I have been fortunate enough to have recently corresponded with the daughter of one of the last Colditz veterans, Ralph Cowan.
Above. Ralph Cowen, Private, Kings Royal Rifle Corps, as drawn by Earl Haig.
Through our e-mails Lorraine and I have been able to piece together some information and pictures of Ralph which any Colditz enthusiast will be delighted to see. Some have rarely, if ever, been seen before.
In the ‘Men of Colditz’ section of this site there is a new ‘Individuals’ section of which Ralph’s is the first story. Please take the time to read Ralph’s story in his own words and enjoy his fantastic photos from Mooseburg & Colditz.
5 responses so far ↓
1 Brian Gauci // Apr 22, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Awesome….Wow, I love hearing about this stuff.
2 Mike Furlong // Apr 22, 2008 at 12:45 pm
A very interesting story indeed particularly as it is a view expressed by a non-commissioned rank on life in Colditz (and elsewhere). It must have been particularly difficult for these individuals to return to ‘normal’ life having been in what can only be described as ‘limbo’ during their captivity.
3 Ralph Cowen // Aug 26, 2009 at 7:30 pm
I too am Ralph Cowen of Jewish decent, This drawing and these pictures of Ralph Cowen look alot like my father and my grand father, both named Raphael Cowen. Our Family migrated here from Poland in the early 1800’s.
Somehow there maybe a conection here. All of my Polish Cowen (Ha-Cohen) family members were killed by the germans.
I have been raised a Roman Catholic but still have very strong feelings and take great pride about my Jewish roots.
My eldest son, Michael named his son, Aaron after our great ancestor, Aaron the biblical patriach of the line of Jewish priests.
I would like to know more about this Ralph Cowen.
4 Michael Booker // Jan 19, 2010 at 3:58 am
Gavin,
I would love to read the piece on the Barber of Colditz.
Michael
5 stephen ashwin // May 27, 2010 at 12:42 pm
My whole family has been interested in Colditz and it is great to see and hear about the story of the place. We all hope to get to the castle one day, before all the history is removed! I hope that others will look into this facinating place.
Leave a Comment