This photograph was one of several that we believe Denis Crooks took while away during the war.

Denis’ daughter, Maggie Clarke, has shared several photos he took in Camp 59 with me—which I will share here in upcoming posts.

I first assumed this photo was taken within the camp. It appears to be the inside of a storage tent, with bundles of blankets or clothing and a few mess kit items atop wooden stools.

On closer examination, there appears to be at least one rifle propped against the center post. An unattended rifle in a prison camp storage tent seems unlikely. Did Denis take this in North Africa before he was captured?

At any rate, there is something beautiful—and a bit haunting—about this intriguing image.