Treatment of Allied POWs during World War II: What Nazi Germany Did with Aryans

Introduction

During World War II, the treatment of prisoners of war (POWs) by Nazi Germany varied widely depending on their nationality, the political implications of their background, and even their perceived racial affiliation. While the general rule was to separate POWs by nationality, the nuances of this policy could be revealing, especially when it came to the treatment of individuals deemed as Aryan.

The Structure of POW Camps

POW camps run by Nazi Germany were organized in a military fashion, being managed by the three armed services: the Kriegsmarine (navy), Wehrmacht (army), and Luftwaffe (air force). These camps were separate from the concentration and death camps controlled by the SS. Despite this separation, the Gestapo and SS attempted to exert control and influence over the POWs, particularly during key events like the Great Escape from Stalag Luft III.

The Swiss Red Cross played an important role in overseeing the treatment of POWs. Generally, the German military was successful in resisting these attempts, maintaining a level of humane treatment for military prisoners. However, there were notable exceptions, such as the tragic case where the Gestapo was instructed to murder 50 recaptured escapees following the Great Escape.

Treatment of Allied POWs

A noteworthy distinction was the treatment of Allied prisoners. Western Allied prisoners, including Americans, British, Canadians, and others, were typically treated according to the Geneva Convention, although this did not prevent some inhumane actions. For instance, the Nazis often subjected Eastern Europeans, Slavs, and political enemies to harsher treatment and even imprisonment.

The Aryan Experiment within POW Camps

A more invasive and inhumane practice was documented regarding some American prisoners of war. Reports suggest that near the end of the war, as Nazi Germany faced increasing defeat, there were efforts to separate Jews from Aryans. The precise reasons and motivations behind these actions are unclear, but it is reported that some American Jews were subjected to experiments, nearly akin to the dark imagination of Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World."

Experiments and Treatment

Stories emerge of Nazi scientists performing cruel and inhumane experiments on these POWs. It is alleged that individuals were subjected to brain surgery, their DNA was extracted, and the rest of their remains were discarded in a cave behind a certain institute. This macabre practice would have been used to produce new, genetically modified Aryan soldiers, akin to Huxley's vision of a utopian and genetically engineered society.

Conclusion

The treatment of POWs by Nazi Germany during World War II was complex and multifaceted, with clear evidence of inhumane practices, especially towards those who were perceived as fitting the Nazi racial and ideological profile. Understanding these actions helps shed light on the broader horrors of the Third Reich and its terrifying experiments on human subjects.