Stanley W. testimony 1990

Stanley W. was born in Calgary, Canada on August 15, 1923. He describes the Jewish community and experiencing antisemitism in school. He discusses becoming aware of politics in Europe and the experiences of the Jewish people there. He describes his family. He recalls joining the Canadian army in 1941 and discusses his mobilization to Toronto where he was a private then a leading aircraftsman in the air force. He describes being stationed in Newfoundland and Manitoba. He describes being stationed in England. Stanley discusses his knowledge of certain events during this time and the lack of information about concentrations camps. He describes completing the Allied Control Commission course to prepare for the administration of occupied Germany. He recalls first meeting Ted Aplin, squadron leader in the RCAF. He describes being sent first to Koksijde, Belgium then Delden, Holland. He describes travelling to Celle, Germany as part of a disarmament group and witnessing the devastation of the countryside and displaced persons. He describes going to Bergen-Belsen camp after its liberation. He discusses how the prisoners were relocated nearby and how the camp was burned because of rampant typhus. He describes the development of the Belsen DP camp under the leadership of Josef Rosensaft. He recalls learning about the experience of survivors. Stanley discusses the British restrictions on Jewish immigration to Palestine. He describes helping Ted Alpin arrange aid and delivering parcels for displaced persons from the families of Canadian soldiers. He recalls facing opposition from senior officers and being transferred to Oldenburg. He discusses the treatment of German prisoners. He recalls the non-fraternization rule between Canadian troops and Germans. He describes the denazification program and search for SS members. He recalls speaking to an elderly German staff member who used to live in the town of Belsen. He describes attending war trials in Lüneburg. Stanley stresses the important role Ted Aplin played.