Amid the chaos of World War II, there are stories that don’t make the headlines but still capture the indomitable human spirit. One such tale unfolded in Stalag Luft I, a German POW camp near the town of Barth on the Baltic coast — and at the heart of it was my grandfather, 2nd Lt. Stanley M. Johnson of Port Allegany, PA.
Stanley was an American airman shot down over France and captured by German forces. Interned at Stalag Luft I, alongside thousands of other Allied prisoners, life in the camp was bleak as fear and hunger was a daily enemy. His diary, written on scraps of paper and cigarette wrappings, told stories of constant survival and search for food as supplies were cut off. But in the midst of these conditions one story stood out and became know as "The Bet at Barth".
Some accounts of this bet found online are erroneous, here is what really happened. This bet, now legendary among those who know the lore of the camp and enshrined in a hand drawn picture, was made by Johnson as Christmas 1944 was fast approaching. The increasing numbers of bombers and fighters appearing overhead brought hope to the war’s end and their freedom. The prisoners began talking of being home for Christmas but not all were as optimistic. In an exchange with my grandfather, 2nd Lt. Richard D. Stark exclaimed “If we aren’t home by Christmas, I will kiss your ass before the whole group formation right after head-count on Christmas morning.” The bet was on.
On Christmas morning and still imprisoned, the soldiers lined up for formation and the Germans performed the daily head count. Instead of breaking formation and returning to the barracks every man stayed as the two betting men went into the shelter and returned with a bucket of water and a towel. Stanley Johnson marched to the front of the formation, turned his back toward the assembled troops and guards, pulled down his pants and stooped over. Richard Stark took the towel, dipped it in the soapy water, washed Stanley's posterior, then bent over and kissed his opponent on the rear! A cheer went up from over 2,000 men and even the guards joined in the fun.
This story illustrates how in the worst of circumstances the human spirit can still shine, but also a reminder of the sense of humor of my Grandfather.
These prisoners would see the next Christmas back home and liberated from the Germans when the Allies defeated the Nazis in WW2.
The post image and this story can be found in the book "Fighter Pilot - Aleutians to Normandy to Stalag Luft I " by Mozart Kaufman.