Lt. Col. Martin W. Joyce Papers (Doc.1)
Document Type: Scrapbook Cover
Date: Unknown
Location: Unknown
Author: N/A Scrapbook by Lt. Col. Martin W. Joyce
Subject: Cover Image
Summary: This document is the cover for the scrapbook containing Joyce’s documents from Dachau and other parts of his service in various battles. This scrapbook is a rare collection of items, and the cover is an illustration of a windmill nestled within a typical town, or in a small village. We suspect that Joyce probably purchased this cover, which was designed by Easy Mount, and the illustration on front does not necessarily pertain specifically to the contents within.
Document Type: Scrapbook Cover
Date: Unknown
Location: Unknown
Author: N/A Scrapbook by Lt. Col. Martin W. Joyce
Subject: Cover Image
Summary: This document is the cover for the scrapbook containing Joyce’s documents from Dachau and other parts of his service in various battles. This scrapbook is a rare collection of items, and the cover is an illustration of a windmill nestled within a typical town, or in a small village. We suspect that Joyce probably purchased this cover, which was designed by Easy Mount, and the illustration on front does not necessarily pertain specifically to the contents within.
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Lt. Col. Martin W. Joyce Papers (Doc 2)
Document Type: Personal Letter (reply to doc. 3-4)
Date: March, 1947
Location: 21 Bertson Ave., West Roxbury, Massachusetts
Author: Martin W. Joyce
Subject: Peter van Gestel (Political Prisoner)
Summary: Joyce reports on a political prisoner Peter van Gestel (Reverend), who provided exemplary service in the Dachau prison camps, both in repatriating his countrymen (from Holland) and providing translations for American officers. Van Gestel, who was born July 10th, 1897, was a prisoner of the SS Division of the Dachau Camp starting in March, 1942. The Reverend was also chief interpreter at the Camp, and a pivotal member of the International Prisoners Committee. This letter is a response to Peter van Gestel’s request for a commendation so that he might make use of military trains and facilitate further movement in his travels.
Document Type: Personal Letter (reply to doc. 3-4)
Date: March, 1947
Location: 21 Bertson Ave., West Roxbury, Massachusetts
Author: Martin W. Joyce
Subject: Peter van Gestel (Political Prisoner)
Summary: Joyce reports on a political prisoner Peter van Gestel (Reverend), who provided exemplary service in the Dachau prison camps, both in repatriating his countrymen (from Holland) and providing translations for American officers. Van Gestel, who was born July 10th, 1897, was a prisoner of the SS Division of the Dachau Camp starting in March, 1942. The Reverend was also chief interpreter at the Camp, and a pivotal member of the International Prisoners Committee. This letter is a response to Peter van Gestel’s request for a commendation so that he might make use of military trains and facilitate further movement in his travels.
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Lt. Col. Martin W. Joyce Papers (Doc. 3)
Document Type: Letter to Joyce (page 1)
Date: Feb 25th, 1947
Location: Borgo Santo Spirito 5 Rome (address)
Author: Peter van Gestel (Reverend)
Subject: Request for a commendation
Summary: Peter van Gestel reports that he is traveling through Europe to assist the war-torn countries, because he has been elected as the Jesuits’ General Assistant for “so-called German regions”. Van Gestel writes this letter from Rome. He arrived there in September of 1946 for the Congregation to elect a New General Superior and Assistants for regions around the world. As part of van Gestel’s duties as General Assistant, he needs to travel through “Russian zones to Vienna and Berlin”. However, he first needs a visa to use one of the military trains that travels through Russian zones. So, in this letter van Gestel asks Joyce if he would be kind enough to send any papers or certificates showing that he commendably served in Dachau.
Document Type: Letter to Joyce (page 1)
Date: Feb 25th, 1947
Location: Borgo Santo Spirito 5 Rome (address)
Author: Peter van Gestel (Reverend)
Subject: Request for a commendation
Summary: Peter van Gestel reports that he is traveling through Europe to assist the war-torn countries, because he has been elected as the Jesuits’ General Assistant for “so-called German regions”. Van Gestel writes this letter from Rome. He arrived there in September of 1946 for the Congregation to elect a New General Superior and Assistants for regions around the world. As part of van Gestel’s duties as General Assistant, he needs to travel through “Russian zones to Vienna and Berlin”. However, he first needs a visa to use one of the military trains that travels through Russian zones. So, in this letter van Gestel asks Joyce if he would be kind enough to send any papers or certificates showing that he commendably served in Dachau.
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Lt. Col. Martin W. Joyce Papers (Doc. 4)
Document Type: Letter to Joyce (pg.2)
Date: Feb 25 1947
Location: Rome
Author: Father Van Gestel
Subject: Request for a commendation
Summary: Peter van Gestel reports that he is traveling through Europe to assist the war-torn countries, because he has been elected as the General Assistant for “so-called German regions”. Van Gestel writes this letter from Rome. He arrived there in September of 1946 for the Congregation to elect new Generals and Assistants for regions around the world. As part of van Gestel’s duties as General Assistant, he needs to travel through “Russian zones to Vienna and Berlin”. However, he first needs a visa to use one of the military trains that travels through Russian zones. So, in this letter van Gestel asks Joyce if he would be kind enough to send any papers or certificates showing that he commendably served in Dachau. In this second half of the letter, van Gestel provides his personal details: “Priest, born 10 July 1897 in Eindhoven, Neverlands, Dutchman. Was in Dachau from March 1942 till the end (memorable day of 29th April 1945”. Priest van Gestel ends his letter stating that he hopes to come home in March from Rome, and that he wishes Joyce and his wife the best.
Document Type: Letter to Joyce (pg.2)
Date: Feb 25 1947
Location: Rome
Author: Father Van Gestel
Subject: Request for a commendation
Summary: Peter van Gestel reports that he is traveling through Europe to assist the war-torn countries, because he has been elected as the General Assistant for “so-called German regions”. Van Gestel writes this letter from Rome. He arrived there in September of 1946 for the Congregation to elect new Generals and Assistants for regions around the world. As part of van Gestel’s duties as General Assistant, he needs to travel through “Russian zones to Vienna and Berlin”. However, he first needs a visa to use one of the military trains that travels through Russian zones. So, in this letter van Gestel asks Joyce if he would be kind enough to send any papers or certificates showing that he commendably served in Dachau. In this second half of the letter, van Gestel provides his personal details: “Priest, born 10 July 1897 in Eindhoven, Neverlands, Dutchman. Was in Dachau from March 1942 till the end (memorable day of 29th April 1945”. Priest van Gestel ends his letter stating that he hopes to come home in March from Rome, and that he wishes Joyce and his wife the best.
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Lt. Col. Martin W. Joyce Papers (Doc. 6)
Document Type: Letter
Date: Dachau, Dnia 8 maja 1945 r.
Location: Dachau
Author:Ks. Dymarski Franciszek
Subject: Polish Military Chaplains
Summary: Polish military chaplains follow their military into concentration camps. These chaplains were then rounded up and sent to the Buchenwald Concentration camp. At Buchenwald, the Chaplains were forced to learn camp songs and perform strenuous exercises daily. Sometime after 1941, these priests were sent to Dachau, where they joined 1500 other Polish priests. Many died there before the camp was liberated.
Document Type: Letter
Date: Dachau, Dnia 8 maja 1945 r.
Location: Dachau
Author:Ks. Dymarski Franciszek
Subject: Polish Military Chaplains
Summary: Polish military chaplains follow their military into concentration camps. These chaplains were then rounded up and sent to the Buchenwald Concentration camp. At Buchenwald, the Chaplains were forced to learn camp songs and perform strenuous exercises daily. Sometime after 1941, these priests were sent to Dachau, where they joined 1500 other Polish priests. Many died there before the camp was liberated.
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Lt. Col. Martin W. Joyce Papers (Doc. 7)
Document Type: List of Persons (accompanies doc. 6?)
Date: Dnia 8 maja 1945 r. (?)
Location: Dachau
Author: Ks. Dymarski Franciszek
Subject: List of Polish Chaplains
Summary: Listed here are the Polish military chaplains who were captured by the SS forces. These men were taken from the Rothenburg/Fulda camps to Buchenwald, and finally to Dachau.
Document Type: List of Persons (accompanies doc. 6?)
Date: Dnia 8 maja 1945 r. (?)
Location: Dachau
Author: Ks. Dymarski Franciszek
Subject: List of Polish Chaplains
Summary: Listed here are the Polish military chaplains who were captured by the SS forces. These men were taken from the Rothenburg/Fulda camps to Buchenwald, and finally to Dachau.
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Lt. Col. Martin W. Joyce Papers (Doc. 8)
Document Type: List of Persons (continued from Document 7)
Date: Dnia 8 maja 1945 r. (?)
Location: Dachau
Author: Ks. Dymarski Franciszek
Subject: List of Polish Chaplains
Summary: (continued from doc.7) Listed here are the Polish military chaplains who were captured by the SS forces. These men were taken from the Rothenburg/Fulda camps to Buchenwald, and finally to Dachau.
Document Type: List of Persons (continued from Document 7)
Date: Dnia 8 maja 1945 r. (?)
Location: Dachau
Author: Ks. Dymarski Franciszek
Subject: List of Polish Chaplains
Summary: (continued from doc.7) Listed here are the Polish military chaplains who were captured by the SS forces. These men were taken from the Rothenburg/Fulda camps to Buchenwald, and finally to Dachau.
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Lt. Col. Martin W. Joyce Papers (Doc. 9)
Document Type: List
Date: Dnia 8 maja 1945
Location: Dachau
Author: Ks. Dymarski Franciszek
Subject: Dates of death of Polish Military Chaplains
Summary: This list provides the dates of death of 24 Polish military chaplains in the Dachau concentration camp.
Document Type: List
Date: Dnia 8 maja 1945
Location: Dachau
Author: Ks. Dymarski Franciszek
Subject: Dates of death of Polish Military Chaplains
Summary: This list provides the dates of death of 24 Polish military chaplains in the Dachau concentration camp.
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Lt. Col. Martin W. Joyce Papers (Doc. 10)
Document Type: Report
Date: 8-5-1945
Location: Dachau
Author: Wolak Stanisaw, Priest of Capuchin Order Polish Committee
Subject: Biochemical Experimental Station in the Concentration Camp in Dachau
Summary: This document is a report made by Wolak Stanisaw and sent by the Polish Committee. Stanisaw explains his experience at the Biochemical Experimental Station in the Concentration Camp in Dachau He describes the injections used on him because of his great health coming into Dachau, but his weakness leaving the concentration camp.
Document Type: Report
Date: 8-5-1945
Location: Dachau
Author: Wolak Stanisaw, Priest of Capuchin Order Polish Committee
Subject: Biochemical Experimental Station in the Concentration Camp in Dachau
Summary: This document is a report made by Wolak Stanisaw and sent by the Polish Committee. Stanisaw explains his experience at the Biochemical Experimental Station in the Concentration Camp in Dachau He describes the injections used on him because of his great health coming into Dachau, but his weakness leaving the concentration camp.
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Lt. Col. Martin W. Joyce Papers (Doc. 11)
Document Type: Report
Date: 8-5-1945
Location: Dachau
Author: Wolak Stanisaw, Priest of Capuchin Order Polish Committee
Subject: Biochemical Experimental Station in the Concentration Camp in Dachau
Summary: This document is a report made by Wolak Stanisaw and sent by the Polish Committee. Stanisaw explains his experience at the Biochemical Experimental Station in the Concentration Camp in Dachau He describes the injections used on him because of his great health coming into Dachau, but his weakness leaving the concentration camp.
Document Type: Report
Date: 8-5-1945
Location: Dachau
Author: Wolak Stanisaw, Priest of Capuchin Order Polish Committee
Subject: Biochemical Experimental Station in the Concentration Camp in Dachau
Summary: This document is a report made by Wolak Stanisaw and sent by the Polish Committee. Stanisaw explains his experience at the Biochemical Experimental Station in the Concentration Camp in Dachau He describes the injections used on him because of his great health coming into Dachau, but his weakness leaving the concentration camp.
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Lt. Col. Martin W. Joyce Papers (Doc. 12)
Document Type: Letter, Request
Date: May-4-1945
Location: Dachau, Germany
Author: Lt. Col. Martin Joyce
Subject: Request for Disciplinary department to ask the former Raportfuhrer BOtcher questions
Summary: This letter is sent by Lt. Col. Martin Joyce to the President of the Disciplinary Department. Joyce requests to take part in the interrogation of the Bötcher, who according to the letter and prisoners was responsible for the mass murder of Czech Prisoners. It asks him who is responsible for the atrocities at Dachau.
Document Type: Letter, Request
Date: May-4-1945
Location: Dachau, Germany
Author: Lt. Col. Martin Joyce
Subject: Request for Disciplinary department to ask the former Raportfuhrer BOtcher questions
Summary: This letter is sent by Lt. Col. Martin Joyce to the President of the Disciplinary Department. Joyce requests to take part in the interrogation of the Bötcher, who according to the letter and prisoners was responsible for the mass murder of Czech Prisoners. It asks him who is responsible for the atrocities at Dachau.
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Lt. Col. Martin W. Joyce Papers (Doc. 13)
Document Type: Letter to Joyce
Date: June 4th, 1945
Location: Dachau Concentration Camp
Author: Arthur Haulot
Subject: Thank you letter
Summary: Arthur Haulot was the leader of the former Belgium prisoners at Dachau and President of the International Prisoners Committee (IPC). He thanks Joyce for his and the U.S. Army's help in the liberation of Dachau. Haulot states "thousands of prisoners are safe, free and going to be healthy again because of you [Joyce]. He expresses his heartfelt gratitude of the other 32,000 survivors as well, and wishes Joyce the best in his future endeavors.
Document Type: Letter to Joyce
Date: June 4th, 1945
Location: Dachau Concentration Camp
Author: Arthur Haulot
Subject: Thank you letter
Summary: Arthur Haulot was the leader of the former Belgium prisoners at Dachau and President of the International Prisoners Committee (IPC). He thanks Joyce for his and the U.S. Army's help in the liberation of Dachau. Haulot states "thousands of prisoners are safe, free and going to be healthy again because of you [Joyce]. He expresses his heartfelt gratitude of the other 32,000 survivors as well, and wishes Joyce the best in his future endeavors.
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Lt. Col. Martin W. Joyce Papers (Doc. 14)
Document Type: Letter
Date: June 1st, 1945
Location: Dachau Concentration Camp
Author: President of the German Anti-Fascist Committee
Subject: Thank you letter to Lt. Colonel Joyce for freeing Dachau
Summary: Thank you letter highlighting the 7th army’s liberation of Dachau and continued efforts working with the camp. Written as the “transportable Germans leave”, the President of the German Anti-Fascist Committee thanks Lt. Colonel Joyce for allowing the anti-fascist Germans to leave.
Document Type: Letter
Date: June 1st, 1945
Location: Dachau Concentration Camp
Author: President of the German Anti-Fascist Committee
Subject: Thank you letter to Lt. Colonel Joyce for freeing Dachau
Summary: Thank you letter highlighting the 7th army’s liberation of Dachau and continued efforts working with the camp. Written as the “transportable Germans leave”, the President of the German Anti-Fascist Committee thanks Lt. Colonel Joyce for allowing the anti-fascist Germans to leave.
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Lt. Col. Martin W. Joyce Papers (Doc. 15)
Document Type: Thank you letter
Date: June 22, 1945
Location: Freimann
Author: Rev. Canon Francis Jedwabski ((Dean of all Polish priests)) / Rev. Felix Malecki ((Assistant))
Subject: Thank you letter
Summary: Writing to Joyce, and thanking him for his work and acknowledging that he did everything in his power of getting the priests out of Dachau and transporting them to Munich-Freimann.
Document Type: Thank you letter
Date: June 22, 1945
Location: Freimann
Author: Rev. Canon Francis Jedwabski ((Dean of all Polish priests)) / Rev. Felix Malecki ((Assistant))
Subject: Thank you letter
Summary: Writing to Joyce, and thanking him for his work and acknowledging that he did everything in his power of getting the priests out of Dachau and transporting them to Munich-Freimann.
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Lt. Col. Martin W. Joyce Papers (Doc. 16)
Document Type: Letter
Date: May-16-1945
Location: Dachau
Author: Dr. Ali Kuci Chief of Press at the International Prisoner’s Committee, Information and Culture, Central Press Bureau.
Subject: Publication of a Reportage of Dachau
Summary: Dr. Ali Kuci sent this letter to Lt. Col. Martin Joyce to tell him about the report that the International Prisoner’s Committee will be publishing about the horrors and experiences of the Dachau Prisoners. The report is meant to show foreigners the tragic events at the camp. Kuci also gives Joyce or whomever “the reader” may be, the opportunity to see two orders given by Heinrich Himmler during the evacuation of the camp and the treatment of prisoners.
Document Type: Letter
Date: May-16-1945
Location: Dachau
Author: Dr. Ali Kuci Chief of Press at the International Prisoner’s Committee, Information and Culture, Central Press Bureau.
Subject: Publication of a Reportage of Dachau
Summary: Dr. Ali Kuci sent this letter to Lt. Col. Martin Joyce to tell him about the report that the International Prisoner’s Committee will be publishing about the horrors and experiences of the Dachau Prisoners. The report is meant to show foreigners the tragic events at the camp. Kuci also gives Joyce or whomever “the reader” may be, the opportunity to see two orders given by Heinrich Himmler during the evacuation of the camp and the treatment of prisoners.
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Lt. Col. Martin W. Joyce Papers (Doc. 17)
Document Type: Title Page
Date: 1945
Location: Unknown
Author: Unknown
Subject: Dachau
Summary: Introduction to the topic of the documents regarding the Dachau concentration camp.
Document Type: Title Page
Date: 1945
Location: Unknown
Author: Unknown
Subject: Dachau
Summary: Introduction to the topic of the documents regarding the Dachau concentration camp.
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Lt. Col. Martin W. Joyce Papers (Doc. 18)
Document Type: Letter
Date: January 20, 1944
Location: Unknown
Author: J.V. Dillon (Brigadier General, USA Provost Marshal General)
Subject: Prisoner transfer (North Africa)
Summary: Giving Major Martin W. Joyce the money that the prisoners are to receive. The 13, 000 francs is the money the prisoners of war are entitled to. Requesting that he undertakes the duty of giving the money to the prisoners, which is often used for entertainment, special benefits, and supplementary rations.
Document Type: Letter
Date: January 20, 1944
Location: Unknown
Author: J.V. Dillon (Brigadier General, USA Provost Marshal General)
Subject: Prisoner transfer (North Africa)
Summary: Giving Major Martin W. Joyce the money that the prisoners are to receive. The 13, 000 francs is the money the prisoners of war are entitled to. Requesting that he undertakes the duty of giving the money to the prisoners, which is often used for entertainment, special benefits, and supplementary rations.
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Lt. Col. Martin W. Joyce Papers (Doc. 19)
Document Type: Letter
Date: April 18, 1945
Location: Headquarters 6th Army Group
Author: H.H Newman
Subject: Functioning of Russian Liaison Officers
Summary: Asking officers to be aware that what they say could cause serious misunderstandings. Past casual conversations between Russian and American officers has been interpreted as propaganda and proselytizing.
Document Type: Letter
Date: April 18, 1945
Location: Headquarters 6th Army Group
Author: H.H Newman
Subject: Functioning of Russian Liaison Officers
Summary: Asking officers to be aware that what they say could cause serious misunderstandings. Past casual conversations between Russian and American officers has been interpreted as propaganda and proselytizing.
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Lt. Col. Martin W. Joyce Papers (Doc. 20)
Document Type: Letter
Date: April 18, 1945
Location: Headquarters 6th Army Group
Author: H.H Newman Subject: Functioning of Russian Liaison Officers
Summary: Asking officers to be aware that what they say could cause serious misunderstandings. Past casual conversations between Russian and American officers has been interpreted as propaganda and proselytizing.
Document Type: Letter
Date: April 18, 1945
Location: Headquarters 6th Army Group
Author: H.H Newman Subject: Functioning of Russian Liaison Officers
Summary: Asking officers to be aware that what they say could cause serious misunderstandings. Past casual conversations between Russian and American officers has been interpreted as propaganda and proselytizing.
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