Report on the Conditions at the R.N. Prisoner of War Camps at Sandbostel and Marlag und Milag Nord, Germany, 1941/1945

At the beginning of the war, captured Naval Officers were sent to Army Camps at Spangenberg and Lanfer, but on 22nd January 1941 all these officers, except the Fleet Air Arm, were sent to Stalag 10B Sandbostel, near Bremervorde. In this camp, which contained about 2,500 P.O.Ws of all nationalities, a compound of about 250 yards square was allocated for R.N. and M.N. officers and men, accommodated in separate wooden barracks. Eventually the numbers in camp reached a total of 860 R.N. and 1345 M.N., including 434 Indians and 215 Chinese. At first the conditions as regards overcrowding in barracks, food and sanitary arrangements were very bad; but these were improved when Kapitan Leutnant J Spiehs took charge and victuals and fittings were provided by the Kriegsmarine instead of the German Army. Nothing, however, could better the driving sand storms in dry weather, or the sea of mud under food after rain.

A serious epidemic of Typhus broke out in January 1942 among the Russians, who were living under horrible conditions in an adjacent compound; but fortunately the disease did not spread. A very fine tunnel was designed by Captain C.W.A. Courtice R.N. and Lieutenant H. Bruce R.M., and dug during the winter months. It was about 120 yards long, fitted with electric light and wheeled trolley to remove the debris. Eleven officers and three C.P.Os escaped by this means, but were all recaptured some days later. However, valuable knowledge was obtained from their experience outside.

On 19th June, 1942, we were transferred by lorries to the newly built camp "Marlag und Milag Nord" at Westertimke near Tarmstadt. This actually consisted of four camps:- "Milag", a large camp for the . . [M.N.] in the village, with a small camp for Indians about half a mile away. "Marlag O" and "Marlag M" for R.N. Officers and ratings respectively lay about half a mile S.W. of Milag, and were separated from one another by the German guards quarters and offices. Later the German Naval Interrogation centre "Dulag" was shifted to Westertimke from Wilhelmshaven after they had been bombed out. Strict instructions were given by the Kommandant that no contacts were to be allowed between the camps, and they were to be regarded as being 50 K.m. apart! While it was possible frequently to evade the orders, they caused great inconvenience and effectively prevented me from exercising any real supervision over "Marlag M". This camp was maintained as a non-working camp for N.C.Os, and gradually almost all ratings below Ldg.Smn. were drafted to Lamsdorf or Thaler for work of various kinds.

The accommodation in "Marlag O" was good, and there was no overcrowding until 1945. The supply of room fittings, mess traps etc. was adequate on our arrival, but this was not maintained as the numbers here increased. A wooden barrack, which had been condemned as living quarters, was cleverly designed as a theatre by Lt.Commander (N) R.M.S. Clark, R.N., and rebuilt by officers with materials supplied by the Germans. A football ground, mess room and galley, with refrigerator plant, was also provided.

After the collapse of Italy, all Naval officers imprisoned in that country were transferred to "Marlag O", and by 1945 the numbers in camp had risen to 400. This total included Officers from all the dominions and Allied Nations, except Russia. No difference was made in their accommodation and they were given rooms solely on account of their seniority and vacancies available. I am happy to report that all pulled together admirably and there was not a single incident of national friction.

An active Escape and Intelligence Organisation existed in the camp, started by Lt. Commander Cheyne, Heap and Elder, R.N., and perfected by Commander Beale, R.N. Three more long tunnels were dug at "Marlag O". One, in September 1942 was partially successful, and though the escape was interrupted by a Police dog, Lieutenants Beet and Catlow R.N. succeeded in getting clear. The two other tunnels, dug at later dates, were discovered just before completion. A useful device was a life size doll, with detachable limbs. This was taken up in sections to the bath house, and there assembled and marched back to the camp by the bath party, thus taking the part of the escaping officer, who meanwhile had slipped away. This was I think used twice or three times before discovery. In February 1944 Lieutenant (Sp) R.F.A. Jackson, R.N.V.R., the camp interpreter, climbed into the Vorlager equipped with a wooden rifle and brass fronted belt. At 0100 he boldly fell in with the relieving guard and marched out of the gate with them. He reached the borders of Switzerland, but was recaptured through an unfortunate accident. There were many more ingenious exploits, but in the necessary absence of any written records I am unable at this stage to recall them in detail. Despite the fact that the German Security Officers paid special attention to "Marlag O", about 42 officers managed to escape from the camp, of whom Lieutenants James, Kelleher and Campbell R.V.N.R. achieved a complete success.

Every effort was made to provide occupation for all. Educational classes were organised by Lt. Commander Turner and Sub. Lieutenant Broad, R.N., helped by a large number of teachers, and covering a wide range of subjects. Ratings were examined provisionally for advancement. With the invaluable help of Miss Herdman of the B.R.C., a number of important examinations were passed successfully. Football, cricket and softball were played regularly and athletic sports arranged in the summer. Excellent theatrical performances were produced, mainly by Lt. Commander N.K. Campbell, R.N. and Lieutenant F.C. Hamil R.N.V.R., and also provided useful work for a large number of people "off stage". Many interesting lectures were given, particularly by Commander Beale, R.N. and Lt. Commander D.W. Waters, R.N. During the last 2½ years the B.B.C. news was read and promulgated daily, with good results on morale.

The treatment of P.O.Ws by the Kriegsmarine Officer appears to have been distinctly better than that received in Army camps. There were, however, many irritating and petty restrictions. Searches were of frequent occurrence, and often unnecessarily prolonged by incompetent management. Two were carried out by the Gestapo, but without incident. Before our release it was discovered that all gear taken from officers by the "Abweks" had been stolen, though receipts were given. Escapes were generally followed by a restrictive curfew; the excuse being that this was a security measure, not a punishment. The mail and private parcel arrangements were very bad.

With the exception of Tempy. Act. Sub. Lieutenant (N) R.[?]. Purdy [?].N.R. (T.124), concerning whom I sent a special report to D.N.I., the conduct of officers was most satisfactory and discipline good. The Attaches of the Protecting Power, when making their quarterly visits, often commented on the high morale shown in the camp.

I would commend specially the following officers:-

Commander G.H. Beale, D.S.O., M.B.E., R.N.

He performed outstanding service in arranging the secret communications with England, and, as Chief of the Escape Organisation he succeeded in infusing a great spirit of enterprise in the camp. He has a keen brain and good executive power. Recommended for advancement.

Lieutenant Commander A.S. Jackson, R.N.

He was Executive Officer and Man of Confidence in the Combined Camp at Sandbostel, and of "Marlag O" till August 1943. By his energy and powers of command he installed good order and discipline at a difficult time, and, by his tact and firmness with the Germans, greatly improved the conditions of life for all. Strongly recommended for special advancement.

Lieutenant Commander A.J. Scarlett, D.S.O, R.N.

He is an officer with marked powers of command and organising ability. He had an excellent influence on the camp, and his energy was an example to all. Recommended for advancement.

Lieutenant Commander (S) C.W. Linton, R.N.V.R.

By his firmness and tact with the Germans, and his skill in mastering their complicated methods, he ensured that all payments to officers and men were made to date, and supplies to the camp maintained at the best standard possible. He showed marked ability as an Intelligence Officer, and his information was rarely at fault. He has a thorough knowledge of Naval Account work and is recommended for advancement.

Lieutenant D.P. James, R.N.V.R.

Lieutenant D. Kelleher, R.N.V.R.

Lieutenant S.W.L. Campbell, R.N.V.R.

These officers all escaped to England. Where others had the misfortune to fall by the wayside, they by their skill and good luck made the course.

Chief Petty Officer C.W. Graham (late H.M. S/M Undine)

Chief Bosuns mate in the Combined Camp at Sandbostel, and Man of Confidence in "Marlag M" until December 1943. He showed firmness and tact in his dealings with the Germans and maintained good order and morale in the camp.

Able Seaman J.E. Evans P.J.X. 211409

He is a schoolmaster by profession and did admirable work in arranging the Educational Classics in "Marlag M". He is a competent teacher and a good organiser, and did much to keep the men's brains active and alert.

Major R. Harvey, R.A.M.C.

P.M.O. of "Milag" Hospital. Before his arrival all hospital cases had to be sent away to Sandbostel for treatment, where conditions were deplorable. Major Harvey succeeded in getting the Milag Sick Quarters enlarged to form a general hospital for all. A well equipped operating theatre was supplied, where he and Surg. Lt. Commander H. Singer, R.N. carried out many major operations with excellent results. He trained a willing and capable sick berth staff, and the whole hospital was a model of efficiency, both on the medical as well as the surgical side.

Captain R.F. Notman The United Molasses Company, Bush House, London.

Camp Leader and Man of Confidence at Milag. This camp numbered from 3,500 to 4,000 men of about 17 nationalities and all colours; mostly officers and crews of British and Allied Merchant Ships. With the sinking of their ships the legal bonds between officers and men lapsed, and to keep order Captain Notman had only his personality and tact on which to depend. He built up an excellent organisation and though constantly harassed by the Germans, he generally won his battles. His four years of patient service gained him the respect and gratitude of all in the camp, and is a fine record of achievement.

I deeply regret that his untimely death prevents me from including the name of Commander B.G. Sourfield, D.S.O., O.B.E., A.M., R.N., on this list. He performed invaluable services to the Camp, both as Executive Officer and in other capacities. He died as he lived, helping others without thought for himself.

The following officers performed valuable services in different capacities:-

Captain E.H.B. Baker, D.S.O., R.N.

     "       W. Clark Hall, R.N.

Lt. Commander S.H. Beattie, V.C., R.N.

            "            P.N. Buckley, R.N.

            "            N.K. Campbell, D.S.O., R.N.

            "            A.R. Chayne, R.N.

            "            (E) R.H.S. Clark, R.N.

            "            W.G.C. Elder, R.N.

            "            L.R. Gilbert, R.N.

            "            R.A.F. Heap, R.N.

            "            R.A. Haig, D.S.O., R.N.

            "            M.J. Hodson, R.N.R.

            "            R.F. Lonsdale, R.N.

            "            T.A. Turner, R.N.

Major R.W. Madoc, R.M.

Inst. Lt. C.L. Broad, R.N.

Lieut. A.R.L. Henderson, R.N.

    "    F.C. Hamil, R.N.V.R.

    "    (Sp) R.F.A. Jackson, R.N.V.R.

    "    A.J. Orchard, R.N.V.R.

    "    J.S.W. Pryor, R.N.

    "    M.D. Pope, R.N.

    "    J.L. Wells, R.N.V.R.

    "    D.P. Woods, R.N.R.

    "    J.E. Woodward, D.S.O., R.N.V.R.

    "    D. Lloyd-Davies, R.C.N.V.R.

    "    L.S. Coulson, R.M.