Taunton, Massachusetts, May 5, 2012—On May 5, 2012 at 2 pm, Taunton historian Dr. William Hanna will give an encore presentation to share his latest research on the massive military site in North Taunton that was Camp Myles Standish. The first edition of this program on March 15 proved to be so popular that Historical Hall at 66 Church Green was soon full. Dr. Hanna graciously agreed to give a second presentation to accommodate all those who want to attend.
Dr. Hanna is a Vice President on the Historical Society’s Board, a retired teacher in the Taunton Public School system, a professor of history and mentor to teachers, and author of A History of Taunton, Massachusetts. Newly-released records from the National Archives have added to Dr. Hanna’s analysis and
The POW stockade at Camp Myles Standish, ca. 1946
understanding of the lives of German and Italian detainees from 1943 to 1946.
Thousands of these soldiers were kept under guard at the camp for the duration
of the war. German prisoners were closely watched and were restricted to
certain areas of the stockade when they were not on work details. Italy had
surrendered by the time they were brought to Taunton, and so they were
technically “co-belligerants” who had some degree of freedom to work in the
camp and even get passes to see local Italian-American families.
Google
Yahoo
Outlook
ical
