POW

Hans (r.) at work in the quarry

Johannes 'Hans' Schoser joined the German army in March 1944 at the age of just under 18. He was trained as radio operator. His war time duty ended six months later when he was taken prisoner by American troups at the Western Front in France in September 1944. The Americans handed him over to British troups which transferred him to Scotland as prisoner of war (POW).

For three years, Hans was detained in the German Working Camp No. 188 at Johnstone Castle near Glasgow. He worked there first on the construction of a sewer system for a new housing development, then in a quarry and later as office clerk and interpreter. Finally, Hans moved to camp No. 174 to follow studies to become catholic youth leader.

In 1948, Hans was allowed to return home to Germany.