Stalag 344

There have been no changes in the general appearance of the Stalag since the last visit which was in August 1941. However, the new Reserve Lazaret attached to it has just been opened, and will be described below. At the same time Reserve Lazaret Langenbielau, which lies under the jurisdiction of this Stalag, and which was also visited in August, has now been turned into a hospital for German soldiers and no longer contains British prisoners.

The base camp, including the new Lazaret, has at present some 4050 British prisoners, and under the jurisdiction of the camp, i.e. including dependent work camps, are about 15,800 British prisoners. This is an increase since August, when about 13,000 were reported, due to the arrival of men from Greece and Crete and to some transfers from Stalag VIII D, which no longer has any British captives in it or under it. On the other hand, Stalag VIII B no longer has any Belgians, though it still holds Serbs and Poles, and also a number of Russians who have arrived in the last few days. The Camp Commander stated that he expects to have it a purely British camp in the near future.

Of the British, the majority come from the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, though there are a few Canadians and South Africans. As noted before, there are also groups of Indians, Cypriots and Palestinians, the latter including a number of German Jews who emigrated to Palestine.

Under the Stalag there are at present about 300 British dependent work camps, many small in size but including a few large ones, one of which was visited (see below). Several of these work camps are inhabited only by non-commissioned officers who have volunteered for work.

There have been no substantial changes in the Stalag barracks since August, and they have been described before. They are one of the standard type, built of brick, painted white, and well laid out with streets, walks and bits of lawn in between. The camp presents a neat appearance, and flowers and small trees have been planted in many places. The barracks do not appear to be crowded, and a number of bunks are empty.

However, it was noted that most of the prisoners have only one blanket. The Camp Commander stated that he has been trying to get more, but thus far without success, and strong representations are therefore being made to the German High Command by the Embassy. This matter also seems particularly urgent at the moment as heating has not yet been turned on, and the weather is already fairly cool (though not yet cold.) As a result the men from Greece and Crete are particularly feeling the cold, after their stay in such hot climates.

The question of heating was discussed at length with the Camp Commander and the British Man of Confidence. The Camp Commander stated that he will need about 10,000 centners of coal to heat the camp for the entire winter, and his stocks are as yet only some 4,000 centners, he has hesitated to turn out the heat (individual brick stoves for each barrack), until his stocks are greater. The delay is purely one of transport, accentuated by the campaign in the east. The Embassy representatives pointed out that heat already seems advisable, especially in view of the blanket situation (and strong representations are therefore being made to the German High Command regarding this matter.) The attitude of the Camp Commander is understandable, as he fears that without greater reserve stocks of coal actually in the camp, he may run out later on when the weather is really cold (and the High Command is therefore being asked to take steps at once to see to it that the Camp Commander is assured his winter's supply of coal.) This matter will of course be checked carefully at the time of the next visit, and in the meantime it is not as bad as the above would suggest, as working parties of British prisoners go out every day into the woods nearby and bring back wood for the barrack stoves.

Regarding blankets, it was stated that the dependent work camps all have at least two per man already, as the civilian employer is obliged to see to this as part of his contract with the German High Command.

The British Man of Confidence complained that the distribution of the Red Cross blankets is controlled entirely by the German authorities, and that for example if a prisoner receives a blanket from his family, and already has a Red Cross blanket, the latter is taken away from him by the camp authorities. (This matter will also be drawn to the attention of the German High Command.)

In the Stalag there is as yet no organized bathing for the prisoners, in the sense of regular baths every week or two. The Camp Commander explained that though a new bath house has been built for this purpose, the boiler has not yet come, despite his efforts to secure delivery on it, and that the camp delousing plant is not adequate to give regular baths to all inhabitants of the Stalag, especially in view of the incoming Russians who must be deloused. The Embassy inspectors, however, tried to impress on the Commander the desirability of instituting a system of regular baths for all even if only every two or three weeks, until the new boiler is obtained, and at the end of the visit, the Commander stated that he would take immediate steps to have this arrange. (This will be checked at the next visit.)

The Stalag kitchens were inspected and as usual appear very clean and well run. Most of the personnel working in them is British. The menu for the week of the visit shows the following totals per man:

Meat......

Fat.........

Cheese..

Farines...

Sugar.....

345 grams

185 "

40 "

115 "

120 "

Coffee..................

Marmalade...........

Bread...................

Potatoes...............

Fresh Vegetables..

24 grams

140 "

2250 "

5250 "

3500 "

These quantities appear pretty typical of the menu at most prisoner of war camps in Germany, except that as far as fresh vegetables are concerned, this camp is better off than many others.

The Indians have been given a number of cooking pots for their own use, to prepare their own special diets, which contain for example, no meat and more fat.

The Revier in this large camp occupies two of the standard type barrack buildings. It is well lighted, well heated and satisfactorily ventilated. Beds are single deck bunks provided with mattresses, sheets and heavy quilt which is adequate. Adequate toilet and washing facilities are available in the Revier buildings, but no special provisions are made for hot baths, and patients must use the general camp bath house which, in itself, is not entirely satisfactory. Only irregular baths are available, partly because the bath house is also the delousing plant, and partly because the hot water heater functions only at irregular intervals. However, the new Lazaret just completed will eventually relieve the camp Revier of the more serious cases, and the remaining cases should be able to use the general camp baths satisfactorily.

At present many cases are being cared for in the camp Revier that should be in a Lazaret, and likewise many cases being treated as ambulatory patients in the camp, should be in the Revier. However, the best is being made of a difficult situation made acute by the arrival of a large number of men from Crete and Greece, all of whom needed medical care, and the splendid new Lazaret which is being occupied, at present, should relieve the situation.

The British doctors complained that certain drugs, namely Vitamin B and Diphtheria anti-toxin, were not being furnished in adequate quantities. It seems that some difference of opinion exists between German and English physicians as to what constitutes an adequate dosage of these medicines, the German doctors believing that a small dosage is equally as efficient as the large one desired by the British. It appears to the undersigned (Dr. Fishburn) that the English doctors are correct in their requests and an agreement was reached whereby they should get drugs in such quantities as they consider necessary.

A new Lazaret has just been completed and is composed of a number of barrack type, one-story, concrete buildings. One building provides space for a laboratory, X-ray room, Physiotherapy treatment room, Pharmacy and Surgery rooms. One building is the kitchen. The remaining buildings are for patients' wards, each building housing 100 men. Ventilation, lighting and heating are standard for a good hospital. Beds are all simple deck steel construction and provided with adequate bedding.

A large wash room is provided for each building. Another room contains two bath tubs which have hot water available all the day and provide adequate bathing facilities.

Special diets have been arranged for special types of cases, while those not seriously ill receive the regular Stalag menu. Under the supervision of the ranking British physician certain things are being taken from the Red Cross packets and added to the hospital mess to make the food more tasty.

Medical care is furnished by fourteen British physicians which is really more than needed for this size Lazaret. At present only 100 cases have been admitted, but the hospital will soon be filled from cases now being treated in the Stalag Revier. One case is considered serious: Isac ELKAND, prisoner of war No. 4388, Address: Akiva St. 39/36, Haifa, Palestine. He had a malignant tumor of the testicles which had already began to metastasize before receiving treatment. Prognosis is very poor in this case.

The Surgery is not yet ready for use, but instruments and supplies on hand are all new and should make a first class operating room. The British physicians are well satisfied and state that they receive very good treatment and cooperation from the Germans.

The condition of the clothing worn by the prisoners at the Stalag, and in its dependencies, is, as far as could be ascertained by observation and discussion with the Man of Confidence, at present fairly good. However, the recent arrival of a large group of men from Greece and Crete has more or less exhausted the stocks of clothing and shoes received from the British Government through the Red Cross, and this has necessitated recourse to stocks of clothing and shoes captured by the German army in its past campaigns, including French and Polish material. Both Sherriff, the British Man of Confidence, and the Camp Commander therefore expressed their hope that the British Government would be able to send more stocks, particularly boots (sizes 8 to 11 inclusive are most wanted), underwear and woolen comfort, though more battle dress uniforms would also be useful. In this connection attention is drawn to the growth of this camp and its dependencies, and the probability that it may get larger if anything. It does not appear that the Camp Commander is trying to shirk his responsibility under the Geneva Convention to supply his charges with clothing and shoes, but he is hampered by present shortages in Germany, and would also like to see his men wearing British army clothing, rather than Polish, French and the like. It is also natural that the British prefer to wear their own materials.

It appears that the British Man of Confidence and the German camp authorities are working well together on this problem.

The Stalag canteen seems to be running smoothly and to have fairly good stocks. Each man may buy 120 Serbian cigarettes monthly, at a price of RM 0.03 each, and toilet articles are available in fair quantities. Some cards and checkers and similar games are for sale, as well as beer and bottled lemonade. Prices seem reasonable.

It was stated that the dependent work camps are provided as follows: the larger ones have their own canteens similar to that of the base camp but on a smaller scale; purchases from the Stalag canteen through the work camp Man of Confidence and German Lagerfuehrer, and purchases from local civilian stores which accept the Lagergeld in which the prisoners are paid for their work.

Protestant church services are taken care of adequately at this Stalag, by a New Zealand Episcopalian army priest and a New Zealand Presbyterian. There are now several hundred Catholics in the base camp who would like to be able to attend Mass, and the German High Command is therefore being requested to transfer a British army priest of this confession to the Stalag if possible. Services are held in the barrack devoted to recreation and entertainments.

At the time of the last visit a question was raised about the use of the British flag at funerals of deceased prisoners and the singing of the National Anthem at such burial services as well as other church services. The new Camp Commander, who has been at the camp for less than two months stated that he would be only too glad to permit the coffins of deceased prisoners to be wrapped in a British flag, but he has none on hand. With this Sherriff stated that he has materials on hand for a make-shift flag and will do so at once. It is therefore believed that this question has now been solved satisfactorily, though Sherriff said he hopes that the British Government or Red Cross could send him a new British flag. (The question of singing the National Anthem has already been put up to the Foreign Office by the Embassy in the form of a general inquiry.)

As noted before, recreational facilities at this Stalag are well developed, and the British here are very proud of them. Two orchestras and a theatrical company perform in a barrack devoted solely to such purposes, which seats about 250 men at a time. One of the orchestras is about to set out on a tour of about 15 of the larger work camps, which will take several days.

Sherriff stated that the Stalag library now contains more than sufficient books, and efforts are being made to expand the circulating library system of books in small wooden crates which are sent around to the work camps.

A desire was expressed for a barrack for study purposes, and the Camp Commander stated that he hopes to be able to grant this very shortly, after the Russians have been disposed of.

Arrangements have been made with the Y.M.C.A. to furnish sport parcels sufficient for every work camp, and a number have already arrived at the Stalag and been sent out. Thirty-five small victrolas have already been received from the British Red Cross for distribution to work camps, and it is hoped that more are on their way. Boxing gloves and dart boards would be much appreciated for use in the base camp and work camps, and the former in particular are practically impossible to obtain in Germany, due to the leather needed for them.

As noted before, there is considerable room for walking inside the Stalag enclosure, and the sport field seems to be reasonable large and quite popular.

Mail seems to be arriving at this camp in average time from Great Britain and other places. It was, however, ascertained that though this is the largest British Stalag, the prisoners have been permitted to write only two letters and two post cards monthly, instead of the two letters and four post cards prescribed by the German High Command, apparently because the camp authorities were never informed of these regulations, which came into effect some months ago. This matter was drawn to the Commander's attention, and he stated he would request instructions from the High Command at once. It is therefore believed that this will be corrected at once, though the Embassy will draw it to the attention of the authorities in Berlin also.

In view of a recent inquiry from the British Government as to whether or not prisoners in or under this Stalag have been prevented from writing to anybody except relatives, this matter was also discussed with the Man of Confidence and the Camp Commander. It appears that a short time ago the Postal Administration of the Camp was rather strict, and sought particularly to discourage letters from British prisoners to friends in Belgium and France asking them to send parcels to the writer, on the grounds that such letters were "begging" from people who had little to spare. The Embassy inspectors emphasized to the Camp Commander that although some prisoners may be inclined to write to anybody they have known or heard of to try and get parcels from them, there are many bona fida cases of prisoners wishing to write to friends as compared with relatives, including friends in occupied territories who might well wish to send them things, and that there is nothing in the Geneva Convention or German High Command regulations about postal facilities for war prisoners to prohibit such correspondence. It is believed that this matter will not cause any more real trouble, and it will be checked against the time of the next visit.

Obest Lt. Minsinger assured the Embassy representatives that mail censorship personnel at the camp is adequate to deal with all correspondence without delay, though this will be checked again, in view of the increase postal facilities which the British will now be having.

Both Sherriff and Lowe, his assistant, who handles particularly the distribution of parcels, stated that parcels are arriving in a good stream at present, usually about five railroad cars full every week. Distribution to some of the smaller work camps is somewhat of a problem still, as far as speedy delivery is concerned, but the Commander stated that he is personally greatly interested in this matter, and is trying to improve it.

At present parcels are being distributed at the following rates: in the base camp itself, one standard parcel per man per week, and 50 cigarettes from the tobacco shipments; for those in the Lazaret, the same, and in addition invalid comfort parcels are with the exception noted below, all sent to and distributed in the Lazaret; for those in work camps, one standard parcel per man per week, and in addition, one invalid comfort parcel for every ten men per week, and one medicinal parcel for every 50 men per week.

Both Sherriff and Lowe stated, with reference to the inquiry of the British Government as to whether or not "one parcel per man per week" is too much, that in their opinion this rate is about right for those in the base camp, and for those in work camps, one per week is usually about right but in some cases too little, i.e. when the work is particularly strenuous. It is interesting to note that this idea is not what Embassy inspectors have heard in most other camps, when the idea is usually expressed that those in the base camp, despite their comparative inactivity, need more parcels than those in work camps, due to the smaller German rations for base camp inhabitants, who get only the standard ration of the German civilian population without the supplements given special categories of workers.

Sherriff and Lowe would very much like to have a typewriter and a duplicating machine, to help them in their work which includes a good deal of correspondence with work camps. They say they would be glad to pay for these. It is possible that the British Government or Red Cross might be able to send them, and the Camp Commander stated that he had no objections to their receiving and using them, but regrets he cannot himself provide them. (International YMCA is trying to obtain typewriter.)

The question of work by non-commissioned officers, voluntary and forced, was discussed at some length with Sherriff and the Camp Commander. It does not appear that any of the large number of non-commissioned officers at this camp are being forced to work against their will, and Oberst Lt. Minsinger has arranged special work camps for those who have volunteered to go out and work, in order that they may be by themselves and maintain their esprit de corps. However there is a large group of non-commissioned officers in the base camp who have not asked for work outside, and who seem to object to it on grounds of principle, with the idea that they should do nothing to "help the enemy". They seem to feel that their government would wish them to stick to this policy, despite the dullness of remaining in the case camp with nothing to do, and the fact that they thereby miss an opportunity to earn some money. The Embassy representatives informed Sherriff that as far as the Embassy knows, the British Government has no objections to voluntary work by non-commissioned officer prisoners, if they wish to make their time of captivity pass quicker by so doing or earn some spending money in this way, and wishes only to ensure that each man is permitted to decide this question for himself. Sherriff was asked to pass on this information to the non-commissioned officers in question. The morale of some of them seems to have fallen off to such an extent during their captivity that when Sherriff recently asked for volunteers among the hundred odd warrant officers in the base camp to go out and do welfare work in the work camps, after securing the permission of the Commander for this, practically no one volunteered for this work, which would be of real help to those in the work camps. It was also stated by Sherriff that the non-commissioned officers now in the base camp who do not work are given some three hours outdoor exercise every day, and that they just "laugh at this", and regard it as attempted pressure on the part of the camp authorities to make them volunteer for work. The camp authorities in turn state that they deem it necessary to maintain the health of those concerned in view of their otherwise inactive life.

Sherriff asked the Commander for permission to visit some of the dependent work camps, which he has never seen, and though this matter does not appear to be covered by the Convention, the Commander agreed to let him tour around with the camp orchestra when it goes out in a few days, as stated above. Sherriff also asked for permission to attend a court trial or two of prisoners from this camp, to see how they are handled, and the Commander promised to ask for permission from the military courts for this if possible.

Finally, the Embassy inspectors brought up the question of the Jewish prisoners, who are housed in separate barracks. The Commander stated, and Sherriff supported him, that these Jewish prisoners are treated exactly the same as the others, except that Sherriff claimed that they do not always find it as "easy" as the other prisoners to get out of their barracks and across to the entertainment barrack, when concerts or theatricals are given. The Commander denied that there is any discrimination in this matter, stating that everybody must take his turn, in view of the capacity of the recreation barrack.

General impressions of this camp and its Reserve Lazaret are good. The new Commander seems most anxious to carry out the provisions of the Geneva Convention, and though he is somewhat incline to overemphasize the matter of orderliness and cleanliness, he works well with the British Man of Confidence and his fellow workers, and appears anxious to make the life of his charges as endurable and pleasant as possible. Sherriff and Lowe both make a very good impression, are not afraid to press for what they consider right, and yet get along well with the German camp administration. The chief defects of the camp at the moment are the lack of adequate blankets and heating, and in both cases the camp management seems to have been doing all it could to remedy the deficiencies, which will now be followed up by the Embassy with the German High Command.

This is one of the largest work camps under STALAG VIII B and contains 671 British prisoners. It is located an hour and a half's drive by car from the base camp, in wooded country in which some new factories, largely chemical, are being erected, and close by the Adolf Hitler Canal, also under construction, which will link the Oder and Weichsel Rivers.

The camp consists of a group of single story frame barracks of the type used by the German Arbeits Dienst which are in very good condition and set out without crowding within a barbed wire enclosure. Most of them are occupied by the inmates of this camp, sleep about twelve in a room, in two-tier wooden bunks, each equipped with a mattress, two blankets and a washable bed cover or sheet. Between the bunks are full size wooden clothing lockers for each man. Good heat is provided by small iron stoves, electric lights are adequate, and the rooms have lots of room with tables and benches in the middle. The tables have attractive oil cloth covers, and the rooms present a very neat and comfortable appearance.

The camp has three washing barracks, each occupied with rows of wash troughs and showers, and hot water is available every day, so that showers may be taken whenever desired. Toilets consist of four houses, each with 18 pit seats.

A neat and clean kitchen is located in one of the barracks, and it was stated by the British who were interviewed that the food is well cooked. The usual rations given German civilians engaged in "very heavy" and "heavy" work are provided.

A British doctor is stationed at the camp. At present he has nine cases in the Revier and 28 cases in barracks, none of which are severely ill. Most of them are suffering from furuncles, minor injuries, leg and foot ulcers or colds. The Revier is satisfactory and sufficiently equipped for treatment of minor cases. The doctor asks for some tonics such as iron and arsenic, which he has been unable to get from the Germans. Although the German physician was not present, the Camp Commander promised to see if this could not be provided.

Although there is no central recreation or assembly room, there is plenty of room for everyone to sit down in his own barrack, and within the enclosure a small sport field has also been improvised. Footballs are wanted, and the Man of Confidence was advised to take this up with Sherriff at the base camp. (In this connection it may be noted that the Stalag Commander, Oberst Lt. Minsinger, permits Sherriff and the Men of Confidence in the various work camps to correspond whenever they wish regarding treatment and needs.)

The British at this camp are engaged in construction work, i.e. digging, carpentry etc. They work on the average about eight hours daily, though a few work 10 or 10½ hours. They earn all at least RM 0.70 per day and a few earn more, based on special aptitudes. They are paid every two weeks and receive the entire sum in Lagergeld.

The question of Sunday work was brought up, and it was ascertained that many of the men have to work every third Sunday, though they get every Saturday afternoon off and two Sundays out of three. This matter was brought to the attention of the Camp Commander, who said that Sunday work is necessary, unloading railway cars and similar urgent work. The contents of Article 30 of the Convention were then discussed with the Man of Confidence and the British doctor, and it was decided to make no formal complaint to the German authorities, for with the present system of every Saturday afternoon free and two out of three Sundays free all day, the British get more free time than they would get with work every Saturday afternoon and every Sunday free all day.

The camp has its own little canteen which was inspected and seems to be fairly good. Toilet articles, pipes, cigarettes and bottled lemonade were all noted, as well as other articles.

Although some games have been received, very few books have, and the prisoners did not seem to have heard of the Stalag circulating library system. The Stalag Commander gave immediate orders that some books be sent out from the base camp. Musical instruments are also wanted, as one accordion is all the camp has in this line, and the Man of Confidence was advised to talk this matter over with Sherriff and the base camp orchestra when they come in a few days.

Apart from the matters discussed above, there were no complaints. This work camp makes a good impression, and an English copy of the Convention was left at the request of the Man of Confidence.