Red Rock Historical Society Launches WWII POW Camp Archive Online

The Red Rock Historical Society is digitizing the history of a World War II prisoner of war camp, thanks to a significant $60,000 grant from Parks Canada. This initiative aims to bring the story of Camp R, operational from July 1940 to October 1941, to a broader audience through an online archive. According to the society’s president, Brian Davis, the project is thrilling and holds great importance for the community.

Davis expressed enthusiasm about the focus on photographs and artifacts dating back to the 1920s through the 1940s. “At this particular time, we’re focusing on photographs that go back into the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s,” he stated, highlighting the historical significance of Camp R, which served as an internment camp during the war. The collection comprises items donated by residents, showcasing the shared history of this small mill town.

Camp R’s Role in Red Rock’s History

While the primary focus is on Camp R, the society is also documenting the history of the pulp and paper industry in Red Rock. Davis explained that construction camps were initially established for workers building the original pulp and paper mill. Following the outbreak of war, these camps were repurposed to house German prisoners of war and enemy merchant seamen.

According to the historical website POWSincanada.ca, Camp R was chosen as a suitable site due to the availability of empty construction camps after the local mill went bankrupt. “Red Rock was deemed an appropriate site because of the empty construction camps,” Davis noted. During this period, the historic Red Rock Inn was operational, providing accommodations for many camp officers and guards.

The camp ultimately closed in 1941 due to problematic conditions, described by Davis as “water issues.” Consequently, the remaining internees were transferred to various other camps in southern Ontario, including notable sites such as Camp 100 (W) – Neys and Camp 101 (X) – Angler.

Funding and Future Plans

The grant from Parks Canada, awarded through the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area, is allocated in two instalments. The first instalment facilitated the hiring of an intern to assist with the digitization of historical materials. Following the successful completion of the internship, the society qualified for the second instalment, which will fund another intern tasked with continuing the digitization process.

Davis indicated that the collection will be accessible online once the digitization is completed, a process expected to take a few more months. Residents interested in learning more about the digitization efforts, purchasing a membership, or volunteering can find additional information on the Red Rock Historical Society’s Facebook page.

This project represents a significant step towards preserving the local history and making it available to a wider audience, allowing future generations to connect with the past of Red Rock and its unique role during World War II.