SPECIAL CAMP
ELEVEN


On the 31st March 1945 the last of the 1,634 prisoners were moved from Camp 198 to Camp 181 Carburton Worksop Nottinghamshire England . This was mainly done as a precaution incase another tunnel remained undetected at Island Farm.

Island Farm was then designated the title of Special Camp Eleven and given a new commandant Major D.B. Topham (previously Commandant Lieutenant-Colonel Darling).

These officers were held for a variety of reasons:

a) Whilst war crimes investigations were being conducted.
b) Awaiting their own trial.
c) As witnesses expected to give evidence at another officer's trial
d) Awaiting extradition transfers to requesting countries.


9th January 1946

The date of the opening of Special Camp 11 has been stated as 17th November 1945, but the first officers came on Wedneday 9th January 1946.

Officer arrival at Island Farm Special Camp 11

A few of the officers were related to each other e.g :

Leutnant Hans Gerd von Rundstedt & Generalfeldmarschall Gerd von Rundstedt (Father & Son)

Generalfeldmarschall Gerd von Rundstedt and Generaloberst Gotthard Heinrici (Cousins)

Some of the officers held at Special Camp 11 were some of Hitler's closest advisers during WWII e.g. Generalfeldmarschalls: Rundstedt, Manstein, Kleist & Brauchitsch. Many of the high ranking officers would not associate with the ORs (Other Ranks) and at meal times refused to join tables with them.

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9th January 1946


21st / 25th June 1946 - Camp Visit by P.Rossiter

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Unrest between Other Rank Orderlies and Batmen

20th October 1946 - Camp Inspection by Major T. Barry

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24th March 1947 - Camp Inspection by Sgt T.R.Gibson


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English classes are currently suspended due to fuel shortages

28th / 29th July 1947 - Camp Inspection by Mr E. F. Peeler

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September 1947 - Major D.B. Topham is retiring

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25th September 1947
29th September 1947

Name: Major Denis Bevan Topham
Enlisted: 30th May 1939
Unit: 9th Royal Fusiliers
Promotions:

Camp Commandant at Camps:

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Major Topham - Service Record


1st / 2nd December 1947 - Camp Inspection by Major T Barry

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Restricted PoW walks, ban on civilian contact hoped to be lifted and hut heating heating considered a "poor affair"!


3rd / 4th May 1948 - Camp Inspection by C.M. Griffiths

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Last inspection prior to repatriation
(12th May 1948)

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