BAB 21

Working Detachment No. E 793, formerly known as Bau- und Arbeitsbataillon No. 21, Blechhammer, O/S.

This camp, which used to be independent, is now under direct administration of Stalag 344, Lamsdorf like any other working detachment and is now called: working detachment No. E 793. The same applies to Bau- und Arbeitsbataillon No.20 Heydebreck O/S, which has become working detachment No. E 794.

Upon arrival at this working detachment, the Delegate was informed by the German Officer, that the following working detachments in this region:

E 793 Blechhammer

E 794 Heydebreck

E 3 Blechhammer

E 711 Reigersfeld

E 711a "

E 769 Hohenwald / Reigersfeld

Total

1168 POWs.

1117 "

854 "

755 "

338 "

328 "

4560 POWs.

had been ordered to march westward in the early morning of January 21st, 1945. After a march of about 15 km. an order had been received, that they were to return to their respective camps, where they arrived late the same evening.

On the morning of January 22nd, 1945 the POWs went to work as usual, but they returned at once, since the factory had stopped working. They were waiting for new marching orders.

At the conference with the British Man of Confidence, the Delegate was informed of the bombardment of this camp on December 2nd, 1944 and the unfortunate loss of lives of 28 POWs., details of which have already been forwarded. A collection had been made amongst the POWs of working detachments E 3 and E 793 for the dependent of those who lost their lives, amounting to L 6,500.-.-, which will be transferred to England through the usual channels.

Very shortly after the conference started with the British Man of Confidence, the accompanying Officer from the German High Command informed the Delegate, that an immediate departure was necessary, since a tank battle was raging only 10 km. north of this camp. The German Officer in charge of the working detachments in this region was eagerly awaiting the marching order, which at that time had not arrived. The Delegate was informed later in the day, that the marching order had reached the above mentioned working detachments shortly afterwards.

The Delegate had planned to visit all the above mentioned working detachments as well as working detachment E 162 at Oderthal and Reserve Lazaret Cosel, both within this region, during the next three days, however, due to the closing in of this region by the Russian Army this plan had to be abandoned.

When reaching Stalag 344, Lamsdorf the same afternoon, the Delegate endeavoured to receive further information regarding the marching conditions of the POWs of those working detachments. However, all that could be found out was that these men were to march to Stalag 344 awaiting further development.

No information could be obtained with regard Reserve Lazaret Cosel, it is very much doubted, that any kind of transport facilities were at hand to evacuate the patients of this lazaret. The OKW is being approached with regard to receive further information as to their fate.