Thank you for this amazing video. I was on a zoom call last night with some of my friend from high school. We all went to this school in the 1990's. All of a sudden this came up on my Facebook. Weird how that happened. I met some of those German Officers in 1994 when them came for tour 50 years later . They all said they where so lucky to be here. I believe Hans Kretschmer stayed in Bowmanville. There where tunnels under the camp.
I've heard about the tunnels under the camp. Would love to see them. Very, very cool that you met some of the German officers who had been here. Such an interesting story, and it's sad that it's being lost to time. Have you been to the Camp 30 museum yet? I plan to go this summer.
St. Stephen's graduate, huh? I went to the old Bowmanville high school on Liberty Street from 1985-1990. Had a couple of acquaintances that went to St. Stephen's.
Man, it's been 6 years since I've visited the camp. When I went it was pitch dark so it's super cool seeing it in the daylight. And your video was super informative/interesting! I was able to show my friends about the camp and the history behind it. Thanks!
Thank you for presenting this piece of forgotten Canadian history. It's no wonder many Canadians are ignorant of their history--good or bad--from the education system. Every now and then, I stumble across videos like this that that take me aback and think, "That's amazing."
I went to elementary school there in the late 90s, for grade 7 and 8. Every building was intact. Thanks for the history lesson! Knowing all this now would have tripped me out while I was there.
Many prisoners “escaped” at the end of the war. They had no desire to leave Canada after they had been treated so well here. Many started families and lived out their lives here.
I know. It’s kind of infuriating that this stuff isn’t taught in school. Such a wonderful price of Canadian history - right in our own backyard, yet totally ignored by ours schools
@@ObscuristTourist It really is infuriating. Sadly, not the first instance this has happened, nor the last. So many things buried. Currently, I'm researching Canada during the Great Depression and it's hella hard to find information, but that requires a chapter of it's own to discuss why. Sigh.
Thanks for this video. My father was a Luftwaffe Oberleutnant sent to the Bowmanville prisoner of war camp during 1941. Never knew what the camp looked like, as my father never seemed to have any photos.
I was born and raised in Bowmanville. The recreation dep't gave most school kids swimming lessons in the indoor pool. The German POWs would walk a mile to Lake Ontario without guards. They had given their word as German officers to return. Most of the Germans said they had never eaten so well in their lives. They had 10 acres of rich farmland for cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens, and most fruit and veg. Many came back to Canada after their release. They used to hold reunions of over 600 in Canada and invite the Canadian Ambassador.
I had no idea that St. Stephens use that site. When we moved here, it was a private school. My son placed soccer there a few times when he was little. At some point one of the private school teachers (or the headmaster, I cannot remember) was murdered by a student. After that it closed. It was bought by another group, but never developed and fell into disrepair. It is hard to believe how quickly it came to ruin. I had no idea when we moved here that it used to be a POW camp.
Yes That's correct Kitchener old name was Berlin. It was changed during the first World War. The 1st and 2nd World War history is so interesting and how it effected our little town in Ontario
Since you mentioned the Stephenson high school that I am not familiar with then I find it incumbent of me to speak for the young boys and girls who were abused by the staff of the Ministry of Correctional Services prior to the closure of Bowmanville Training School also known as Pine Ridge School. The Government of Ontario wants to pretend and forget the horror that they ignored and let happen to children between January 1, 1953 and its closure in 1979. Currently the Koskie Minsky LLP who was given the green light to move forward by the court on December 4, 2018 with the Class Action Suit against the Government of Ontario was Certified. As of May 26, 2022 a Trial Date has been set for September 2023. In closing the vast difference in how Nazi war criminals were treated compared to the suffering that was inflicted on children by the same Canadian Government is appalling and problematic. To all the boys and girls who passed through that front gate off of Lambs road I will never forget you how your lives were altered, God Bless You from a boy who was 13 and I am now 58. Bowmanville Training School Survivor 1977 - 1979.
butch .you are the first one I have seen post anything about that place.I was 12 turning 13 yrs.old when I was sent there in 1972 till sept.74 because I would not go to school, and was beat on regulary by the people that where paid to look out for us.I'm now 65 yrs.old and still have alot of bad memories of that place.The Ontario gov.is stll not willing to acknowlege the fact ,that they failed..... they keep putting the law suit off.More discussion for Sept.24 . Butch I hope you had a good life,after that place.Some of us weren't so lucky. K.Schuyler
According to Google, it was filmed at the Whitby Psychiatric Hospital. Yes Whitby Psych (Whitby Shores as it's now known) is quite close to the location of Camp X, as the crow flies. Actually Camp 30 isn't really a great distance away by the compass either.
The dream in WWII as an axis soldier was to be captured by Canadian soldiers. Our reputations preceded us, but also helped us because it worked the other way with axis countries treating us with respect when our soldiers were prisoners.
It was a well done video. If you ever finding yourself driving to Thunder Bay on Hwy 17 stop at Neys Provincial park not far past Marathon. That drive is worth it just for the spectacular scenery from Sault Ste Marie west to Thunder Bay and beyond. It is the site of a camp for more enlisted german soldiers. They have an excellent interpretive centre.
I’ve had my eye on that site since last summer, but have yet to make it up that way. Definitely this summer. But there isn’t much left of the camp from what I read? If that’s the one you’re talking of. Thanks for the heads up!
No, unfortunately not but the excellent interpretive Centre and staff paint a good picture. There are more abandoned camps between North Bay and Kap, but sadly most of the construction was wood and in that climate nothing much survives once abandoned. It’s cool to go though!
Interesting! Even Burwash prison held German POWs during WWII. Soldiers were held in cells while German officers were given vacant living quarters in the village.
My friends great grandfather owned a farm in the area. And escaped nazi committed suicide in his barn rather than freezing to death. His young grandfather was the one who discovered him doing his morning chores. The battle of Bowmanville is a point of pride for us as well. We kicked their buttons back into incarceration lol.
I also actually know people who were accused of an later exonerated on arson charges for the building burning. It was a popular hangout spot for rebellious kids back then. Most people now think it was done by the local government in an attempt to free up land for new sub-divisions or condos. As far as I know, nobody was ever convicted of it. Which is suspicious considering they destroyed a piece of important Canadian history.
go check out whitby sycs they got 1 original building left they tore down the rest when i moved here there was a morge under a manhole cove in the center of the buildings under the roads tunnles connected the basements they tore it down under espestous conditions tents and fences alot of spell check i looked into the manhole cover constrution name and dates no luck
someone had smashed the walls with sledgehammers i wasnt there but it was a childrens ward so im not without a range of emotion that tells me to shut up i dont know so my bad
Thank you for this amazing video. I was on a zoom call last night with some of my friend from high school. We all went to this school in the 1990's. All of a sudden this came up on my Facebook. Weird how that happened. I met some of those German Officers in 1994 when them came for tour 50 years later . They all said they where so lucky to be here. I believe Hans Kretschmer stayed in Bowmanville. There where tunnels under the camp.
I've heard about the tunnels under the camp. Would love to see them. Very, very cool that you met some of the German officers who had been here. Such an interesting story, and it's sad that it's being lost to time. Have you been to the Camp 30 museum yet? I plan to go this summer.
@@ObscuristTourist I had no Idea there was a Museum, that would be amazing to show my kids. Where is it?
St. Stephen's graduate, huh? I went to the old Bowmanville high school on Liberty Street from 1985-1990. Had a couple of acquaintances that went to St. Stephen's.
@@corinnelaking569 ss high scool your being honest right?
Holy hell, I think I remember you. I went there as well, but wasn't one of the popular kids lol.
Man, it's been 6 years since I've visited the camp. When I went it was pitch dark so it's super cool seeing it in the daylight.
And your video was super informative/interesting! I was able to show my friends about the camp and the history behind it. Thanks!
This channel should have so many more subscribers.
I like this a lot. 🤓
Thank you for presenting this piece of forgotten Canadian history.
It's no wonder many Canadians are ignorant of their history--good or bad--from the education system.
Every now and then, I stumble across videos like this that that take me aback and think, "That's amazing."
Thank you for the history lesson, I never new this existed so close to home,
No problem!!! There is a museum and tours of the property available, so you really should check it out!
I went to elementary school there in the late 90s, for grade 7 and 8. Every building was intact. Thanks for the history lesson! Knowing all this now would have tripped me out while I was there.
Many prisoners “escaped” at the end of the war. They had no desire to leave Canada after they had been treated so well here. Many started families and lived out their lives here.
Some of the camps were leisurely,Camp B70,or camp Ripples in New Brunswick,was the bad one.Visited in 68,more than 100 graves.
I had absolutely no idea this existed! I'm learning so many things from your channel! How did we not learn about this in school?!
I know. It’s kind of infuriating that this stuff isn’t taught in school. Such a wonderful price of Canadian history - right in our own backyard, yet totally ignored by ours schools
@@ObscuristTourist It really is infuriating. Sadly, not the first instance this has happened, nor the last. So many things buried. Currently, I'm researching Canada during the Great Depression and it's hella hard to find information, but that requires a chapter of it's own to discuss why. Sigh.
Thanks for this video. My father was a Luftwaffe Oberleutnant sent to the Bowmanville prisoner of war camp during 1941. Never knew what the camp looked like, as my father never seemed to have any photos.
Dieter...Saw your remark about Bowman POW camp. Very interesting observation about your father. May your mind be put at ease after all these years.
@@shirleybalinski4535 thank you for your kind words, Shirley.
I will certainly visit the camp once it will be opened as a museum.
I was born and raised in Bowmanville. The recreation dep't gave most school kids swimming lessons in the indoor pool. The German POWs would walk a mile to Lake Ontario without guards. They had given their word as German officers to return.
Most of the Germans said they had never eaten so well in their lives. They had 10 acres of rich farmland for cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens, and most fruit and veg. Many came back to Canada after their release. They used to hold reunions of over 600 in Canada and invite the Canadian Ambassador.
They experimented on humans there and locals. Hidden side. Actually same thing going on today that most of you have no clue.
Wow had no idea there was a nazi pow camp here in Canada, thanks for sharing this!
Otto Kretchmaer was there for 4 years.
I had no idea that St. Stephens use that site. When we moved here, it was a private school. My son placed soccer there a few times when he was little. At some point one of the private school teachers (or the headmaster, I cannot remember) was murdered by a student. After that it closed. It was bought by another group, but never developed and fell into disrepair. It is hard to believe how quickly it came to ruin. I had no idea when we moved here that it used to be a POW camp.
Another awesome video!
Thanks Danelle!!! Hope you’re taking care of Palm Springs for me. Hope to be there sooner than later. 😎
@@ObscuristTourist Let's meet up (when it's safe to)
My Grandfather told me also at this time Kitchener was actually named New Berlin, but the name was changed to Kitchener during the Nazi war
Yes That's correct Kitchener old name was Berlin. It was changed during the first World War. The 1st and 2nd World War history is so interesting and how it effected our little town in Ontario
That was during WW1
How to get inside it?
The access point change in the daily. It’s boarded up a couple times a week, but new access points are always made.
I Was In There For A Couple Of Years When It Was A Reform School Or Juvenile Detention Got Out In 1976 👈 🎥👀🤠🇨🇦
Oh wow. I bet you have some amazing stories from your time there. Do you believe they should restore this place or tear it down? Just curious.
You should visit B70 in New Brunswick.There was a large graveyard.
A friend told me about this as well, and next time I’m in NB I’ll check it out. Thanks!
Since you mentioned the Stephenson high school that I am not familiar with then I find it incumbent of me to speak for the young boys and girls who were abused by the staff of the Ministry of Correctional Services prior to the closure of Bowmanville Training School also known as Pine Ridge School. The Government of Ontario wants to pretend and forget the horror that they ignored and let happen to children between January 1, 1953 and its closure in 1979. Currently the Koskie Minsky LLP who was given the green light to move forward by the court on December 4, 2018 with the Class Action Suit against the Government of Ontario was Certified. As of May 26, 2022 a Trial Date has been set for September 2023. In closing the vast difference in how Nazi war criminals were treated compared to the suffering that was inflicted on children by the same Canadian Government is appalling and problematic. To all the boys and girls who passed through that front gate off of Lambs road I will never forget you how your lives were altered, God Bless You from a boy who was 13 and I am now 58. Bowmanville Training School Survivor 1977 - 1979.
I have heard nothing but horror stories about that place. Absolutely abhorrent.
butch .you are the first one I have seen post anything about that place.I was 12 turning 13 yrs.old when I was sent there in 1972 till sept.74 because I would not go to school, and was beat on regulary by the people that where paid to look out for us.I'm now 65 yrs.old and still have alot of bad memories of that place.The Ontario gov.is stll not willing to acknowlege the fact ,that they failed..... they keep putting the law suit off.More discussion for Sept.24 . Butch I hope you had a good life,after that place.Some of us weren't so lucky. K.Schuyler
thats weird whtby sycs is in a 30 k radius is camp x the place in the billy talent video try honesty?
simular architecture
is there any secret tunnels under the roads in that place as well?
same roof tiles as well
According to Google, it was filmed at the Whitby Psychiatric Hospital.
Yes Whitby Psych (Whitby Shores as it's now known) is quite close to the location of Camp X, as the crow flies. Actually Camp 30 isn't really a great distance away by the compass either.
@@corinnelaking569 looking at the building materials id guess same contractors
I live here and it was always known that we ,”Canadians “treated the POW’s extremely well
The dream in WWII as an axis soldier was to be captured by Canadian soldiers. Our reputations preceded us, but also helped us because it worked the other way with axis countries treating us with respect when our soldiers were prisoners.
I’m sure there is a few unmarked graves on the ground!
No doubt!
That’s a strange question at the beginning of your video. There are many many abandoned camps across the country.
Indeed. But, instead of addressing all of these camps, I thought I’d start the question off with just this one. 🙏
It was a well done video. If you ever finding yourself driving to Thunder Bay on Hwy 17 stop at Neys Provincial park not far past Marathon. That drive is worth it just for the spectacular scenery from Sault Ste Marie west to Thunder Bay and beyond. It is the site of a camp for more enlisted german soldiers. They have an excellent interpretive centre.
I’ve had my eye on that site since last summer, but have yet to make it up that way. Definitely this summer. But there isn’t much left of the camp from what I read? If that’s the one you’re talking of. Thanks for the heads up!
No, unfortunately not but the excellent interpretive Centre and staff paint a good picture. There are more abandoned camps between North Bay and Kap, but sadly most of the construction was wood and in that climate nothing much survives once abandoned. It’s cool to go though!
@@jimmhb1986 Whether it’s there still or not, I’ll still pay homage. Thanks again, Jim!
Interesting! Even Burwash prison held German POWs during WWII. Soldiers were held in cells while German officers were given vacant living quarters in the village.
Very interesting aid your country in safe posture now
My friends great grandfather owned a farm in the area. And escaped nazi committed suicide in his barn rather than freezing to death. His young grandfather was the one who discovered him doing his morning chores.
The battle of Bowmanville is a point of pride for us as well. We kicked their buttons back into incarceration lol.
I also actually know people who were accused of an later exonerated on arson charges for the building burning. It was a popular hangout spot for rebellious kids back then.
Most people now think it was done by the local government in an attempt to free up land for new sub-divisions or condos. As far as I know, nobody was ever convicted of it. Which is suspicious considering they destroyed a piece of important Canadian history.
Fun fact. There was a total of 10 camps in Ontario and 30 more in the other province's.
I’ve been meaning to visit them all, though not much left of the ones up in Northern Ontario. Sadly.
go check out whitby sycs they got 1 original building left they tore down the rest when i moved here there was a morge under a manhole cove in the center of the buildings under the roads tunnles connected the basements they tore it down under espestous conditions tents and fences alot of spell check i looked into the manhole cover constrution name and dates no luck
I gotta be careful I’m going there today
💖🌹❤
someone had smashed the walls with sledgehammers i wasnt there but it was a childrens ward so im not without a range of emotion that tells me to shut up i dont know so my bad