Trying to find information about Klaus Helmut PRETZER

In the years after the end of WW-2, we were living in Celle, Krahenberg 45. The area (Luenburg) was ruled by British Army of Occupying forces. Because of his knowledge of English language, my late (German-) father was employed by the British Army. In 1951/1952 he was  arrested by Military Police. The offence is not clear to me or my family. All efforts to get information in Germany were in vain. His name is not in the records of the APC , Glasgow. His full name: Klaus Helmut PRETZER, d.o.b. 22-07-1926 in Lyck.
I'm desperately looking for any information about the time he has been employed by the British army and why he was arrested. Where could he have been imprisoned by the M.P. ?
All info and possible leeds are welcome.
Kind regards,
Renate Martin - Pretzer.
Eitorf , Germany.
( Any information about the kind of uniforms ?)

633 MCTG was at Celle and the dress/uniform reminds me of the style of German drivers at Sennelager and waiting at RAF Gütersloh!


At the end of World War II, the Allies were faced with the daunting task of administering their respective Occupation Zones. To assist in this task, a number of Transport units were formed from prisoners of war. They were called 'Dienstgruppen' (DGs). Initially, the personnel in these units wore their German Army uniforms, but in July 1947 these were replaced by a dark-brown battledress. Later in that year, a redesignation to the German Civilian Labour Organisation (GCLO) took place.



The units were used on practically any task, but in the main supported major BAOR exercises, using a wide variety of American, ex-Germany Army, Canadian and British Army vehicles. Amongst the many undertakings of this difficult period was the Berlin Airlift. GCLO Transport Units provided the vital links between supply depots, railheads and the airfields. The enthusiasm with which the GCLO workers supported the West German end of the Airlift operation is something which all who witnessed it will never forget.


In October 1950, a further reorganisation was undertaken, and retitling to the German Service Organisation (GSO) took place. At the same time the number of groups was gradually reduced, mainly by amalgamation. In 1957 the GSO Transport Units became Mobile Civilian Transport Groups (MCTGs), taking the same numbers as their predecessors.

Rena,

As far as I know! All personal files/details, if any exist ? Are locked away until 2027 ie. 75 years after possibly Court Martial.

I am not 100% sure! I have read that if a person is involved in a Court Martial . Then they are personally allowed to read the file after a time of X years.????

Would a German National be required to attend a Court Martial? Even as a witness?


Regards
Alan

Courts Martial etc


As far as I can see after 1949 the Military Police had no direct jurisdiction over German civilians even those working for the British Forces. They had power of arrest inside camps and could/would escort the accused to the front gate for pick up by GCP.

A court martial is a court convened to try an offence against military discipline, or against the ordinary law, committed by a person in one of the armed services. Courts martial were also used to try civilians when martial law was in force.

German Nationals have been summoned to attend Courts Martial as witnesses or to give evidence (as Key or Document custodians) - the Joint Services Liaison Organisation activated this function through Länder German Police offices.

Adding my question to this forum has had a never expected impact. I owe the members a great debt of gratitude. Little by little pieces of the puzzle are falling in place.