Beecraigs, Prisoner Of War Camp
Prisoner Of War Camp (First World War)
Site Name Beecraigs, Prisoner Of War Camp
Classification Prisoner Of War Camp (First World War)
Alternative Name(s) Bromieknowles
Canmore ID 332971
Site Number NS97NE 336
NGR NS 990 755
NGR Description unlocated
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/332971
- Council West Lothian
- Parish Linlithgow
- Former Region Lothian
- Former District West Lothian
- Former County West Lothian
The construction of Beecraigs Loch, as a reservoir to supply water to Linlithgow, was undertaken by German prisoners of war in the First World War. German soldiers, other than officers and senior NCOs, could be put to work that did not directly further the prosecution of the war. The camp which must have housed them is not, however, included in the 1919 'List of Places of Internment' in Britain, its colonies and dominions.
The location is based on information from the Secret Scotland website, but a location nearer the reservoir would seem more likely.
Information from HS/RCAHMS World War One Audit Project (GJB) 22 October 2013.
Project (March 2013 - September 2013)
A project to characterise the quantity and quality of the Scottish resource of known surviving remains of the First World War. Carried out in partnership between Historic Scotland and RCAHMS.
Note (30 October 2013)
Information from the Linlithgow Central Water Committee 1915-19 suggests that the German prisoners were housed at a camp at Broomieknowes, below and to the E of the reservoir NT 01699 74353). Plans were submitted to expand the camp from 150 to 250 prisoners. The use of German prisoners was not successful due to a general unwillingness to work and there were withdrawn. Navies continued with the construction, and there were camped at Riccarton mill.
Information from RCAHMS (AKK) 30 October 2013.
