Holyport P.O.W. camp, near Maidenhead

Map of Holyport village and suspected site of P.O.W. camp, 2001

Holyport 2001: Holyport Lodge and Belgium Arms, across village green

The influenza outbreak after the Great War took an even greater toll on civilian populations - and the prisoners living among them in often austere conditions. Pictured are German Officer prisoners attending a burial, c.1919 - perhaps at 'The Raikes' Camp / Highley / Skipton. (Ian Dewhirst, 'The Story of a Nobody', p.74)

Holyport 2001: Belgium Arms, formerly the Eagle. It's said that the pub's name was changed from the Eagle in 1917-1918, to put a stop to the German prisoners' practice of saluting their own Imperial symbol as they filed past on marches... presumably the Belgium Arms was intended to instil humility.

Holyport 2001: (perimeter?) ditch, water tower

Holyport 2001: (camp?) buildings

Holyport 2001: (camp?) buildings

References:

• The Story of a Nobody, Dewhirst, Ian, Mills & Boon, 1980. Photo at p.74 (giving acknowledgements to Keighley Public Library Great War ephemera collection of W.A.Brigg and H.A.France)