Work Camp  Frantschach

Location: Frantschach St. Gertraud

Type of work: Paper factory

Man of Confidence: Unknown

Number of Men: 16 approx.

Known to be present

Frantschach group

In the above photograph, Doug Nix is kneeling, far right, in the white vest and braces, Ernie Knight is standing behind him and Frank Morris is crouching, far left.

The following is an extract from the story of Doug Nix, Gnr, 2/1 Fld. Rgt., AIF.

Doug’s first “arbeitskommando” (work camp/labour camp) was a paper factory in Frantschach St Gertraud.  He was moved there in early 1942.  The work at the factory involved moving logs and different types of factory work.  It was during this time that Doug attempted to burn down the factory.  It would have been a success if not for the flames being seen by an Austrian worker on a cigarette break.  Arson was suspected and the Gestapo were called in to investigate.  This incident is recorded in Howard Greville’s book “Prison Camp Spies”.  Doug was suspected of involvement but no proof could be found at the time.  However, a few years later the German’s eventually caught up with Doug with evidence against him for sabotage.

Some of Doug’s mates during this time include George Rushton (2/12^th Bn) from Tasmania, John Tasker (4^th Queen’s Own Hussars) and an Englishman with the surname Oakes (RAVC) (probably F. Oates, Pte, RAVC, POW 105).

Also, during his time at the paper factory, Doug and two other POWs escaped and jumped a train (not knowing where it was heading).  As it turned out it was on route through Italy.  They got off just short of Trieste and hid in the bushes.  They eventually walked into town at night looking for food.  Unfortunately, they were unaware that a curfew was in place and they were picked up by the Italian Police.  They were questioned and returned to Stalag XVIIIA and given 21 days bread and water in solitary confinement.  However, they, like others in their predicament, did manage to get a little more (e.g. cigarettes) through the ingenuity and sleight of hand of other prisoners.