During the First World War, Private Michael J. Boland served with the Ist Royal Newfoundland Regiment (Canada). He was wounded and captured on 14 April 1917 in Monchy-le-Preux and imprisoned in three different prisoner of war camps in Germany. Transferred to Switzerland on 27 December 1917, he spent time in the Interlaken Hospital. He received treatment for his wounds and was then transferred to Château d’Oex where he stayed in the Hotel Torrent.
Excerpt from e-mail received on 25 March 2016 from Shawn Boland, grandson of Michael J. Boland.
1 have attached some documents from Pop’s stay in Switzerland as well as a letter written home. There are also 2 excerpts from a notebook kept during the service time of Pop, his brother and his first cousin, of which Pop’s father was the writer. I have also added all relevant information sent to me by the ICRC.
You will see that Switzerland reminded Pop of home and he praised the attention given to him and his co-travelers.
Pop was captured at Monchy-le-Preux, along with a number of other Newfoundlanders, on April 14, 1917. He was shot by a sniper in the head and legs. I know this may not be much but I hope it can add even a little bit about the life of a soldier interred in Switzerland.
Pop: Michael J. Boland
1st Royal Newfoundland Regiment
#1148
POW April 14, 1917 to war’s end.
Documents and Photos
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