Stalag XI-A was used as a German army training camp from 1893, but during the First World War served as a prisoner of war camp.



The camp was designated Stalag XI in September 1939, but was renumbered in November. It housed Australia, French, British, Belgian, Serb, Russian, American, Italian, Dutch, Slovak and Polish Prisoners of Wars in separate compounds and served as a hub for nearby work camps.



On 25 April 1945, paratroopers were dropped near the camp as part of Operation Violet. Their aim was to protect the prison population and assess the humanitarian aid needed for the prisoners within, but forces became so scattered that eventually all of the personnel were captured. The new inmates however, persuaded the camp commander to liaise with SHAEF regarding the release of POWs and on 3 May 1945 the US Ninth Army liberated the camp.