maize etc bound
for the Irish State.
Indeed throughout the War years British, Greek and
other foreign registered vessels and their crews were
contracted to bring supplies to Ireland and some were
lost: The sacrifice of their crews has also been
forgotten by the Irish State:
NOTE:
The
Kenbane Head was a British registered vessel and
steamed under the Red Ensign, the
Flag of the British Merchant
Navy. She was not an Irish Ship as alleged elsewhere.
While the ship was crewed by many Irish members of the
British Merchant Navy, she also had crew members from
mainland UK. At the time of her loss the
Kenbane Head was under contract to the Irish
Government bringing 1072 Tons of Wheat to Dublin.
WWII British Casualties from Irish Registered
Merchant Ships:
An ongoing project on behalf of the British National
Merchant Navy Association hopes to submit
documentation (we have supplied to them) in an effort
to have British nationals lost on neutral Irish
registered vessels during WW2 included and officially
commemorated by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission
in the UK. The continual omission by the Irish State
to not include for mention the sacrifice of foreign
nationals who lost their lives in the service of
Ireland in a time of war during the Irish Government’s
annual National Commemoration, is shameful. Thankfully
shipmates in the British Merchant Navy Association are
now on board in support and hopefully all British
casualties lost on Irish registered vessels will
be officially commemorated as war dead by
the CWGC in due course:
NOTE:
The total figure for foreign nationals lost on Irish
registered vessels through belligerent action during
WW2 is now 25: (22 of whom are British/NI): To date,
the names of 3 British casualties lost on Irish
registered vessels have been listed by the
Commonwealth War Graves Commission and commemorated as
war dead: They are:
Neil Hendry
and
James Howat
lost on the ‘St Fintan’ 22 March 1941, and
John
O’Sullivan, lost on the ‘City of
Limerick’ 15 July 1940: Robert Sumler aged 16 from
Fleetwood is the youngest seafarer to be lost through
belligerent action while serving on an Irish
registered vessel during the Emergency 1939-1946:
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ADVISORY The index page of the
Irish Soldiers Pardons Campaign WW2 has been re-published to
include a clarification re the affect of the passing of the
Amnesty and Immunity Bill by
Dail and Seanad Eireann, and its signing into Irish Law on
the 14 May 2013 by the
President of Ireland,
along with extracts from
various National and International Television and Radio Broadcasts
from 2011 to 2013. The index page of the
Shot at Dawn Campaign
Irl has also been republished. The following facebook pages will
continue to be published, albeit re-edited; |
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IRISH MERCANTILE MARINE 1939-1946
Between the 3rd
of September 1939
to the 31st of March 1946
approximately 4000 seafarers would have served on neutral Irish
merchant ships and fishing trawlers. They came from the UK, USA,
Spain, Latvia, Lithuania, Argentina, Norway, Sweden, Estonia,
Russia and many other countries. Of the 149 seamen who were lost
on Irish vessels sunk as a result of belligerent action, 18 were
British [Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales], 1
Norwegian, 1 Latvian and 1 Argentine, the rest were Irish
Nationals. Many had also served during the first world war in the
Royal Navy, Royal Flying Corps, Merchant Navy and in units of the
British Army and are listed on the
Irish National Merchant Seamen's Memorial located
at City Quay Dublin. Organised by the Irish Government, the
Annual National Day of Commemoration Ceremony in the Royal
Hospital, Kilmainham, Dublin, was initiated to honour Irishmen and
Irishwomen who died in past wars or on service with the United
Nations. This exclusive and politically correct epitaph does not
remember those seafarers who lost their lives on allied ships
which had been contracted by the Irish Government to bring
supplies to Ireland and in particular it does not recognise the
vital contribution made by foreign nationals to Ireland's survival
who lost their lives as a result of belligerent action while
serving aboard neutral Irish flagged vessels during the emergency
period 1939-46. All those who lost their lives through belligerent
action were awarded posthumously the Irish Mercantile Valour Medal
with 3 Bars, Citation and Tunic Bar, which is the Irish
Government's highest decoration for service during World War Two:
The Registration of Deaths of Seamen Lost on Irish Vessels during
the Emergency 1939-1946:
The failure of the Irish Government to register the deaths of
seafarers who were lost through belligerent action while serving
on Irish registered vessels during the emergency years
(1939-1946), prompted a research project from August 1986, to
resolve outstanding legal issues:
The McCarthy Precedent:
Argentinean born, Patricio McCarthy aged 40 years, was the cook
aboard the
Irish Registered Steam Trawler Leukos which was attacked by
U38 and sunk off Tory Island, County Donegal, on the 9th of March
1940: (See also:
Irish Trawler Blasted out of the Water: Sunday World 11 January
1987). His death was first registered in February 1987
pursuant to Section 254 Part 4 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894.
Subsequently this registration of death was declared ultra
vires by the Registrar without explanation. Following more
research Patrick McCarthy's death was eventually re-registered
pursuant to Section 4 of the Births, Deaths and Marriages
Registration Act 1972, and is the legal precedent for the
registration of the deaths of all other seamen lost on Irish
vessels during the Emergency [1939-46], however a registration of
death pursuant to this section is subject to the following
conditions:
1.
The vessel must have been sunk outside of Irish Territorial waters
[limit was 3 miles 1939-46];
2.
In each case contemporary
documentary evidence should be produced.
3.
In each case the next of kin of the
deceased must make a statement or affidavit confirming the facts
of the case:
(NOTE:
It was agreed that the Irish Seamen’s Relatives Association
(1939-46) would submit affidavits under oath to satisfy Section 1
and 2 of the conditions for all the Irish registered vessels lost
through belligerent action during WW2). Families/Next of Kin would
have to submit evidence of kinship to the deceased seafarer in
order to register his death):
Postscript:
In February 1998, the confirmation by a diver that the wreck of
the SS Ardmore lost in November 1940, off the Great Saltee
Islands, County Wexford, was discovered to be just INSIDE 3 miles,
created a legal issue. That is to say, a death of a crewmember
from the SS Ardmore registered pursuant to Section 4 of the 1972
Act could not satisfy section 1 of the conditions for registration
i.e.
1.
The
vessel must have been sunk outside of Irish Territorial waters
[limit was 3 miles 1939-46];
As the
wreck of the Ardmore was now discovered to be inside, what was in
1940, the 3 mile territorial limit, consequently such
registrations were ultra vires the section. (16
February 1998: Evening Echo Cork: Mystery Ship Found of the Coast):
To correct that lacuna in the law, and following our submission,
Minister for Justice, Mr John O Donoghue T.D., directed that an
inquest be held in the Wexford District Court pursuant to Section
23 of the Coroners Act. See also (Dail
Debates 13th October 1999). On Friday the 19th of November
1999 the jury subsequently returned a verdict consistent with ones
evidence presented to the court; “that the SS Ardmore and her
crew were lost on the morning of the 12th of November 1940 as a
consequence of an explosion [mine] while they were on board”,
thereby enabling the registration of the deaths of the SS Ardmore
crew (ONLY), pursuant to a Coroners Inquest:
SS Ardmore Crew-The History:
NOTE:
The deaths of all other seafarers lost on Irish vessels during the
emergency do satisfy part 1 of the conditions set out in section 4
of the 1972 act, as it is presumed their loss occurred outside
Irish territorial waters during 1939-1946: Some years ago one gave
a copy of a
Dissertation to the Irish Military Archives located in Cathal
Brugha Barracks, Rathmines, Dublin, which might assist relatives:
Peter Mulvany BCL, HDip Arts Admin
http://www.irishseamensrelativesassociation.ie
Mercantile Marine Service
(Valour) Medal 1939-46:
In February 2015, the sale of a
Mercantile Marine Service (Valour) Medal (1939-46) issued to a
family member of the SS Ardmore crew in 1998 was published.
Following complaints the sale was rescinded, and with the
excellent cooperation of
Whytes Auctioneers in Dublin, the medal was returned to the
owner, who was totally unaware of the sale. However, it has come
to our attention that Irish Mercantile Marine Service (Valour)
Medals (1939-46) posthumously awarded since 1998, may have been
offered for sale elsewhere in Ireland and the UK. In consequence,
the appropriate Irish authorities have been notified of concerns,
and it is likely that in future, families may not be able to
obtain a duplicate if they lose or sell their medals. In this
regard, the Irish Seamen's Relatives Association (1939-46) cannot
intervene on behalf of families in such cases. Follow the advice,
"KEEP YOUR MEDALS" and your "HERITAGE" within the family. Please
Note: The Merchant Navy exhibit in the National Museum, Collins
Barracks, Dublin, which included two Mercantile Marine Service
(Valour) medals (1939-46), along with a model of the SS Ardmore,
has been removed and returned to contributors:
Irish Merchant
Navy Memorial - Alrewas - UK:
Sponsored (2001) by the Irish Seamen's Relatives
Association (1939-46), the Irish Merchant Navy Memorial Plaque
and Plinth uniquely embossed with the Irish flag
commemorating those crews lost on neutral Irish registered vessels
during world war two (including an oak tree) is now on view in the
Merchant Navy Convoy Section of the
National Memorial Arboretum
currently managed by the Royal British Legion, and located in
Alrewas, Staffordshire, England. The Irish memorial is also listed
on the website of the
British Merchant Navy Association. On the 22 June 2017,
following completion of loan in Germany, the Bremen-Farge Memorial
Plaque which commemorates 5 Irish Born British Merchant Seamen who
lost their lives in the Bremen-Farge Work Concentration Camp
during world war two, and originally fixed to the front of the
plinth, was donated to the
Mayo Peace Park, Garden of Remembrance,
Lannagh Road, Castlebar, County Mayo
(Google
Map Location), for
permanent display. This memorial plaque was unveiled on Saturday
26 August 2017 at 14.30hrs by a relative of the O’Hara family in
honour of their Father, Grandfather,
Radio Officer Gerald O'Hara.
(Article: Gerald O'Hara (1893-1944)
An Irish Seaman of the British Merchant Navy):
The Irish Merchant Navy Memorial
Plaque/Plinth, along with
the Bremen-Farge Memorial Plaque: is listed by the
National Memorial Arboretum UK,
listed in the UK War Memorials Register/Imperial War
Museum, London at
Neutral Irish Registered Vessels Memorial,
and recorded in the
British Commonwealth and International War Graves in Ireland,
Published 2007 by the Irish Government Stationery Office, Dublin:
The Merchant Navy Association UK, have included the Bremen-Farge
Memorial Plaque now located in the Mayo Peace Park, Garden of
Remembrance, Castlebar, County Mayo, on their website record of
Merchant Navy Memorials Worldwide. (Additional Publications:
Merchant Navy Association UK, Newsletter, 11 August 2017:
Unveiling Ceremony Mayo Peace Park, Garden of Remembrance;
Western People Newspaper, Monday 04 September 2017:
'Ballina's
Gerald O'Hara is Remembered': Merchant Navy Association UK,
Newsletter, 12 September 2017:
Unveiling Ceremony Mayo Peace Park, Garden of Remembrance):
(Note:
The Irish experience of Bremen-Farge during world war two is also
included within a photographic exhibition currently on display in
the UBoat Bunker Valentin. In April 1943
construction of the largest Kreigsmarine project,
the UBoat Bunker Valentin
was begun located on the River Weser. In less than two
years a bunkered shipyard would arise to build
submarines of the latest type. The completion of the first
submarine was scheduled for March 1945, and from the autumn of
1945 every other day, a boat was to be launched and put into
service. Built to withstand aerial bombing with up to seven metre
thick ceilings and walls, what now remains of the Bunker is a
unique and unmistakable relic of Nazi armaments for naval warfare,
a lasting place of memory and a visible reminder of crimes of the
Nazi regime):
April 2002: Issue 10:
Dublin Bus Magazine:
Seamen Recognised at Last:
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BOOKS REVIEW |
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 IRISH BORN
BRITISH PRISONERS OF THE KREIGSMARINE 1939-1945
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Forgotten
Hero of Bunker Valentin - The Harry Callan Story,
a book by Michèle Callan, Pub 2017, Collins Press, was launched by
Commodore Hugh Tully FOCNS (Rtd 2017), (Flag Officer
Commanding Naval Service), on Thursday 23 March 2017, in Balcarrick
Golf Club, Corballis, Donabate, County Dublin. Among those present
in support of this book launch were members of the
Irish Naval Association:
The following comments/observations for the information of all
concerned:
INTRODUCTION: The description by
author Michèle Callan that Harry Callan is the Forgotten Hero
of Bunker Valentin embellishes the narrative from the outset.
To be precise, Callan was a survivor, but he was no Hero. The
real 'Hero' of the
Bunker Valentin was Mayo Born
Radio Officer Gerald O'Hara.
(See Article: Gerald
O'Hara (1893-1944)
An Irish Seaman of the British Merchant Navy
and the
Mayo Peace Pk Memorial)
who led the Irish Born British
Merchant Seamen in their refusal to work free for Nazi Germany,
and who, like many other prisoners, lost his life in Bremen during WW2. However, despite
advising Harry Callan (Deceased 24 September 2019) that there was
another narrative supported by the documentation in our archive,
Mr Callan decided to proceed and publish his memoir.
So be it. Consequently, as translated contemporary German
documentation in our archive corroborates another account, thereby
revealing the TRUTH behind some of the erroneous comments recorded
by Callan and Knox in their books, then arguably,
“Forgotten Hero of Bunker Valentin - The Harry Callan Story",
by Michèle Callan published March 2017, and author David Blake
Knox's two books
"Suddenly While Abroad", published December 2012, and
"Hitler's Irish Slaves" released June 2017, have together,
distorted the historical narrative in perpetuity. A review of
David Blake Knox's two books shows a photograph with the
caption: QUOTE: “William Knott from Ringsend in
Dublin. Knott survived his years as a slave worker in Farge
camp, and gave evidence against his captors in Hamburg in
1947” end of QUOTE:
Note: This photograph shows a
William Thomas Knott, R418250 who was never in Farge camp
during WW2 and is the
WRONG SEAMAN. His brother William (G)
Knott who has a different discharge book number is the correct
William Knott, and he was a Prisoner in
Marlag und Milag Nord
and
Bremen-Farge Slave labour Camp during WW2. The experiences
of Irish Born British Merchant Seamen interned in Nazi Germany
from 1939 to 1945 deserves a more considered analysis from
Irish writers in their response to what is a complex historical
issue, rather than the ham-fisted intervention of authors David
Blake Knox and Michèle Callan, who by replacing facts with a
prejudicial narrative, have rejected the fundamental principle
of diligent historic enquiry when dealing with Irish
involvement in world war two. Derek Scally’s article
Holocaust deniers targeting German concentration camp
memorials, Irish Times February 05th February 2020, in
which the Directors of Germany’s concentration camp memorials
warn of the rise in visitors questioning the historical
legitimacy of Holocaust remembrance and praising Nazi
policies, should be a warning to any Irish writer/historian et
al
who engages with the history surrounding Nazi Germany. Those
who would seek to replace facts with prejudicial narratives,
will be actively contributing to the unacceptable growth of hate speech and Holocaust denial that has
established and normalised itself in several countries; see
also Letter, Irish Independent 25 April 2018,
Extremism must be tackled. In
this regard, RESEARCHERS, and in particular IRISH
CONNECTIONS,
would be well advised to exercise due
diligence when enquiring into the history surrounding Irish
Born British Merchant Seamen who were held as
Prisoners/Internees in
Bremen-Farge,
Marlag und Milag Nord
and
Stalag XB/Sandbostel
during world war two. An
RTE Television News report transmitted Thursday 30 September
2021 commenting on the trial of a former Nazi concentration
camp secretary, referred to the STUTTHOF concentration camp as
the “POLISH CONCENTRATION CAMP” a statement which led the
Polish Ambassador to the Republic of Ireland, to write to RTE
accusing the Irish State broadcaster of spreading false
information. STUTTHOF was a
NAZI CONCENTRATION CAMP located in occupied Poland during
WW2, and was never a POLISH CONCENTRATION CAMP as stated by
RTE. Although RTE later apologised for their mistake, Irish
connections need to be aware of the history. Erroneous
comments do cause distress and words do matter. See report
Irish Sun 03 October 2021: Anger at RTE Camp Gaffe. FOR THE SAKE OF THE HISTORY: CHECK
FACTS HISTORIANS/WRITERS/COMMENTATORS BEFORE PUBLISHING: See also
Sunday Times 27 January 2013:
GERMANY:
The German version of Forgotten
Hero of Bunker Valentin. Die Geschichte von Harry Callan.
Edition Falkenberg: Rotenburg/Wümme 2018 by Michèle Callan, is
now on sale within Germany, and a copy already presented to
Jacobs University (Dr. Arvid
Kappas, Dean of Jacobs University) located in Bremen. Please
Note: German
documentation in our archive supports another narrative and
shows that author Michele Callan, writing on behalf of Harry Callan,
has replaced facts with a prejudicial narrative in her book
Forgotten
Hero of Bunker Valentin - The Harry Callan Story.
In this regard, German connections would be well advised to exercise due
diligence when enquiring into the history surrounding Irish
Born British Merchant Seamen who were held as
Prisoners/Internees in
Bremen-Farge,
Marlag und Milag Nord
and
Stalag XB/Sandbostel
during world war two. Our evidence indicates Harry Callan
manipulated his own history as a Prisoner of the Kreigsmarine
during WW2, thus dishonouring his deceased shipmates and their
families:
Irish Government:
Irish Legation Berlin 1940-1945:
“Forgotten Hero of Bunker Valentin - The Harry Callan Story",
by
Michèle Callan published March 2017, and author David Blake
Knox's two books
"Suddenly While Abroad", published December 2012, and
"Hitler's Irish Slaves" released June 2017, were
featured in the Irish/British media along with the release of
archive material from the PRO Kew, and together have prompted
more spurious allegations that Irish Born British Merchant
Navy Seamen held as Prisoners in Germany during world war two
were abandoned by the Irish Government. Indeed William Warnock
and Con Cremin, Ireland’s representatives in Berlin were accused
unfairly of doing nothing to assist Irish Born British Merchant Navy
Seamen held in the
Bremen-Farge Arbeitslager from
1943-1945.
COMMENTS:
German Documents
in our archive show, that by the end of August 1944, Irish Chargé d'affaires Con
Cremin had successfully acquired the cooperation of the Nazis to
extract the Irishmen from Bremen-Farge Arbeitslager:
see letter dated 30th
August 1944:
Con Cremin to the Irishmen in Farge bei Bremen.
However the German authority required proof that each of the Seamen
to be issued an Irish Passport, qualified for Irish Citizenship before being released from
Bremen-Farge Camp. Following extensive background checks on each of the
Seamen to ascertain their Irish Nationality via the German Minister
in Dublin
Dr Eduard Hempel, in cooperation with Assistant Secretary of the
Department of External Affairs
Frederick Boland,
by October/November 1944 all except 3 of the Irish Born British
Merchant Seamen had been confirmed as having Irish Nationality.
Following rechecks within Ireland, on the 22nd January 1945, the
final batch of 3 Passports were issued by the Irish Legation in
Berlin for
Henry Callan, Edward Condon and William Knox. Prisoners
declaring they were British, albeit born on the island of Ireland,
was of concern to the German authority. As Harry Callan declared he was
of Northern Ireland Nationality/British in early 1943 and refused to
sign for an Irish Passport as he deemed himself to be British,
until invited to do so again in 1944, and interestingly now
signed for an Irish Passport, perhaps he and those Irish
Born British Merchant Seamen/Prisoners, who declared themselves to be of British/Northern
Ireland/English Nationality, should take responsibility for the delay in
obtaining an Irish Passport, which would have led them to being
released at the very latest by the end of 1943 from the
Bremen-Farge Arbeitslager. Unfortunately, the efforts of
Chargé d'affaires William Warnock to gain the release of
all surviving Irish Born British Merchant Navy Seamen held in
Bremen-Farge Arbeitslager
had been frustrated due to these varying claims of
Nationality by Harry Callan and others. Conceivably, there are some
Irishmen who would have been alive
had Mr Harry Callan and some of his shipmates cooperated with the
Irish Legation in 1943? Ironically, by January 1945 following the
efforts of
Irish Chargé d'affaires Con Cremin,
Mr Callan and all qualified Irish Born British Merchant Navy
Survivors held in the Bremen-Farge Arbeitslager were awarded an
Irish Passport.
However, by January 1945, it was too late for some
of the Irishmen. Perhaps Mr Callan and others, who since 1945 have
directed their approbrium and apportioned blame towards the Irish
Legation in Berlin for their continual incarceration in the Arbeitslager Bremen-Farge, should in fact be grateful for the
efforts of the Irish Diplomatic Corps, who despite all the
difficulties for Neutral Ireland during World War Two, made
representations and intervened on behalf of Northern Ireland Born
British Merchant Navy Seaman
Mr Callan and his Shipmates in the
Bremen-Farge Work Concentration Camp, which arguably
hastened their return to the SAFETY of their
former Camp,
Marlag und Milag Nord Westertimke, in April 1945: (Film extract
showing the
Liberation of Marlag und Milag Nord 28 April 1945 - Imperial War
Museum): (Google Map location Prison Camps Germany
where Irish Born British Merchant Navy Seamen were held 1941-1945):
Interestingly, Mr Callan
confronted former
Irish Chargé d'affaires Con Cremin in
Dublin many years after the war and accused Cremin of doing nothing
for the Merchant Seamen held in Bremen-Farge, but Cremin never answered
Callan's charge.
Mr Callan has also asserted he was never photographed in the Bremen-Farge
Arbeitslager, and never signed for an Irish Passport. It is therefore
inexplicable that Mr Callan now records in his book that he did sign
for an Irish Passport in 1943. Yet the German record for the 5 July
1943 shows 5 men refused to complete the Irish Passport Application
form sent by
Chargé d'affaires William Warnock, and
Prisoner Nr 90882 Harold Callan is recorded in German Archives as one
of the 5 Irishmen who refused: Which raises concerns as to the
reliability of Mr Callan's memory. Thankfully German records in our
archive have helped work through the obvious inconsistencies
in accounts given by Irish born British Merchant Navy Seamen
held as Internees in the
Bremen-Farge Arbeitslager 1943-45:
Irish Born British
Merchant Seamen - Extracts from German
Documents:
Summary:
Following the removal of 32 Irish Born British Merchant Navy Seamen
from their new Camp
Marlag und Milag Nord Westertimke in January 1943, and their
subsequent refusal to workfrei on German Ships they were relocated
to the
Work Concentration Camp at Bremen-Farge. Interestingly the
Irishmen
protested they were British Merchant Navy Seamen, albeit Irish Born
who were Prisoners of War and demanded to be returned to their
previous
Internment Camp Marlag und Milag Nord located in Westertimke. On the 31st March 1943
Gestapo-Bremen sent a list of these Prisoners to Berlin stating they
had Irish Nationals held in the
Bremen-Farge Arbeitslager and requested instructions. The Irish
Legation was subsequently advised and despite the difficulties
surrounding claims of British Nationality by some of the Irishmen,
chargé d'affaires Con Cremin
had eventually confirmed the Nationality of each applicant by the
31st of October 1944. By the 06th March 1945, Con Cremin had
relocated the Irish Legation from Berlin to
Bregenz
and continued
to lobby the German
Foreign office until March 1945, attempting to help the Irishmen.
However, there is still a narrative that suggests William Warnock
during his posting to the Irish Legation in Berlin, did not do
anything to help Irish Born British Merchant Navy Seamen who were
Prisoners in Bremen-Farge Arbeitslager during world war two.
So in Rebuttal, the following for
consideration:
Extracts from German Documents (Translated into English) show: Irish
Chargé d'affaires William Warnock:
Irish Legation
Berlin: Aug 1941-Nov/Dec 1943: had lobbied the German Foreign office
re Irish Born British Merchant Seamen from 1941 to 1943:
●
08th August 1941: "German Foreign Office to the High Command of the War Navy: re a
list of Prisoners which included 22 Irishmen are not the subject of
Internment and they are asked to release them to their home country
after completion of identification as to nationality":
●
27th October 1941:
the Supreme Commander of the German Armed Forces communicated
instructions to the Foreign Office that
"for the moment the presence of Irish Nationals in
Marlag und Milag Nord Sandbostel was not to be revealed to the
Irish Legation in Berlin due to military reasons":
●
13th November 1941: "The Supreme Commander Army re Prisoners of War: Concerning Irish
Citizens in the Marlag und Milag Nord: Is against publication of
particulars at present of Irish Nationals Civil Interned in Marlag
und Milag Nord: no doubts exist on the part of the OKW" (Oberkommando
der Wehrmacht):
●
13th December 1941: "Command of the Army- Prisoners of War: To the Foreign Office,
Berlin.
Subject: Irish Nationals in Marinelager and Milag Nord: In the Annex
a list of Irish Civilians with the additional staff requested by the
Irish Embassy will be sent. The Chief of the Command of the Army":
●
22nd January 1942: "Foreign Office to the Irish Embassy; is honoured to send you a
list of seafarers of Irish Nationality to Marlag und Milag Nord
referring to the interview held on 23 June 1941 between a
representative of the consul general (William Warnock Irish Legation
Berlin) and Mr Consul General Lautz":
●
1941 to February 1942:
Merchant Seamen moved from their old camp
Marlag und Milag Nord located in Sandbostel to their new
Internment camp
Marlag und Milag Nord located in Westertimke:
●
27th January 1943:
Irishmen selected by the Gestapo and removed from the Merchant Seamens Internment Camp/Marlag und Milag Nord
in Westertimke and following their
refusal to work for the Nazis were moved to the Bremen-Farge
Arbeitslager (Workcamp):
●
07th February 1943:
Irishmen relocated to the
Bremen-Farge Arbeitslager:
● 12th
February 1943:
supplemented the previous Irish embassy list with additional
information on this list. At the same time, passport forms were
submitted for the attention of some of these seafarers (Held in
Bremen-Farge Arbeitslager):
●
31st March
1943: "Gestapo-Bremen to the
Reich Main Security Office SS, Foreign Workers Section Berlin:
Re Holding for safe custody against 32 Irish Nationals due to their
refusal to work. Currently in the
Work Education Camp Farge: Bremen Gestapo sends a list of Irish
Born British Merchant Navy Seamen to the
Reichsführer-SS requesting instructions on what to do with the
Irishmen":
Extract: Translated German
letter 7th April 1943:
Irish chargé d'affaires
William Warnock writes to the German Foreign Office: “The Irish Legation has the honor of
referring to the verbal note of 12th February 1943 and the letter of
confirmation of the 19th February 1943 concerning Irish nationals in
Marlag und Milag Nord, and
to inform the Office that, The following data should be required.,
Name, Profession, Date of Birth, Domicile, Height, Colour of Eyes,
Colour of Hair, Face, Special Peculiarities, Signature of the person
concerned. The Irish Legation would be very grateful to the Foreign
Office, if it wished to encourage the individual seafarers to submit
the aforementioned personalities, so that they could soon be issued
passports. Berlin, April 7th, 1943. To the Foreign Office, Berlin W
8":
(Note:
From the 6th February 1943, Marlag und Milag Nord was the address used
by the Germans for contact regarding Irish Born British Merchant Seamen re-located
to Bremen-Farge Arbeitslager):
Extract: Translated German
letter 5th July 1943:
The Supreme Command of the War Navy
advised the German Foreign Office,
Reichsführer-SS and Chief of the German Police, and Supreme
Command of the Army, "that when invited to complete the Irish Legation
Questionnaire for an Irish Passport;
• 19 Internees
in Farge completed their Application forms;
• Nr 90882 Harold Callan and
Nr 747 George W Knott refused declaring they were of Northern Ireland
Nationality (British); • Nr 88940 William Knox, Nr 89232 Thomas King,
Nr 526 Patrick Reilly, Nr 627 Bernard Goulding and Nr 528 Michael
Lawrie asserted they had lost Irish Nationality and were of British
Nationality but completed the forms; • Nr 877 Patrick J. O’Brien, Nr
90863 Daniel Ryan and Nr 89146 James Furlong refused to fill out the
Irish Embassy Questionnaire for an Irish Passport stating they were
Englishmen and of British Nationality; • Nr 94146 Thomas Bryce
and Nr 527 Patrick Kavanagh were in Hospital; • Nr 529 Patrick Breen
died in Rotenburg Reserve Hospital 13th May 1943":
Extract: Translated
German letter
09th July 1943:
The completed passport
forms signed by Irish Born British Merchant Seamen (except for those
who had refused) submitted by the
Oberkommando of the Kreigsmarine,
sent to the Irish Embassy (Berlin) on 16th July 1943.
Extract:
Translated German Letter
19th July 1943:
"Dr. C. R.......... Federal Foreign Office":
"On the one hand, Germany
has so far refrained from expulsion measures
because the
nationality of the seafarers (in Bremen-Farge Arbeitslager) has
not yet been clarified,
and therefore difficulties on the part of the neutral states in
which they could be put could be expected." "As Discussed: The
British of the group are to be brought back to
Milag. Irish remain
as per the regulation. Return to Ireland on completion and return
of Passport Pictures": To W...
Oberkommando of the Kreigsmarine:
(Note:
German documentary records in our archive show, that during world
war two, the Irish Legation in Berlin, was very active making
representations to the German Foreign Office, seeking to
establish the exact number of Irish born allied merchant
seamen held as prisoners in various camps, and to obtain their
repatriation back to Ireland. The persistent enquiries of the
Irish Legation, on behalf of a neutral Irish government,
arguably stopped the Nazis from making any decision in April
1943 to relocate the Irish prisoners from
Bremen-Farge Arbeitslager
to
Neuengamme Concentration Camp, and perhaps execution):
At Page 62-63:
of
“Forgotten Hero of Bunker Valentin - The Harry Callan Story",
Mr Callan crewmember SS Afric
Star records the death of Frank Evans in the hold of the
German Prison Ship Portland while on their way to Bordeaux in
March 1941:
Interestingly Mr Callan previously asserted that it was a
submachine gun which was fired into the hold full of Prisoners
from outside by a German guard during the Mutiny on board MS
Portland. When one met Mr Callan first in 2001, and on several
other occasions, Peter Mulvany put the question to Mr Callan,
"what had he seen of the Mutiny in the hold of the
German Prison Ship MS Portland "?
Mr Callan advised then, that he was not in the same hold where
the shots were fired, and did not know what had happened as
the lights were put out. However, Mr Callan now offers
evidence to the contrary. Perhaps the Portland Mutiny report
which was provided to Harry Callan free gratis may have
prompted a change in his version of events.
Mr Callan asserts he was beside Frank Evans when he was shot
and would have been an important witness to events. However,
Mr Callan was never called to give evidence at the preliminary
investigation held by the Germans when the MS Portland
subsequently docked in Bordeaux March 1941, and significantly
Mr Callan was never called to give evidence to the Hamburg
trial in 1941 of those involved in the mutiny on board
Portland. An extensive recheck of ones archive which includes
all the relevant German documentation/Trial Transcripts, etc,
confirms, Mr Callan is not listed as a witness to the death of
Frank Evans during the Portland Mutiny, which is inexplicable.
Either way, there is a credible doubt as to where Mr Callan
was located in the hold of the German Prison Ship "Portland"
when the shooting took place, and Mr Callan's assertion that
he was sitting beside Frank Evans, or on another occasion his
assertion that he was standing beside Frank Evans when Mr
Evans was shot, can no longer be taken as fact unless
corroborated by other evidence:
At Page 65:
of
“Forgotten Hero of Bunker Valentin - The Harry Callan Story",
Mr Callan asserts:
"Eventually "32 days" after our
arrival in Bordeaux we were rounded up and marched to a nearby
station":
In contrast, Hubert Hall 3rd Radio
Officer of the Afric Star and a Shipmate of Mr Callan, asserts in his
interview published by the Imperial War Museum 20 April 1990, that it
was "14 days" after their arrival in Bordeaux when they were moved to
the station:
Extract:
Audio Recording 3rd Radio Officer Hubert Hall SS Afric Star.
William Murray Ex Radio Officer
SS Tribesman (Sunk 1 December 1940)
and a Prisoner in St Medard en Jalles, records on page 149 of his
autobiography, Atlantic Rendezvous, published in 1975: "So this
is to be our final day in St Medard en Jalles." "On April 3rd (1941)
we would be on our way to Germany": (St
Medard en Jalles/Bordeaux/Front Stalag 221
was a holding camp for captured merchant seamen awaiting relocation to
Prison camps in Germany). Murray records at the bottom of Page 149:
"I looked back at our deserted compound and the lifeless and empty
huts. Not a soul was there-not even Pluto".
According to William Murray, Front Stalag 221 was emptied of Prisoners
on the 3rd of April 1941. On the 15th March 1941 the German
ship Portland with Harry Callan ex SS Afric Star and other captured
crewmembers from various British vessels arrived in Bordeaux.
According to Mr Callan
"Eventually "32 days" after our arrival in Bordeaux we were rounded up
and marched to a nearby station":
Mr Callan could not have been in St
Medard en Jalles/Front Stalag 221 for 32 Days as the camp had already
been emptied on the 3rd April 1941, which is 19 days after the
Portland had arrived in Bordeaux with Mr Callan and other Prisoners on
board:
At Page 66:
of
“Forgotten Hero of Bunker Valentin - The Harry Callan Story",
Mr
Callan asserts:
"There were "no carriages on the train, just boxcars". I had
seen these at home, they were used to transport livestock to market.
Now we were told to get into the boxcars; they shoved about 50 of us
into each one":
Mr Callan has stated on
previous occasions that he had been transported in cattle wagons.
However British evidence suggests captured merchant seamen from the SS
Afric Star, who were Mr Callan's shipmates, were transported from
Bordeaux, in third class rail carriages with seats.
Hubert Hall 3rd Radio Officer of
the
SS Afric Star and a Shipmate of
Mr Callan, asserted in his interview published by the Imperial War
Museum 20 April 1990:
"We were in this camp in St Medard for 14 Days, and then we
were entrained for Germany, we weren't in Cattle Trucks, we were in
actual coaches with wooden seats":
Extract:
Audio Recording 3rd Radio Officer Hubert Hall SS Afric Star:
Bruce Frederick Bint a British cadet who had served with the
Merchant Navy aboard MV Dunster Grange and SS Duquesa, 1939-1940, was
a Prisoner in Sandbostel/Stalag XB and interned in the Merchant
Seamens Internment Camp/Milag Nord, located in Westertimke, Germany,
from early 1941 with Harry Callan. Bruce Frederick Bint, Cadet SS
Duquesa, advised in his interview published by the Imperial War
Museum 30 July 1993, that he had passed through France (From Bordeaux
to Germany), "In a properly compartmented train", "14 of us in
an ordinary compartment", "reasonably comfortable":
Extract:
Audio Recording Bruce Frederick Bint, Cadet SS Duquesa.
The
SS Duquesa was attacked and
captured as a prize by the
Admiral Scheer
on the
18 December 1940. Her crew were later
relocated to Bordeaux aboard the Blockade Runner 'MS
Tannenfels' Circa February 1941:
NOTE:
Mr
Callan has previously asserted, publicly and privately, that in 1941
he saw a female prisoner in
Milag Nord Merchant Seamens Internment Camp,
Westertimke, who was the mother of a British National living in
Argentina. In 2010, Peter Mulvany communicated this information to her
daughter currently living in Argentina as evidence that Mr Callan had
seen her mother walking outside the perimeter wire of Milag Nord
Merchant Seamen's Camp. Mr Callan said he along with other prisoners
talked with the mother of this lady before her transportation from
Milag to Liebenau internment camp in southern Germany. That
information appeared later in the daughter's book published in
Argentina about her families experience during world war two. A
recheck of extant evidence in 2011 established that Mr Callan could
not have been in Milag Nord, Merchant Seamens Camp, Westertimke at the
same time as this lady, and that Mr Callan was mistaken in his
recollection. In fact Mr Callan was still a prisoner in
Marlag und Milag Nord Camp located in Sandbostel
as this female prisoner was being relocated to
Liebenau Internment Camp within
weeks of her arrival to Sandbostel:
At Page 87:
Michèle Callan: Author of
“Forgotten Hero of Bunker Valentin - The Harry Callan Story"
Pub 2017, Collins Press, asserts the photograph shown on Page
87 of her book is "Harry
Callan's camp entry card, which was completed in
Stalag XB, Sandbostel for the red cross in 1941":
That is UNTRUE: Notably this
reception card shown by Michelle Callan in her book, is in
English and not in German? Michelle Callan, the author,
is manifestly wrong in her assertion:
For
the record:
The edited photograph published by Michèle Callan in her book,
shows part of documentation a researcher in London had
obtained in 2005 from the Public Record Office Kew, on behalf
of Peter Mulvany, to support an application for Harry Callan's
Service Medals: The
Prisoner Reception Camp Servicing Card for Prisoner Number
90882 Harry Callan, miss-captioned by author Michèle Callan,
was a card to be filled out by returning Prisoners of War post
Liberation, and was required to be handed in by the POW when
they arrived at the reception servicing camp in the UK, on
their return from Germany in May 1945, and be debriefed by
MI9: A copy of this photograph obtained from the PRO Kew, was
also gifted by Peter Mulvany to German sources for their
archives. In her book Michèle Callan credits Dr Marcus Meyer,
Denkort Bunker Valentin, as a source for this photograph: As
the image in
Michèle Callan's Book
has been re-edited/cropped, attached the actual photograph of
Harry Callan's
Prisoner Reception Camp Servicing Card
(May 1945/BT373/3696) with the appropriate credit to the
National Archives noted:
At Page 138:
of
Forgotten Hero of Bunker Valentin - The Harry Callan Story,
Mr Callan (2nd Cook Afric Star) asserts:
“The Photographs used in Billy’s (William English AB Afric
Star) and my passport forms were those taken in Stalag XB".
That is UNTRUE:
German
Record Card: William (Billy) English:
Attached video extract shows the German Record Card for Harry
Callan’s Shipmate, Able Seaman William (Billy) English SS
Afric Star on entry to Stalag XB circa March/April 1941:
NOTE:
THERE IS NO PHOTOGRAPH SHOWN IN THE GERMAN RECORD CARD FOR
WILLIAM (BILLY) ENGLISH:
Photographs were taken in 1944 by the Gestapo in Bremen-Farge
Arbeitslager for inclusion in the
Irish Passport Application signed by Harry Callan on the
07th April 1944, and that is the photograph included in Harry
Callan’s Passport Application: (Interestingly Mr Callan seems
to have forgotten to mention in his book that when invited to
apply for an Irish Passport in early 1943, he had refused to
sign a questionnaire for an Irish Passport sent by Irish
Chargé d'affaires William Warnock in Berlin, stating he was of
Northern Ireland Nationality (British):
At Page 138
of
Forgotten Hero of Bunker Valentin - The Harry Callan Story,
Harry Callan asserts: Quote: “just before 4.45 a.m., on a
snowy, freezing day in December 1943” Unquote, and further on
Mr Callan records: Quote: “Shortly afterwards Christy, Gerald
and Thomas were summoned to the Kommandants office where they
were introduced to CON CREMIN Irish chargé d'affaires in
Berlin” Unquote: That is UNTRUE:
In December 2005, Doctor Katharina Hoffmann, a German History
professor from the University of Oldenburg came to Dublin to
interview Mr Callan. A recheck of the video recording (Extract
video,
Interview Harry Callan Dublin-16 December 2005),
shows Mr Callan asserting that
Quote “We were hoping that someone would come along from our
own Governments and get us out of there” (Farge Camp), “Sorry
to say no one gave a sugar” (No one cared) “The British
Government did not want to know, and the Irish Government did
not want to know” Unquote. At no stage during a two hour
recorded interview (December 2005) did 82 Year old Mr Callan
mention his alleged knowledge of Irish Government
representative Con Cremin ever visiting the Irishmen in
Bremen-Farge camp. Now in his book Mr Callan asserts that Con
Cremin was in the Bremen-Farge Camp in December 1943, a
remarkable turnaround in Mr Callan’s recollection of events.
To restate:
The only meeting between Con Cremin and Irish Born British
Merchant Seamen took place in Bremen-Farge Camp on the
18th of August 1944, and the only other visit to Bremen-Farge
Camp was by a Delegate acting on behalf of the Protecting
Powers, which took place on the 09th of December 1944:
It beggars belief that up to 2012, both privately and publicly
Harry Callan maintained the Irish Government did not care
about the Merchant Seamen in Bremen-Farge Arbeitslager and
that he had never seen Con Cremin or heard that Con Cremin had
been in the Bremen-Farge Arbeitslager during WW2. Persistent
allegations from within Ireland that the Irish Government did
nothing to help obtain the release of Irish Nationals from
Bremen-Farge, despite the existence of contemporary German
documentary evidence that clearly shows Irish Chargé
d'affaires William Warnock 1941/November 1943, and Chargé
d'affaires Con Cremin November 1943/1945 had intervened on
behalf of the Irish Government to obtain the release of Irish
Born British Merchant Seamen, demonstrates an abject failure
by Michelle Callan and David Blake Knox to observe the
fundamental principle of diligent historic enquiry when
dealing with the efforts of the Irish Legation in Berlin to
assist Irish Nationals during world war two:
Indeed Harry Callan seems to be rewriting his own history?
NOTE:
Irish Chargé d'affaires Con Cremin was never in Bremen-Farge
Arbeitslager in November or December 1943. From October 1942
the Irish legation in Berlin was restricted to a radius of 50
Kilometres where they worked. Journeys outside 50 Kilometres
required special permission from the German authorities to
enable Irish diplomats to travel to or within Bremen, a
prohibited area. Con Cremin was given permission to travel to
Bremen-Farge from the 05th July 1944. Translated extracts from
German Documentation below for clarification:
Note: 05th July 1944: Two Photographs for Harry Callan
sent to the German Foreign office for inclusion by the Irish
Legation Berlin, in his
Irish Passport application previously signed by Harry
Callan on the 07th April 1944 in Bremen-Farge Slave Labour
Camp:
Note: 05th July 1944: Irish Chargé d'affaires Con Cremin
sought and was given permission to visit Bremen-Farge
Arbeitslager to establish the varying claims of nationality
(Irish or British) by Irish Born British Merchant Seamen held
in the camp:
05th July 1944:
"Ministry
of the Interior
to The Foreign Office:
Attn By Mr. Votr.Leg.Rat Dr. Sethe in Berlin:
Memo: Federal Foreign Office Liebenau, In Liebenau Post, Tettnang,
Krs. Friedrichshafen:
Subject: The Irish sailors lodged at Camp Farge. On the letter of
25.5.1944.
Enclosed with the request (Questionnaire application for Irish
Passports sent by Cremin Irish Legation Berlin and the request for
photographs for passports) by Irish authorities for the Irish
seafarers accommodated in the Camp Farge.
For
Murphy, Kavanagh,
Roseman and
Callan there
are 2 photos each. Goulding and Patrick O'Brien, have
refused to complete the form. Because of the questions discussed by
the Irish Embassy in the letter of April 19, 1944, reference is made
to the recent telephone conversation between Mr. Votr, Leg.
Councillor Dr. Sethe and the undersigned.
The State Police Board
(Head: Reg.Rat Dr. Dörnte)(Bremen State Police) is informed that the
Irish agent (Con Cremin Irish Legation Berlin) can be admitted to
the Farge camp. For
the rest, I agree with the Irish legation. Inquiries to the State
Police Office Bremen directly Applies. When discussing fundamental
issues, However, the road through the Foreign Office and the local
service To be kept under control: Kröning":
10th of August 1944:
"Concept
(R.1b.) Gf.St.St: Berlin: Received: Federal Foreign Office 11.8.44:
On his visit yesterday, the Irish company (Con Cremin Irish
Legation) also came to the question of the interned seafarers,
allegedly a part of Irish nationality. He said that the Legal
Department of the Foreign Office had suggested that he should go to
Bremen for the clarification of the nationalities, a proposal which
he was very pleased with, and had sought clarification of the
long-running Matter, which is of particular value to the government.
If it were to be shown that some of the seafarers were members of
the Free State of Ireland, please consider whether it was not
possible to include them in later German-English exchanges, but
without reciprocity, since they were not interned IN QUESTION. I
told him that this was a technical question, the examination of
which could be reserved
until the
issue of nationality had been clarified.
Herewith: Dg. Pole. Department of Law: To the gefl. Knowledge with
the request sent, Pol. 1. further on the course of the matter. To
submit a copy for the Control Centre Ireland is requested. Gez.
Weber":
Note:
18th August 1944: Irish Chargé d'affaires Con Cremin visits Bremen-Farge
Arbeitslager:
18th August 1944:
Chargé d'affaires Con Cremin
Irish Legation Berlin, accompanied by SS Sturmbannführer and
Regierungsrat der Bremen Polizei Dr. Erwin Dörnte travel to
Bremen-Farge Arbeitslager,
to meet the Irish Born Merchant Navy Prisoners,
to establish who was entitled to claim for an Irish Passport.
NOTE:
Previous claims in early 1943 of British Nationality by some of the
Irish Prisoners prompted Cremin to seek permission from the
German Foreign Office to visit Bremen-Farge Camp and speak to the
group.
Con Cremin's letter of the 30 August 1944 to the Irish Prisoners
confirms
Note:
31st October 1944: Callan, Condon and Knox accepted as Irish
Nationals:
31st
October 1944:
"Irish embassy-Gestüt
Staffelde, Osthavelland: to the Federal Foreign Office
Berlin: The Irish Embassy, with reference to the third paragraph of
its note of 21 August, has the honour of informing the Foreign
Office, which, according to a telegram from the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs in Dublin, have revealed investigations in Ireland,
Hereinafter referred to as:
Callan, Henry, born
Londonderry on 19/11/1925:
Condon, Edward, born Passage West Co. Cork on 4/10/1911:
Knox, William, born Dunlaoghaire, Dublin, on 5/10/1883:
are Irish nationals. They are therefore given Irish passports and
their return to their home country is also accepted by the legation.
In view of this fact, the Embassy asks the Foreign Office to extend
the privileged measures for the return to Ireland of the Irish
seafarers also to the three above mentioned. The embassy thanks the
Federal Foreign Office in advance for its efforts. Graduated,
Oct. 31, 1944 To the Foreign Office, Berlin. Received by the Foreign
Office on the 08th November 1944":
At Page 139/140:
of
Forgotten Hero of Bunker Valentin - The Harry Callan Story,
Mr Callan asserts:
"Many Years after the War, I found out that Con Cremin had pursued
our repatriation for two years and had come close to it on two
occasions, "but he never got us out" (Deirdre Donnelly of BBC Radio
Foyle found out in her research for her documentary, Journey Through
Time)" :
Mr Callan Quotes an excerpt from a
memo that was filed in Berlin in March 1943 from Gestapo-Bremen
dated 31st March 1943: During a trip to Germany in April 2005,
German contacts were requested to do a complete search of German
archive material to identify any reference to Irish Seamen in German
Foreign Office Archives. On the 23rd December 2005, a batch of
several hundred German Documents was posted to Dublin by Dr
Katharina Hoffman of the History Department, University of
Oldenburg. Following a quick review
Con Cremin's letter was located
along with other interesting background. BBC Radio Foyle Journalist
Deirdre Donnelly was sent a copy of our German Archive to support
her documentary, with the proviso that the Documentation not be
copied and our copy of the War Crimes Trials and other Books loaned
be returned in due course.
Interestingly this journalist opined that if other Prisoners
of War in the UK had sight of the contents of these German Documents
they might conclude the 32 Irishmen located in Bremen-Farge
Arbeitslager during world war two had been compliant with Nazi
Germany, albeit the Irishmen had refused to work on German Merchant
Ships. Although doubts as to the
reliability of Mr Callan's version of events had arisen during the
project, it was determined not to write anything and let the issue
fade away without further comment. Unfortunately, Mr Callan decided
to go ahead and publish his narrative despite being advised of
concerns. Consequently, in the interests of the history a rebuttal
is deemed to be necessary. Mr Callan was advised on many occasions
that
Chargé d'affaires William Warnock 1941/November 1943, and
Chargé d'affaires Con Cremin November 1943/1945,
were involved in trying to get the
Irishmen released from Bremen-Farge Camp, however Mr Callan ignored
advice and continually blamed the Irish Legation, William Warnock
and Con Cremin, for inaction re the Irishmen's internment in Bremen-Farge
Arbeitslager. Interesting that Mr Callan now asserts that indeed "Con
Cremin had pursued our repatriation" - "but he never got us out".
According to German Records dated 5th July 1943,
Nr 90882 Harold Callan
declared he was of Northern Ireland Nationality (British), and
refused to complete his application form for an Irish Passport.
As Harry Callan does not mention in his Book, his refusal in early
1943, to sign for an Irish Passport, perhaps Mr Callan, and those
Irish Born British Merchant Seamen who declared themselves to be of
British/Northern Ireland/English/Nationality should take
responsibility for the delay in obtaining an Irish Passport, which
would have led them to being released at the very latest by the end
of 1943 from the
Bremen-Farge Arbeitslager?
Note:
The BBC Radio Foyle programme entitled "A Journey to Remember", and
not as Mr Callan asserts in his book "Journey through time"
Stating: "this is the
untold story of 32 Irish born seamen who were removed from their
internee camp and placed in a Gestapo slave labour camp for over two
years. This is their story in their own words", was broadcast on BBC
Radio Foyle on Sunday 12th November 2006. Interestingly, as of
today, Sunday 01st March 2020, "A Journey to Remember", a radio
programme by Deirdre Donnelly, is not listed on BBC Northern
Ireland's, WW2 People's War Archive of World War Two Memories,
published on the website of
BBC Radio Foyle Derry/Londonderry:
Harry Callan's critical reference re the efforts of
Chargé d'affaires Con Cremin
"but he never got us out" also
requires comment: See Note 1, Note 2, Note 3:
Note 1: Extract
German Document:
"08th March 1945:
Remarks: Liebenau Dienststelle to Federal Foreign Office Berlin: On
the occasion of a visit to Bregenz on 6 March, Mr Legation Council
Kundt met the Irish Ambassador, Cremin. Mr Cremin once again asked the
question of the departure of the 21 Irish seamen and asked again, if
at all possible, that these seafarers would join the
Gothenburg exchange. As far as I know, the question has already
been discussed in the preliminary negotiations in Berlin, but
apparently failed on the question of space. But we were not informed
about the outcome of these negotiations by Berlin. As further efforts
might be made to make another vessel available, one could point out to
Berlin the inclusion of the 21 sailors in Bremen: Liebenau, 7 March
1945":
Note 2:
On the 27th March 1945:
the
UBoot Shelter Valentin at Farge
and the surrounding Bremen area was Bombed by the RAF. On the 30th
March 1945 the American Air Force bombed Bremen. By April 1945,
having been forced by the Bomb damage to return to Bremen, the
surviving Irish Prisoners from the
Bremen-Farge Arbeitslager had
relocated themselves back to their former Internment camp
Marlag und Milag Nord in
Westertimke. Bremen-Farge Arbeitslager was evacuated during April
1945: Marlag und Milag Nord
was Liberated by the Guards Armoured Division on the 28th
April 1945, although the Camp had been taken over by the British on
the night of the 27th April 1945. Repatriation to the UK of British
and Allied Prisoners from Marlag und Milag Nord began in May 1945:
(Video: Liberation of
Marlag und Milag Nord 28th April 1945):
Note 3:
On the 17th May 1945: a former Irish Born British Merchant
Seamen/Prisoner who had been in the Bremen-Farge Arbeitslager,
February 1943 to April 1945, William English from Arklow, ex SS
Afric Star, on his return to Ireland in 1945, is quoted in the Irish
Times “after twenty-six months they were put on a train for
Flensburg, but were forced back because allied planes had destroyed
a bridge on the route, and a repatriation ship, which they had
expected to meet in a Swedish Port, sailed without them".
"They were then sent to the camp at
Marlag Milag Nord, which was captured in April by a
Guards armoured regiment". Perhaps Con Cremin's request "if at all
possible, these seafarers would join the
Gothenburg exchange"
during his meeting 06 March 1945 in Bregenz had been acted
upon by the Germans ?
At Page 173:
of
Forgotten Hero of Bunker Valentin - The Harry Callan Story,
A
Photograph Shows
"Harry Callan wearing
Farge Camp Doctor Heidbreder's Shirts in 1944 and wearing the watch he
bartered for in Milag und Marlag in 1941": To Clarify:
Allegations of a
starvation diet from February 1943 while being held as Prisoners in
Bremen-Farge Arbeitslager and subjected to slave labour on the Bunker
Valentin, and showing a fit looking Mr Callan in 1944, raises
questions. It has been alleged that Mr Callan and the Irish survivors
from the
Bremen-Farge Slave Labour Camp
arrived back at the main gates of
Marlag und Milag Nord
Merchant Seamen's Internment Camp, Westertimke on the 6 April 1945 in
a malnourished and emaciated condition. A photograph extracted from a
British Military film taken on the 28 April 1945 following the
official liberation on the 27th April 1945 of Milag Nord, which was 22
days after the Irishmen arrived back from Bremen, shows two of the
surviving Irishmen, Robert Roseman and John Connor.
Captured in March 1941, Roseman and Connor were also held in the same
Sandbostel Camp as Mr Callan, then Milag Nord Internment Camp, and for
2 years and three months held as prisoners until 6 April 1945 along
with Mr Callan and the other Irish Born British Merchant Seamen in
Bremen-Farge Slave Labour Camp. This photo extract clearly shows Mr
Roseman and Mr Connor in a remarkable healthy condition some 22 days
after being released from a Gestapo slave labour camp having spent 2
years 3 months as prisoners. The spontaneous weight recovery of Mr
Roseman and Mr Connor following the alleged near starvation diet of
Bremen-Farge Slave Labour Camp is inexplicable. In contrast a
photograph taken on the 16 April 1945 following the Liberation of
British Armed Forces Personnel from a Prisoner of War Camp in
Fallingbostel, Germany, shows several
malnourished emaciated British POWs.
Mr Callan has previously asserted
"we were forced to work 12 hours per day. We were given a bowl of
soup per day + 3 slices of black bread". Interestingly, an examination
of a film
showing the Liberation of Marlag und Milag Nord 28 April 1945
(Imperial War Museum), also
shows a fit looking
Mr Roseman and Mr Connor,
(Robert Roseman is on the left wearing his hat, and John Connor is on the
right), and would suggest that Irish Born British Merchant Seamen were
better fed over a period of time while they were prisoners in
Bremen-Farge Slave Labour Camp, compared to other British
Prisoners held in Prisoner of War camps, who had access to Red Cross
parcels.
Imperial War Museum
film footage of the
Liberation of Milag Nord Merchant Seamen's Internment Camp on the
28 April 1945 by the Guards Armoured Division, Shows:
1.
At 1 Minute and 24 Seconds: Former Irish Born Slave Labourer John
Connor can be seen at the front of a group of Prisoners waving with a
piece of cloth in his right hand:
2.
At 1 Minute and 43 seconds, Former Irish Born Slave Labourer John
Connor can be seen operating a bellows for a cooker:
3.
At 2 Minutes and 10 Seconds, Former Irish Born Slave Labourers Robert
Roseman and John Connor together:
Interestingly on arrival from Bremen-Farge Slave Labour Camp
at the main gate of Milag Nord Internment Camp circa 6/7 April 1945, British
Merchant Seamen who were Prisoners in Milag Nord accused the returning
Irishmen of working as free workers for the Nazi's. Perhaps the sight
of a healthy looking
Mr Roseman and Mr Connor
may have provoked
that accusation?
At Page 185:
of
Forgotten Hero of Bunker Valentin - The Harry Callan Story,
Mr Callan asserts:
“Herr Doktor came to operate on him”
(Knox), a reference to the surgical procedure performed by Camp
Doctor Heidbreder on William Hutchison Knox, one of the Irish
Born British Merchant Seamen who was very ill.
To clarify:
In May 1946, Witness George
William Knott submitted in a sworn affidavit that
Doctor Heidbreder had performed the operation on William Hutchison
Knox in Bremen-Farge. In January 2013, when made aware of the
content of Knott's sworn affidavit, Mr Callan asserted that Knott's
sworn affidavit was a load of 'Crap'/'Untrue': see
Harry Callan on evidence of George W Knott. Interestingly, despite accusing
Knott of lying in his sworn affidavit, Mr Callan now records in his
book that Doctor Heidbreder had performed the operation on William
Hutchison Knox. Mr Callan has also stated on many occasions that it
was he who contacted Dr Heidbreder in his home by telephone from the
administration Barrack in
Bremen-Farge Slave Labour Camp,
and following instructions over the telephone from the Doctor
carried out a surgical procedure on William Hutchison Knox in the
camp hospital. In contrast Dr Heidbreder in his sworn evidence
adduced under oath to the Bremen-Farge War Crimes Court post war,
and corroborated by another witness, stated that he had performed
the surgical procedure on Knox. Interestingly, Mr Callan's alleged
role in a second surgical procedure on William Hutchison Knox is not
referred to or recorded by George William Knott or by Doctor
Heidbreder in their sworn evidence to the Bremen-Farge War Crimes
Trial 1947/48, which begs the question, wherein lies the truth? Mr
Callan's access to a telephone in a Gestapo run Slave Labour Camp
during world war two is a remarkable consideration, when compared to
the treatment meted out to other slave labourers by the Gestapo in
Bremen-Farge. Conflicting accounts surrounding events during world
war two raise questions as to the reliability of witness
recollections and cognisant that accuracy of memory can be distorted
and dimmed through the passage of time, any assertions emanating
from former prisoners, no matter how cogent, should be viewed with
caution, until corroborated from other sources.
At Page
191-192:
of
Forgotten Hero of Bunker Valentin - The Harry Callan Story,
Mr
Callan asserts: "JOHN HIPTON a British Merchant Seamen and
Prisoner of war in Milag had seen us go and return. Years after the
war he was interviewed and asked about the treatment meted out to the
Irish and British by the Nazis. I do think the Irish were given worse
treatment by the Nazis than the British were".
To clarify:
Firstly the name is JOHN HIPKIN not
HIPTON, and John was challenged in November 2005 over his remarks: To
recall. On January 12th 2002 an
article entitled
"Payouts Hope For Ex-Seamen" was published in the
Newcastle Journal which credited Mr John Hipkin, that:
"His evidence over
how captured seamen were mistreated has led to a campaign to extend
the deadline on a compensation fund set up by the German government".
This was misleading and untrue. Although the article goes on to
elaborate on our involvement, it misleadingly gave the impression that
John Hipkin was somehow responsible for compensation that might have
been procured at the time for former Irish Born British Merchant Navy
Seamen held captive by the Germans in the
Bremen-Farge Arbeitslager,
a project which we
completed by 2004 and recorded in the
Sunday Times 4 April 2004.
Mr Hipkin made contact in May 2001 as a result of our article in the
UK edition of the Irish Post. John did give helpful information
regarding the fact that he had seen Irish born British Merchant Navy
Seamen held as prisoners IN the Merchant Navy Internment Camp known as
Marlag und Milag Nord in Germany
during world war two. When requested to provide further information to
corroborate as to where and when he had seen the Irishmen, John Hipkin
said he believed that it was in April 1945 at the front gate. Prior to
the
November 2005 London Cenotaph Parade,
in the company of Mr Harry Callan and Isaac Christy Ryan, when the
issue of the Irishmen in Milag was raised with John Hipkin he was
reminded that in April 1945 hundreds of Prisoners were making their
way west towards advancing British forces with many ending up at the
front gate of
Marlag und Milag Nord Westertimke
seeking refuge from the battles raging
in the area. When challenged,
John admitted he was unsure of the date
and agreed that he was also unsure if he had seen the Irishmen at the
gate of Milag Nord on their return from Bremen in April 1945, as there
was so many prisoners inside and outside the Camp at the time. The
House of Commons Debates for the 22
February 1945 reports that 2000 released British Prisoners of War had
made their way to Marlag und Milag Nord near (Hamburg). By April 1945,
the whole area surrounding Marlag und Milag Nord and the village of
Westertimke was in a state of confusion due to the ongoing conflict,
with hundreds of Prisoners both inside and outside the Camp.
However, John recalled seeing Irishmen in Milag Nord in 1942, which is
likely.
At Page 260:
of
Forgotten Hero of Bunker Valentin - The Harry Callan Story,
Mr Callan asserts: "In 2001,
Anne's Niece June heard an interview on RTE Radio with Peter Mulvany,
Chairperson of the Irish Seamen's Relatives Association". "He wanted
to contact survivors".
That is UNTRUE:
To clarify:
One does not recall any RTE radio
interview. However newspapers did publish the appeal. Ann Callan's letter dated 27th July 2001 confirms she had taken the
contact details from a newspaper, and not from an RTE Radio
interview as asserted by Mr Callan in his book: In December 2005
Mr Callan was interviewed in Dublin by Doctor Katharina
Hoffmann, a German History professor from the University of
Oldenburg. An extract from that interview records Mr Callan
stating "I suppose it’s just as well my niece did see that ad
(Advertisement) in the paper". Perhaps Mr Callan has forgotten
what he asserted on the record in 2005: So, for the record see
Extract Video Interview Harry Callan 16 December 2005:
At Page 262:
of
Forgotten Hero of Bunker Valentin - The Harry Callan Story,
Mr Callan asserts: "Peter began to
investigate the information I had given him".
That is UNTRUE: To clarify:
From the outset, Harry Callan's
information was very fragmented and unreliable. Issues of
concern arose re inconsistencies in his recollection of past
events. Consequently, more reliance was put on newspaper
articles in the Irish Times and Irish Independent which reported
in May 1945, on the returning Farge Irishmen to Ireland, along
with the book MILAG: Captives of the Kreigsmarine; Merchant Navy
Prisoners of War, authored by Gabe Thomas, President of the
MILAG POW Association, Published 1995, as the most helpful
guides. However, a private researcher had to be consulted in the
PRO Kew in London, and have him trawl through all the relevant
documentation and purchase the relevant files on our behalf. He
reported back on the 13 February 2005 with the documentation,
and advised of more issues arising from the Bremen Farge War
Trials Transcripts:
At Page 263:
of
Forgotten Hero of Bunker Valentin - The Harry Callan Story,
Mr Callan asserts: "In March 2004,
Peter told me that the International Organization for Migration had
awarded me E7700 (Euro) as compensation for my years as a slave
labourer in Germany":
That is UNTRUE:
Peter Mulvany
did not know about any award being
granted to Mr Callan, until his wife Anne phoned to advise that Mr
Callan had received a letter from the IOM indicating his application
which one had prepared in August 2001 was successful, and indicated
the amount of compensation at E7700:
At Page 264/265:
of
Forgotten Hero of Bunker Valentin - The Harry Callan Story,
Re the German Compensation Fund: Harry Callan records: he never gave
permission for information to be published in the
Sunday Times 4 April 2004
and asserts:
"Peter and I never discussed the Article": That is Untrue:
Harry Callan was informed by telephone on Saturday afternoon 03
April 2004 that an Article was planned by the Sunday Times and
advised the publicity was important to support the case of another
Irish claimant for compensation, which had the potential to locate
more Irish survivors. Apparently the Sunday Times being advised
not to publish names had procured other details from London and
proceeded regardless. Despite Mr Callan's protestations the
publicity was very helpful in progressing our project...and
as a reminder..our project had also achieved a benefit for Mr
Callan: Significantly, in his book written by Michèle Callan,
Harry Callan describes himself as a British Merchant Navy Prisoner
of War while he was located in the
Arbeitslager Bremen-Farge. For the record: This is not
what Mr Callan claimed when he made his application for
Compensation in 2001. On the 24 August 2001 Harry Callan in his
witnessed statement of claim for compensation to the German Force
Labour Compensation Programme,
Question 31: Were You (or the deceased) a Prisoner of War at any
time from 1939-45: Mr Callan answered NO.
At the time of application, Mr Callan fully understood that ex
Prisoners of War were specifically excluded from any claim for
compensation that was prepared by the
Irish Seamen's Relatives Association (1939-46), and if Mr
Callan had described himself as an ex Prisoner of War in his
application his claim would have been immediately rejected by the
Swiss administrators of the German fund. To restate: Prisoners of
War were not eligible to claim compensation under the German
Foundation Law. In light of Mr Callan's change in his description
to British Merchant Navy Prisoner of War while located in Bremen-Farge
Arbeitslager, perhaps Mr Callan should have returned his award?
At Page 265:
of
Forgotten Hero of Bunker Valentin - The Harry Callan Story,
Mr
Callan asserts: "He (Peter) found Ginger O’Dwyer in Great Britain but
he was not well enough to attend". (The Commemoration in Milag April
2005 in Germany). That is UNTRUE:
One
was not aware that Michael O’Dwyer was still alive until June 2006,
which is well past the date of the Milag 60 Commemoration held in
April 2005. To remind Mr Callan: One had been advised in 2006 that
another survivor Isaac Christy Ryan had been in contact with Michael
O'Dwyer for years usually at Christmas Time. On the 13th June 2006, I
immediately sought Michael's contact details from the Ryan Family. On
the 15th June, I received Michael O'Dwyer's contact details in London
and contacted Michael O'Dwyer directly. On the 16th September
2006, a trip was organised to London accompanied by Mr Callan to meet
and interview Michael O’Dwyer as he had been a witness in the Bremen-Farge
War Crimes Trial Hamburg in 1947/48.
During the interview in London with Michael O'Dwyer, I was informed
that the BBC Journalist who accompanied our group to Germany in April
2005 had been in contact with Michael by letter on the 16th February
2006 seeking an interview. It was and still is concerning, to discover
that the Ryan family and the BBC Journalist had kept their knowledge
of the existence of Michael O'Dwyer's contact with Christy Ryan to
themselves, despite the fact they already knew of the existence of a
German Compensation fund, and that one was actively seeking Irish
survivors. Ironically, while the existence of Michael was kept
private, on behalf of
Isaac Christopher Ryan the
Irish Seamen’s Relatives Association (1939-46)
had already submitted an appeal for compensation to the German Fund on
Monday 7th June 2004 which was eventually successful. If we had known
earlier in 2004 or at least in 2005 a submission for compensation to
which Michael would have been entitled to, as a bona fide claimant,
could have been submitted to the German Fund Administrators for
adjudication. A complaint was directed to the BBC and the Ryan family
for not advising of Michael's whereabouts in time so that we could
help him with drafting a claim, or at least make the attempt. By
September 2006 it was too late as the fund had closed. Regrettably
Michael O'Dwyer RIP passed away on 20 December 2012 in London:
At Page 265:
of
Forgotten Hero of Bunker Valentin - The Harry Callan Story,
Mr Callan refers to the sixtieth
Anniversary of the Liberation of Marlag und Milag Nord Commemoration
ceremony which was held on the 28th April 2005 at the location of the
former Merchant Seamens Internment Camp in Westertimke. The
Irish Seamen’s Relatives Association (1939-46)
contributed to Milag 60 fund
organised by the MILAG PoW Association in the UK for the erection of a
Memorial Plaque
in the location of the former
Camp. Another commemoration was organised on the 30th April 2005 in
Rheinberg War Cemetery located at
Am Englischen Friedhof,
Rheinbergerstrasse 47475, Kamp Lintfort, Germany:
At Page 265:
of
Forgotten Hero of Bunker Valentin - The Harry Callan Story,
Mr Callan asserts: "But he (Peter)
spoke to me about returning to Germany, in particular to Farge and
Bunker Valentin. I am not going back there, Peter, no way".
To clarify:
From 2001 until the return trip in
2005. Mr Callan never indicated that he had been back to Farge
during 1948, 1949 and May 1968. Some years post 2005, Mr Callan
briefly mentioned he had been back on one occasion to Farge, but
got off the subject. It is now a surprise to read that Mr Callan
had in fact been a regular visitor to Bremen and had visited
Farge on several previous occasions post war. Towards the end of
2004 in discussion with a TG4 Producer a suggestion was made to
organise a trip to Germany to Commemorate the Anniversary of the
Liberation and visit various locations including Bremen-Farge.
We understood that Mr Callan, Christy Ryan, and the O'Hara
family, had never been back to Farge, Westertimke, Sandbostel or
visited Rheinberg War Cemetery, where four of the Irishmen are
buried. Indeed one organised a Piper from the Irish Guards
Regimental Pipes and Drums and had him travel at our expense to
Germany to Pipe a lament for the fallen. If it had been known
prior to April 2005 that Mr Callan had been back to Farge years
ago, and on several occasions, no trip would have been organised
by the
Irish Seamen’s Relatives Association (1939-46)
back to Germany for Mr Callan. Instead, we would have travelled
to Germany on our own to meet with others from the UK in
Westertimke, returned to Dublin immediately via Hamburg, and
undergone an urgent surgical procedure for Oesophageal
Cancer, which one had
requested to be rescheduled to honour a commitment made to Mr
Callan and the others. The Irish trip to Germany was based on
the understanding it was a first for all the Irish participants.
Unfortunately one now knows this was not the case with Mr Callan.
In hindsight Mr Callan's protestations in 2005 that "he was not
going back there, Peter, No Way", and to discover now from this
book published in 2017, that in fact Mr Callan had on several
previous occasions been back to Farge, raises questions:
At Page 268:
of
Forgotten Hero of Bunker Valentin - The Harry Callan Story,
Mr Callan asserts: "Peter had
arranged a meeting with some local people in a private room in the
hotel":
Mr Callan is mistaken:
Peter Mulvany had no part in
arranging any meeting with local German Representatives recorded by
Bremen TV/Radio. That arrangement was left entirely to the German
Association in Farge:
At Page 278/279: of
Forgotten Hero of Bunker Valentin - The Harry Callan Story:
Re: Princess Anne's Not Forgotten Association Tea Party in Buckingham
Palace July 2007: Mr
Callan asserts: "Peter too had received an invitation so we travelled
together and met up with other veterans from the British Merchant
Navy". That is UNTRUE:
For the record:
Peter Mulvany never received an official invitation to attend a
function in Buckingham Palace, and he did not travel to Buckingham
Palace to attend any tea party. Indeed Peter Mulvany has never been in
Buckingham Palace:
At Page 280:
of
Forgotten Hero of Bunker Valentin - The Harry Callan Story,
Mr Callan asserts: "It was in March
2010, after an official trip Peter made to Argentina, that he told me
he had met Frances Evans, the daughter of Frank and Joan Evans from
the Afric Star":
That is UNTRUE:
One never at any time told Mr Callan
that I had met Frances Evans. Tim Lough President of the Royal British
Legion in Buenos Aires advised by email that he had spoken to Frances
to tell her that Mr Callan was a former crewmember of the Afric Star
when she was sunk in January 1941:
At Page 283:
of
Forgotten Hero of Bunker Valentin - The Harry Callan Story,
Mr Callan asserts: “I told peter to
cancel the arrangements he had made for the next day. I was going to
visit Katie”: That is Untrue:
Mr Callan never told Peter Mulvany to cancel any arrangements for the
next day:
An article
reporting on a commemoration one had organised with a Piper in
attendance at the location of the Massgrave in Farge had been
published on Wednesday 27th April 2011, in the
local German Newspaper:
Osterholzer
Anzeiger, which had been seen by a
member of Katie Sause Kuhnert's family. On Thursday 28th April 2011,
in the Paulsen Hotel, Zeven, during an evening dinner, a phone call on
behalf of Katie Sause Kuhnert, an old friend of Harry Callan from his
time in Bremen-Farge Camp was received in our Hotel to advise that
Katie was very ill. Peter Mulvany spoke with Katie's son in law
Stephan Hyndes and agreed that in light of the urgency, a decision to
cancel the trip planned for Hamburg was taken and supported by Mr
Callan. On Friday 29th April 2011 we travelled by car to meet Katie in
her home in Bremen. Stephan the son in law and an excellent English
speaker had communicated the directions over the phone: That weekend
Peter Mulvany received a phone call in our Hotel in Farge from Stephan
Hyndes, who was very concerned that his family would be upset at the
presence of Katie and Harry Callan meeting together in the Baracke 27,
Bremen-Farge. I was advised by Stephan of the history and the concerns
of the family. Stephan highlighted the sensitivities again and again.
One then realised that the friendship between Harry Callan and Katie
Sause Kunhert during the war was viewed by many in Bremen-Farge with
suspicion prompting a concern that there were other private details
which Peter Mulvany was unaware of.
In June 2011, Stephan telephoned and advised that Katie had died and
asked me to inform Harry Callan. One also emailed his daughter in law
Michelle Callan author
of
Forgotten Hero of Bunker Valentin - The Harry Callan Story:
Friday 10th June 2011: Bremen:
Attended Katie's Funeral in Bremen:
Following a phone call from Mr Callan requesting Peter Mulvany to
bring him back to Bremen for the funeral of his friend Katie Sause
Kuhnert. I suggested that perhaps his daughter in law Michelle Callan,
author of
Forgotten Hero of Bunker Valentin - The Harry Callan Story
might bring him back for the funeral. “Mr Callan, retorted, Michelle
won’t leave her dogs”. One agreed, and on the 9th of June 201I,
brought Mr Callan to Bremen via Hamburg for the funeral of his
old German lady friend Katie Sause Kuhnert, whom he had met in Bremen-Farge
during the second world war. On Friday 10th June 2011, while observing
Mr Callan’s demeanour at Katie's funeral, one thought of Harry
Callan’s wife Ann who over the years had supported her husband and
reared his family while he was at sea.
It was Ann Callan who knocked at Peter Mulvany's door in July 2001
seeking assistance for her husband, and now seeing Mr Callan’s visible
outpouring of grief in Bremen for deceased Katie Sause Kuhnert, one
was minded to spare a thought in memory of Harry Callan’s deceased
wife Ann who supported her husband with such admirable determination
and for many years:
At Page 286:
of
Forgotten Hero of Bunker Valentin - The Harry Callan Story:
Mr Callan records: “Shortly after we arrived home from Germany, Peter
Stopped visiting”:
To clarify:
From 2001 to 2012, and on many occasions, one had taken Harry Callan
to France, Germany, the UK, and Argentina to attend various
events/commemorations. Which included the following:
Sunday 13th November 2005,
the Royal British Legion kindly invited the Irish Seamen's Relatives
Association (1939-46) to be a participant in their annual Service of
Remembrance held in London. Our small Irish contingent from the
Republic of Ireland paraded for the very first time and included ex
Internees Harry Callan and Christy Ryan.
See Video/Stills Cenotaph Parade.
Prior to Cenotaph parade, Mr Ken Otter, Vice President of the Fighting
'G' Association, made a special presentation of a framed photograph of
HMS Gloucester and also presented a copy of his book The Untold Story
to Harry Callan, in memory of his brother Matthew Edgar Callan lost on
HMS Gloucester 22nd May 1941:
On Wednesday 26th May 2006,
at 13.00hrs local time, 11.00hrs GMT, in the location of the wreck of
HMS Gloucester, at approximately 12 nautical miles south east of
Kapsali Bay
off the Island of Kythera in Greece, the Irish Seamen's Relatives
Association (1939-46) placed a Poppy Wreath in remembrance of the
brother of Harry Callan and in memory of all lost on HMS Gloucester in
1941. Gratitude is extended to the Captain of the Greek passenger
vessel
MYRTIDIOTISSA (MYR) for his kind assistance in this endeavour.
Indeed when advised the Greek Captain kindly manoeuvred his vessel to
the exact location of the wreck of HMS Gloucester in the channel
between
Antikythera and
Kythera to enable a short commemoration to take place.
Note:
(Kapsali
Bay
is where some of the surviving crewmembers from the sunken HMS
Gloucester were taken by their Greek rescuers), Further information
about Greece see
Jen Reviews:
On the 05th October 2007:
The Irish Seamen's Relatives Association (1939-46) sponsored a
memorial plaque with a tree in the Royal Navy Wood of the
National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire, dedicated to
the memory of
Able Seaman Matthew Edgar Callan lost on HMS Gloucester on
the 22nd May 1941 (Brother of Harry Callan):
NOTE: Since 2001,
despite raising concerns on numerous occasions, Mr Callan's family
never got involved to bring him back to Germany. One also suspected,
from 2011, that the reason behind Harry Callan's agreement to take
part in annual trips back to Bremen, was the hope that he could
finally locate his friend Katie Sause from Bremen-Farge, rather than
honouring his own deceased shipmates. Significantly, Callan's
narrative surrounding his time as an Internee/Prisoner in Germany during WW2 was also at odds
with the German documents in our archive, and as the last survivor alive
may have mistakenly believed that he could publish a memoir without fear
of contradiction?
Consequently, on Saturday 19
January 2013, it was time for Peter Mulvany move on:
David Blake Knox
author of
"Suddenly While Abroad",
published December 2012, and
"Hitler's Irish Slaves"
released June 2017, in his article
"How
Irish seamen were abandoned by our government to face Nazi brutality"
published in the Irish Independent, 25th March 2017:
wrote:
Quote:
“It is hard not to reach the conclusion that the (Irish)
government was indifferent or negligent in its concern for the Irish
citizens held in the slave labour camp. They were, after all,
non-combatants from a neutral country, and it was not uncommon for
merchant seamen to be repatriated. Our government seems to have been
overly concerned that representations might annoy the Nazi regime”
Unquote:
David Blake Knox is incorrect to
suggest the Irish government was indifferent or negligent in its
concern "for the Irish citizens in the slave labour camp" in Bremen-Farge.
The claim of his own relative William Knox of British Nationality
along with Harry Callan who claimed to be of Northern Ireland
Nationality (British) in 1943 was clearly an issue for the German
Foreign Office and for the Irish Legation operating on behalf of a
Neutral Irish State. Persistent allegations from within Ireland that
the Irish Government did nothing to help obtain the release of Irish
Nationals from the
Arbeitslager Bremen-Farge, despite
the existence of contemporary documentary evidence that clearly shows
Chargé d'affaires William Warnock 1941/November 1943, and
Chargé d'affaires Con Cremin
November 1943/1945, had
intervened on behalf of the Irish Government to defend Irish citizens
imprisoned in Nazi Germany during WW2, demonstrates an abject failure
by David Blake Knox and other Irish sources to observe the fundamental
principle of diligent historic enquiry when dealing with Irish
involvement in world war two: In his article David Blake Knox also
refers to claims of compensation for British Victims of Nazi
Persecution. To qualify a claimant had to be a person of British
Nationality in their application for compensation. On the 30th March
1966 a County Dublin based relative of author David Blake Knox
submitted his application for compensation to the British Government
asserting he was the next of kin of William H Knox deceased. The
claimant's application was rejected on the grounds, that as an uncle
of William H Knox he was not eligible to register a claim. Wexford
born James Furlong mentioned in Knox's article claimed British
Nationality from birth in his application. In early 1943 James Furlong
refused to sign for an Irish Passport when invited to complete the
Irish Legation Questionnaire while he was in the Bremen-Farge
Arbeitslager. Furlong stated he was an Englishman of British
Nationality which created concerns for the Irish Legation in Berlin
and the German Foreign Office. Interestingly, in 1944, James Furlong
when invited for the second time signed an application for an Irish
Passport. The authors relative
William H Knox asserted while in
Bremen-Farge Arbeitslager that he had lost Irish Nationality and was
of British Nationality, but completed the forms for an Irish Passport:
Following background checks William H Knox was eventually awarded an
Irish Passport by January 1945: (William
Knox - Deceased - 02nd March 1945):
Claims of British Nationality by some Irish Born British
Merchant Seamen in
Bremen-Farge Arbeitslager
were of concern to the German Foreign office and to the Irish Legation
in Berlin, which effectively halted their release/repatriation back to
Ireland in 1943, until background checks established their
Nationality, either Irish or British. British Nationals were to be
returned to their former Internment Camp,
Marlag und Milag Nord,
Irish Nationals were to be repatriated back to Ireland. The delay
caused by varying claims of British Nationality by Harry Callan and
others, who refused to sign for an Irish Passport in early 1943, and
others including William H Knox, a relative of author David Blake
Knox, who declared they had lost Irish Nationality and had British
Nationality, arguably cost the lives of some Merchant Seamen, who had
already claimed Irish Nationality and signed for their Irish Passports
in 1943, and who had been ready to be repatriated back to Ireland. It
is therefore an irony, that Harry Callan having refused to sign for an
Irish Passport in early 1943 claiming he was of Northern Ireland
Nationality/British, should a year later, on the 07th April 1944, now
claim to be an Irish National and sign for an
Irish Passport in Bremen-Farge Slave Labour Camp:
NAZI PERSECUTION
CLAIMS 1964:
In his statement of claim an Irish born British Merchant Seaman, ex
Prisoner/Bremen-Farge Arbeitslager 27 January 1943 to 06/07 April
1945, asserted on the 01st May 1965 in his statement to the British
Foreign Office, QUOTE “ MY NATIONALITY HAS ALWAYS BEEN BRITISH, I HAVE
AT NO TIME APPLIED FOR IRISH CITIZENSHIP OR NATIONALITY, I AM STILL
BRITISH, end of QUOTE:
NOTE:
This Irish Ex Prisoner was being economical with the truth. German
records dated 05 July 1943 show: That while in Bremen-Farge
Arbeitslager this Irish Prisoner had signed his application for an
Irish passport declaring his Irish Nationality and on the 17 October
1944 had been granted an Irish Passport by the Irish Legation in
Berlin.
Irish Nationality was also raised during the
Bremen-Farge War Crimes trial
held in Hamburg 1947/48 when the
military court declared that as Ireland was a neutral state during
WW2, and not a part of the allied war effort, therefore while citizens
of Eire could submit evidence of offences against German defendants to
the court, the Irish witnesses could not make a complaint against the
Gestapo/German guards for any crimes committed against them while they
were held captive in Bremen-Farge. This clarifies the status of Irish
born British Merchant Seamen who had been held in Bremen-Farge as being neutrals
from a non-belligerent state.
The Nazi Persecution legislation set up in 1964 with the
British/German Government to award compensation to nationals of the
United Kingdom who had been the subject of ill-treatment in various
concentration camps, illustrate that some Irishmen who had signed for
Irish passports during WW2, had no problem in 1964 declaring they were
now UK nationals and signed a document stating so in order to qualify
for the British/German compensation package then on offer. In the
cases where an applicant had an Irish passport/Irish nationality, all
the Irish applicant had to do to transfer his Irish status to being
British, was to sign another document provided by the British
Government stating they were now a UK national and thus qualified for
compensation as UK nationals.
Compensation - German Government -
Irish born British Merchant Seamen:
The two main qualifications for entitlement to compensation from the
German Fund were, status and location e.g: 1. The applicant was not a
Prisoner of War; and 2. The Applicant had been located in an
Arbeitserziehunglager (Work Education Camp) during world war two. The
Irishmen qualified for compensation because they had been interned in
Marlag und Milag Nord, a
merchant seamen's Internment Camp, and relocated to an
Arbeitserziehungslager.
Whether the Irishmen were involved in slave labour or not in Bremen-Farge
is immaterial to the application process. Their status as internees
and relocation to Bremen-Farge Work Education Camp were the salient
points. Irish born British merchant seamen captured during world war
two while serving on British or Allied Merchant Ships along with many
other Seamen, were interned in
Marlag und Milag Nord, a
designated merchant seamen's Internment Camp in Germany, and were not
Prisoners of War per se. To re-iterate, and for the record; The
Irishmen were never Prisoners of War, and if they had been designated
Prisoners of War, the Irish claim for compensation, prepared by the
Irish Seamen's Relatives Association (1939-46),
would have been rejected from the outset by the Swiss administrators
of the German fund. Consequently, the granting of compensation to
surviving Irish born British merchant seamen ex Prisoners/Internees,
is an acknowledgement under German and Swiss law that 1. The
Irishmen were NOT Prisoners of War, and 2. Confirmation
the Irishmen had been located in an Arbeitserziehungslager/Work
Education Camp during world war two. Pursuant to criteria set
out by the German fund administrators, if a claimant qualifies for
compensation, there is also a presumption that said claimant was
forced to do slave labour. However, Irish Born British merchant seamen
relocated to the
Bremen-Farge Arbeitslager
were treated a lot better by the Gestapo in comparison to other
Prisoners, a fact which raises further questions as to the cogency of
accounts given by ex Irish Prisoners/Internees post war, and arguably
rebuts the presumption of slave labour in the Irishmen's case.
In 2001, a claim for compensation argued on the basis that the
Irishmen were NOT Prisoners of War was submitted to the Swiss
Administrators of the German Compensation Fund by the Irish Seamen's
Relatives Association (1939-46) on behalf of one Irish born British
merchant seaman. By March 2004 this application was successful and is
a legal precedent. Another Irishman subsequently came forward and
indicated that his claim prepared by his family had been refused and
sought our assistance. Following a re-examination of his claim form,
it was observed the claimant had erroneously described himself as a
Prisoner of War, and as Prisoners of War were specifically excluded
from compensation, the Swiss Administrators correctly deemed his
application to have failed on those grounds. However, the Irish
Seamen's Relatives Association (1939-46), resubmitted an appeal in
support of his claim to the Swiss Administrators, arguing that Irish
born British merchant seamen located in the
Arbeitsertziehungslager Bremen-Farge
who had been been interned in
Milag Nord, Merchant Seamen's
Internment Camp, Westertimke, were NOT Prisoners of War, and on
that basis the Irish claimant satisfied the criteria. On Tuesday 14
November 2006, the
Irish Seamen's Relatives Association (1939-46)
was advised by the International Organization for Migration (IOM),
German Forced Labour Compensation Programme,
Genève, Switzerland, that our appeal was successful and the Irish
claimant received his compensation. The German Compensation Programme
for Nazi Victims was closed 31 December 2006:
BREMEN-FARGE PROJECT
2001-2013:
The Purpose of the
Bremen-Farge WW2 Project initiated in 2001 was to support veterans and
attempt to work through the complexities surrounding the experiences
of Irish Born British and Allied Merchant Navy Seamen held as
Internees who refused to work-frei for Nazi Germany, but who during
their captivity varied their status from being British Merchant Navy
Prisoners of War, on some occasions, to claims of being Irish
Nationals, and then when it suited, back to being British Merchant
Navy Prisoners of War.
In January 2013, in
support of Mr Callan, as he had alleged he had been deceived by Irish
author David Blake Knox for his publication
Suddenly While Abroad,
and to give Mr Callan an opportunity to voice his concerns, we
published recordings of his complaints, (See:
Video
extract below: Harry Callan
Re author David Blake Knox).
Although there are serious concerns expressed on this webpage about
the content of
Forgotten Hero of Bunker Valentin-The Harry Callan Story by author
Michelle Callan,
the publication here of Harry Callan's criticism of author David Blake
Knox recorded in January 2013, is justified:
January 2013: Video
Recording of Statements by Harry Callan re Book by David Blake Knox
BREMEN FARGE WAR CRIMES TRIAL:
HAMBURG 1947/48:
After
12 years of contact with Harry Callan one became aware of other
issues/contradictions going on in the background, which also raised
the same concerns as reflected
by (JAG) Judge
Advocate General Guy Sixsmith in his concluding observation regarding
the cogency of Irish witness evidence submitted under oath to the
British Military War Crimes Court convened
on the 4 April 1948
in the Hamburg Curio-Haus.
When gifting
copies of the trial transcript including other documentation from our
research, Irish survivors and others were
FOREWARNED
that evidence submitted under oath by Irish Born British Merchant
Seamen to the
Bremen-Farge War Crimes Trial was determined to be inconsistent by
the British military court.
In this regard commentators
and writers of record should take note: On the 4 April 1948 (JAG)
Judge Advocate General Guy Sixsmith in his observation regarding the
cogency of Irish witness evidence stated inter-alia: "that several of
the accused (Bremen-Farge Camp Guards) who were acquitted had at least
one friend amongst the Irishmen"; "the key to whatever pattern there
is behind the convictions and acquittals is the personal likes of the
Irishmen"; They (The Irishmen) were manifestly wrong in their delusion
that he was ever camp commandant"; "I was prepared for a large number
of (Bremen-Farge Camp Guards) acquittals"; "It seemed to me almost
impossible to prove guilt satisfactorily in respect of many incidents
owning to the time element". JAG's conclusion "that he came away from
the trial (Bremen-Farge) profoundly disturbed at the outcome" (Guilty
verdicts), raises a reasonable doubt as to the reliability of Irish
witness evidence proffered against the defendants on trial, and also
suggests that post war statements promulgated by Irish Born British
Merchant Seamen ex Prisoners/Internees, should be viewed with caution.
Significantly, in sworn affidavits submitted to the Military Court,
German defendants gave evidence;
• "That the
Irishmen claimed they Were Prisoners of War",
• "The Irishmen were not forced to work, but some of them worked
voluntarily"
• "They (the Irishmen) lived in a separate hut",
• "They (the Irishmen) were not kept there as work shirkers, as
far as I know they were not put to work",
• "Complained they were not Irishmen but partially Englishmen",
• "They (the Irishmen) were British Prisoners of War",
• "30 British seamen (the Irishmen) could be described as pleasant
people",
• "During my time the 30 Britons (the Irishmen) were not forced to
work",
• "They (the Irishmen) could look for work on their own",
• "They (the Irishmen) were not forced to work and could move
freely where they wanted to",
• "In comparison with other nations the Britons (the Irishmen)
were very well treated in the camp",
• "There can be no question of physical punishment i.e. beating
for the Britons (the Irishmen) in this camp",
• "They (the Irishmen) were on the best of terms with the guards",
• "I do not know what happened to the Englishmen and Irishmen
later on, because, they were taken to an Internment Camp in April
1945”,
• “That the British Sailors had privileges and that I helped them
in every respect”,
• “That the Irish were in the Camp on special orders of the RHSA,
(Reichsicherheitshauptamt/Reich
Main Security Office)”,
• "That the British and/or Irish subjects enjoy some sort of
preferential treatment here": (Extract Report 09th December 1944:
Visit to
Bremen-Farge Arbeitslager
by a Delegate acting on behalf of the
Protecting Powers):
ADDITIONAL
NOTES:
HEROES
RETURN - IRISH JOURNEY OF REMEMBRANCE - APRIL 2005
03 May 2018:
We have been informed by German connections of an interview with
Michèle Callan that was published in Germany on the 25 April 2018.
During this interview Michèle Callan author of
Forgotten Hero of Bunker Valentin - The Harry Callan Story
was asked:
"Has your
father-in-law (Harry Callan) been in Germany since then?
Michelle
Callan answered.
"In 2005, 60 years
after the liberation, he (Harry Callan) was invited by the Royal
British Legion to participate in the Return of the Heroes program.
Former prisoners of war were able to use this program to return to the
place of their captivity, at the annual commemoration ceremonies".
For the sake of clarity:
The funding support for the April 2005 remembrance trip to Germany was
sought by the
Irish Seamen's Relatives Association (1939-46)
from the Heroes Return lottery funding programme based in
the UK. We prepared each application, which was routed directly to the
New Opportunities Fund of the National Lottery located then in
Birmingham. We also sought funding from various other sources in
Ireland for that trip in 2005, including making a large contribution
from ourselves. We also organised all the flights, transport, hotels,
etc. The Royal British Legion were
NOT
involved in organising our trip to Germany in 2005, and were
NOT
involved in funding that 2005 trip, although the RBL in Ireland were
very supportive when approached to expedite the funding from the
Lottery in the UK, which we eventually obtained on behalf of Harry
Callan and other Veterans.
To restate,
The 2005 commemoration in Germany held to unveil the commemorative
plaque in the location of the Merchant Seamen's Internment Camp/Marlag
und Milag Nord
located in Westertimke, was organised by the MILAG
PoW Association in the UK, and it was the
Irish Seamen's Relatives Association (1939-46) who issued the
invitation to Mr Callan to return to Germany. Interestingly Michelle
Callan was not involved in the organisation or funding of the 2005
trip. Indeed Michelle Callan did not involve herself until 2013. Which
begs the question as to why the Callan family in particular Michelle
Callan never took on the responsibility of looking after Harry Callan
and accompany him back to Germany. Apparently Michelle Callan's book
published in 2017 is being viewed by other relatives as an accurate
account of the history of the experience of Irish Born British
Merchant Navy Internees during WW2. Nonetheless, Contemporary German
documentation in our archive supports the contention, that Harry
Callan's book
Forgotten Hero of Bunker Valentin - The Harry Callan Story
written by Michelle
Callan, has in fact corrupted the history of the Irish experience in
Germany 1939-1945:
Heroes Return - Funding for
Irish Veterans:
In 2005, Heroes Return funded by the New Opportunities Fund, was one
of the organisations which distributed National Lottery money to
good causes. Heroes Return was delivered in partnership between,
Awards For All, Confederation of British Service and Ex-Service
Organisations, Ministry of Defence, New Opportunities Fund and the
Royal British Legion. In the case of the trip back to Germany for
former Irish Born British Merchant Navy Prisoners, unlike British
Veterans Associations ie Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force, the
Irish Seamen's Relatives Association (1939-46) is not a Veterans
organisation hence we had to organise the funding, and logistics of
our trip back to Germany from the start to its conclusion ourselves.
Regardless, the
following is an extract of the Heroes Return-Irish Journey of
Remembrance in which Mr Callan was invited by the Irish Seamen's
Relatives Association (1939-46) to be a participant.
Heroes Return - Irish Journey
of Remembrance - April 2005:
From 27th April to the 30th April 2005, a Heroes Return-Irish Journey
of Remembrance was organised by the Irish Seamen’s Relatives
Association (1939-46) to enable former Irish born seafarers who had
been captured while serving on British merchant vessels and held
prisoner by the Gestapo during the second world war, to return to
Germany in remembrance of shipmates who lost their lives in the
concentration camp at Sandbostel, the Merchant Navy Internment Camp/Marlag
Und Milag Nord in Westertimke, the Nazi forced labour camp
Arbeitsertziehungslager Bremen-Farge located in Farge outside Bremen,
and to attend a service of remembrance at the graveside of lost Irish
Shipmates in Rheinberg War Cemetery near the city of Moers. Our trip
was funded by the Heroes Return Section of the British National
Lottery and the Irish Seamen’s Relatives Association (1939-46).
Contributions were also obtained from Dublin Bus [Bus Atha Cliath] and
Ireland's largest trade union SIPTU. The following is a brief record
of our journey.
Milag Nord - Westertimke
Wednesday 27th April to Thursday 28th April 2005:
● On Wednesday 27th April 2005, We travelled from Dublin via Hamburg
staying in the Ringhotel Paulsen located in the village of Zeven.
Present at a small function that evening were survivors and
relatives from Ireland, the UK, Canada, New Zealand and
representatives of the local German community. Commemorative medals
proposed by the National Ex Prisoners of War Association and funded
by the Irish Seamen's Relatives Association 1939-46) were presented
to our Irish survivors as a souvenir and reminder of their Irish
Journey of Remembrance.
● On Thursday morning 28th April 2005 we commemorated the 60th
anniversary of the liberation of Milag Nord by the Guards Armoured
Division, at the site of the former camp in the German village of
Westertimke. A Memorial Plaque was unveiled in honour of those who
were held captive and to the memory of those who died during their
imprisonment.
Arbeitsertziehungslager Bremen - Farge
Thursday 28th April to Friday 29th April 2005:
●
On Thursday 28th April 2005 at 8 p.m.
at a meeting organised by the Germans in the Ringhotel Fährhaus
Farge, Harry Callan was interviewed extensively by the German
Organisation responsible for protecting the site of the forced
labour camp at Farge as a memorial place.
●
On Friday 29th April 2005 at 9.30
a.m. poppy wreaths from the Merchant Navy Association-Wirral Branch,
the Irish Seamen’s Relatives Association (1939-46) which included
one wreath with the Irish tricolour, five poppy crosses and a single
poppy, were placed at the slave labourers memorial adjacent to the
former U-Boat Shelter codenamed Valentin, dedicated to the memory of
our Five Irish Shipmates and Alexander Van Gurp RIP Netherlands
Slave Labour Association. Prayers and the exhortation for the fallen
were said in English and Irish Bearla agus Gaeilge.
●
At 10.00 a.m. in Baracke 27 a meeting
was held with German officials which included the Commander,
Training Area Schwanewede, German Army, a daughter of a German slave
labourer and some more guests. A presentation of a Brian Boru Harp
and a bound copy of the transcripts of the War Crimes Trial held
after the War to investigate the killing and ill treatment of Irish
and allied nationals in Bremen-Farge, was made to our German friends
who graciously reciprocated with a gift of photographs and
documents.
●
At 10.30 a.m. our ex Merchant Navy
Internees then proceeded to the memorial beside the Main Gate at the
site of their former camp at Bremen-Farge to remember lost Irish
Shipmates.
●
At 11.00 a.m. a Wooden Cross made by
Paul Finn from Dublin Bus, Clontarf Garage, Dublin, was placed in
remembrance to Patrick Breen from Wexford at the site of the former
massgrave. Prayers were said in English and Irish Bearla agus
Gaeilge.
Rheinberg War Cemetery Saturday 30th
April 2005:
On Saturday morning 30th April 2005 ably supported by our Piper from
the Irish Guards, we concluded our Irish Journey of Remembrance in
Rheinberg War Cemetery at the graveside of lost Irish Shipmates. The
Venerable Arch Deacon of Dublin David Pierpoint and chaplain to An
Garda Siochana had prepared and written up an ecumenical service for
our use; our interpretation of a drumhead service. In total, there
were nine altogether from Dublin, Waterford and County Down in our
group. Piper/Irish Guards began with Oft in the Stilly Night setting
the scene for our remembrance service and concluded with Flowers of
the Forest. Prayers and the exhortation for the fallen were said in
English and Irish Bearla agus Gaeilge. The Red Ensign was presented
to a relative. Piper/Irish Guards contribution enabled our Irish
Journey of Remembrance to be completed with great dignity, honour
and have final closure. His piping, behaviour and courtesy was of
the highest standard.....a credit to the Irish Guards.
RTE RADIO DOCUMENTARY 13/09/2014 - "CLOUDS IN HARRY'S COFFEE"
NOTE:
Following contact outlining concerns to RTE Radio One, regarding
the reference to Harry Callan on their website that "One day, he
became aware that a German academic was seeking testimony from
survivors of "Prisoner-Of-War slavery" under the NAZI regime
during the Second World War. "There was an offer of some
compensation; Harry felt that he qualified and made contact with
the German authorities", the programme makers corrected the record
and that correction is much appreciated. However,
their updated quote re Harry Callan that "One day, he became aware
that Germany was offering compensation to survivors of
Prisoner-Of-War slavery during the Second World War. Harry felt
that he qualified and applied" embellishes the record.
To clarify: Harry
Callan never felt he qualified and always doubted as to whether
the application would be successful and he said so at the time of
signing his application. Prisoners of War were specifically
excluded from applying to the German Fund for compensation and as
Harry Callan was never a Prisoner of War at any time during his
captivity he would never have qualified for compensation as a
Prisoner of War slave. To be precise, interned Irish born
personnel moved from an internment camp to an
Arbeitserziehungslager/Work Education Camp changed their legal
status from internee to slave labourer and it was this change (The
Location) which presented an opportunity to have the application
procedure tested, thereby creating a precedent for other potential
Irish claimants. In this regard the search for a survivor was
critical to progressing any claim as deceased personnel were
excluded, hence a
public appeal
through the newspapers in Ireland and the UK. While this Radio
Programme is a contribution to the knowledge base within Ireland
surrounding the experience of Irish Born British Merchant Seamen
held as internees during world war two in Germany. However, the
continual exclusion of the
Irish Seamen's Relatives Association (1939-46) by Harry Callan
and others from the narrative of the Bremen-Farge project, a
project that we initiated from June 2001, is an unacceptable
gratuitous insult to our support base:
To
restate:
Harry Callan or his family did not do the research, fund the
project, prepare a briefing note, or argue for any compensation from
the German Government. That was undertaken in its entirety by the
Irish Seamen's Relatives Association (1939-46) with support from
organisations and individuals worldwide. Following publication of a
letter in the newspapers in July 2001 seeking survivors, Ann Callan
RIP
brought her husband Harry Callan in her car to my home on Sunday
evening 22 July 2001, and it was Ann who delivered the letter. Mrs
Callan later returned knocked at my door and I went with her and
spoke with Harry Callan who was sitting in the passenger side of her
car. I advised Harry Callan that I would interview him in his home
on Monday morning 23 July 2001, my day off work, to complete the
application process for compensation.
The purpose of the letter in the
newspapers was to invite survivors to come forward so that a legal
analysis could be tested which eventually proved successful in Harry
Callan's case.
At the
same time the closing date for applications was August 2001, and
time was of the essence. With the assistance of the Irish Department
of Foreign Affairs, the German Government and the Swiss
administrators of the fund were persuaded to extend the closing date
for applications, from the 31 August 2001 until the 31 December
2001, to permit more time to locate other Irish survivors.
A later appeal on behalf of another internee,
Isaac Ryan, was also successful.
Mr Callan's deceased wife, Ann Callan RIP, is deserving of
much credit, as it was she who supported her husband Harry Callan
for many years post world war two, and but for her dogged
determination, the Bremen-Farge Project may not have concluded
successfully. It is therefore regrettable that Ann Callan RIP seems
to have been written out of the record. Hopefully this mention of
her crucial input will correct that omission.
Monday 13 April 2020:
We have been advised that RTE has retweeted a link to a Podcast
regarding a programme entitled "Clouds in Harry’s Coffee" with
former Derry/Londonderry Born British Merchant Seaman Harry Callan
and broadcasted by RTE Radio One on the 13 September 2014: The
programme maker advises “During World War II, 32 Irishmen spent 5
years in captivity at the Farge Concentration camp & became known as
"Hitler’s Irish slaves". We joined the last survivor, Harry Callan”,
now deceased. In this regard, RESEARCHERS, and in particular
IRISH CONNECTIONS, would be well advised to exercise due diligence
when enquiring into the history surrounding Irish Born British
Merchant Seamen who were held as Prisoners/Internees in Bremen-Farge,
Marlag und Milag Nord and Stalag XB/Sandbostel during world war two.
In the interests of the history, and as the researcher on this issue
since June 2001, it is important to restate that there is another
narrative published on our website:
IRISH HISTORIANS/WRITERS
CHECK YOUR FACTS BEFORE PUBLISHING:
Peter Mulvany BCL, HDip Arts Admin.
http://www.irishseamensrelativesassociation.ie
13 December 2020:
Fascinating Wexford History Volume 2, A book by Des Kiely Pub
2020, Parsifal Press Newry:
In his book,
Fascinating Wexford History Volume 2, author Des Kiely, refers
to "Suddenly While Abroad"
by David Blake Knox pub 2013 as a source. In our opinion based on
the German documents in our archive, the two books by David Blake
Knox and another published
by author
Michelle Callan have
effectively muddied the history of the Irish experience in Germany
during WW2.
In the chapter entitled "Nazi
Concentration Camp's Slave Labourers from Wexford" the author
records
at Page 76:
“From there they were first transported to Drancy internment camp
in Paris and later to Milag Nord POW Camp, about 19 Miles
north-east of Bremen”: That is UNTRUE:
Comment:
Irish born captured British merchant seamen who were landed at
Brest, were routed via rail through France directly to various
Prisoner of War camps in Germany. In the case of Patrick Breen
mentioned by the author: He was landed at Brest as a Prisoner
(Circa 22 March 1941) and arrived on the 22 April 1941 to Stalag
X1-B Fallingbostel and then to Stalag X1-D in Fallingbostel. He
was then moved to Stalag XII-D Trier/Petrisberg (Trèves). On the
27 June 1941 Patrick was moved via Oflag VII-D in Tittmoning to
Stalag XII-A in Limburg an der Lahn, then moved to Milag Nord
located in Stalag XB, Sandbostel. In late 1942 Patrick Breen,
along with other prisoners, was moved to the newly erected Marlag
und Milag Nord Merchant Seamens Camp, Westertimke: On the 27
January 1943 Patrick Breen was moved to the Arbeitslager Bremen-Farge.
On the 13 May 1943, Patrick Breen died in Rotenburg Reserve
Hospital. Patrick Breen was stated in German records to be of
English Nationality:
At Page 76
the author records: “Some were pressured by the Gestapo to
collaborate with the Nazi Regime by joining German forces or to
return to Ireland and spy for them”: That is Untrue:
Comment:
Throughout their captivity in Sandbostel/Stalag XB and in Milag
Nord, Westertimke, Irish born British merchant seamen were never
asked to collaborate. Although there were rumours of efforts by
the Germans to set up a British frei corps and all the prisoners
were warned by the camp confidence men to resist. To be precise,
on the 27 January the 32 Irishmen were taken out of Milag Nord
Westertimke and brought to Bremen. They were then brought to
Hamburg and it was while in Bremen and Hamburg that the efforts
were made by the Germans to get the Irish to workfrei (sign up to
become voluntary workers) on German ships, which they refused to
do.
See Video Rebuttal:
Statement by Harry Callan Irish ex Prisoner Voices his
Concerns Re author David Blake Knox Suddenly While Abroad:
At Page 77
the author records: The prisoners heads were shaved, they were
deloused and all personal possessions confiscated: Notably,
according to a recorded statement (January 2013) by former
Prisoner Harry Callan now deceased that scenario is UNTRUE:
See Video/Audio Rebuttal:
Statement by Harry Callan re Evidence of Isaac Christopher
Ryan-Witness Bremen-Farge War Crimes Trial:
At Page 78
the author records: Re Patrick deceased 13 May 1943: “It is not
known what happened to his body but in all probability he was
buried in one of the mass graves close to the camp”:
To clarify:
See article by Peter Mulvany published in the
Merchant Navy Association Circular 06th October 2019 re the
Grave location of Patrick Breen:
At Page 79
the author records: “A letter addressed to the Swiss consul
pleading for help was signed by the remaining Irish inmates, was
secretly taken out of the camp by a Swiss national who was being
released. The letter made its way to Cremin in Berlin, and he soon
arrived in the camp escorted by SS officers to meet the men”:
Comment:
The author needs to view our
website to understand the timeline and issues involved. The
Irish legation was bombed in November 1944 and all the documents
were destroyed re the Irishmen in Farge. In November 1944 Con
Cremin took over from William Warnock who stayed on at the
relocated legation to assist. Up to November 1944 William Warnock
had been making efforts to have the Irishmen in Farge Camp
released. However the various claims of British Nationality by
some of the Irish Prisoners had frustrated Warnock’s efforts
preventing progress with the applications for Irish Passports.
Several Irishmen had refused to sign the application for an Irish
passport in 1943 claiming they were British, but did so later in
1944. When Con Cremin took over the legation at the end of
November 1944, he had to redo all the paperwork and sought
permission from the German authorities to visit Farge Camp, to
establish as to whom was British or Irish and entitled to an Irish
Passport. The Germans agreed to permit Cremin to visit Farge Camp
in August 1944 to clarify who was who. Unfortunately it was
already too late for some Irishmen who had died.
At Page 79
the author records: “Late in 1944, the Irishmen were put on a
train to the port of Flensburg on the Danish border. The plan was
they were to be taken to Ireland on board a Swedish Merchant
Vessel”:
To clarify:
The authors timing is incorrect. This move to repatriate the
Irishmen took place in March 1945 and not the end of 1944. In
March 1945, Con Cremin from his new base in South Germany
requested the German authorities in Bremen to make efforts to have
the Irishmen repatriated via the Gothenburg exchange through
Flensburg:
At Page 79
the author records: “The men were returned to Farge and not to
Milag, despite protests from Cremin”:
Note:
On the contrary, Con Cremin felt it would be safer for the men to
stay in Farge Camp for the time being: See letter dated 30th
August 1944:
Con Cremin to the Irishmen in Farge bei Bremen.
Comment:
There were persistent legal issues re the nationality claims of
the Irishmen in Farge Arbeitslager throughout their captivity,
some of the various claims to British Nationality created problems
for the Germans and the Irish legation in Berlin. From a German
view, and irrespective as to whether the Irishmen were in the
British Navy, returning the Irishmen to Bremen-Farge Arbeitslager
retained their neutral status. By relocating to the Merchant
Seamen’s Camp at Milag Nord Westertimke the Irishmen knew they
would recover their former Prisoner of War Status. In April 1945,
the Irishmen took the decision themselves to return to their
former camp Milag Nord, thereby recovering their status as
Merchant Navy Internees and the protection of the International
Red Cross.
At Page 80
the author records: “The Irish inmates had been moved back to
Milag Nord POW camp, where the other prisoners were shocked at
their condition”:
Comment:
Allegations of a starvation diet from February 1943 while being
held as Prisoners in Bremen-Farge Arbeitslager and subjected to
slave labour on the Bunker Valentin, and showing a photo of a fit
looking Mr Callan in 1944, raises questions. It has been alleged
that Mr Callan and the Irish survivors from the Bremen-Farge Slave
Labour Camp arrived back at the main gates of Marlag und Milag
Nord Merchant Seamen's Internment Camp, Westertimke on the 6 April
1945 in a malnourished and emaciated condition. A photograph
extracted from a British Military film taken on the 28 April 1945
following the official liberation on the 27th April 1945 of Milag Nord, which was 22 days after
the Irishmen arrived back from Bremen, shows two of the surviving
Irishmen,
Robert Roseman and John Connor. Captured in March 1941,
Roseman and Connor were also held in the same Sandbostel Camp as
Mr Callan, then Milag Nord Internment Camp, and for 2 years and
three months held as prisoners until 6 April 1945 along with Mr
Callan and the other Irish Born British Merchant Seamen in Bremen-Farge
Slave Labour Camp. This photo extract clearly shows Mr Roseman and
Mr Connor in a remarkable healthy condition some 22 days after
being released from a Gestapo slave labour camp having spent 2
years 3 months as prisoners. The spontaneous weight recovery of Mr
Roseman and Mr Connor following the alleged near starvation diet
of Bremen-Farge Slave Labour Camp is inexplicable.
Apart from concerns re the chapter on Bremen-Farge, this book
is informative and a good read:
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WORD OF CAUTION:
In 1945
MI9
was instructed to seek out individuals for
awards/honours following liberation. British military intelligence
post war had forewarned that any report they compiled from
information derived from prisoners of war which cannot be verified
should not be accepted as fact unless definitively stated to be
confirmed by information from other sources. In this regard the
article "BLOOD, TEARS, SWEAT AND TALL TALES" by British Historian
Guy Walthers, Published 20 January 2013,
Sunday Times (Irish Edition),
is relevant. Highlighting the growing distortion of war memoirs,
Walthers found "that many escapers memoirs (British Prisoners
of War)' seriously conflicted with the accounts they gave to the
authorities during and immediately after the war"
and goes on to state "Often such exaggeration is a product
of an unreliable memory",
and interestingly comments "For the unscrupulous such tales
can now be told without much fear of contradiction".
Perhaps Harry Callan mistakenly believed that as the last
survivor alive he could publish a memoir without fear of
contradiction?
Fortunately German documentation in our archive contradicts
sections of Callan's memoir written by Michèle Callan.
Cognisant that accuracy of memory can be distorted and
dimmed through the passage of time, world war two stories
emanating from former Prisoners/Internees should be viewed with
caution, until corroborated from other sources.
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Peter Mulvany BCL, HDip Arts Admin,
Irish Seamen's Relatives Association (1939-46)
Email:
mulvanypeterie@yahoo.co.uk
(Peter
Mulvany is an
Law
Graduate and Post Graduate of
University
College Dublin;
is an Arts Administrator by profession, a former local
government official and retired as a Dublin Bus driver in March
2010).
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