Friedrich Biallas
Friedrich Biallas was
captured by British troops in December, 1943 in Italy. On the journey
to America aboard a Liberty ship, Biallas remembers seeing a lyric tenor, a
fellow captive who had once performed in the German opera circuit. The
show even attracted the allied guards, who paid to see with highly valued
cigarettes.
Biallas was first taken to Camp Atlanta in Nebraska, then
transferred to Camp Clarinda, Iowa, and finally to Camp Algona. There
Biallas helped pick asparagus and did other farm work. With his
earnings he purchased a violin at the exchange, and joined the camp
orchestra. Despite several encounters with poison ivy, Biallas'
experiences in the PW camps were generally positive, and he felt well
treated.