Pictures of German Female Prisoners of War in 1945

Despite many "wild rumors" about how the Allies treated their prisoners, some Germans were pleased to be captured by the British or Americans—fear of being captured by the Soviets was widespread—because they disagreed with Nazism or their nation's conduct of the war.

Life for the Germans in British POW camps was reportedly "firm but fair". These photographs below were taken by a member of the forces during their active service duties, documented everyday life of German female prisoners of war in 1945.

German female prisoners of war knitting in a camp for SS, Luftwaffe and civilian women prisoners at Vilvoorde on the outskirts of Brussels.

Lance Corporal E J Burck talking to German female prisoners of war during morning parade at a camp for SS, Luftwaffe and civilian women prisoners at Vilvoorde on the outskirts of Brussels.

German female prisoners of war outside their tented accommodation in a camp for SS, Luftwaffe and civilian women prisoners at Vilvoorde on the outskirts of Brussels.

British guards check on prisoners in a barrack block at a camp for SS, Luftwaffe and civilian women prisoners of war at Vilvoorde on the outskirts of Brussels.

Lance Corporal Jean Burck of New Malden, Surrey, applies first aid treatment to a prisoner at a camp for SS, Luftwaffe and civilian women prisoners of war at Vilvoorde on the outskirts of Brussels.

(Photos © Imperial War Museum)