A deeply moving letter sent from a prisoner transit camp in Nazi-occupied Belgium, written to a father desperately searching for his son, who had been captured by the Nazis. The letter, dated June 29, 1940, was sent from a POW transit camp in the Fourmoulle area, just a month after Belgium fell to the Nazis. It was written by a man named J. Hiel, who appears to have been responsible for processing prisoners. The letter was addressed to Mr. S. François, residing at 51 Bodson Street, Chênée, Belgium (now part of the city of Liège). In the letter, Hiel informs the father that he saw his son at the camp while inspecting “hundreds of newly arrived prisoners” and that his health was in good condition. However, he adds that the son is no longer in the camp, as he has already been deported to Germany. Hiel discourages the father from attempting to find his son or send him money, stating that it would be completely futile, but offers words of encouragement, expressing hope that his son will eventually return home.
“Fourmoulle, June 29, 1940
Sir,
I received your letter… from June 1940 this morning, as well as the two others, and I thank you for them.
I can assure you that your prisoner is not injured—that is all I know. When I passed through the base yard,
another prisoner asked me if I could write to his wife to let her know that he was safe and sound. Then François asked me if I could write for him as well. After that, I did not see him again, as there were hundreds of prisoners. New arrivals had to be processed, and others were leaving. A day or two after I spoke with Mr. François, the convoy he was in also departed. I do not know where—perhaps to Germany… I spoke again with a gentleman who had returned from Trier. Sir, it would be completely futile to try to locate Mr. François to deliver him money—it would be impossible! One day he will return home—if not this week, then the next—but you must be patient. Sir, you know that he is in good health, and that is what matters most.
Hoping that your son will return soon, I express my highest regards.
Désiré Priel
Station 22
Fourmoulle”
[2] pages. Includes the original envelope in which the letter was sent, with the Belgian stamp. The envelope bears the handwritten note: “Reçue le 8 Juillet” (“Received on July 8”).
Very good condition.
