They were captured by the Germans and sent to Stalag Luft #6, Hyde Krug, East Prussia in March 1944. Richard recalled the bitter cold, commenting that they “almost froze to death”, and that there was hardly any food.

On July 14 they were moved by boat to Stettin, (a 24-hour ride by train). They were then handcuffed together and run at bayonet point in 90-degree heat - with dogs nipping at their heels. They were moved to a camp known as Kiefhilde, Stalag Luft 4.

Once more on January 30, 1945, Richard and Robert were moved by train in “40 &8” cattlecars on an eight day ride to Nuremberg, Stalag 8D. On the train ride, the guards never opened the box car doors. The POWs were cramped together with no water, no food, and no relief facilities.

Stalag 8D was lice-infested and the latrines were filthy. The men were starved, given only a piece of black bread and 2 1/2 cups of wormy soup every 2 or 3 days. Dysentery was rampant. The camp was near the marshaling yards, which were bombed day and night. The place shook from explosions, and Richard said their nerves were shot. The twins weighed only 100 lbs. each by that time.

On April 6, 1945, the Eggers and others were handcuffed together again and started on the way to Mooseberg, Stalag 7A. It was miserable. They arrived at Mooseburg nine days later on April 17, 1945. At that time, there were 35,000 assorted prisoners in the camp. The Eggers were to wait there for liberation.

At long last, on April 29th, 1944, P51’s flew over the camp and tipped their wings to tell the POWs that the moment of freedom had come. On that day, General Patton’s Third Army liberated the camp.