Knockaloe Internment Camp torch
Date made: 1914-1918
Maker: unknown
Description: An early type of circular torch, and battery, from Knockaloe Camp, 1914-18. The maker's name, Magnill ...' appears to be Scandinavian. Diameter of case 3 1/2 inch.
During the First World War (1914-1918) the Isle of Man was used as an internment base for civilian ‘enemy aliens’. They were held in two camps, a requisitioned holiday camp in Douglas and a purpose built camp located at Knockaloe near Peel on the west coast of the Island. These held at their peaks over 4,000 and 23,000 men in some cases for nearly five years between opening in 1914 and final closure in 1919. Over 30,000 men passed through Knockaloe between 1914 and 1917, more than the population of Douglas. Other historic names referring to the camp include Knockaloe P.O.W. Camp, Knockaloe Prisoner of War Camp and Knockaloe Alien Detention Camp.
Measurements: overall: 9 cm
Materials: glass, metal
Object name: torch
Collection: Social History Collection
ID Number: 1967-0198
Subject tags : #WW1INTERNMENTMUSEUMCOLLECTIONS