Stalag 344

Camp Commander

Adjutant

Security Officer

German Chief Physician

Assistants

Accompanying Officer from OKW

Senior British Officers

British Man of Confidence

British Man of Confidence for RAF

Red Cross Trustee

: Oberstleutnant Messner

: Hauptmann Bachstein

: Hauptmann Melz

: Oberstarzt Dr. Springer

: Stabsarzt Dr. Richter (Revier)

: Stabsarzt Dr. Schaffranki (Revier)

: Hauptmann Jeske

: Lt. Col. D.M. Crawford, RAMC (Revier)

: Lt. Col. T.H. Wilson, RAMC (Lazaret)

: R.S.M. Sheriff

: Sgt. A.M. Curry

: W.O.L. J. Lowe

There is no change in the layout of the camp since our last visit on June 26th and 27th, 1944, except for a few improvements which will be mentioned below under the various classifications.

Since our last visit, 239 prisoners of war, who have passed the Mixed Medical Commission for repatriation, and who did not require any immediate hospital treatment, were transferred to Heilag Annaburg, which is the collecting centre for repatriables. A further 448 prisoners of war were repatriated on September 8th, 1944. On the other hand about one thousand prisoners of war have joined this camp from Stalag XXI D, Posen.

On the day of the visit the strength of the camp was as follows: the nationalities being based on place of birth according to German records:

The number of working detachments depending on this Stalag 344 is 235. In the above figures are included 326 prisoners of war undergoing treatment at the lazaret.

There has been no change as to the interior arrangements of the barracks. Constant repairs are being carried out where such are needed. The repairs to floors seem to be an unending task, since destruction of floors occur as the result of searches.

The water system is still the same as mentioned in our last report. Some of the taps in the various barracks have been repaired, thus preventing the former wastage of water. Since the pipe-lines supplying the water could not be changed (see our last report), this deficiency has been overcome in some respect by the provision of one water barrel of 500 litres of water per barrack per day to those blocks, which are either without water or which get water through the pipes for only an hour or two per day. This system has proved invaluable especially during the hot summer days the German authorities are trying to obtain more water-barrels for even a greater supply to each block. The camp commander is doing everything to remedy the water shortage even to the extent of the process of finding water within the camp with the help of a divining-rod, with the result, that a new well is being sunk in the vicinity of Block 2. Another well has been sunk outside the camp and pipe-lines from this well to the camps are being laid with the hope that they will give good results.

Bathing facilities have improved considerably. The supply of water to the bath-house comes from a separate line to that which is intended to supply barracks in the inner camp, thus giving a constant good pressure of water. Full pressure of water now averages 7 hours daily and at most other times tap water is available. In the course of a day, an average of 1,000 men are shower-bathed, and during the evening when pressure is invariably short, an average of 500 men are bucket-bathed. All have an equal opportunity of using the bath-house, and there should be no difficulty whatsoever in getting a hot bath once a fortnight, and in less period if so desired.

which show a marked improvement compared to April and May of 16,078 and 15,239 baths respectively.

There has been some improvement in sanitation generally during the past three months. All latrine seats now have efficient fly-proof covers. Facilities for the emptying of latrine pits have been considerably improved. There is now no over-flowing and fouling of the ground around the cess-pools. Several dumps are still open to the air, a shortage of cement precludes the making of proper covers, but they are slowly being provided as cement becomes available. Many dumps have already been covered with concrete covers. Necessary repairs have been made to the woodwork covering latrine-pits.

Thanks to the unceasing efforts of a Warrant Officer of the Hygiene Section, South African Medical Corps, hygiene in this camp has been well controlled.

During the period of June-September fresh vegetables have become available, and with issues of beans and cabbages from outside sources, as well as garden produce from the camp - onions, tomatoes, lettuce, spinach and herbs - midday soups have been more palatable. The issue of peas has been maintained at two to three times weekly. Soup made up from this commodity is always in good demand.

New potatoes of good quality became available from July 19th, 1944, from which date the original scale of 750 grammes daily has been issued.

Red Cross food parcels: According to an order from the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva, only half a parcel per man per week is to be issued beginning September 15th, 1944.

On September 17th, 1944, a counter-order coming from the German High Command reached this camp, reading as follows:

"For reasons of state security all Red Cross food tins have to be opened immediately and the contents given to the prisoners of war for their use."

On the strength of this order, the camp commander and security officer arranged that each prisoner of war should receive two parcels at once in addition to the half parcel, which has already been distributed. Thus 20,000 parcels in the main camp and 20,000 parcels in the various working detachments depending on this Stalag were given out, all tins were opened, all tins were opened and meat, fish, margarine, butter, jam had to be given to the cookhouse. All German food issue stopped with the exception of potatoes and bread, such German rations not issued to the prisoners of war would be strictly accounted for and would remain to their credit.

On the evening of September 18th, 1944, the following order from the German High Command was received by telephone:

"By cancellation of message of September 16th, 1944, it is hereby ordered, State security requires a drastic reduction in the stocks of foodstuffs in tins from Red Cross supplies and also out of personal parcels in depots and also in the possession of the individual prisoners of war. The contents of tins already on hand and of tins which arrive have got to be used quickly by the prisoners of war after paying due attention to security censorship."

After the receipt of the above order, the camp commander arranged a meeting of all Red Cross trustees of the area Red Cross stores at Stalag 344 on September 22nd, 1944. After due consideration of the Red Cross stock at Stalag 344 and at the various area stores for the working detachments depending on this Stalag and in agreement with the above mentioned order, the following decision has been reached:

Beginning October 1st, 1944, each prisoner of war should receive one Red Cross food parcel per week in addition to the German food. Therefore each working detachment should have 2 Red Cross parcels in store, a further two parcels for each prisoner of war at the working commandos should be kept at their respective area Red Cross store, thus providing each prisoner of war at the working detachments with a four weeks supply of Red Cross parcels at the rate of one parcel per man per week. The normal German ration is to start again on October 1st, 1944, including the amount of German ration, which so far has not been drawn since September 17th, 1944.

By the end of October the stock of Red Cross food will therefore be considerably reduced, after which date further orders will be issued in accordance to the stock and new supplies arriving from Geneva.

According to W.O.L. J. Lowe, Red Cross Trustee at Stalag, the Red Cross food stock after the distribution of the 40,000 parcels will last only 5 weeks at the rate of one parcel per prisoner of war per week.

The prisoners of war are greatly distributed by this order, as they fear, that a time might come, when no more supplies of Red Cross parcels from Geneva will arrive, and that, with a further reduction of German rations in view, they might have to go hungry. Since this is an order from the German High Command, the matter is already being discussed with that authority.

including 2 medical officers and one dental officer from Stalag XXI D, Posen. One medical officer and one dental officer are not employed. They have been working continuously since 1940 and are in need of a rest.

The wooden barrack, which was in the course of construction during our last visit, is now functioning as an "Out Patient's Department" and has relieved the local congestion in the revier considerably.

Latrine accommodation has been considerably improved by the erection of a separate latrine in close proximity to the barracks housing dysentery cases. Separate accommodation for infectious and non-infectious cases has been provided.

Since the t.b. cases as the lazaret have been moved to the sanatorium at Elsterhorst, the infectious cases from the revier will be moved to the lazaret, which will be a decided advantage.

The drug supply is about the same as last time and is said to be sufficient due to the liberal supply from the British Red Cross Society. The German supply is as much as is available.

The dental station has now been accommodated in the revier hut annexe and proves to be of great improvement.

Capt. Crabb, Army Dental Corps, at present unemployed, and one dental mechanic arrived from Stalag XXI D Posen, bringing with them an excellent supply of equipment and material. The supply of Paladon for dentures and sundries for conservative work has greatly improved since the arrival of a new German Apotheker. There is at present sufficient supply to meet every requirement. The dental mechanics are working a full eight-hour day, and it is obvious that the denture supply is limited by the number of mechanics working and not by lack of material. The following figures gave the amount of work done at the dental station:

Attendances

Extractions

General Anaesthetics

Fillings

Scaling and Gum treatment

Vincent's infection

Dentures fitted

Dentures repaired

Fractured jaws

Men rendered dentally fit

4,785

2,604

1,369

321

150

1,707

Lt. Varvarides, the Greek dental officer, is to be commended on his zest and the long hours spent on conservative work of a high standard in this camp. His assistance has proved invaluable to the British dental officers working. Attached are statistics of work done in the Revier.

Again there is a marked improvement in the situation due to the transfer of the t.b. cases to the British t.b. sanatorium in Elsterhorst and the recent repatriation.

Since our last visit, the central store for the area has been opened in the Stalag revier under the control of the S.B.O., which is also a great improvement. The German drug supply is arriving at the normal rate and amount. At present there are adequate to the requirements excepting the following:

For the months of June and August 1944, 404 operations of all types have been performed, covering the usual illnesses found in civil life in young men, as well as serious war wounds.

Major Henderson, RAMC (Neuro-surgeon) has returned to this lazaret and has been investigating and operating upon suitable cases of injury to the peripherial nerves. Since most have been repatriated, the position as regards treatment of this type of case is at last well under control. For the first time and, according to Lt. Col. Wilson, probably as a result of the repatriation of Capt. Donald, RAMC, Penicillin, three and a half million units, has been received from Great Britain. A million units have been used on a medical case, since repatriated. The remainder is in reserve at the moment.

The larger X-ray plant supplied makes possible many examinations for which previously patients had to be sent elsewhere. Further improvements have also been made in the dark room and conditions can be considered very satisfactory.

According to Lt. Col. Wilson, only cases for emergency operations or specially selected cases which need hospital investigation and treatment are being admitted, owing to the general war situation.

Thanks to the co-operation of Oberstarzt Springer one medical officer and 5 orderlies were allowed to accompany the mental patients on repatriation as far as the Ferry Steamer.

The general standard of treatment carried out in the lazaret is of a very high order and at the moment there are no particular troubles to meet. Excellent relations exist between the British and German Medical Staffs and close co-operation is maintained for the benefit of the sick. The Chez-Arzt, Oberstarzt Springer has taken a keen interest in all problems.

W.O.L. J. Lowe is still in charge of the Red Cross food and clothing. The Red Cross food question has been described under point VI, Food and Cooking, of this report.

The clothing and boot situation is generally satisfactory. Foot-repair material is, however, very urgently required and there is also a shortage of Battle Dress Blouses.

A request for indoor-games, particularly playing cards and gramophones, is being transmitted to the YMCA, since supplies are practically non-existent at the moment and are always needed for the working detachments.

A number of officer patients in the lazaret were unable to obtain any pay during their stay. Six of these officers have been repatriated in the meantime. They had to borrow money wherever they could obtain it. When taking the matter up with the German authorities, the Zahlmeister explained to the Delegate that these officers will receive their pay when returning to their respective Oflag after treatment here. He assured the Delegate that the six officers received their pay before being repatriated. The Delegate, however, insisted that as soon as an officer arrives for treatment, the necessary arrangements should be made with the Oflag that the payment should continue at the lazaret for the time of his stay there. This was promised by the Zahlmeister and will be checked at our next visit.

The privilege of teams from the camp to visit and play Soccer and Rugby matches against the larger working parties has been withdrawn by order of the OKW on account of security.

Most ball games, as well as Athletics provide a lot of exercise. In the former, minor and major organized competitions assure the maximum exercise for all classes of performers. Soccer, rugby, and cricket are extended to International and Test Match series. Boxing tournaments organized strictly and as near as possible following the rules of the Army-Boxing Association are staged at monthly intervals. The tournaments are very popular and claim audiences of 5000 to 6000.

Fencing with foils made of ash, has become a most favourite sport, instructions are given by a qualified Master from the Free French Forces.

During the hot summer days about 200 prisoners of war have been able to go swimming in a nearby lake daily.

According to an order from the Commanding General of Wehrkreis VIII all theatrical performances in prisoner of war camps are forbidden on the ground that all German theatres had been closed. Concerts and variety shows, however, continue at present.

This is felt as a very unjust order, since plays have reached a very high standard in this camp and have helped a great many to maintain their high spirit and morale. The case is already being discussed with the OKW endeavouring to have this order withdrawn, since it is only a local order for the Wehrkreis VIII.

Incoming mail has been said to have maintained a very low level; private parcels are practically non-existent. There is no complaint, for reasons are obvious.

XV. WELFARE WORK: Acts of Gallantry: The following prisoners of war received a document from the camp commander of Stalag 344, Lamsdorf, for acts of gallantry:

Pte. Robert Robertson, The Gordon Highlanders, No.2879245, Working Detachment No.E 711a for rescuing wounded workers and employees of the Reigerfeld factory.

Staff-Sgt. Reginald Currell, pow No.23572, Royal Army Ordnance Corps, working detachment No.E 703 for rescuing a boy from death by drowning out of a fishing pool near Poppelau on July 23rd, 1944.

Pte. John Warner, pow. No.23554, Australian Imperial Force No.VX/19211, working detachment No.E 598 for rescuing a girl from death by drowning.

L/Cpl. Harold Franklyn, pow No.91164, Relch [Welch?] Regt. No.3957076 and Marine James Stephens, pow. No.850, Royal Marines No.CHX/X 104064 both at working detachment No. E 196 for rescuing a girl from death by drowning on August 22, 1944.

The man of confidence expressed the wish that these acts of gallantry be brought to the notice of the competent authorities in England.

Reference is made to our last report, in which was mentioned that the following three prisoners of war have been placed under arrest by order of the OKW on June 24th, 1944:

These three prisoners of war are still under arrest in separate cells. The following five prisoners of war have been transferred from Stalag XXI D, Posen, when it was dissolved, and upon arrival at Lamsdorf were immediately put under arrest by order of the OKW:

When visiting each cell separately, the following complaints were brought forward to the Delegate of the Protecting Power by each prisoner of war:

2. Request for proper clothing, while under arrest. The prisoners of war are only allowed to wear their shirt and pants.

4. Request for a hot bath per week; so far they have received one hot bath per five weeks only.

When discussing the case with the German authorities, the camp commander informed the Delegate that he is totally unaware of the reason for the arrest of these prisoners of war, since it is an order by the OKW. When making a strong protest against the attire of these prisoners of war in their cells, the camp commander informed the Delegate that he had been made personally responsible for the safe-keeping of each prisoner of war by a written order from the OKW. He assured the Delegate that the prisoners of war are in want of nothing at all since each one received four blankets to keep warm and to protect them from any illness. However, he promised that the trousers will be given back to the prisoners of war to wear in their cells again, since it is getting colder. For the same security reason the camp commander cannot allow the prisoners of war to use the latrine. Therefore a bucket with lid has been placed in each cell. He also promised that each prisoner of war will receive a hot shower weekly. According to the camp commander, it happened in one of the Stalags that the prisoners of war under arrest by order of the OKW broke loose, killing the two German guards and escaped. Therefore he was made personally responsible for the safe-keeping of these men. The camp commander expressed his regrets for having had to take such drastic measures; he had to do it to save "his own head" as he put it. He also urged the Delegate to take immediate steps with the OKW to have these men tried or, if found not guilty, to have them set free within the camp.

The case of Corp. George Greenwell is particularly serious. Greenwell was taken in June from the lazaret while undergoing treatment for diabetes. He has already passed the Mixed Medical Commission in April 1944 and found repatriable. Greenwell, as well as the S.B.O. assured the Delegate that he is receiving the same treatment as he had while being at the lazaret. However, his mind is getting affected now. Nothing further could be achieved, since the camp commander acts only according to the OKW orders. The case is already being taken up with the German High Command.

The following complaints have been brought to the attention of the Delegate of the Protecting Power by men of confidence from eight working detachments belonging to this Stalag 344:

This is one of the camps in the smoke-screen area of the I.G. Farben complex near Blechhammer, Heydebreck. A request for their withdrawal has already been made to the OKW.

68 prisoners of war working in stone-quarry 10 1/4 hours work daily. Work is said to be too hard for the men. The camp commander promised that every prisoners of war in his working detachment shall be regraded as to their fitness for work by a military doctor from the Stalag.

These four working Commandos are billeted together, totalling 34 prisoners of war:

The billets are on the grounds of the leather factory. New skins with still meat on them are placed outside the kitchen window, frightful smell and breeding place for flies, etc. Factory dump within 50 meters of billet. Washroom not yet completed; prisoners of war wash in kitchen. Oil is stored besides and above kitchen. No drinking water on premises. The Red Cross store underneath roof and floor is said to be pregnated with oil. Short of blankets. A request for removal of these four working detachments was favourably received by the camp commander.

This is also one of the camps in the smoke screen area of Oderthal and the OKW has already been requested to remove the prisoners of war from this area.

This is a new commando and has been opened about three weeks ago with prisoners of war coming from Stalag XXI D, Posen.

The Kommandoführer does not permit the man of confidence to accompany the sick prisoners of war to visit the doctor. The Man of Confidence is being locked in the billet all day long without being allowed to use the latrine. No bath as yet. No washing facilities for laundry. No air-raid shelters.

The Camp Commander promised to visit this working detachment shortly and to rectify the shortcomings.

The German military doctor near does not give proper attention to sick prisoners of war. One of the guards uses his rifles constantly, so far no one has been shot, but a German civilian has taken the rifle away from the guard three times. The control officer promised to have the guard Lehmann removed two weeks ago, but so far it has not been done. The camp commander promised to investigate the matter with regard to the military doctor and to have the guard removed at once. According to the camp commander, this is rather a difficult working detachment; the prisoners of war are known as Red Spaniards, who fought in Tunis with the French Foreign Legion. They are regarded by the German military authorities as British prisoners of war.

Before being able to bring forward the complaints from this working detachment, the camp commander informed the Delegate that steps have already been taken to dissolve this commando and to bring the prisoners of war back to Stalag 344 within the next week.

The very good understanding between the British and the Germans continues. The men of confidence as well as the Senior British Officers expressed their appreciation with regard to the help they receive from the camp commander and the keen interest he is taking in improving conditions at the main camp and at the various working detachments. On the three days' tour of visiting working detachments on this Stalag, the Delegate was accompanied by the commander's adjutant, Hauptmann Bachstein, who, according to the camp commander, takes the same keen interest in the welfare of the prisoners of war as he does himself.

DETAILS OF PATIENTS TREATED AT SPECIAL DEPARTMENTS AND CLINICS: June-August 1944.

DETAILS OF TREATMENT UNDER ANAESTHETICS IN OPERATING THEATRE: June - August 1944.

I. This Kommando is housed in two separated, old stone buildings attached to some store-houses of the lime-works for which the men work. Each quarter has its own small compound and toilets, the bathhouse being in another building as well as the kitchen. The two buildings are within the area of the factory.

II. 50 British Prisoners of War from the camp's complement. 16 men work in the nearby limestone-quarry, 16 on forestry work and the remainder on various odd jobs in and around the factory. The quarry and factory-workers have to do 60 hrs a week since July 20th, declaration of total war in Germany, the foresters are engaged on piece-work which they finish usually quite quickly, (6-7 hrs a day). The quarry workers had no free Sunday for the last 8 weeks, factory workers are off work every second Sunday, the men engaged on forestry work are free every Sunday. Except for the quarry workers nobody had a complaint about the work and the working hours and promises were given that the quarry-party will have at least every third Sunday free from now on. This particular party thinks their work too heavy and arduous and proof was given by the fact that a few weeks ago the Germa doctor i/c. has sent 12 men back to Stalag for being unfit for the type of work after doing it for 2 to 3 years.

III. Each of the two houses holds two sleeping and living rooms which are rather crowded and a point was made that the present complement should not be exceeded. Double-tier beds of the wooden type, few cupboard but small shelves with coat-hangers underneath and suitable sitting accommodation are provided. The lighting is rather feeble and stronger bulbs or an additional light in each of the rooms was promised. Heating by coal-stoves is satisfactory. The quarters are not very pleasant and rather dark and gloomy. A whitewash of the rooms was recommended.

IV. Washing facilities in the bathhouse consist of several washbasins and a number of cold shower-sprays. Hot showers are available once a week. When the men want to go to the wash-room or the kitchen they have always to call the guard to let them out of the compound which is very troublesome and annoying.

VI. One of the men is i/c. of the kitchen. Ration scale is provided and correct. No complaints. Red Cross food cooking facilities are satisfactory although the men are sometimes short of fuel.

VII. Sick parade twice a week with a German Medical Officer at Gogolin (4 km. from camp). There is a sanitator with a good first-aid kit in camp. He used to be recognised but since re-examination of all identity cards he is not recognised any more but not on work. Dental treatment is organized but the men are not satisfied with the treatment as it takes too long to have something done. Hptm. Bachstein, accompanying officer Stalag 344, promised to see whether he can find a better dentist in the neighbourhood.

VIII. Generally every man has two uniforms. Boots are available too, but rapidly worn out on quarry work. The firm provides only wooden clogs which are most unsatisfactory for this type of work. No overalls and no aprons are issued. The Delegate applied for overalls for the men engaged on dirty work. It will be considered.

X. At least 70 Pfg. is paid. Some men doing exactly the same work and working the same hours do not receive the same pay. The matter will be investigated.

XIII. Football and other ball games may be played but many of the workers have only little time to do so. Indoor recreation is satisfactory.

XVI. Besides the complaints mentioned above, no further requests were brought forward. The Guards Company Commander promised to see that all the objections will be straightened-out. He informed the Delegate that within two or three months new quarters will be available in a barrack which was already under construction. Once this work will be done general conditions will very much improve.

This Kommando consists of 30 British Prisoners of War quartered in a good wooden barrack within the factory enclosure. Although the compound of the camp is larger than the one of the neighbouring Kommando E 152, the men have little moving space once the gates are locked. A little hut with 2 latrine-seats is within the barbed wire, as well as a small shed with a cooking-range to prepare Red Cross food stuffs. The barrack is of the RAD type with two rooms and furnished with double-tier wooden beds, ample sitting accommodation and some cupboards, electric light and some stoves. The blankets which are now for three years in use, should be exchanged. It will be considered.

Bathing and washing facilities are rather primitive. A wooden trough and two taps with running cold water are available. Hot showers at the works bathhouse. The toilets are of the pit-type, two seats and one urinal.

The cooking is done by two German women. Satisfactory. Facilities for preparing Red Cross food are adequate, but fuel for this purpose is reported to be scarce.

Medical attention is given by a German Medical Officer at Gogolin, at 4 km. distance, sick parades twice a week. There is some first aid kit in camp and one of the men, with some training is i/c. Dental treatment with a German dentist at Odertal. The men go there by train.

The clothing position is generally satisfactory. Overalls are issued to all men employed on dirty work. Boots, however, are in bad state and little repair material is available. The men working in the lime-oven ruin their shoes within one month and the firm does supply nothing. An issue of wooden boots was promised. Laundry is given out.

The men's pay is correct. They are engaged in a limestone-quarry and factory for 60 hrs a week. Sunday is free, unless there are some railway waggons to be unloaded which happens very seldom.

The Man of Confidence had no further complaints and stated that general conditions are quite fair, except for the long working hours and the lack of protective boots for the men in the lime-oven.

I. The Kommando is accommodated in a large stone-barrack near the works. The space within the barbed wire is unreasonably small and further reduced by two sheds which hold the latrines and the Red Cross kitchen. The Guards Company Commander who was present stated that the camp will be enlarged and a new wooden barrack was already under construction. New latrines and better cooking facilities will also be provided and the compound considerably enlarged to offer sufficient space for playing smaller ball-games.

II. 45 British Prisoners of War form the present complement. Another 50 to 60 men are expected to arrive as soon as the extension of the camp is finished. The men are employed in a large lime-factory on various odd jobs. They work for ten hours a day, Sunday is free. There was no particular complaint about work or working conditions in general, except for 4 men working in the lime-kiln which is reported to be terribly hot and dangerous. The Delegate applied to have the British removed from this specific job. It will be considered.

III. The barrack which forms the men's quarters holds only one large room serving for living and sleeping purposes. There are double- and triple-tier beds, cupboards, benches and tables, electric light and two large stoves, two blankets per man.

IV. Facilities for daily washing are in a narrow corridor before entering the sleeping room. An insufficient number of washbasins and a large wooden tub are available. Running cold water. Daily hot showers at the excellent bath-house in the works are granted.

V. Toilet facilities consist at present in an open shed with four seats. Better arrangements will be made with the new camp's construction.

VI. The food is cooked by German women. It is said to be clean and well-cooked but never any change in meals. Facilities for cooking Red Cross food stuff are adequate in a little shed outside, on a big cooking-range. A boiler for hot water is also provided.

VII. There is a recognised sanitator in camp as well as some First-Aid kit and a certain amount of drugs. Twice a week sick parade with German Medical Officer at Gogolin who is reported to give good treatment. Dental treatment with a civilian dentist at Odertal, fillings and extractions being done.

VIII. Every man has two uniforms, a good one and one for working. The firm supplies no overalls, wooden shoes from Stalag.

XI. Some beer is available, matches and razor-blades will be provided from Stalag.

XII. The padre has been here and will come again on application. The men would like to use the work's canteen for this purpose which is very nice. This has been stopped on the occasion of the last service when the men took Mr. Hitler's picture down during the religious service. An agreement was reached and the British will again have permission to use this room.

XIV. The Man of Confidence states that letter mail has improved lately, but no private parcels have reached the camp since 21.7.44. Outgoing mail in order.

XVII. A reasonably good Kommando which will certainly further improve with the completion and extension of the camp.

This Kommando has been visited on our last inspection-tour and was visited again this time to make sure that some improvements have been carried out.

Indeed, the walls have been white-washed, a further lamp has been put in, a window was made in the big-door and the former plank bed has been separated forming now double-tier beds in which the men sleep. The days previous to the visit, the blankets have been exchanged and new eating bowls have been issued but the men still use their old enamel kidney-shaped bowls as a second plate. Some other minor improvements have also been done. Although not all the promises given have been fulfilled, there is at least a decided improvement. Local authorities promised to see that further ameliorations will be made and the accompanying officer from Stalag will watch the situation.

There are at present 45 British Prisoners of War in this camp, engaged on the same kind of work as reported on the occasion of our last visit, on June 29th this year.

A number of the previous complaints are still standing and new ones have arisen in the meantime. Old complaints are:

1) The roof in the latrine in the sub-camp is badly leaking and no attempts to repair it have been made.

2) Confiscation of cigarette-paper, copying-pencils and lighters by the Control officer. These articles were promised to be given back.

3) Difficulties met by the men when they want to do some outdoor exercise on their free Sunday. This applies only to the men in the sub-camp where the two old guards are either too lazy or too indolent to take the men to the sportsground. This will be stopped.

As the general conditions for the men in the sub-camp do not come up to the general standard, the Delegate requested to have this Kommando, i.e. the sub-camp closed for British Prisoners of War. The accompanying Officer from Stalag could not give any definite promise and the matter will therefore be taken up with the OKW.

This Kommando has last been visited in June 28th this year. As reported on this occasion new quarters should have been ready within 6 weeks but so far only one other temporary barrack has been erected in the meantime, into which the men will move as soon as the barbed wire for the enclosure arrives. So far they are still in their old inadequate quarters. The new proper camp is at present under construction and once finished will certainly be quite satisfactory.

There are at present 74 British Prisoners of War engaged on the same type of work as reported previously. As most of the work is piece-work the men are satisfied as they finish the amount of work required in "no time". Sundays are generally free, if not, time is compensated during the week.

The main trouble on the occasion of this visit was again about the food. The men had up to now still no opportunity for a real checking of the rations. Due to the new order about the issue of Red Cross food parcels (see report on Stalag 344 Lamsdorf) all the German rations except bread and potatoes had been stopped and large quantities of Red Cross food issued. One of the men, a British Army cook was put i/c. of the kitchen, (the small Red Cross kitchen) where all the cooking had to be done and made such a success of it that nobody wanted to go back to the old scheme. The Man of Confidence requested the Delegate to use his influence in order that the British may do their own cooking which after lengthy discussions was granted. An order signed by the Guards Battalion Commander was issued stating that the present man i/c will stay permanently on this duty and that the German rations will have to be issued dry.

Otherwise general conditions may be called fair, the firm has now provided every man with overalls and no other complaints were brought to the Delegate's knowledge.

Once the new barrack will be taken over, this Kommando may certainly become a very good one.

I. This Kommando has been opened on June 29th 1944 and is situated near the railway station of Neisse. It consists of a well-built wooden barrack of the RAD type of which approximately one fifth is taken up by the guards, the rest by the prisoners, leaving for them 3 sleeping rooms, accommodating 18, 18 and 20 men, a recreation room and a washroom. The kitchen is in a small hut in a corner of the yard, in the opposite corner is the latrine-hut. A further small shed is attached to the main barrack in which a little cooking range for the Red Cross cooking is placed. The compound is fairly large, air-raid shelters in a small casemate of the old town fortifications adjoining the camp. They are bomb-proofed for medium-sized bombs. Some anti-air-raid gun emplacements are close to the camp.

II. There are 56 British prisoners of war employed by a private contractor of the State railway. The men are engaged on transports, maintenance of lines and construction and laying out of new tracks. 10 hours actual work per day with occasional Sunday work which is compensated during the week.

III. There is the usual furnishing with double-tier wooden beds, ample sitting accommodation, cupboards, electric light, good stoves and some bugs. Fumigation has been done and will be repeated within the new few days. Two blankets per man are issued.

IV. The wash-room in camp is adequate, hot showers for the men employed on dirty work are daily available, the remainder have at least one hot shower once a week at the station bath-house.

VI. Satisfactory. Two men are engaged on the kitchen. Ration scale available and correct. Facilities for Red Cross food cooking limited through smallness of cooking range. An application for a bigger stove was promised to be considered.

VII. Daily sick parade with a German Medical Officer. Dental treatment, fillings and extractions, available. There was a sanitator in camp who fell sick and had to go back to Stalag. A new man will be sent out. First aid kit and certain drugs in camp.

VIII. Each man has two uniforms. Overalls are issued to the men employed on unloading coal and similar dirty work. Boots are generally in a bad state as no repair material is available.

XI. Canteen: Locally beer is available, matches, razor-blades and other sundry things available from Stalag.

XIII. Football is played and once a week the men are taken out for a walk. Some indoor games are available, as well as musical instruments and books.

2. No slippers provided while trousers and boots are taken away during the night. Stalag will send some clogs.

3. Proper night-latrines to be provided. At present some pails and cans are put into every room during the night. Improvement was promised.

4. Insufficient cleaning material. The employer will do his best to provide more.

XVII. The men are somewhat restless and have not settled down yet in their new camp. General conditions are however quite fair.

I. This is a Sonder-Kommando and has been opened on the 12th of this month. All the men in this Kommando are awaiting trial or confirmation of their sentence and are usually not for a very long-time in this camp. It is housed in a former village-inn, the dance-hall forming the men's sleeping and living quarters, toilets being close-by, as well as a wash-room and a small kitchen for Red Cross food cooking. The compound is rather small.

II. 50 British prisoners of war form the camp's complement. They are engaged in a sand-pit and on transports for a large cement-factory. Some of the men are also employed on railway maintenance work. The working hours amount to 9 1/2 hours daily, Saturday afternoon and Sunday are free.

III. Interior arrangements are as usual, the sleeping and living room being furnished with double-tier wooden beds of a newer and broader type, no cupboards but small shelves being provided, sufficient sitting accommodation, electric light. One stove at present and a second one to be provided. Two blankets per man.

VI. Cooking is done by the firm. Food is said to be clean and well-cooked. Potatoes and bread are daily brought to the camp for the cooking of the supper which is done by the men themselves. Cooking utensils are somewhat short and will be provided. Red Cross food can be prepared on the same cooking range.

VII. Daily sick parade with the works' doctor and twice a week with a German Medical Officer at Weidenau (3 km). No complaints. Dental treatment every Saturday with a German civilian dentist at Friedberg. No experience. There is no recognised sanitator in camp, but the men in charge had some medical training before the war. First aid kit in camp.

VIII. The clothing position is not too good. Not all the men have two uniforms, but some clothing is expected from Stalag. Boots too are not in very good state.

XI. Canteen supplies are unsettled yet. Beer and matches available from the firm's canteen.

XIII. Football is played; indoor games are available, but no musical instruments. A gramophone would be very much appreciated. YMCA will be informed.

XIV. Letters are said to arrive fairly regularly but no private parcels. Outgoing mail in order.

XVII. In spite of being a Sonder-Kommando the men here had no complaints and no special treatment was reported. Instead of having these men sitting around in Stalag, they are detached to this Kommando where the time awaiting trial and/or confirmation of the sentence passes quicker for the men. The Kommando-Führer, a young NCO is very strict, but correct and looks very well after the men. The man of confidence reports good understanding with him.

Although this party has been formed in June 1941, it has never been visited before. Conditions were always found to be reasonable and not justifying a visit from the Protecting Power. As the Kommando was on the route of our tour, the Chief Man of Confidence from Stalag asked the Delegate to pay these men a short visit which he gladly did.

The Kommando is housed in a big, old stone building, actually the biggest house in this small village in the Atlvater Gobirge in Upper Silesia. It was probably once an inn but could not definitely be made out. There is one large room for sleeping and living purposes, a large kitchen, a washroom and a small room for the camp-leader and his interpreter. The latrine hut is outside in the compound which is reasonably large. Stores for clothing and Red Cross parcels are in the main building.

32 British prisoners of war form the camp's complement. They are engaged in a granite quarry, but a small party works also in a mechanic's shop making saws to saw the stones and one man is employed with a garage. All the men work 10 hours a day. Sunday is free.

Interior arrangements are as usual. The blankets are now three years old, worn out and should be exchanged. This was promised.

Bathing and washing facilities are primitive but adequate. There is a boiler and a large wooden tub available for hot baths. Toilets in the camp's yard are of the pit-type, 3 seats, more disinfectant was requested by the Delegate.

The camp is self-cooking, one man is in charge. They have good rations and plenty of vegetables and fruits available and given to the men at the present time of the year. Red Cross parcel stock at hand.

The clothing position is generally satisfactory and some supplies are expected from Stalag. The laundry is done by a woman.

Pay is stated to be correct. Canteen supplies are available from the village shop (what little there is).

Recreational facilities are satisfactory. Football is played and other ball-games as well. Indoor games and musical instruments in camp.

No complaints were brought to the Delegate's knowledge but a few minor wishes were amicably straightened-out with the local authorities.

I. The camp is situated just behind the factory where the men work in a pleasant surrounded adjoining a forest. It consists of five well built wooden barracks and a washhouse with shower-room. There are several sleeping and living rooms of various sizes accommodating from 6 to 40 men, a very nice recreation hall, camp office, Revier and stores.

II. There are 189 British prisoners of war employed by a wood-wool factory. The men work in three shifts of eight hours each, but the work required is usually done within 3 or 4 hours and after than the men can do what they want, either go to bed or enjoy themselves as they like it. Sunday is free, occasionally coal has to be unloaded, but the time is compensated during the week.

III. The sleeping and living quarters are quite good. The rooms are furnished with the usual double-tier and some single beds, cupboards for everybody, stools and tables, good electric light and stoves. Two blankets per man.

VI. The cooking is done by three German women at the firm's cookhouse. It is reported to be excellent, plenty of vegetables and fruits available. Red Cross parcels at hand and facilities for cooking such are in order.

VII. Daily sick parade with the camp sanitator or with a German Medical Officer at Freiwaldau whenever wanted. The Revier holds six very nice single beds for the patients, a medical inspection room is next to it and medical kit and certain drugs are available in good number. Three recognised medical orderlies are on duty at this camp. Dental treatment satisfactorily arranged at Freiwaldau (5 km.) fillings, extractions and prosthese work being done. General state of health is reported to be very good.

VIII. Satisfactory. Overalls are issued by the firm. New supplies for clothing of British pattern are expected from Stalag. There is a cobbler and 2 tailors on duty here.

XI. One of the men is allowed to do some shopping in the village. Six barrels of beer are provided weekly for canteen issue.

XIII. Recreation facilities are very good. A sportsground is just outside the enclosure, a theatre-room is at the men's disposal, indoor games and musical instruments are available in good number.

XIV. Mail is as usual, letters are slow and parcels almost non-existent. No complaints, for reasons are obvious.

XVI. No complaints. The Man of Confidence applied for a British Medical Officer who could live in this camp and attend to the neighbouring Kommandos of the area. It will be considered.

This small Kommando of ten British prisoners of war is quartered in three rooms under the roof of a one storied civilian dwelling house within the premises of a saw-mill for which the men work. There are two sleeping and living rooms, airy and well-lit, and a kitchen in which the men also wash. Hot showers or baths are available in a bathroom in the neighbouring house. Toilets are on the first floor, where also the water has to be drawn by a pump for washing and cooking purposes.

As mentioned above, the men work in a saw-mill for 10 hours a day, Saturday afternoon and Sundays are free.

One man is in charge of the kitchen and the Man of Confidence does all the shopping with the guard. Red Cross parcels at hand for two weeks. All Red Cross food stuff is pooled and cooked with the German rations.

Medical attention by a German Medical Officer at Freiwaldau (4 km). Sick parade Tuesday and Friday. Fair treatment is reported. Dental treatment organized. First aid kit in camp. There was a complaint about the Revier at Freiwaldau and the Delegate arranged that all British prisoners of war from this Kommando may be sent to Kommando E 250 Adelsdorf where a very nice Revier is available.

Every man has two sets of uniforms, one to work in and another for good use. Boots too are in good order. The men asked for rubber-boots in winter but the firm has no possibility to get them for the type of work the men do. Laundry is given out.

Pay is correct. Canteen supplies, whatever available, are bought by the Man of Confidence when he goes for shopping.

Recreation is rather poor. The big timber-yard is at the men's disposal but being such a small Kommando, ball games do not find sufficient amateurs. Indoor games are in camp as well as an ukulele but nobody knows how to play it. A gramophone which the men were able to buy is in bad repair and naturally the men feel a bit lost, since inter-Kommando matches and visits are not allowed any more. After some discussion with the local military authorities an agreement was reached in so far that men will be allowed to attend concerts at Kommando E 250 and if possible an extension from a radio will be laid into the camp.

Besides that, no complaints were brought to the Delegate's knowledge and the Kommando may be considered as fairly good.

These three small labour-detachments are accommodated in a small stone house in Freiwaldau. The house is situated in the backyard of a smaller side-street and not unnecessarily exposed to public curiosity. The enclosure is very narrow and offers the men little moving space. The building itself is quite adequate with one large room used as dormitory, a further one as a day-room, a kitchen and a washroom. There are the usual double-tier beds with straw-sacks and 2 blankets per man which should be exchanged as they are worn out, sufficient sitting accommodation, small shelves with coat-hangers, electric light and one stove which is said to be sufficient for the two rooms. The roof of the house is badly lacking and will be repaired.

The three Kommandos together have 21 British prisoners of war: E 495 a wheelwright's firm employs 5 men, E 590 has 15 men in a saw-mill, E 776 is the smallest Kommando of the Stalag with one man, a dental mechanic, working for the dentist to which all the prisoners of the area go. Daily working hours are 9 1/2 at E 495 and 10 hours for the saw-mill party. Sunday is free. The dental mechanic works 8 hours a day. No complaints about the work.

The men wash in their little wash-room where 6 taps with running water and a trough are available. Weekly hot showers at the sawmill. Toilets are outside in the little yard and actually too near to the billet. Improvement was promised.

One of the men does all the cooking. Ration scale available and found to be correct. Red Cross food parcels at hand, cooking facilities for such satisfactory.

Medical attention is given by a German Medical Officer in town. Good treatment. Dental treatment organized and some First Aid kit and drugs in camp. General state of health good.

Pay is reported to be correct, but there is little to buy as canteen supplies are rather limited.

Recreation consists of walks twice a month as the Kommando has no sportsground. The Delegate arranged that the men will be allowed to play ball games on the ground of Kommando E 497, another British Kommando in this town, at certain hours, to comply with security regulations which do not allow inter-commando matches any more. Indoor games are at hand as well as some privately owned musical instruments.

Besides the points mentioned above, the following complaints were straightened out:

1. Ventilation. During the summer the two back windows of the sleeping room have been walled-up because some of the men were too friendly with the village belles and did all sort of trading through these windows. Naturally the ventilation suffered by this measure. The Delegate requested to have some ventilation holes made which after some arguing was granted.

2. Shortage of knives, forks and spoons, exchange of some battered cups. This, too, was granted.

Once the various objectionable points will be straightened out, this Kommando will certainly become quite a good one.

I. The men are billeted in three rooms, with direct entrance from the garden which forms the "enclosure" of a civilian dwelling house. Two sleeping and living rooms, a bathroom, and a kitchen is at the men's disposal. The surroundings are very pleasant within the park of a large mental sanatorium where the men work.

II. There are 18 British prisoners of war employed on general labour, such as gardening, helping on a farm, general maintenance work. 10 1/2 hours daily work. Sunday is free.

III. There are some double-tier double beds, as well as some single ones, chairs and tables, cupboards, one sofa in one of the rooms, electric light and good stoves. The majority of the men have arranged to get some spring mattresses from the sanatorium, others have well-stuffed straw-sacks; everybody has at least two blankets.

IV. Satisfactory. Three built-in washbasins with running cold water available. Cold baths in the bathroom in camp, hot baths at the sanatorium.

VI. Food and cooking is said to be very good. It is done by the sanatorium. Red Cross parcels at hand and good facilities for repairing these items in the little kitchen in the billet.

VII. Medical attention is given by the sanatorium. Very satisfactory. Dental treatment at Freiwaldau. (4 km).

I. This Kommando is housed in a large stone house above the works in a little mountain valley in pleasant surroundings. The house is divided into two large sleeping rooms, kitchen, camp-office, and various store-rooms. Toilets are on each storey, the washroom is in a small shed attached to the building. In another small barrack, the cobbler and the tailor shop and the Red Cross kitchen are suitably accommodated. The enclosure round the house is reasonably large.

II. 56 British prisoners of war form the camp's strength. They are all employed in a limestone quarry for 10 hours a day. Saturday afternoon and Sunday are free. No complaint about the work.

IV. The little washhouse is adequate and hot showers are available any time at the works.

VII. There is a medical orderly in camp and good equipment is available. A civilian doctor may be seen any time. Serious cases are taken to Freiwaldau with the German Medical Officer. Dental treatment organized but extractions only are being done.

VIII. The men are quite well-off for clothing. Everybody has two uniforms and two pairs of boots. Cobbler and tailor are constantly at work doing all repairs for this Kommando and the surrounding detachments.

XI. Canteen supplies are very limited, but the men are allowed to do some shopping in the village accompanied by a guard.

XIII. Football may be played whenever wanted, equipment for in- and out-door recreation in camp.

XVI. No special complaints, the following three individual cases will be dealt with: 32801 Grant, A. (army No.738689) is still not recognized as a medical orderly. Sgt. R. Bryant (35381) and Cpl. E. Cawkell (16309) who were at the time forced to work, want to go back to Stalag.

The following four British Men of Confidence met the Delegate at Kommando E 173 for a conference. These men represent each a small labour-detachment in the neighbourhood.

There are 15 British prisoners of war engaged by a stone-quarry. The men work from 7 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. with 1 1/2 hour's break for the meals, on the first two days of the week, the other days from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the same break. Saturday afternoon and Sunday are free.

No serious complaints. A few minor points were amicably settled with the local authorities. General conditions are said to be quite fair.

19 British prisoners of war form this detachment. They too work in a stone quarry for 9 hours a day. Saturday afternoon and Sunday are free.

The only complaint was about the bugs. The fumigation of the barrack was promised.

There are 25 British prisoners of war. They are employed in a stone-quarry where the men work 10 hours a day. Saturday afternoon and Sundays are free. If work is required on these days, compensation is given during the week.

The main complement at this detachment was about the behaviour of the Kommando-Führer who was reported to be most troublesome. The Delegate asked to have this man replaced by somebody else. It will be considered.

Once this exchange will have taken place, the camp will certainly become quite a good one, failing that serious troubles will certainly arise in this camp. The OKW will be approached to see that the man will be exchanged.

There are 20 British prisoners of war in this Kommando. As everywhere in this part, the men work in a stone quarry from 6.30 to 17.00 with 1 1/2 hour's break. The amount of work which is required during this time is said to be too much and very often the men have to stay longer on the job. The matter will be investigated. Saturday afternoon and Sunday are free.

There were some complaints about the present billet, but the men will move into a new barrack within the next few days. Otherwise in order.

I. This detachment is billeted in a former stable with little or no alterations to it. There are two rooms, an overcrowded sleeping room with bad ventilation and concrete floor, bugs and rats, and a day room with two long tables and some benches. Although the billet has been whitewashed lately it makes a dark and gloomy impression. The compound is very small with the toilet in one corner which is in a bad state. A pump near the entrance of the camp provides the water for cooking and washing, but most of the time the pump is out of order.

II. 28 British prisoners of war are accommodated here. They work in a near-by stone-quarry for 9 hours a day. Saturday afternoon and Sunday are free.

III. Double-tier beds, no cupboards and no stools in the sleeping room, electric light, no stove. There is no space to put a stove in.

IV. Water is drawn from a pump and some wooden washbowls are available. Hot baths available at works.

V. The latrine-hut is in a bad state and not frequently enough emptied. During the summer the smell was noticeable even in the billet as not enough chloride of lime was provided.

VI. Cooking is done by a German woman. It is said to be very monotonous. Red Cross parcels are at hand and a little cooking range in the day room offers good facilities for their preparation.

VII. Medical attention by civilian doctor in the village. Twice a week sick parade. There is some first-aid kit in camp. Dental treatment at Friedeberg with civilian dentist who does make only extractions.

VIII. Everybody has two uniforms. Boots are in bad state and the Delegate arranged that one of the men, a cobbler, will stay one day a week in camp to make the necessary repairs.

XIII. Recreation is very poor. There is no sportsground available in the vicinity and the compound is too small for any sporting exercise. No musical instruments are in camp and only some packs of playing cards are available.

XIV. Mail as usual, letters rather slow and parcels very bad. Outgoing mail in order.

XVI. Besides the very miserable quarters no complaints were brought forward. The Delegate decided to have this Kommando removed or dissolved. He made the necessary application, but as no definite assurance was given, the matter will be taken up with the OKW.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs have the honour to transmit herewith to the Swiss Legation, Foreign Interests Division, a communication from the Chief British Man of Confidence of M-Stammlager 344. The Military High Command desire to make the following observations in this connection:

1. On the day after an air attack particular groups of workers refused to continue work as there were unexploded bombs in the vicinity of the place of work. The groups were not compelled to continue work; indeed it was agreed that the prisoners of war were to work only at places situated at least 100 metres from the points where the unexploded bombs had fallen.

2. Two groups of workers were in fact engaged in the construction of Anti-aircraft bunkers for four weeks including Sundays, though later until 1 p.m. only. This work was carried out by German and foreign civilian workers.

3. The German workers work 60 hours a week. A certain amount of work a week is required of the prisoners of war (piece work system); this amount of work corresponds to the 55 hours a week required of a German workman. As a rule the prisoners of war have finished their work so early that they have returned to their camp between 2 and 3 p.m. The order mentioned in the complaint was never given and therefore never carried out. The water and lighting system of the camp was out of order for a few days as a result of enemy action. The water supply system has been working again since 12.8.44 and the lighting system was in order on the four day after the attack.

4. About 90 percent of the prisoners of war work on a piece work basis in accordance with their desire. No case is known here of prisoners of war bring threatened with bayonets or pistols after finishing such work in order to force them to do more work. Up to the present no arms have been issued to auxiliary guards at Reigersfeld. According to the person responsible for supplying arms, none have been issued to foremen or workmen.

5. The facts have been distorted. The prisoners of war Hebden refused, unlike his comrades, to resume work in spite of being ordered to do so several times, so that the guard was compelled to use his rifle butt.

Following points mentioned in report of certain detachments of Stalag 344 visited 25th to 27th September:

E-152 Waldenstein 50 prisoners, limestone quarry, 60 hours weekly, no free Sunday for quarry workers for last 8 weeks, German doctor returned 12 men to Stalag as unfit for this work after two to three years, lighting unsatisfactory, not very pleasant detachment

E-372 Waldenstein 30 prisoners, limestone quarry, 60 hours weekly, Sundays generally free, lack protective boots for men in lime oven.

E-599 Ottmuthwieche 45 prisoners, further 50 to 60 expected when camp extension completed, lime factory 10 hours daily, Sundays free, work for 4 men in limekiln reported their removal.

E-275 Grosstein 45 prisoners, decided improvement since last visit though several complaints still outstanding, delegate requested dissolution unsatisfactory sub-camp.

E-771 Neisse 56 prisoners, railway work camp near Neisse Railway Station and AA gun emplacements, general conditions quite fair.

E-364 Buschelsdorf 10 prisoners, saw mill 10 hours daily, weekends, free, recreation poor.

E-495, 590 and 776 Freiwaldau, 21 prisoners, saw mill 9½ hours daily, Sundays free, ventilation poor.

E-167 and 168 Haspellberg, 19 prisoners, stone quarry 9 hours daily, weekends free, complaint about buts.

E-171 Suzdorf 25 prisoners, 10 hours daily, weekends free, Kommandofuehrer troublesome.

E-790 Gurschdorf 28 prisoners stone quarry 9 hours daily, weekends free, overcrowded, badly ventilated, dormitory with concrete floor, bugs and rats, billet gave gloomy impression, toilet washing facilities unsatisfactory, food monotonous, recreation very poor, delegate requested dissolution.

Report on Stalag 344 visited 21st and 22nd September containing 19,444 states 1,000 prisoners have arrived from Stalag XXI D. 235 Detachments. Bathing facilities sanitation improved. Marked improvement in Lazaret owing to transfer of T.B. cases to Elsterhorst. Following drugs urgently needed: ampoules sulphathiezole, ampoules somnifen (Roche) 200, emetin bism iodid 1,000 tablets. Incoming mail private parcels bad. Armstrong, Fogg and Greenwell still under arrest in separate cells and also following 5 prisoners transferred from Stalag XXI D by order of OKW Privates Mitai P.O.W. No. 16455, McLean 16456 Davis 17068, Owens 10776, Thompson 11378. When visited by delegate made the following requests (1) reason for arrest (2) proper clothing as only allowed wear shirts and pants (3) proper latrine (4) hot bath weekly. Camp Commander unaware of reason for arrest. Case of Greenwell particularly serious as removed June from Lazaret while undergoing treatment for diabetes, had passed commission in April 1944, mind becoming affected, matter taken up with OKW.

Detachment E130 Heuerstein 68 prisoners stone quarry 10½ hours daily, work too hard. Detachments E414 415 553 and 774 totalling 34 prisoners in grounds of leather factory near, skins giving frightful smell and factory damp, no washroom, no drinking water, Red Cross stores impregnated with oil from nearby stove, shortage of blankets, delegate requested removal. E162 Oderthal in smoke screen area. E775 Malapane no complaints. E788 Leobschutz new detachment for prisoners from Stalag XXI D man of confidence locked in billet all day, not allowed to use latrine, no baths, laundry facilities or air raid shelters, Camp Commander promised rectification. E766 Loebschuetz inadequate medical attention, guard uses rifle constantly, prisoners are Spaniards who fought in Tunis with French Foreign Legion but regarded by Germans as British P.O.W's. E.787 Altrosenberg 35 unrecognised sanitators, delegate informed detachment will be dissolved.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs have the honour to inform the Swiss Legation , Foreign Interests Division, in reply to their notes verbales of 17th August, 1944 - No. 1217 - and of 10th October, 1944 - No. 1901 - concerning the penal proceedings against the British prisoners of war Bragg, Hyde, McLeod and O'Shaughnessy, that the sentence pronounced on 5th January 1944 was reduced to six months' imprisonment for each of the accused.

1. The accused Joseph Parson Bragg was born on [unreadable but 4th is indicated below under 'Field Verdict'] September 1920 in St. Johns (Newfoundland), is single, member of the Royal Canadian Air Force and was captured as Flight Sergeant on 3rd February, 1943. His identity number is 27490 Stalag VIII B.

2. The accused Galbraith Mickel Hyde was born on 21st February 1922 in Kiakoura (New Zealand), he is single and was captured as Flight Sergeant on 31st December 1942. His identity number is 27495 Stalag VIII B.

3. The accused James Ronald McLeod was born on 27th September, 1914 in Glace Bay, is motor-car salesman civil life and was taken prisoner of war as Sergeant on 23rd January, 1943 near Le Havre. His identification number is 27489 Stalag VIII B.

4. The accused Thomas O'Shaughnessy was born in Dublin (Ireland) on 31st March, 1920. He is single and was taken prisoner as British sailor on 10th June 1940 (he was on the ship "Van Dyk" which was sunk by bombers). His identification number is 14574 Stalag XI C.

The main hearing showed the following results on the strength of the evidence of the witness Sergeant-Major Merkle in connection with the statements of the accused themselves:

The four accused belonged to a prisoner of war work detachment in Gleiwitz. For a long time they had had the intention of attempting an escape and wanted to carry it out by means of an aeroplane. On 13th October, 1943 towards noon they had been locked up in their quarters. They had observed 6 machines being prepared ready to taxi along at the neighbouring airport. They now tried to carry out their escape. They opened the door from their quarters to the aerodrome by force, pretending to be civilian workers. They had previously distributed the different tasks between them. The accused Bragg and O'Shaughnessy were to start the propeller and to remove control of the engine. The accused Hyde and MacLeod therefore entered one of the aeroplanes which was standing ready. But as they could not find their way immediately and lost some time trying out the machine, the two others, Bragg and O'Shaughnessy also climbed into the aeroplane. Before they had the chance to start, Sergeant-Major Meikle stopped them. They had intended to escape to Sweden.

The prosecution, in the first instance, charged the accused with attempting to steal an aeroplane (par. 138 of the Military Penal Code and par. 242 of the Reich Penal Code). But this act of the accused is legally an attempt to damage weapons (par. 143 a, 43 of the Reich Penal Code). The aeroplane is an instrument of defence. The accused intended to use the aeroplane for their flight. It was in this case their intention to escape and to take the aeroplane with them, that is to say to make away with it, whereby the fact that they may have wanted to keep the machine illegally was insignificant. The accused must have, from the beginning, been aware that they thus endangered the power of defence of the German army, whereby it is of no importance how great the endangerment was. The accused considered it their duty to harm the enemy, that is to say the German Reich, wherever possible. Therefore they absolutely agreed that the Reich thus had an aeroplane less. Accordingly they intentionally wanted to endanger the power of resistance of the Army. But their decision to commit the offence of damaging an instrument of defence could not be carried to its end. Climbing into the aeroplane and trying to start was the beginning of the offence which they intended to carry out. The four accused, who had acted mutually (S 74 of the Reich Penal Code) and attempted mutually to damage instruments of defence are to be punished accordingly.

On assessing punishment, it was considered a mitigating factory that all four accused have had a good record in general and that they did not commit the offence with dishonourable motives. In spite of the considerable value of the aeroplane and its significance for the fighting, it was not considered necessary to sentence the accused to a dishonourable punishment of penal servitude or an even severer punishment, as is provided for by the law. The Court is of the opinion that in order to attain the aim of the punishment a sentence of imprisonment is sufficient. But this punishment had to be severe, so as to suffice for the offence and to avoid similar cases in future. Considering the instructions in S 44 of the Reich Penal Code concerning the extenuating circumstances of the attempt, a sentence of 2 years' imprisonment for each of the accused was regarded as appropriate and sufficient.

1. Joseph Parson BRAGG, ident. No. 27490, born on 4th September 1920 at St. John's (Newfoundland),

2. Galbraith Mickel HYDE, ident. No. 27495, born on 21st February 1922 in Kiakoura (New Zealand),

3. James Ronald MCLEOD, ident. No. 27489, born on 27th September, 1914 at Glace Bay (Nova Scotia),

4. Thomas O'SHAUGHNESSY, ident. No. 14574 born on 31st March 1920 in Dublin (Ireland).

all at Stalag 344, Lamsdorf, charged with attempting to damage weapons, the Field Court Martial of Division 432, Branch Neisse, held on 5th January 1944 at Neisse, and composed as follow:-

Kriegsgerichtsrat Stenzel

Lieutenant Colonel Boettjer, Stalag 344, Lamsdorf

NCO Woschek, Gen.Kp.Gren.Ers.u.Ausb.Batl. 13 Neisse

Kriegsgerichtsrat Dr. Hein

Lance-Corporal Hollunder

President

)

) Judges

Prosecutor

Clerk of the records.

The four accused are sentenced to 2 years' imprisonment each for mutually attempting to damage weapons.