WW2 prisoner of war camp in UK had beer glasses and 'comfortable conditions'

dailystar.co.uk:

prisoner of war camp has been discovered by archaeologists in the UK, alongside proof that prisoners were living a rather comfy life at the camp in Shropshire.

The site, located in Mile End, Oswestry, offered inmates a "range of facilities and activities" which included sports fields and musical performances.

The camp was home to around 2,000 German soldiers during and after the Second World War and has been uncovered as part of development plans for improvements in the area.

During the archaeological excavation, the team uncovered beer glasses, makeup and containers with cream and disinfectant which showed that hygiene was also a top priority for inmates.Wessex Archaeology, based in Wiltshire, said the camp had electricity to power lights, heating and toilets available for everyone at the site.Prisoners were also able to have hot and cold showers and wash basins, with each prisoner taking two hot baths a week.The team of experts said the finds shed light on the “comfortable” conditions at the camp and offer glimpses into the day-to-day lives of its inmates.John Winfer, Project Manager at Wessex Archaeology who oversaw excavations, said: “What we have revealed is surprising evidence of some (relatively speaking) comfortable conditions for the inmates.''We know from our documentary research that the Red Cross, which visited many POW camps across Europe during the Second World War, came to assess conditions at the Mile End camp.''Many of the prisoners would have been employed in carpentry workshops, with younger inmates given time off to study at the camp’s school.''Those overseeing the camp enjoyed more spacious accommodation, and our work uncovered military issue ceramic tableware accompanied by beer glasses.''This all.