Other Losses

Other Losses
Author	James Bacque
Language	English
Publisher	Stoddart Publishing
ISBN	0-7737-2269-6
Pages	288

Other Losses is a controversial book by Canadian writer James Bacque, published in 1989. The book alleges that Allied forces under the command of General Dwight D. Eisenhower deliberately caused the deaths of approximately one million German prisoners of war (POWs) through neglect and mistreatment in the Rheinwiesenlager camps after World War II.

Background

The book is based on Bacque's research into the conditions of German POWs held by the Allied forces in the aftermath of World War II. Bacque argues that the deaths were not due to the chaos of post-war Europe but were the result of a deliberate policy by the Allies, particularly the United States, to reduce the German population.

Content

Bacque's thesis is that the Allied forces, particularly the United States Army, intentionally starved and mistreated German POWs in the Rheinwiesenlager camps. He claims that the U.S. Army reclassified the prisoners as "Disarmed Enemy Forces" (DEF) to circumvent the Geneva Convention, which would have required them to provide adequate care.

Evidence Presented

Bacque cites various sources, including:

• U.S. Army records and reports
• Testimonies from former POWs and camp guards
• Red Cross reports

He argues that these sources indicate a high mortality rate among the prisoners due to inadequate food, shelter, and medical care.

Criticism and Controversy

The book has been met with significant criticism from historians and scholars. Critics argue that Bacque's conclusions are based on misinterpretations of data and selective use of sources. They contend that the high mortality rates were due to the chaotic conditions in post-war Europe rather than a deliberate policy of extermination.

Prominent historians such as Stephen Ambrose and Albert Cowdrey have disputed Bacque's claims, arguing that the evidence does not support the thesis of intentional mass deaths.

Impact

Despite the controversy, "Other Losses" has sparked significant debate about the treatment of German POWs and the ethical responsibilities of occupying forces. It has led to further research and discussion on the topic, though the majority of historians do not support Bacque's conclusions.

Also see

• Rheinwiesenlager
• Disarmed Enemy Forces
• Geneva Convention
• Post-World War II occupation of Germany
• Dwight D. Eisenhower