CONFIDENTIAL

No 657

BRITISH (CANADIANS only)

STALAG II D. STARGARD (Pommern)

Date of visit: 12th of December 1944

Stalag Commandant: Oberst. Obenauer

Deputy: Oberstlt. Wulz

German doctor: Stabsarzt Dr. Schmidt

Abwehr-Offizier: Hptm. Bolt

Arbeitseinsatz: Hptm. Petermann

Betreuungs-Offizier: Oblt. Lütjohann

Accompanying Officer German High Command: Hptm. Jeske

S.B.M.O.: Capt. D. TAVERNER, RAMC. Pow. No. 1173

British Chaplain: Capt. John W. FOOTE, Canadian Army Chaplain, Pow. No. 4032

Canadian Chief M.o.C.: CSM. L. MARTIN, Pow. No. 26721

Canadian Camp Leader: CSM. E. ANTHONY, Pow. No. 27091

Reference is made to our previous report Nr. 555, dated August 1944.

I. GENERAL DESCRIPTION.

        No change at all so far as the camp itself is concerned.

        Air raid shelters: there are only very primitive open slit-trenches in the camp.

        Military targets: there is no military target near the camp.

        Working conditions: All N.C.O. of the camp are not working. The Privates are occupied on different jobs in the nearby town of Stargard. Working conditions are reasonable, the Pow. work about 7-8 hours daily, at least one Sunday out of three is free. There were no complaints about working conditions.

II. CAPACITY AND PRESENT PERSONNEL.

        The strength of the camp was given as follows:

        The Pow. from this Stalag are diverted on 21 Working-Detachments, the most distant one is situated about 120 km far from the main-camp.

III. INTERIOR ARRANGEMENTS.

        There is no change at all, the overcrowding has ceased. As a rule the bottom bed of the triple-tier beds is not occupied.

IV. WASHING AND BATHING FACILITIES.

        Satisfactory.

V. TOILET FACILITIES.

        in order.

VI. FOOD AND COOKING.

        The German food is cooked in a well equipped central kitchen by French Pow. It is reported to be in order. Supplies from Red Cross are cooked in the billets on small stoves.

VII. MEDICAL ATTENTION, DENTAL TREATMENT, SUPPLY OF DRUGS.

        The British Medical Officer, Capt. Taverner, assisted by 6 medical orderlies, gave the following report:

        General state of health throughout the Stalag is fairly good. The revier itself is still the same as on our last visit, it remains unpleasant and does not make a good impression. The large room is overcrowded, with triple-tier beds, without bed-linen, the air in the room is dusty, due to the damp of the stove placed in the middle of the room.

        Fortunately the new revier with 75 beds under construction will be finished in January 1945, the necessary material has now arrived. The Delegate was told by the B.M.O. that the new revier was built to the plans of the B.M.O. - When visiting the new building the Delegate could convince himself that it will be an excellent revier if once finished.

        On the day of visit there were 35 patients at the revier, all minor cases. (Serious cases are sent to lazaret at Stargard).

        All Pow. of the main-camp have been inoculated by Capt. Taverner against typhus and arrangements are being made to inoculate also all Canadian Pow. on kommandos. The necessary anti-typhus serum has been provided. On the 30th of oct. the Mixed Medical Commission examined about 30 Pow of this camp, of whom 14 were accepted for repatriation.

        Dental treatment: for dental treatment Pow go to the lazaret at Stargard, where an Italian dentist takes care of them. Dental treatment is said to be satisfactory.

        Supply of drugs. On the day of visit the stock of medical supplies shows the following figures:

                Diet supplement parcels ........................................ 19

                Medical units ......................................................... nil

                Last shipment of Invalid parcels and medical units ... 20th of August 1944.

        It was not possible to provide all working-parties with the necessary medical supplies. Applications for immediate shipments of medical units have been made to the Inter. Red Cross C. several months ago.

VIII. CLOTHING.

        The clothing position may be considered as satisfactory. On the day of visit the following articles were in stock at the store-room:

        Last shipment of clothing from Geneva: 20th of July 1944.

IX. LAUNDRY.

        satisfactory.

X. MONEY AND PAY.

        correct

XI. CANTEEN.

        With agreement of the Stalag Commandant the Delegate arranged that a separate canteen for the Canadian Pows only will be opened within a fortnight.

XII. RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY.

        The chaplain of the camp, padre John W. FOOTE, attends regularly to church services at the Stalag-camp. He is also allowed to visit the working-detachments for holding services. Until now the catholic Pow are attended by a French priest, as a British catholic priest could not be provided for this Stalag.

XIII. RECREATION AND EXERCISE.

        Very satisfactory, the Pow have all facilities for sports.

XIV. MAIL.

        in order.

XV. WELFARE ACTIVITY.

        very good, the Pow received sport equipments, indoor games, musical instruments and books from the Y.M.C.A.

XVI. COMPLAINTS.

        There was no serious complaint at all. The following points were brought up for discussion with the Stalag authorities:

                1. Allotment of Medical Orderlies to working-detachments. As there are about 20 medical orderlies unoccupied in this Stalag, the Delegate asked for a transfer of several of them to working-detachments. Commandant regrets that this request can't be accepted, as all the working-parties have less than 50 Pow.

                2. Sonder-Company: On the day of visit there were 25 Canadian Pow in this Sonder-Company, of whom 5 are awaiting to be sentenced. The 20 other Pow were never informed why they were brought to the Sonder-Company. The Delegate asked the Stalag Commandant for the reason for holding these Pow under special surveillance. Commandant answered, that he himself does not know the reason, this being an order from the German High Command.

                        It may be of interest that all these 20 Pow belong to the Calgary Tank Regiment.

                        Hereafter are the names of these 20 Pow.

                        This matter will be taken up with the German High Command.

                3. Red Cross Parcels: According to an order from the former Stalag Commandant, who considered the stock of the foodstuff parcels as being too large, the Pow received until the beginning of December 1944 one complete parcel a week, instead of half a parcel as stated by the I.R.C.C. The British chief man of confidence made several requests to go on with half a parcel, but he was always refused. Due to this Stalag order there are on the day of visit no foodstuff parcels at all in stock. The Delegate of the PP. expressed his astonishment about this special Stalag-order and asked for explanations. Stalag Commandant answered, that this had been an order from his predecessor - The International Committee of the Red Cross has been informed by the chief man of confidence of this situation, but until now no new consignment has arrived.

                4. Some minor points were also discussed and settled on the spot.

XVII. FINAL CONCLUSION.

        Since the arrival of the new Stalag-Commandant the situation in this Stalag is still improving. The British Medical Officer and the Chief Man of Confidence gave both satisfactory reported upon the treatment of the Canadian Pow. These two British camp leaders are in good terms with the Germans and they are doing their best for their comrades.

WORKING DETACHMENT No. 985 Damerow

Date of visit: 13th December 1944

Man of Confidence: Cpl. E. Summerfield POW No. 25231

Canadians

        I. GENERAL DESCRIPTION

                The camp is situated in a stone building, in one big room. There are open slit-trenches which have never been used. There is no military target near the camp. Nature of work: farm-work, 7-8 hours daily, at least one Sunday in three off. Usually more free time.

        II. CAPACITY & PRESENT PERSONNEL

                1 N.C.O., 32 Privates,: total strength 33 Canadian POW. No sanitator.

        III. INTERIOR ARRANGEMENTS

                One big room for sleeping and eating, double-tier beds, each POW has 2 blankets, some three. Heating and lighting in order.

        IV. WASHING & BATHING FACILITIES

                In order, one hot shower weekly.

        V. TOILET FACILITIES

                Two seats, rather primitive.

        VI. FOOD & COOKING

                The POW have their own cook, food is very satisfactory. Wood and coal supply also in order.

        VII. MEDICAL ATTENTION & STATE OF HEALTH

                Sick-parade twice weekly by a German civilian doctor at Zitzenhof. Serious cases are sent to the lazaret Stargard. Dental treatment by a German dentist at Zitzenhof. First-aid equipment in camp. Satisfactory.

        VIII. CLOTHING

                In order.

        IX. LAUNDRY

                Done by the POW themselves. In order.

        X. MONEY & PAY

                Correct.

        XI. CANTEEN

                No canteen.

        XII. RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY

                Only one visit since May 1944.

        XIII. RECREATION & EXERCISE

                The POW have some books and indoor games, as also some facilities for outdoor sport.

        XIV. MAIL

                Good.

        XV. WELFARE WORK

                Nothing to report.

        XVI. COMPLAINTS

                The Man of Confidence had no complaints.

                A very satisfactory camp. On the day of the visit the owner of the farm gave a free afternoon to all POW at this camp, which was fully appreciated.

WORKING DETACHMENT No. 1972 Grossin

Date of visit: 13th December 1944

Man of Confidence: Cpl. H.H. Heavysege POW No. 27281

Canadians

        I. GENERAL DESCRIPTION

                The camp is lodged in an wooden barrack in a small compound. No air-raid shelters, no military target near the camp. Nature of work: farm-work, 7-8 hours daily, Sunday free.

        II. CAPACITY & PRESENT PERSONNEL

                1 N.C.O., 27 Privates, total: 28 Canadian POW. No sanitator.

        III. INTERIOR ARRANGEMENTS

                One sleeping room with double-tier beds, one nice dining room well decorated for Christmas, with 2 tables and enough chairs. Each POW has 2 blankets. Light and heating in order.

        IV. WASHING & BATHING FACILITIES

                Very primitive, for hot baths the POW have to heat the water themselves in the kitchen, also for laundry.

        V. TOILET FACILITIES

                Two seats, very primitive.

        VI. FOOD & COOKING

                The POW have their own cook, the kitchen is very small. Food is said to be satisfactory. Red Cross food is also cooked in the kitchen.

        VII. MEDICAL ATTENTION & STATE OF HEALTH

                Sick-parade twice weekly by a German civilian doctor at Schivelbein. Serious cases are taken to the lazaret Stargard. Dental treatment given by a German dentist at Schivelbein. First-aid equipment in camp.

        VIII. CLOTHING

                Not every POW has two outfits, but the Chief Man of Confidence at the Stalag has been informed. A promise of a supply of clothing from the Germans could not be obtained.

        IX. LAUNDRY

                Done by the POW themselves. In order.

        X. MONEY & PAY

                Correct.

        XI. CANTEEN

                There is no canteen in this camp.

        XII. RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY

                Only one visit in 6 months.

        XIII. RECREATION & EXERCISE

                The POW have books, indoor games and a gramophone. No sport gear, only walks on Sundays.

        XIV. MAIL

                Very slow.

        XV. WELFARE WORK

                Nothing to report.

        XVI. COMPLAINTS

                1. The POW have no place for drying their wet clothes and laundry. A promise was given by the owner of the farm that a good room will be placed at their disposal at the beginning of the new year.

                2. The POW asked whether they were allowed to read German newspapers. The German Kontrolloffizier, as well as the accompanying officer of the German High Command, agreed to this request.

                No further complaints.

WORKING DETACHMENT No. 1978 Eichhof

Date of visit: 13th December 1944

Man of Confidence: Pte. D.S. Mann POW No. 26789

Canadians

        I. GENERAL DESCRIPTION

                The camp is lodged in a stone building in a small village. There are no proper air-raid shelters, the POW could go into a potato-cellar. There is no military target near the camp. Nature of work: the POW do farm-work on different farms, they work 7 hours daily, every Sunday is free.

        II. CAPACITY & PRESENT PERSONNEL

                20 Canadian prisoners of war. No sanitator.

        III. INTERIOR ARRANGEMENTS

                One big room used as both sleeping and dining room, double-tier beds, enough tables and chairs, each POW has two blankets, some of them a third private one. Lighting and heating in order, a good stove. Some windows are broken.

        IV. WASHING & BATHING FACILITIES

                There is a separate washroom at the back of the barrack-room. Washing facilities adequate.

        V. TOILET FACILITIES

                In order, but the roofs are leaking. (See Complaints).

        VI. FOOD & COOKING

                The POW have their own cook who does not work otherwise. The food is satisfactory.

        VII. MEDICAL ATTENTION & STATE OF HEALTH

                Sick-parade twice weekly by a German civilian doctor. Serious cases are taken to lazaret Stargard. There is first-aid equipment in the camp. For dental treatment the POW go to a German civilian dentist at Schivelbein. In order.

        VIII. CLOTHING

                In order, each POW has two complete uniforms.

        IX. LAUNDRY

                The POW do their own laundry on Sundays. Soap issue in order.

        X. MONEY & PAY

                Correct.

        XI. CANTEEN

                No canteen.

        XII. RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY

                The camp has been visited once by the Stalag chaplain since August 1944.

        XIII. RECREATION & EXERCISE

                In order. The POW have a library, some musical instruments, a gramophone. They play base-ball, volley-ball, etc.

        XIV. MAIL

                In order.

        XV. WELFARE WORK

                Nothing to report.

        XVI. COMPLAINTS

                1. Toilet facilities. The Delegate insisted that the necessary repairs to the roof of the latrine must be done immediately. This was promised, as well as that the broken windows in the kitchen would be replaced.

                2. Some minor points were settled on the sport.

        XVII. GENERAL IMPRESSION

                A satisfactory camp.

WORKING DETACHMENT No. 1986 Dewsberg (near Polzin)

Date of visit: 13th December 1944

Man of Confidence: Pte. E.L. Peters POW No. 26671

Canadians

        I. GENERAL DESCRIPTION

                The camp is installed in a stone building in a big compound of a farm. There are no air-raid shelters but no military target near the camp. Nature of work: farm-work, 7-8 hours daily, no Sunday work.

        II. CAPACITY & PRESENT PERSONNEL

                There are 21 Canadian POW in the camp. No sanitator.

        III. INTERIOR ARRANGEMENTS

                The POW have 3 small sleeping rooms which are also used as dining rooms. Double-tier beds, each POW has 2, some 3, blankets. Sitting accommodation in order, also heating and lighting. There is a small store-room for Red Cross parcels.

        IV. WASHING & BATHING FACILITIES

                In order. For hot baths the POW must heat the water themselves.

        V. TOILET FACILITIES

                In order.

        VI. FOOD & COOKING

                The POW have their own cook, he does no other work. The kitchen is attached to the sleeping rooms, there is a good stove. In order.

        VII. MEDICAL ATTENTION & STATE OF HEALTH

                Sick-parade twice weekly by a German civilian doctor at Polzin. Serious cases are sent to the lazaret at Stargard. Dental treatment done by a German civilian dentist at Polzin. First-aid equipment in the camp.

        VIII. CLOTHING

                In order. Each POW has two uniforms.

        IX. LAUNDRY

                Done by the POW themselves. In order.

        X. MONEY & PAY

                Late this month but otherwise in order.

        XI. CANTEEN

                No canteen, some beer is available from the nearby Gasthaus.

        XII. RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY

                Very limited. One visit since June 1944.

        XIII. RECREATION & EXERCISE

                Satisfactory. There are boxing-gloves and books in the camp and the POW play football, baseball and volleyball.

        XIV. MAIL

                In order.

        XV. WELFARE WORK

                Nothing to report.

        XVI. COMPLAINTS

                1. The POW asked for a better supply of wood. The Germans promised to increase the wood-ration, otherwise the POW will be allowed to fetch wood when coming back from work.

                2. A larger pot for the kitchen is needed. It will be provided, if possible.

                No further complaints.

(signed) Fritz Dasen.

CONFIDENTIAL

No. 656

RESERVE LAZARETT STARGARD (Pommern)

BRITISH & AMERICAN

Date of visit: 12th of December 1944

Reference is made to our previous report, dated August 1944.

I. GENERAL DESCRIPTION

        no change since our last visit.

II. CAPACITY AND PRESENT PERSONNEL

        on the day of visit the strength of the British and American Pow was given as follows

III. INTERIOR ARRANGEMENTS

        No change since our last visit. All wards are well heated, the beds are provided with bed-linen. In order.

IV. WASHING AND BATHING FACILITIES

        satisfactory as before.

V. TOILET FACILITIES

        in order.

VI. FOOD AND COOKING

        the situation remains the same as on our last visit. The German food is cooked in a central kitchen for all patients of the lazaret. The Red Cross foodstuff is also cooked there, as it was not possible to provide some stoves for separate cooking. Food is reported to be satisfactory.

VII. MEDICAL ATTENTION, DENTAL TREATMENT, SUPPLY OF DRUGS

        The B.M.O. in charge stated that the condition of health of all patients was good, with the exception of two with open T.B. (Please see under title complaints) There are 8 doctors of different nationalities in this lazaret who take care of all patients. A French doctor acts as surgeon, an Italian doctor is a specialist for eyes and ears. All operations can be carried out in the lazaret

        Dental treatment is done by a German dentist in the town of Stargard, it is said to be in order.

        Supply of drugs: the lazaret receives a regular supply of drugs and diet parcels from Stalag II D. The actual stock is not too large, but a German supply of drugs is promised.

        The following two Canadian Pow are here with open T.B.

                Pte. F. LONGEARD, Pow No. 25584, Army No. D. 61299

                Pte. D.H. VERSAILLE,   "        118940,   "     "     M. 45541

        The following Pow is a Mental Case (Canadian Pow)

                Pte. A. GILBERT, Pow No. 25249, Army No. M. 27100

        A separate list of the 20 American patients with their resp. diagnosis is attached to this report.

VIII. CLOTHING

        The American Pow need some clothing and underwear. Until they receive their own supply from Stalag II B they are provided with clothing from the Canadian Stalag II D at Stargard. The clothing position may be considered as adequate.

IX. LAUNDRY                )

X. MONEY AND PAY   ) in order

XI. CANTEEN

        only a small supply from Stalag

XII. RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY

        in order, the chaplain from Stalag holds services every Sunday, the catholic Pow are attended by a French priest.

XIII. RECREATION AND EXERCISE

        in order, Captain Playoust is still allowed to go to the Stalag revier as often as he likes.

XIV. MAIL

        nothing to report.

XV. WELFARE ACTIVITY

        very small activity, books are sent from Stalag.

XVI. COMPLAINTS

        1. The only complaint brought up for discussion with the German authorities concerned the keeping back in this lazaret of the two T.B. -cases. The Delegate insisted on an immediate transfer of these two patients to T.B.- lazaret Elsterhorst. The German doctor promised to renew his applications to the "Korpsarzt" and to send these two patients to lazaret Elsterhorst as soon as the permission has arrived. He also agreed to the Delegate's request that these patients be accompanied on the transport by a British medical orderly.

        No further complaints.

XVII. FINAL CONCLUSION

        this lazaret can be considered as a good one.

The British Medical Officer reported the death of

        Cpl. William SULLIVAN, American Pow No. 21478, occurred on the 9th of November 1944.

        Cause of death  Discharging Meningitis after 3 operations because of a Mastoid.

        Date of burial  11th of November 1944 at the Heldenfriedhof für Kriegsgefangene at Stargard (Pommern)

        Next of kin  Mrs. Marie Sullivan

                           Shelbyville

                           Tennessee U.S.A.

FRITZ DASEN.

List of AMERICAN patients in R/L Stargard

December 12th, 1944.

CONFIDENTIAL

AMERICAN/BRITISH

No.662

Landes-Heilanstalt Ueckermünde. (Reserve-Lazaret.)

Date of visit: December 15th, 1944

Accompanying Officer German High Command: Oberlt. Pietsch.

        The Landes-Heilanstalt Ueckermünde is a very large hospital for mental cases with a capacity of roughly about 1500 patients. Amongst these patients, women and men, are the American POW 2nd Lt. Frank B. KELLY, USAAF 0-691514, POW No.4539 and the Canadian POW Pte. Gabriel FAVRON, POW No.25745.

        The hospital consists of several large bungalows situated at little distance from the town of Ueckermünde, amidst the woods. The American and British patients are treated the same as the German cases and they receive also the same food.

        2nd Lt. Frank B. KELLY, who was transferred to this place from Stalag Luft 1 Barth on 30.6.44 is suffering from violent schizophrenia and maniac depression. Whilst staying at Barth POWs camp he attempted three times suicide and was followingly sent here. He has passed the Mixed Medical Commission in October 44, and is due for repatriation. At present he is accommodated in Block M 5, the block reserved for violent cases. The men are here sleeping in single wooden beds, white bed-linen and good covering. All the cases here are continuously under guard. The beds are provided with some sort of a string-netting which can be drawn together in case of a sudden violent attack. The room itself is very light and well heated and the accommodation must be considered as adequate. 2nd Lt. Kelly looks very pale and has also lost considerably in weight. He used to be very aggressive but has lately quietened down very much. Upon questions he gives never an answer and also the Delegate's endeavours were without success. Unfortunately none of the German doctors speaks English which certainly does not help in the way of bringing Mr. Kelly to say something.

        Pte. Gabriel FAVRON, came here on 31.5.44 from the Stalag II D Stargard. He is suffering from schizophrenia and persecutional mania, but has slightly improved lately and is now slowly progressing after having become more calm. He is quartered in another bungalow at about 3 km distance from the main-buildings, at a place called Res-Laz. Zarowmühle, a branch-hospital of the main-home. All the patients here are soldiers, either Germans or POWs of all nationalities. The POWs, however, are kept apart. The patients here are all up-patients and are wearing blue and white striped woolen suits, and Pte. Favron lives in a room together with three other POWs (two Poles and a Belgian). The room is very adequate with four single beds, mattresses, white bed-linen and good covers. Adjoining the sleeping room is a reasonably large day-room serving for about 50 men of all nationalities. The rooms are well-lighted and heated. Upon the Delegate's questions he gave quite sensible answers and also physically looks quite fit. The German doctor stated that he has gained some weight lately which is mostly due to his more balanced condition. The Chief Man of Confidence from Stalag II D has continuously supplied him with Red Cross food parcels which he very much appreciated. It is hoped that his condition will further improve. The German doctor gives him a good chance of complete recovering.

         Conditions in this mental home must be considered as adequate for the purpose it has to serve. The Delegate, however, has the impression that more could be done for the American and British patients if an English-speaking doctor were here. Unfortunately there is little hope of having an English speaking German doctor here and as an American and/or British Medical Officer would not be allowed here. The Delegate applied for visits by Lt.Col. Hankey from the Stalag Luft 1. It will be considered. The supply of Red Cross food parcels to 2nd Lt. Kelly was also straightened-out and his previous camp was requested to send regular supplies to Ueckermünde. Hospital authorities welcome this additional food and the patients certainly too.

Sig.: Albert A. Kadler.