I used to have a website that I was planning to use to capture information about the Döberitz prison camp, since I had a copy of the second issued of the Döberitz Gazette, but I let it lapse. Thus, I am going to use this just to hold what I find.
[Available online as part of the "Pursuit of an 'Unparalleled Opportunity' The American YMCA and Prisoner of War Diplomacy among the Central Power Nations during World War I", 1914-1923.]
British prisoners at Döberitz published this thirty-two-page magazine for the benefit of the camp inmates, with the first issue appearing on news stands in March 1915. The Döberitz Gazette covered a wide range of local issues of interest to POW's. Sporting news, covering rugby games, the soccer league, boxing matches, and even a rifle club (the prisoners purchased three air rifles and organized shooting competitions in a tent) was very popular. The magazine also featured articles on social news, such as interviews with camp celebrities and theater and concert notes. Intending to inject humor into the camp, the magazine offered cartoons and humorous pieces which explained "How I Caught My Cold," how to cook peas, and answers to correspondence. The camp YMCA even had its own section, which listed the scheduled lecture topics. The gazette also had a serious function, offering an "Exchange and Mart" section, in which prisoners could swap belongings for other more desirable items through a free ad service. While the magazine cost three pence, the editors earned additional revenue selling advertisement space. These ads promoted the sale of army rations, stoves, and services such as barbers and the latest theatrical production. The Döberitz Gazette earned its "international magazine" status by printing articles written by French, Russian, and Polish prisoners in their native languages. The seriousness of the enterprise is best represented by the editorial board's standard: "If you buy and are pleased, tell your friends. If not pleased, don't tell us."
From Aberdeen Press and Journal - Thursday 20 April 1916:
THE DAILY ROUND AT DOBERITZ.
Periodical Produced by Prisoners of War.
There has been received in Aberdeen from Doberitz Internment Camp, Germany, a copy of Number 1 of remarkable international monthly magazine, "The Doberitz Gazette," edited and published by prisoners of war. It consists of 36 8 vo pages, neatly printed on superior paper, the printer being Siegfried Scholem, Schonenberg, Berlin. The price is 3d per copy. Every article and illustration in the magazine is the work of prisoners of war. Five pages are devoted to advertisements, and several of these are very significant. For example, one whole page of the cover is devoted to an appeal for food. The wording is follows:
Tell your Friends to send you Maconochie's Army Rations--absolutely the Real Root.
This, of course, refers to the well-known and popular product Messrs Maconochie Brothers, Ltd., at their Kinnaird Head Preserving Works, Fraserburgh.
If you swop some boots for syrup. or scarves for coooa and milk, insert an advertisement in next issue. No Charge!
So runs an editorial note, and there should be a big demand for space at those generous rates.
Rival Barbers. Barbers seem to thrive at Doberitz. One advertises as follows:
What about shave, old man? This is a familiar cry, and can easily be set right by a visit tp Johnston, No. 2 Hut, Navy. Second to None.
Another tonsorial artist appeals for clients in the following terms:
Shave O! The Best Barber in the Camp is undoubtedly W. Bridson, Hut No. 2, West. Highest Personal attention given to each Customer. Every Comfort. Beard Trimming a Speciality. Charges Moderate. Give me Trial.Probably the most remarkable advertisement in this Easter issue is by a Swedish firm Aktiebolaget Optimus, of Sweden, who offer heating stoves, blow lamps, and soldering bits for petroleum and gasoline. "No Smell, No Smoke, No Soot." The closing sentence in this advertisement certainly reveals the enterprise of the Continental trader:
Ask immediately after the termination of the war for an Illustrated Catalogue and Price List,
The Editorial Staff. There are no fewer than five editors and one sub-editor. This necessitated owing to the cosmopolitan class of readers catered for. Fully 20 pages are devoted to the British section of the magazine, which is in charge of Mr. T. L. M'Croddan, assisted by Mr A. E. Baxter. The Art Editor is Mr C. A. Tooke, while the French Editor is E. E. Guesnu. The Russian section is in charge of N. Levitin, and the Polish Editor is Przysuski. Three pages suffice for the French readers, and similar number is allocated to Russia, while Polish readers have to be content with a single page!
The publishers hope that the "Gazette" will be of some service as a source of amusement to the camp at large, while providing a record of all the little items which go to make up the life of a "Gefang," also in providing an outlet for the literary and artistic efforts of such as have "the gift o' the gab," who can amuse their fellow prisoners by drawings, etc. The first number has been named the "Doberitz Gazette," but the second and subsequent issues will be published under name suggested by readers. A prize of 5 marks is offered to the reader who submits the most suitable title.
The contents of the opening issue are exceedingly interesting and admirably varied. There are the usual editorial notes, Letters to the Editor, and Answers to Correspondents. Six pages are devoted to sport, including boxing, football, cricket, and rifleshooting. There are Theatre and Concert Notes (illustrated), book reviews, Exchange and Mart column, Y.M.C.A. and Church Notes, Fun and Humour, Camp Pie, and Interviews with Camp celebrities. "How I Cured My Cold" is the title of a humorous article Tommy Blatchford.
A Popular Institution. The Rifle Club seems to be one of the most popular institutions in the Camp. The funds are managed Committed consisting of three British Sergeant- Majors and one Chief Petty Officer, one French non-com., and two Russians. Competitions are held at stated intervals, but the organisers have certain difficulties to contend with:
Up to the present, says a writer in the Magazine, two Prize Meetings have been held, and it is hoped to organise another as soon as the ban on " Lights Out" been removed. It considered impossible arrange for Shooting wihile every man has be in bed by 7.30 p.m., but it is hoped that this month will the Competition well under weigh again.The balance sheet the Club is published, and shows a revenue of £20 3d. The items expenditure are interesting. Evidently the Teuton gunsmiths are not particularly anxious to encourage sport among the prisoners war. Their charge for three airguns is 110 marks (£5 10s). For "ammunition" £2 10s was paid, and the exorbitant charge of £3 1s 6d is made for a supply of paper targets. Scrubbing brushes for the hut are entered at £1 6s, and over £2 is the cost of an electric lamp and fittings. The Club has still, however, a credit balance of over £5.
Amusing Extracts. The "Gazette" is brimful of original wit and wisdom, and a few brief examples may be given:
From Interviews with Camp Celebrities—Who. then, is this man who binds for us the sweet influences the Pleiades? is Private H Walklett, of the West Yorkshires, a clean, unaffected British Soldier, four square every wind that blows except the puff of praise. From that alone he shrinks. The man who can make two men laugh where one man wept before has claim upon our gratitude. The man who from the scattered fragments of musical talent in a mixed Camp can build so good a band as ours has laid upon rook the foundations a brilliant career.
From Football Notes.—On Friday morning on the "well-equipped ground" of the Doberitz F.O. a most exhilarating match was played between teams from the "Dug Out" (Subterraneans) and the Sergeant-Majors' Palatial Residence (Mediterraneans). ... Play was suspended for the passage of the "Mittag"Brigade, and on being resumed, "Tay Pay" from the shelter a lane of soup basins scored with a rattling good shot.
From Exchange and Mart Column.—Wanted (awfully badly!), a train ticket for London. Apply " Home Sick" or "Fed Up," Box 34, Hut 2.
From Answers to Correspondents.—All Scotch--No, Ben Nevis is not the highest mountain the world. This distinction belongs to Mount Everest. Patience.—There is no truth in the rumour that Prisoners of War are entitled to be sent home after 15 years.
The sender of this novel Easter publication is Seaman George Moore, R.N.D., whose relatives reside 70 Hutcheon Street, Aberdeen. R K. H.
Issue No. 2
In the press:
From the Eastborne Gazette, May 10, 1916:
 |
Issue No. 3
From Aberdeen Evening Express - Monday 25 September 1916:
"The Gazette." The "Doberitz Gazette." The third number of "The Doberitz Gazette"--a journal for prisoners of war by prisoners of war, published in Russian, English, and French —has made its appearance. Like its two previous numbers, this number of the "Gazette" is a comparatively bright production, and there is evidently a good of the Mark Tapley spirit in the camp, and the men make up their minds to jolly under any circumstances. The sketches illustrating "potted proverbs," by C. A. Tooke, the art editor, in theEnglish portion are decidedly clever. M. E. Day furnishes four amusing sketches, entitled "The Duff," surrounding a central vignette, '* Duff asmade by mother.'' The two verses. *A little bit from 'Blighty'." characterises the" Gazette" as "'a little bit homeland." It will be an interesting souvenir those in this country who have have friends in that camp, and no doubt they will endeavour to preserve the copies sent home pending the liberation of their loved ones.
[Note: Readers didn't do a good job pf preserving this "interesting souvenir." I haven't found a copy online! Available at some libraries.]
From Burton Observer and Chronicle - Thursday 16 November 1916:
BURTON PRISONERS IN GERMANY.
Local News and the Central Committee
Writing in relation to the Burton Prisoners of War Fund, Mrs.. Thomas says: I was delightfully surprised last Saturday to receive by the prisoner of war post from Germany, an illuminated certificate in recognition of my work on behalf of our men. It was awarded by the Editor of the "Doeberitz Gazette: (unknown to me), and the text is as follows: "1st October, 1916. This is to certify that Mrs. L. Thomas, 6 Rosliston Road, Burton-on-Trent. was awarded a box of cigars in the third number of the " Doeberitz Gazette" for looking after Jack and Tommy in Doeberitz.— (Signed) T. L. McCroddan. Editor."
The artist is, as usual, Cecil A. Tooke, R.N.D. My certificate is on view at the packing room; it has already received a considerable amount of attention, and it was fine to hear the juveniles who took the award in its literal sense, exclaim, " Whatever does she want with a box of cigars?" .
From Penistone, Stocksbridge and Hoyland Express - Saturday 17 March 1917:
LIFE AT DOBERITZ. Seaman Gerald Rispin, of Chapeltown, who is a prisoner ofwar at Doberitz in Germany, in a letter home says a certain amount of relaxation is allowed. and concerts are held at intervals. He was taken prisoner at Antwerp, after being shot in the leg. Seaman Rispin forwards a publication called the "Doberitz Gazette," which chronicles the little events in the life of the prisoners of war. Contributions in their own language are made by French and Russian prisoners. Seaman Rispin holds the position of postman at the camp.
[Note: Unclear which issue this report may have been about.]
In an article in the October 1917 issue of Munsey's Magazine, in an article about soldier's press and war humor, it was stated: "The hospitals and medical corps behind the lines are also rich in soldiers' papers; but there is a peculiar pathos in the journals from prisoners' camps. The Doeberitz Gazette, published by Allied prisoners in Germany, makes no reference whatever to the war."
Cecil A. (E.) Tooke
So the art editor of the Gazette was very busy with other art at camp, plus got post-war recognition. Probably can't link and show everything he did, but one very busy P.O.W.
CAMP MERRYMAKER.
A. S. Tooke, of Doeberitz, Awarded the 0.B, E. Medal.
MAN OF ALL AMUSEMENTS.
The splendid work done by some of our prisoners of war in Germany in promoting the welfare of their comrades has now been officially rewarded.
It is announced in a special supplement of the London Gazette that C.P.O. G. R. Munday, R.N.V.R., O.N. (London), and Able Seaman C. E. Tooke, R.N.V.R. (London), have received the medal of the military division of the O.B.E. for this very excellent service.
As entertainment director Tooke helped to build up the Doeberitz Empire, designed and painted the scenery, made the dresses out of all sorts of odds and ends, and wigs out of unravelled rope.
He stage-managed the performances, designed the bills and programmes, arranged all the mechanical effects, and produced up-to-date sketches
He was art editor of the Doeberitz Gazette, and followed this up by being mainly instrumental with the Link--the souvenir book of the Doeberitz Camp.
He worked hard as librarian to increase the meagre stock of books, while his duties as chief of the fire brigade of the British section of the camp provided him with many incidents, which he humorously depicted in his drawings for the Gazette and the Link.
From Boston Guardian - Saturday 22 February 1919:
ARTIST AWARDED THE O.B. E.— Able-Seaman C. A. Tooke, R.N.V.R., has been awarded the medal of the Order of the British Empire, for service to his comrades, during four years as prisoner of war at Doeberitz Camp. Mr. C. A. Tooke is an artist of no mean ability. Prior to the war, he specialised in illuminated addressee and posters. During his internment, he was art editor of several magazines which the prisoners were allowed to have published. Featuring among these were “The Link.” and the “Doeberitz Gazette,” both which they were allowed to send home to their friends in England. Mr. Tooke also designed a special postcard, depicting the Coat-of- Arms of the prison camp, and this reproduced has been sold in large quantities in England, in aid of the Prisoners of War Bread Fund. Mr. C. A. Tooke is a nephew Mr. T. B. Tooke, of Argyle-street, Boston. His photograph recently appeared in one of the illustrated Sunday newspapers.
In addition, Cecil A. Tooke is credited with having designed the following medal.
A description of the medal follows from the Australian War Museum, but not sure how it got associated with Associated with the service of 5385 Second Corporal Arnold Blanston Mason, as the Museum doesn't indicate that he was ever held at Doberitz.
Round silver badge with an enamelled blue and white 'coat-of-arms' designed by British prisoner of war, Cecil A. Tooke, of the Royal Naval Division. The crossed pick and shovel means that the N.C.O.'s (non commissioned officers) were being made to work. The bowl with steam rising from it means that all the meals practically consisted of hot water. The three bullets represent 3 men who were shot inside the camp for trivial offences (one for trying to get a second issue of soup). The man tied to stake shows a favourite form of punishment by the Germans. Surrounding the coat-of-arms is blue mantling. Written below in a scroll is 'DOEBERITZ ALWAYS MERRY AND BRIGHT 1914-15.' The motto seemed to blind the Germans to the meaning behind the 'coat-of-arms'. The badge is attached to brown paper by a pin on the back. The badge has a card backing and is mounted in a copper coloured tin frame with a floral pattern.
This design is the same crest that was placed on cards he made. He created a set of eight postcards which were used by prisoners to write home:
But, he appears to also have created some postcards used by the non-English prisoners at Doberitz:
In addition, he was the subject of a painting by the German artist Arthur Kampf (see also this story):
Photographs
(The ICRC published a series of postcards illustrating its work as well as life in camps and hospitals during the First World War.)
Döberitz, Brandenburg, Germany. Inside a kitchen (ICRC, Germany, n°18):
Döberitz, Brandenburg, Germany. English prisoners of war returning from work (ICRC, Germany, n°1)
From page about one British prisoner (Tom Oxley):
Work detail setting off for the day
Last day of camp.
wounded and sick of Lazarett going to the camp kitchens to collect the soup.
From footnote in book about French combatants at Moselle. "On the contrary Charles Metrich was born on June 27, 1890 in Aboncourt-sur-Canner, joined the 261st Infanterie-Regiment, died of his wounds at the lazaretto of Döberitz in Berlin on October 1, 1918."
Döberitz (Doeberitz) est un camp de prisonniers situé à l’ouest de Berlin, disposant d’un lazaret (hôpital). Il semble avoir retenu en captivité de nombreux soldats d’origine anglo-saxonne. Il accueillait des prisonniers français, russes, anglais, roumains et italiens, ainsi que des civils déportés. Il existait un journal interne "Döberitz Gazette" et le responsable fut l'Oberstleutnant Alberti. Les prisonniers travaillaient surtout dans le complexe minier Erika.
[Döberitz (Doeberitz) is a prison camp located west of Berlin with a lazaretto (hospital). He seems to have held captive many soldiers of Anglo-Saxon origin. It received French, Russian, English, Romanian and Italian prisoners, as well as deported civilians. There was an internal newspaper "Döberitz Gazette" and the manager was Oberstleutnant Alberti. The prisoners mostly worked in the Erika mining complex.]
Easter Greetings postcard (1918). Sold at auction.
Ambassador Gerard
From The Houston Post Houston, Texas 09 Sep 1917, Sun • Page 14, article by James W. Gerard, American envoy to Germany. Serialized Ch. XXXVI "German ill-treatment of prisoners of war" from his book "My Four Years in Germany." No mention of the camp in the article, but other parts of his book mention it:
"On August twentieth I paid my first visit to a German prison camp. This was to the camp at Doeberitz situated about eight miles west of Berlin, a sort of military camp with permanent barracks. Some of these barracks were used for the confinement of such British civilians as the Germans had arrested in the first days of the war. There were only a few British among the prisoners, with a number of Russian and French. I was allowed to converse freely with the prisoners and found that they had no complaints. As the war went on, however, a number of British prisoners of war were taken by the Germans during the course of the great retreat of the British in Northern France. Then officers and privates began to come into Germany and were distributed in various camps. Finally, in the autumn of 1914, the British Government decided on interning a great number of Germans in Great Britain; and the German government immediately, and as a reprisal, interned all the British civilian men who, up to this time, had enjoyed comparative freedom in Berlin and other cities of the Empire. The British civilians were shut up in a race track about five miles from the centre of Berlin, called Ruhleben. This race track in peace times was used for contests of trotting horses and on it were the usual grandstands and brick stable buildings containing box stalls with hay lofts above, where the race horses were kept."
...
"The first privates, prisoners of war, came to the camp of Doeberitz near Berlin. Early in the war Mr. Grew, our First Secretary, and Consul General Lay visited the camp for officers at Torgau. The question of the inspection of prisoners of the camps and the rights of Ambassadors charged with the interests of hostile powers was quite in the clouds. So many reports came to Germany about the bad treatment in England of German prisoners of war that I finally arranged to have Mr. Jackson visit them and report. This was arranged by my colleague, our Ambassador to Great Britain, and in the first winter Mr. Jackson made his trip there. His report of conditions there did much to allay the German belief as to the ill-treatment of their subjects who were prisoners in Great Britain and helped me greatly in bringing about better conditions in Germany. After vainly endeavouring to get the German government to agree to some definite plan for the inspection of the prisoners, after my notes to the Foreign Office had remained unanswered for a long period of time, and after sending a personal letter to von Jagow calling his attention to the fact that the delay was injuring German prisoners in other countries, I finally called on von Bethmann-Hollweg and told him that my notes concerning prisoners were sent by the Foreign Office to the military authorities: that, while I could talk with officials of the Foreign Office, I never came into contact with the people who really passed upon the notes sent by me, and who made the decisions as to the treatment of prisoners of war and inspection of their camps; and I begged the Chancellor to break down diplomatic precedent and allow me to speak with the military authorities who decided these questions. I said, "If I cannot get an answer to my proposition about prisoners, I will take a chair and sit in front of your palace in the street until I receive an answer.""
...
...
"In the beginning of the war the Germans were surprised by the great number of prisoners taken and had made no adequate preparations for their reception. Clothing and blankets were woefully wanting, so I immediately bought what I could in the way of underclothes and blankets at the large department stores of Berlin and the wholesalers and sent these to the camps where the British prisoners were confined. I also sent to the Doeberitz camp articles such as sticks for wounded men who were recovering, and crutches, and even eggs and other nourishing delicacies for the sick."
...
"Cases came to my attention where individual corps commanders on their own initiative directed punitive measures against the prisoners of war in their districts, on account of the rumours of the bad treatment of German citizens in England. Thus the commander in the district where the camp of Doeberitz was situated issued an order directing reprisals against prisoners under his command on account of what he claimed to be the bad treatment of German women in England. It required constant vigilance to seek out instances of this kind and cause them to be remedied."
...
" I know on one occasion when I was at the camp at Doeberitz, the camp commander gave me his schedule of food for the week. This provided that soup with pieces of meat was to be given on the day of my visit, but on visiting the camp kitchen I found that the contractor was serving fish instead of meat."
Sidney Godley.
From Wikipedia; "Originally it was thought that he had been killed, but some time later it was found that he was a prisoner of war in a camp called Delotz at Dallgow-Döberitz. It was in the camp that he was informed that he had been awarded the Victoria Cross. Godley left the camp in 1918 after the guards fled their posts. He received the actual medal from King George V, at Buckingham Palace, on 15 February 1919."
Library access:
Cambridge University (access required). Has all 3 issues.
North Carolina State University online (limited)
University of Illinois online (limited to UIUC affiliates).
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