Were there ethnic Poles in the Reichswehr?

[Pirx]

Hi Pirx,

How did the Germans treat Polish POWs captured in Italy and Western Europe?

Germany didn't recognise any form of Polish government and, as the Reich had annexed most of pre-war Poland, Polish prisoners taken in Allied uniform were presumably regarded by them as technically Reich subjects.

Cheers,

Sid.

Generaly not bad (especially after Stalingrad). Germans did not recognise any form of Polish goverment but Geneva convention was signed by Polish goverment, and Poland was member of Red Cross and Germans must accept this (USSR did not sign convention so their POWs were not protected). ManyPoles in Army on west had changed documents (names, birthplaces and age), to protect family.