Prisoner of War Camp, Douglas

Date made: 1914

Artist: Thumerer, Franz

Description: The work is entitled 'Prisoner of War 2135 Compi. K.', [this would be an abbreviation of Compagnie K. Douglas Camp was organised into barracks which were lettered] signed 'F. Thumerer'. It shows Douglas Internment Camp, with barracks in the foreground. One is clearly lettered K.

Douglas Camp Day Book records internee no. 2135 as Franz Thumerer (an Austrian internee who was in initial intake of Douglas Camp in September/ October 1914 and was released and transferred to Ripon 7.3.1919). The closest match on the ICRC database would appear to be Adam Thumerer. He also appears on the 1911 Census, a waiter living at 12 Old Compton Street, Charing Cross, an Austrian.

Internees were held on the Isle of Man in two camps, a requisitioned holiday camp in Douglas and a purpose built camp located at Knockaloe near Peel on the west coast of the Island. These held at their peaks over 4,000 and 23,000 men in some cases for nearly five years between opening in 1914 and final closure in 1919. Over 30,000 men passed through Knockaloe between 1914 and 1917 more than the population of Douglas the largest town.

Measurements: artwork: 35 cm x 51 cm

Materials: watercolour on paper

Object name: watercolour painting

Collection: Art Collection

ID number: 1954-6576

Subject tags : #WW1INTERNMENTMUSEUMCOLLECTIONS

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