The number of POWs during World War 2 was substantial. Estimates suggest that there were approximately 5 million Allied POWs and 10 million Axis POWs during the war. The conditions for POWs varied greatly depending on the captors, ranging from adequate treatment and care to harsh and abusive conditions.
Some of the notable groups that were taken as POWs in World War 2 include:
1. British Commonwealth POWs: A large number of British troops, as well as soldiers from other Commonwealth countries such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and India, were captured by Axis forces during the war.
2. Soviet Union POWs: Millions of Soviet soldiers were taken as POWs during the war, particularly after the initial successes of the German invasion in 1941. The condition for Soviet POWs was often brutal, and millions died from starvation, disease, and mistreatment.
3. American POWs: American troops were also captured as POWs during the war, primarily in the Pacific theater against Japan. Notable examples include the Bataan Death March and the capture of Corregidor.
4. Japanese POWs: Allied troops captured a large number of Japanese soldiers as POWs, mostly in the latter part of the war as Allied forces advanced in the Pacific.
The treatment and experiences of POWs during World War 2 varied significantly depending on factors such as the location, the captors, and the specific circumstances. Some prisoners were treated in accordance with the Geneva Convention, while others faced harsh conditions and abuse.
The welfare and repatriation of POWs became a significant concern for the warring nations, and they were often the subject of negotiations and agreements during and after the war. Numerous international organizations and individuals also worked to provide aid and support to POWs.