Wilfred Ponsonby: a conjuror in captivity (Part 2)
In Part 2 of this three-part blog, captured British army officer and amateur magician, Wilfred ('Wilf') Ponsonby, a British army officer and amateur magician, boosts the morale of his fellow POWs as the camp's resident magician. Meanwhile, he plots four escapes, and almost makes it to Switzerland... Conjuring in captivity Morale boosting activity in Oflag IX-A/H (Spangenberg / Elbersdorf) was dominated by a rich variety of camp entertainment. “I remember we used to have a lot of theatricals in the camp and in what was our dining hall we made a stage for our plays.” Naturally, Ponsonby played a leading role in organising the shows. For example, he wrote the script for a production of Alice in Wonderland which the prisoners put on. Of course, when revues or variety bills were scheduled, he would step forward and do a turn as a magician. Ponsonby’s letters home would ask for clothing, extra food, books and games to be sent out to him. He also asked for magic pro...