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The Great War (1914-1918) Forum

Remembered Today:

Ruhleben Civilian POW Camp


Steve Bramley

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Charles Stewart Backhouse Senior was the skipper of the Grimsby trawler Rideo before the war. At the outbreak of war it was advised that all trawlers return to port. On Aug 10th 1914 there were recorded 450 fishing vessels in Grimsby dock.

By 15th August some thought that the need for money outweighed the danger and 47 boats put to sea. The Rideo sailed on 18th Aug. The vessel landed twice before being captured by a German MTB, which had on board the crews of three other Grimsby trawlers. The seven crew members of the Rideo, including 14 year old Charles Stewart Backhouse Jnr, were taken on board the MTB, the Rideo was then sunk.

The crew were landed at Cuxhaven, spent some time at Senelager and in 'hulks' at Hamburg before arriving at Ruhleben camp on 29.10.15.

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C.S.Backhouse Jnr and Senior at Ruhleben

The picture frame was made in the camp.

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Backhouse Junior became a member of the camp boxing club.

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His membership card.

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Backhouse Snr & Jnr are both show on the transcription of NA file MT9/1238 "List of Merchant Seamen and Fishermen detained as Prisoners Of War....." which can be found here

It's quite an extensive list !!

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Young Backhouse also spent time at the school camp.

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But Backhouse Junior's main diversion was building model ships. The 'Blanche' was made out of cigar boxes, the propellor from a coin. The photo below is of the 'Blanche' exhibited at the camp in 1918. The other picture is of an unnamed vessel which unfortunately 'sank' in Sydney Park Cleethorpes several years ago!! :blink:

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A Christmas card from the camp and some of the original camp magazines.

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Backhouse Junior was repatriated in June 1915 aged 15. The story goes that he got to the dutch border where he celebrated his 16th birthday and was promptly returned to Ruhleben. Backhouse Senior had in the meantime become ill and was himself repatriated in late 16. Blanche, who the ship was named after was C.S. Backhouse's wife. The story continues that when backhouse senior returned home Blanche kicked him out for not bringing the boy with him.

The model 'Blanche' today.

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C.S. Backhouse Junior went on to serve in WW2.

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The story of Ruhleben Camp by one of the inmates is found in the book; "RUHLEBEN - A Prison Camp Society" by J. Davidson Ketchum, University of Toronto Press, 1962.

The name Backhouse does not show up in the Index of Names.

How did you acquire all the artifacts relating to the Backhouse's stay at Ruhleben?

Bill

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Hi Bill,

From his grandson.

regards,

Steve

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