8 Annas Clement Town; PoW Camps

Clement Town, near Dehra Dun in the United Himalayan foothills, held Italian prisoners of war captured primarily in the North African and East African campaigns. Internal camp currencies like this 8 Annas note functioned as scrip within the canteen system — a deliberate British policy to prevent POWs from accumulating usable currency that could aid escape attempts. The denomination in annas is worth noting: Indian monetary units applied directly to Italian captives reflects the administrative reach of British India rather than any metropolitan authority.

These camp issues were produced in small quantities and had no value outside the wire. Most were surrendered or destroyed at repatriation.