Reserve Lazaret Cosel

German Chief Physician:

British Medical Staff:

Accompanying Officer:

Stabsarzt Dr. Preyss

Capt. R.F. Kaye-Webster, RAMC (S.B.M.O.)

Capt. W.T.T. Atkins, RAMC

Capt. B.J. Smith, RAMC

Capt. L.G. Tudor, Padre

Capt. Rose, AMC

Hauptmann Schade

The following details regarding the number of patients at the lazaret and its medical staff were given to the Delegate of the Protecting Power.

Since the last visit of the Delegate of the Protecting Power there has been a large influx of Russian patients (T.B.). The German authorities are now picking out the Russians with T.B. from their work in the mines and bringing them to this lazaret for treatment. According to the statement of the Senior British Medical Officer these patients arrive at Cosel in a most shocking state of health, their illness being in a very advanced state and many have died either en route or shortly after their arrival, sometimes within the first 24 hours. They receive every attention possible, in fact they are receiving the same treatment and attention the British patients are getting. They are in the newly erected block for infectious diseases.

The very peaceful and excellent understanding between the Stabsarzt and the British Senior Medical Officer has been somewhat trouble lately due to the 18 self trained orderlies, who used to be patients and have been kept at the lazaret, being trained for special nursing and attending the surgeon during operations. The Stabsarzt is willing that some of these orderlies who have been trained for special work should remain at the lazaret. However, he insists that most of these men should return to their respective camps and that the British Senior Officer should use some of the patients, who are at present recuperating, to nurse the other patients. This trouble has been caused by a new German Feldwebel who feels that he should have some saying in the running of this lazaret, which so far has been run entirely by the British without interference from the Stabsarzt. However, according to Capt. Kaye-Webster the trouble is being smoothed down and he hopes that no change will be made.

British Red Cross parcels with medicine and instruments addressed to the Russian Section have already arrived giving great satisfaction.

There has been no complaint and in spite of the little trouble mentioned above it remains an excellent lazaret. The British medical officers appreciate very much the way in which they are left to run this lazaret themselves.