Sketch of German cross in POW Chapel

In his memories of growing up in Lydiard Park, Geoff Gough recalls his grandfather taking him inside the hut which served as a chapel for German prisoners of War.

'I think I was about eight years old when my Grandfather showed me inside the German Chapel that was a short walk opposite the rear of our hut. It had a porch and two double doors. As I walked inside with my Grandfather I saw that the chairs were just randomly spread around. What was surprising to me were that the colours that were all cream with red writing. There was a raised section at the far end on which stood the alter. Behind it the wall had large writing in bright red. I can remember ‘Jesus Christ’ in German but not any other words. There was a door to the side, presumably to the rear of the hut but I never went in there. It was so light after St. Mary’s. The item that I remember vividly was the cross. I had never seen one like it or indeed very few since. It was obviously handmade and possibly around 18 inches tall and had a three-layer plinth with the cross at the top. There was a circular piece of wood in front of the cross with just small parts of arms visible. There was red writing on it but I have no idea what it read.'

Geoff's grandfather Mr Harry Gough was the council's caretaker at Lydiard House. Geoff and his parents lived in the converted POW huts in the park.

See Items of Interest: Growing up at Lydiard by Geoff Gough