Photos are of what has been passed down to me as the shaving kit my grandfather used while in a Burma Prison Camp during WWII. He scratched some camp (KAMP) information on the back of the kit. If anyone has any idea what any of this might mean, please let me know.
Line by line the markings appear to read as follows:
CH.J.Spiessens (my grandfathers name is Christian)
STB No 113113
1E CONC.KAMP
T.M.I.
JULI 1942
It is only an assumption that this was scratched in the bottom of the shaving kit, while my grandfather was in prison camp, as this is what has been told to me. Nobody in my family has any information as to exactly what camp he was in etc other than I have been told he worked on the railway while being held in a Burma camp.
My grandfather was 27 when he joined the Royal Neth.Ind.Army, my mom believes that he was drafted. He was mobilized in Nov 10 1941 and was placed in prison camp after the surrendar of the Army at Java, he was a Prvt at the time. I have a document of his, written by the Ministry for Union Affairs that indicates he was held in Japanese camps at Tjimahi, Rangoon, Moulmian, Thanbuazayat, Burma, Siam but is not specific to which camp or camps exactly he was held, my mom just tells me Burma prison camps.
As for the shaving kit, I am told this is what my grandfather used, while in the prison camp although I find it hard to belive they allowed the prisoners to have razor blades??? The case and the cover are a mixed match, the cover possibly even made by my grandfather. The contents do not fit correctly as well so I'm guessing this is just a case that my grandfather scounged up someplace. The actuall razor is a Gillette, Made in England but I doubt that has any significants to the markings.
Any input to what the markings might mean would be greatly appreciated.
Russ & Son
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