Handmade Knife, c. 1942 to 1946
P20080023002

Between 1942 and 1946, Lethbridge’s population grew by upwards of 13,000 persons after the Federal Government decided to locate one of Canada’s largest prisoner-of-war (POW) camps on the north eastern outskirts of the City. The Camp’s internees were former German soldiers, including members of the Deutches Afrika Korps, downed Luftwaffe aircrew and captured Kriegsmarine sailors.

This knife was discovered by former City of Lethbridge Public Works Department employee Peter Gaetz. Gaetz was cleaning up part of the closed Camp 133 site in 1946 when he discovered this crudely constructed knife under a security fence near the Camp’s main gate on 5th Avenue North. It is presumed that the knife was constructed and planted by one of the Camp’s internees.

Donated by Peter Gaetz

Camp 133 Perimeter Fence, c.1942 to 1946
Collection of the Galt Museum & Archives, 20061071292-074