A Casualty of Post War
On April 27, 1946 with internees in Canada now returning to Europe, 28 year old POW Lt. Gunther Mohring committed suicide. He was found hanging in a copse of trees near the Buffalo Park Gates in the northern area of the camp. The lieutenant had written a note before leaving on his parole walk that day, indicating his intentions as he felt he had nothing left to live for. It is said he received a “Dear John” letter from his overseas sweetheart. Finding this too much to bear, having survived being imprisoned in this foreign country and so dependent upon his memories of his fraulein, he took his life.
After a German military funeral, Lt. Mohring was buried with military honors at the Wainwright cemetery. In 1971, Mohring’s body was exhumed and transferred to Kitchener, Ontario, as were the remains of any POWs who died and were buried in Canada during the war years. His grave marker is in the local museum in Wainwright.
Exodus of Prisoners
In February 1946 the first group of prisoners left Wainwright. Some POWs were placed on farms (not near Wainwright) to work prior to their return. Others were sent to England to await repatriation. Still others were returned directly to Germany.
On May 24, 1946, one year after the proclamation of peace was read to the prisoners, the camp spur line guided the final car of POWs away from Internment Camp 135.
Closure of Internment Camp 135
The sixth anniversary of the VGC was acknowledged but not celebrated on May 24 of 1946 due to the removal of the POWs that day. Orders to reduce the camp to nil strength by June 14 were received and disbandment procedures began immediately.
Collection and storage of ordnance stores were planned and work started on the enclosure with damages to the POW barracks reported as being minimal. Some of the personnel were notified of Overseas Escort Duty for mid June, others received re-posting instruction.
The last entry in the War Diary of Internment Camp 135, Wainwright was June 14, 1946 stating, “Weather clear and warm. Internment Camp 135 and No. 27 Company, Veterans Guard of Canada were reduced to “Nil” Strength.” signed by Lt. Col. W. Storm, Camp Commandant.
Thus ended another era of Camp Wainwright’s development, the camp now having several permanent structures and up to 160 square miles of training grounds. Its fate was yet undecided with only the Cattalo experimental farm and community pasture grazing utilizing the area. No military activity took place until 1947.
STRENGTHS: INTERNMENT CAMP 135
At Month End POW HQ Personnel
January 1945 523 35
February 769 41
March 766 not stated
April 1092 63
May 1090 64
June 1086 60
July 1068 61
August 1060 63
September 1060 78
October 1066 79
November 1066 99
December 1063 91
January 1946 1063 98
February 956 89
March 884 68
April 816 69
May nil 66
June nil nil