Frontstalag 133

This camp is formed of a certain number of large wooden barracks, situated outside a French town in Brittany. In the area of the camp itself is a large field in which the PoW can practise all sorts of games and sports. Some of the barracks are used fro day-rooms, prayer-rooms etc.

2077

983

617

351

Indian POW

Mohammedans

Hindus

Sikhs

Christians

Seamen

All those PoW, who were previously in Stalag IV D/Z in Germany have been brought to Brittany in December 1942, because the climate is milder, and it was hoped that they would go better through the winter. This hope was justified, as the health condition was found very good, as will be mentioned under point VII of this report.

The barracks in which the Indians live were used previously by French troops. They were found quite suitable for their purpose, and there was no complaint about them.

Before coming to this camp, the Indians were living in another district where the climate was not so good, but no complaint will be made, because the stay was only a provisory one, and the present quarters can be considered as quite satisfactory.

The barracks are well heated, and the Man of Confidence had no complaint to make about that.

There is a good shower room, and in that respect the Indians will be much better as in Stalag IV D/Z.

A list of the rations given to the Indians has been sent separately, in answer to a request of the British Government. The PoW receive the same rations as the German civilians. The Indians can prepare their meals themselves, and a good kitchen is at their disposal.

The health condition is particularly good. At the date of the visit, there were only 8 patients with small illnesses in the Revier. 27 men are in the Reserve Lazarett in the town. It is placed under the direction of Oberarzt Dr. Weppler. There are several French doctors helping him, as most patients are French PoW. One of the French doctors, who speaks English quite well, is particularly in charge of the Indians. Dr. Rana visited the Lazaret twice a week.

The Indians are completely separated from the other patients. They have large rooms at their disposal and one is actually reserve for Tbc. cases. Twelve such cases are in the Lazarett at the present time. Eight of them are open Tbc.

These cases were found out, because the Germans had all the Indian PoW X-rayed, and it is surprising to see, that those men have been for a long time probably subject to that illness, without noticing, and without showing the usual symptoms. This is probably because the Indians are easily subject to Tbc. So as to lessen the danger of propagation of Tbc, all the Indians will be regularly X-rayed, if possible, once every three months. It would be better if Tbc. were sent to a special hospital, and the German authorities have been asked to do so.

On account of the great number of Indian PoW in this Stalag, a second British doctor will be necessary, another should go to Coet-Cuidan, a work camp where the Sikhs are treated by two French military doctors, as it would be useful to have someone who can speak their own language. The German authorities agreed with this proposal, and will asked the G.H.C. for extra medical help.

Dental treatment is done by a French dentist who is attached to the Reservelazarett, but who goes also to the Stalag for extractions and small protective work. The Swiss Legation in Berlin will ask the I.R.C.C. to help several Indians who are badly in need of false teeth.

The PoW complained that when they left the camp, they were only allowed to take along with them one battle-dress and one set of underclothing, the remainder of the clothing being kept in Stalag IV D/Z. The Camp Commander will make contact with that Stalag, so that all the clothing is forwarded to the new camp.

The Man of Confidence also mentioned the fact that the stock of clothing he had from the I.R.C.C. had to be left in Stalag IV D/Z, The Camp Authorities of the Frontstalag had already asked for that stock to be forwarded here, but it seems that there are some British PoW again in IV D/Z. The I.R.C.C. will put that question straight, so that the Indian Man of Confidence gets a discharge for all the clothing left behind.

There is always a certain interval before the PoW receive supplies from the I.R.C.C. when they move from one camp to another. The G.H.C. will be asked to inform the Protecting Power as well as the I.R.C.C. of all moved of camps in time, and it possible already before such move is to be done.

PoW who work receive a pay, but a deduction of 10% has been made for some unknown reason. Deduction will be brought from now on to 20%. This being an order from the G.H.C., that organisation will be asked for further information.

There is only fruit to be had (apples) in the canteen. The Camp Command will arrange to have some lemonade and beer provided for the canteen.

One of the PoW is allowed to go twice a week shopping, but he does not get much.

While they were in Stalag IV D/Z the PoW never saw an account of the profits there. The G.H.C. will be asked to send an account of the canteen funds from that Stalag to Frontstalag.

The PoW have several prayer-rooms for the different rites, and have nothing to complain on that point. The only difficulty arises from the French authorities, who do not allow burials or incinerations before a man is dead 48 hours. According to the Mohammedan and Hindu rites, funerals should be done within 5-8 hours of death. The German authorities in Paris will get in touch with the head of the Mosque to know in way a way they should eventually interfere towards the French authorities, so as to comply with the rites.