Posted Chapter 11–the rescue from Buchenwald
Here finally is chapter 11. It tells of the Luftwaffe rescue of Joe and his fellow fliers from Buchenwald all the way into getting assigned to Block 104 in Stalag Luft III in Sagan–now in Poland. Block 104 just happens to be the most famous POW barracks in all of history I believe–and not just because that is where Joe lived. But rather because seven months before Joe arrived, that same barracks was the starting point for the greatest escape in history–yes the very same barracks from which the tunnel “Harry” was started and through which 76 POWs made their escape. It is just one more of the fascinating little details of Joe Moser’s experiences during the war. Another fascinating little detail is the story of his POW identity card. I feel so privileged to hold a treasure like this in my very hands as I write this story. Not quite a sliver of the cross, but there is a sense of sacredness about it. For it too symbolizes not just Joe’s trials and sufferings, but in some way the suffering, death and horrors experienced by so many in those dark, dark days.
It is such a thrill to me to hear from readers of this site. I know that there are many more who visit here than comment because I see the traffic, but when I get a question like that of Pat McGregor from the UK it is just a great joy. So, any of you doing research about these aspects of WWII, or know of any of those who might be involved, I’d love to hear from you. Frank Moser, Joe’s brother, also recently told me of family members who are reading the chapters here (although Frank says he’s waiting for the whole story to be finished before reading it). If you are visiting occasionally, I’d love to hear from you. Just hit the comment button and say hi if nothing else.
Response to Pat McGregor
I am going to post this response the question Pat McGregor from the UK just asked via the comments section. I’m doing that to encourage anyone else who comes to this site to use it as a source for contacting those who may be involved or researching the Allied airmen in Buchenwald, my so-called Buchenwald Flyboys.
Yes Pat, I do have some info on the two your dad’s fellow airmen. But only a little. All of it comes from Art Kinnis and Stan Booker’s book called “168 Jumped Into Hell.” Not sure if you can find this book, but if not let me know and I will see if I can help you. It has the personal accounts of many of the flyers–not in a very good or professional form but it is great information for those interested. Unfortunately, neither Fernandez or Nuttall contributed their own personal accounts. It appears for one reason that at the time of the assimilation of the information (1999 about) J. J. Fernandez was deceased. I will closer for any more references about him in this book but he does appear on the complete list of the 168 on page 137 and again on page 156. His Buchenwald ID number was 78352.
Cyril Nuttal (78366) was apparently in the hospital or infirmary when the main group of flyers was rescued on October 20. He was released later but I am not certain if he also ended up in Stalag Luft III after his release. I will look through this book again to see if I can find some additional info.
Thanks for your inquiry and I hope this is helpful. I appreciate the reference to the book and I will see if I can find that. If you have any additional information or sources to share, that would be much appreciated. In the meantime, I hope you keep following this website as I get the chapters completed and please do comment.
