Stalag 344

This camp, now called STALAG 344, is the former STALAG VIII B LAMSDORF which has been split into two camps, i.e., STALAG 344 and STALAG VIII B TESCHEN. The new camp at Teschen has, therefore, retained its former denomination (STALAG VIII B). All the working parties situated in the western part of the previous area of STALAG VIII B belong now to STALAG 344, and the working camps situated in the eastern part of that area now belong to STALAG VIII B (see our report dated February 14th, 1944). The commandant and most of the German staff of the previous Stalag VIII B have been transferred to the new STALAG VIII B.

There is no important change in the layout of the camp since our last visit on October 7th and 8th 1943, except for a few improvements which will be mentioned below under the various classifications.

There is no longer any question of enlarging the camp, the policy of the German authorities being at present, on the contrary, to leave the camp as it is, but to reduce considerably the number of prisoners.

Since the former STALAG VIII B was split into two camps, the number of prisoners now under the control of STALAG 344 is considerably smaller. On the day of our visit, the figures ran as follows:

Total number of prisoners:

Prisoners on 235 working parties:

Prisoners in main camp:

amongst whom there are

British (RA)

Royal Air Force

Palestinians

Iranians

Poles

Greeks

French

Arabs

Americans

Canadians

Spaniards

Serbs

Belgians

Portuguese

19,334

9,319

10,015

7,593

1,007

333

235

534

101

All the prisoners of these different nationalities, with the exception of Americans, having fought with the British Forces, are considered by the German authorities as British prisoners.

Very soon the following prisoners will be transferred to other camps: 750 Royal Air Force, all the Americans, the Canadians, the Greeks as well as about 300 men selected for repatriation by the Mixed Medical Commission, meaning another decrease of approximately 2,000 men in the main camp.

As shown by these figures, and although the camp is still overcrowded, there is a marked improvement in the situation.

The Delegate of the Protecting Power insisted on the reduction of the camp strength to 6,000, and the Camp Commandant stated that, according to his plans, that result will be reached in two months time.

There are no longer any men hand-cuffed. No official order has ever been issued that prisoners should no longer be handcuffed, but the chains have disappeared quietly, and there is no longer any talk about it.

Although the rooms are still overcrowded, the situation has improved following the reduction in the number of prisoners. In many rooms, lower beds are no longer occupied. Only in the Royal Air Force quarters the situation is still bad inasmuch as a certain number of prisoners have to sleep on palliasses laid on tables at night. However, this condition will also be remedied upon the transfer of 750 Royal Air Force prisoners to other camps, a first transport of 250 being due to leave on February 10th.

With regard to blankets, the situation has also improved every prisoner has now been provided with two blankets.

The water supply is still insufficient considering the present number of prisoners. In the upper part of the camp, water pressure is continuing low and some barracks have practically no running water. Water is now carried to these barracks, but the supply is obviously inadequate. However, it is to be expected that this condition will improve as soon as the number of prisoners has been reduced. A special barrack for laundry purposes is now in process of construction, and upon completion will be of great help.

Bathing facilities continue inadequate for the present number of prisoners, one hot shower being available for each man every third week.

The new Camp Commandant informed the Delegate of the Protecting Power of his intention to have a new canalisation system installed as soon as the weather will permit in order to increase the water supply at the camp.

In short, the situation is still unsatisfactory but there are good reasons to believe that it will soon greatly improve.

Although no new latrines were provided, a certain improvement is noticeable in the situation inasmuch as the number of prisoners has been reduced. If the camp's strength can be further reduced to 6,000, as planned by the German authorities, the present number of latrines will be adequate.

There was no complaint about the food which was said to be of about the same quality as when the camp was last visited. However, the potato ration has been gradually reduced from 750 grams to 500 grams per day, owing to the scarcity of potatoes in Germany this winter. It is a general measure which affects the German civil population, too. As a compensation, the prisoners receive more turnips and the weekly bread ration has been increased by 100 grams.

The prisoners are allowed again to cook their own food in the rooms and for the purpose having received permission to enlarge the brick stoves. This concession is generally appreciated.

There are here 10 unemployed medical officers whom the Delegate of the Protecting Power asked to be sent to working parties, though it must be said that there has been a definite improvement recently in that respect, and it is the intention of the Camp Commandant to have as many British medical officers as possible working outside the main camp.

An additional barrack within the camp has been put at the disposal of the Revier and there are now available 460 beds, which is certainly not too much for a camp of that strength.

The Senior British Medical Officer complained that three small Red Cross barracks belonging to the Revier are without electric light. The matter was discussed with the Camp Commandant who explained that he is endeavouring to improve the material conditions in the camp, but he cannot do everything at once owing to the great difficult to procure the necessary material. He hopes, however, to be able to have the electric light installed in these barracks too. Will be checked at next visit.

The general state of health in the STALAG can be described as fairly good. Owing to the number of prisoners who arrived from Italy in poor condition, however, the number of patients is much larger than it should normally be. For instance, many of them had been severely wounded and grossly neglected - for the most part mal-united fractures, akylosed joints and untreated osteomyelitis. According to Major de Clive-Lowe, it is obvious that these cases had had nothing more than "First Aid" and often an extremely poor sort of First Aid. For the most part, British medical officers, although detained in Italy, were not permitted to perform their duties as medical personnel.

At the same time, as there is a constant drive, on the part of the German authorities, for more workers, the Senior British Medical Officer has a hard time to protect men from returning to work before they have had adequate treatment.

With the large number of prisoners in this Stalag, many of whom require treatment, the position with regard to the drug supply is difficult at the moment; more medicines and dressings are urgently needed, and the International Red Cross Committee have been requested accordingly to double their supply. A report is attached showing the German and Red Cross issues for the months of November and December.

Here, again, the Senior British Medical Officer complained of the lack of accommodation in the Lazaret, considering the fact that patients are being sent there not only from Stalag 344 but from many other British prisoners' camps. The trouble still seems to be the lack of a suitable lazaret for all mental cases. The O.K.W. has been repeatedly requested to consider this question but so far without success. However, the matter will be taken up once more with the competent authorities.

The Senior British Medical Officer renewed his complaint with regard to insufficient medical supplies to the Stalag. He stated that the camp had not received from the International Red Cross Committee the number of medical parcels that it should, according to the scale laid down by the British Red Cross, of 1 unit per 1,000 men per week. He enquired, too, whether consideration had been given by the competent British authorities to the indent forwarded with the report of the Protecting Power in its visit on October 7th and 8th, 1943.

The Senior British Medical Officer would like very much to know the position of the following medical personnel and prisoners in case of a new repatriation:-

1. British medical officer of this area. No medical officers were repatriated from this area last time, and Lt.Col. Wilson considers that it would be fairer to give preference in sending home medical officers who have been in captivity longest, without consideration of the area where they are detained; in Stalag 344, for instance, is Capt. Gorrie who has been in captivity longest.

2. Sanitators who have been accepted by the Mixed Medical Commission under II B: as they cannot be repatriated as II B, will they be repatriated first as sanitators on account of their deficient state of health? The matter was discussed with the German accompanying officer from the O.K.W. who replied that it will be the case.

3. Prisoners of the II B class: As there does not seem to be, for the time being, any prospect of having these prisoners interned in a neutral country, the Delegate of the Protecting Power advised the Senior British Medical Officer to have these prisoners of war, whose state of health has seriously deteriorated since they passed the Board, presented at the next sitting of the Mixed Medical Commission.

Sgt. Lowe is still in charge of the Red Cross food and clothing. With regard to clothing, he described the present situation as being "pretty bad". There are no stocks of clothing or boots left in the camp and no consignment has been received since November 27, last. Most of the prisoners working on Kommandos are provided with two uniforms, but the second of these in which they have been working for a considerable length of time is mostly in a very bad state. The German authorities seem to be unable to provide adequate clothing, and if large consignments are not coming forward through the International Red Cross Committee the situation will become very serious in the near future.

Nothing to report except that the washing facilities will be certainly improved by the installation of the new laundry barrack mentioned under IV.

The Man of Confidence mentioned the cases of many sanitators who, having been recognised as such by the German authorities only a certain time after their capture, have not been paid here pending their recognition, although respective deductions were made from their pay at home during the whole period of their captivity. As some of them have been recognised only a very long time after their capture, large sums will be lost for them if they are not able to prove the delay in their recognition as sanitators. The advice is given by the Delegate of the Protecting Power was to the effect that each of them ask the German paymaster for a written statement giving the date from which they have been paid as sanitators.

However, the Swiss Legation would be grateful to the British authorities for advice as to how this question should be dealt with, so that the Man of Confidence of the various camps could be advised accordingly.

The Man of Confidence complained that still he had not been given any opportunity of controlling the canteen accounts. He stated that this was never formally refused to him, but that there was always some reason given to prevent him from going over the accounts. The matter was recently brought again before the camp authorities when it was disclosed that, according to recent orders from the O.K.W., the men of confidence are no longer allowed to look into the accounts, but that they should be consulted before any decision is taken with regard to the way in which the canteen fund is spent.

The theatre and the school also have been reopened. The new Camp Commandant has had two large tents erected, equipped with electric light, one to be used as a Gymnasium and the other as a Boxing Ring. The prisoners very much appreciate this innovation.

The German camp authorities seem to be more liberal now than formerly in according permission for theatrical shows and orchestras to go from the main camp to working parties, or from one party to another. In this respect, too, the good influence of the new Camp Commandant is felt.

The Man of Confidence stated that since the new commandant took matters in hand and since the previous Abwehr Officer has gone, matters have improved greatly. The incoming mail is delivered with less delay, the average time for letters from England being again between three weeks and one month. From what prisoners hear from home, it would appear that the outgoing mail is rather slower.

1. According to reports received by the Man of Confidence, in working party E 444 Benesschau, prisoners are employed on some work connected with the fabrication of bombs. The Camp Commandant ordered at once a thorough inquiry to be made, and if the above statement should prove to be correct, the prisoners will be given different work.

2. In working party E 556 Jaegerndorf, prisoners are made to make boxes which are believed to serve as munition cases. As there has been a complaint already last year from this party, the Camp Commandant agreed to recall the British prisoners and immediately gave an order to that effect.

3. According to a report received by the Man of Confidence, the accommodation for working party E 356 Hohenstein is very unsatisfactory. The Camp Commandant at once ordered an inquiry to be made and promised to take the matter in hand.

4. There was a complaint from the Senior British Medical Officer that, according to a new general order, the number of orderlies should be greatly reduced. According to the new schedule, for instance, the number of sanitators and orderlies in this Lazaret should be only 61 instead of 110 as at present. The matter was discussed with the German doctor who agreed with the British medical officer, adding that he had already filed an application to be allowed to retain a large number of working orderlies in the Lazaret and the Revier.

Although, as explained under II, the situation is not as yet, normal, the German authorities are doubtlessly doing their best to reduce the number of prisoners in this camp to the previous number of about 6,000 maximum.

The deficiencies of the sanitary installation of the camp will then be adjusted to a large extent.

The new Camp Commandant who seems to be a made of deeds rather than a man of words gave the best impression. He seems sincerely prepared and willing to improve the conditions under which the prisoners have to live, and has already carried out several improvements. Also, he takes great interest in the working parties and spends most of his week-ends visiting some of them. In the Delegate's opinion, much good can be expected in future.

on the visit to STALAG 344 LAMSDORF (formerly Stalag VIII B) on Feb. 8th and 9th, 1944

Since our last visit on the 7th and 8th October, 1943, the number of prisoners in the main camp has been reduced from 12973 to 10015. This reduction by almost 3000 men has already had some good effect: all the prisoners now sleep in beds with the exception of a small number of RAF prisoners who sleep on palliasses placed on tables at night; no one has been sleeping on the floor for some time past; in many of the huts the lower bunks are no longer occupied.

According to information given me by the camp authorities, the situation should quickly improve; it is intended that 750 men of the RAF should leave the camp this month, the first transport of 250 prisoners being due to leave on February 10th, following on this 500 Canadians, 80 Americans, 200 Greeks and 300 repatriables will leave the camp very shortly, which should bring the strength of the camp down to about 8000 men; on the other hand a further considerable number of prisoners are to be sent to the detachments ("KOMMANDOS") as soon as the necessary preparations for this installation have been completed; the Camp Commandant assured me that in two months' time from now there would not be more than 6000 prisoners in the Main Camp - a number corresponding to the normal capacity of the camp.

The water supply in the upper part of the camp is still inadequate but the reduction in the number of prisoners cannot have failed to improve matters without any improvements of a technical nature having been made: for this reason the Commandant has decided to start replacing the pipes as soon as the season permits. Meanwhile water is being brought up to this part of the camp in barrels placed on horse-drawn carts.

On the other hand work is in progress in the lower part of the camp on the installation of a big hut intended to be used as a laundry - which should be a help to the prisoners who live in the huts without a water supply.

At the present time the prisoners get a hot shower bath once in approximately 3 weeks - which is sufficient; however when the strength of the camp is once again back to 6000 every man will no doubt be able to have a shower again every 15 days or possibly even every 10 days.

As regards latrines, the situation is not yet normal, but the reduction in the strength of the camp has already had a favourable effect on the emptying of the pits.

Generally speaking, although obviously the situation is still far from being satisfactory, my visit to STALAG 344 has left a favourable impression on my mind. The German authorities appear to attach great importance to the rapid improvement of conditions in the camp and I am convinced that the new Commandant Lieut. Col BESSNER, not only has the will but also has the necessary ability to succeed; he has already done much in two months to remedy matters, and in my opinion we should have confidence in him. I may add that the atmosphere of the camp and the morale of the prisoners already reflect the progress lately made.

This is the first visit paid to this detachment by the Protecting Power. The detachment was formed three years ago.

There are 383 British prisoners of war, engaged on work in a paper factory. The men are divided into four shifts of eight hours daily work. Sundays are free; if work is demanded on Sundays compensation during the week is given. The pay is 70 Pfgs. daily. It is not hard work.

The camp compound is rather extensive; it includes the main building with the living quarters of the prisoners of war at one end, a kitchen barrack near the main building and two other barracks at the other end of the compound. One of these barracks is new.

The sleeping rooms are dispersed on three floors of the main building; each floor provides one large dormitory with double tier beds and a separate washroom with running cold water. Also in the main building are the workshop of the tailor and the cobbler as well as a small library. The top floor is taken up by a fairly large theatre which can also be used for indoor-recreation. Further sleeping rooms are in the new barrack mentioned above, including also a small camp revier.

There is no overcrowding, the rooms are all spacious and well-aired and provide plenty of storing facilities for the belongings of the prisoners of war. The rooms in the new barrack are particularly good. Each prisoner of war has two blankets supplied by the firm. Some of them are stated to be rather thin.

The latrines are in a separate barrack near the new one at the other end of the compound. They are satisfactory (pit-type). In the main building night-latrines are provided in the washing-rooms and the new barrack has its own facilities.

The prisoners of war do their own cooking and state to have full control of the German rations issued. Most of the men receive heavy workers' rations. There are satisfactory facilities for private cooking. The camp possesses an excellent stock of Red Cross food parcels.

Every prisoners of war has two uniforms although in several cases the working uniform is in a rather poor condition. The men working in the boiler house have been promised protective overalls by the firm but have not yet received any. This point was taken up with the accompanying German officers and it was promised that the firm be requested to supply the number of overalls required. Boots are satisfactory.

There is no canteen in the camp but the prisoners of war are allowed to buy in the works' canteen. There is a good supply of beer.

Sports and exercise are very satisfactory; apart from the large grounds within the compound of the camp the prisoners have the use of an excellent football pitch nearby, where they are allowed to play every day. (This ground is owned by the factory.) Indoor recreation is equally satisfactory; each week a play is produced; there are games and musical instruments. A few weeks ago the band from the base camp (Stalag 344) to which R.S.M. Sherriff acted as guide, toured the working detachments of the area and provided a welcome evening's entertainment for the boys in this camp too.

Mail was described as being slow of late. From New Zealand and Australia, however, it arrives fairly quickly now.

There are two beds in the revier only, for it is being used merely as a 48 hours' reception station, all cases required it being removed after that time to the nearby lazaret at Cosel.

There are three work-doctors at the disposal of the prisoners of war and an English doctor visits the commando every fortnight. There is a daily sick parade. On the day of visit there was one patient in the revier and 8 patients in Cosel lazaret. Medical attention can be stated as good all round. There are good supplies of drugs and medicaments from both Red Cross and German sources.

In this camp there is also the distributing centre for Red Cross parcels of the area. In charge is Sgt. M. Mackenzie, prisoner of war No. 17423 and he is given excellent storing facilities for the large stock of parcels.

The prisoners of war stated that they had no complaints and generally speaking were a happy lot. They inquired, however, whether the following requests could be granted.

(1) Request for Sgt. M. Mackenzie to visit the working detachments depending on this camp for their Red Cross parcels. The Germans promised that he shall be given the opportunity to do so, being accompanied by a German guard.

(2) The prisoners of war ask for barrels to carry water up to the third floor of the main building, as the water pressure there is not satisfactory. This request was granted at once.

(3) For security reasons the shutters of the new barrack are closed at night, thus rendering the ventilation in the sleeping quarters rather unsatisfactory. When discussing this matter the Germans promised to provide the shutters with some device similar to a Venetian blind.

This former civilian camp was taken over for British prisoners of war on September 9, 1943.

There are 866 British prisoners of war, engaged on construction-work by Niederzchlesische Nitrierwerke, a sister-firm of the I.G. Farben. The men work roughly 8 1/2 hours daily and are paid (as an average) between 30 to 40 Marks monthly. At the moment there is no Sunday-work. Regarding the working conditions there was no complaint.

Accommodation is provided in wooden barracks of the rather better type, each barrack being centrally heated. There are 24 men in each room and there is as yet no actual overcrowding. Each man has 2 blankets. Beds are of the double tier wooden type.

The kitchen is exceedingly well equipped. Prisoners of war cook their own food, having full control over the rations supplied by the Germans. Occasionally even now fresh vegetables are received but as a rule dried ones are supplied. Private cooking is mostly done on well-built stoves in the living quarters.

There is a very pleasant revier of 22 beds in charge of Captain Gorrie, RAMC, who is assisted by 4 sanitators. The average number of prisoners of war attending sick parade is between 85 and 90 daily, the average number of sick 12. The medical officer states that working accidents are not, as a rule serious, although in the past there have been two death-cases (by an explosion, the reason of which is not known) and at present two boys are gravely ill at Losel-lazaret; 7 other non-serious cases are at the same lazaret. There is a fair stock of drugs and medicaments in the revier, but lately supplies from the Red Cross have gone down badly. Capt. Gorrie states that he is free to do what he likes and that the German doctor (who is supposed to supervise) never calls and leaves him alone. He also states that he is looking after 500 Russians in the neighbouring camp.

As a rule each prisoner of war has only one uniform and one pair of British boots. Very few men have been given protective overalls. This matter was discussed with the Germans and the Delegate of the Protecting Power was assured that the Company would look into the matter and get into touch with the firm. More boot repairing material is also required, as well as underclothing.

Religious services are held either by the chaplains of the Bau-und-Arbeits-Bat. 20 and 21 or then by one of the prisoners of war in this camp, whose services are greatly appreciated.

Recreation and exercise are satisfactory; every Sunday the men are allowed to play football or rugby, mostly against the two Bau-und Arbeits Bataillons 20/21. The camp theatre at the moment is being rebuilt and promises to be an excellent entertainment centre once completed. There are indoor games, books and musical instruments.

Regarding the Camp the Man of Confidence states that he has only one complaint in that he finds the compound not large enough for the number of men present. The delegate of the Protecting Power fully agreeing with that statement, discussed the matter with the German officers and received an assurance that the requested extension will be kept in mind and carried out at the earliest possible moment.

The Man of Confidence also stated that he found the collaboration with the German under-officer pleasant and easy and that he was receiving all the assistance desired.

A request of Private Bourner, at present at Bau-und Arbeits-Bat 21 to join his brother in this camp, was immediately granted by the commander.

The Delegate of the Protecting Power inspected the camp and was pleased to find a further number of improvements all round so that today this camp can be considered as one of the best. Regarding the camp as such, no complaint whatsoever was made, on the contrary. Prisoners of war expressed their satisfaction at the existing conditions.

Details on the camp, its administration, activity and general atmosphere are set out in the attached report from Captain Borrie of the N.Z.M.C.

Matters discussed therefore did not so much concern the camp but rather one or two administrative points, such as:

(1) Prisoners complain not having been paid for some time and state to dislike the new pay-system. The German Commander gave orders for the arrears to be paid at once and have the matter controlled by the Stalag. (Regarding the new pay-system a special note will be submitted to the British Government on the subject in due course.)

(2) As only about 30% of the men have working overalls, more are asked for. The permission is also asked for to use old shoes as repair material to replace the usual repair material completely lacking just now. The accompanying officers of the OKW promised to take up the matter generally regarding working overalls at headquarters and the commander assured the Delegate of the Protecting Power of his intention to do something about the boot repairing question.

The Delegate of the Protecting Power was informed of a recent incident which might have proved fatal but fortunately did not. It is stated that a prisoner of war was stabbed while at work by a German guard for alleged refusal of work. The prisoner of war in question, however, denied having refused to work. The case is being investigated and a full report will be sent to the Protecting Power in due course. (The wound of the prisoner of war in question are not of a serious nature, according to the British Medical Officer.)

There is no change in the camp since then; a new camp is being built for this party about a mile from the present one. It will be a wooden barrack camp with every convenience and certainly be an improvement; a few points were discussed with the German camp authorities about the new camp and the representative of the Protecting Power particularly insisted on good recreation and exercise facilities, which are certainly not sufficient in the present camp. He was told that a large recreation room with a stage is foreseen as well as a play ground inside the compound; besides the prisoners will be given the opportunity to play football on a nearby field outside the camp. It is hoped that the party will be moved to the new camp in about a fortnight's time.

Since the camp was last visited the bugs have disappeared completely from the barracks.

The prisoners complained of the lack of fuel as well as for heating the rooms as for the hot showers; for the last the Germans agreed that the issue of coal was insufficient and decided to give out more in future; but for the heating of the rooms they stated that the prisoners receive the amount of coal they are entitled to according to the general orders from the OKW and that they cannot increase it.

No complaint about the food; there is a reserve in the camp of about 10.000 Red Cross food parcels.

There is now a British medical officer in the camp, Major Zieman, S.A.M.C. in charge of the medical attention.

The general health was said to be satisfactory; 5 men are at the hospital and 10 in the revier; the daily sick parade amounts, as an average, to 40 prisoners and there is an average of 30 prisoners out of work. There have been no serious working accidents.

Here again the Man of Confidence complained about the insufficient number of working clothes issued to the prisoners by the firm; the German camp authorities promised the Delegate of the Protecting Power to see the employer about it but, considering the present difficulties in Germany in that respect, there seems to be little hope for a real improvement of the situation.

A few small complaints were dealt with on the spot. On the whole there are no serious difficulties in this camp, which can be considered a good one.

POW

22705

28653

1357

35678

Dental

7773

17110

24270

23962

25090

31791

26687

3009

Clerk

12298

30495

35842

14728

22974

24268

Rank

Capt

Lieut

Mechanics

L/Sgt

Pte

S/Sgt

L/Cpl
Pte

Orderlies

Cpl

Pte

Name

Wilkinson

Skegg

Pickering

Varvarides

Pagan

Fowler

Mitchell

Stone
McIvor

Fiske

Ryan

Warjzawczyk

Stephen

Roper

Britnell

Clifton

Barker

Stone

Initials

A A

W P

F W

W R

J H

Regt or

Corps

A.D. Corps

N.Z.D.C.

R.N.F.

Greek Army

Kensington

R.A.M.C.

A.D. Corps

N.Z.D.C.

S.A.M.C.

R. Regt Canada

Pal/A.M.P.C.

A.D. Corps

I.M.S.

A.D. Corps

R. Sussex

N.Z.M.C.

N.Z.D.C.

Person or

Service Nr.

73755

60364

72680

6654531

7519036

7538616

7266359

10254

177506

B-66779

13487

7539188

7536338

2694870

6396304

11048

26187

Date of
Apptmnt.

Sep '41

Sep '43

June '41

Jan '44

June '41

May '42

Sep '41

Nov '43

Oct '43

June '41

Oct '43

Jan '44

Sep '43

June '43

Nov '43

was retained for duty. The other two officers mentioned declined to remain for Dental Work and proceeded to an Oflag.

arrived from a Camp in Italy, and was retained here to assist with Dental treatment.

The number of extractions appears large and is due to the long waiting list for conservative treatment, also the difficulty in getting early treatment at Working Parties.

More conservative treatment could have been carried out had further accommodation and an additional foot-engine been supplied.

Twenty maxillo-facial cases were presented, mostly PsOW from Camps in Italy. These men were X-rayed at an early date after arrival, and treatment commenced. Appliances were improvised, and cast metal cap-splints fitted where necessary. Five men were transferred to the German Maxillo-Facial Clinic at Breslau for specialised treatment. Three additional men are now waiting for bone graft treatment.

All past treatment afforded to our men at Breslau has been satisfactory and results good.

It is regretted that all cases of jaw injuries that arrived from Italian Camps had been greatly neglected by the Italian Medical Services resulting in long standing non-union fragments; in one case two and a half years. It is alleged that the Italians refused to allow these men to be treated by British Medical and Dental Officers. However, the worst cases have been transferred to Breslau and are being treated by German Maxillo-Facial surgeons.

Eye-formers have been fitted to men with lost eyes and are made of Palodon an acrylic resin used for manufacturing dentures. The results appear good and they assist in preserving tone and contour of the orbital tissues until such times as artificial eyes can be fitted.

There are approximately 40,000 men in the Stalag Area, of which approximately 11,000 are in the Main Camp.

Twenty Working Parties have been visited during the year and operative treatment carried out. The pressure of dental work in Camp prevents more frequent visits, and many of the Parties have facilities for receiving urgent treatment from civilian dentists.

During November, 1943, the German Authorities permitted the transfer of 36 Working Parties consisting of approximately 5,000 men to Capt. J. GREEN, Dental Officer at BAB.21, for dental treatment. This transfer brings Capt. GREEN's figures up to approximately 10,000 men. Recent arrangement for transfer of the Greek Dental Officer and a dental mechanic to assist Capt. Green has been cancelled by the German Authorities.

Since the arrival of Capt. Skegg in September, 1943, an additional room for use as a Dental Surgery has been supplied, together with a Dental chair. A second-hand electric dental-engine was also supplied minus the flexible cable-arm for attachment of hand-pieces and is therefore useless. Repeated requests for the missing part and supply of an additional foot-engine have not met with success.

The supply of artificial teeth from the Red Cross is almost exhausted, there being sufficient in stock for supply of thirty full upper dentures and a few partial dentures.

Prosthetic work will then be limited to remaking old ill-fitting dentures, and repairs.

Telegrams have been transmitted to IRCC, Geneva requesting a further supply of artificial teeth.

The German supply of Paladon, has now ceased. In the past this has been generous. It has been stated that the supply factory was bombed and no further supplies are available.

We have amply supply of dental rubber, but difficulties may present themselves by limitation of gas supply for vulcanising.

We receive a supply of Novocaine tablets and sundries for conservation treatment from the German Authorities, but they are inadequate for meeting the dental requirements of the increased number of men from Italy.

We are now using one foot-engine between four dental officers and it is nearly worn out. We possess another foot-engine which is useless as the flexible cable-arm was sent to Breslau in June, 1943 for repair and repeated requests for its return (repaired or not) have had no success.

The supply of two dental foot-engines and an additional cable-arm to replace the one we are unable to get back from Breslau would prove invaluable for dealing with the ever increasing conservation work.

An electric vulcanizer for denture work would overcome difficulties, should there be a failure of supply of cylinders of Propane gas.

In conclusion I am indebted to Major S.G.de CLIVE-LOWE, S.B.M.O., CAMP REVIER, for his able assistance and co-operation in administration of the dental treatment in this area, and also to Lt. Col. T.H. WILSON, S.B.M.O., STALAG 344, for the assistance rendered in treatment of dental cases in the New Lazarett which is visited weekly by a Dental Officer.

Additional Report concerning Work Camp E 3, to be annexed to Report on Stalag 344, dated February, 9th 1944 (page 5).

Until November 10th, 1943 there were about 20 men to a room (38 rooms). Since then we have had 24, and, in spite of frequent requests, this had not yet been reduced. The Red Cross food is cooked in the ingenious ovens most rooms have constructed. The German rations are cooked in the camp cook-house inside the camp. This is at present being renovated, separate vegetable and meat storing rooms being provided, besides ablution area for cooks. The men are on hard worker's rations scale.

There are two large bath houses with showers in both, and hot water all the time, 365 days of the year.

There are 72 seats. The latrines are of the pump variety, and are regularly emptied each week, by vacuum pump cart. Supplies of chloride of lime and cresol are available at regular intervals.

On the whole these are good, the men being employed in large scale construction. Some do pick and shovel work, some electrical work, fitters, glaziers, plumbers, etc. About 1/3 of the men have been issued with protective clothing, only the men on oil, painting, cement and iron. The remainder use their second B.R.C. suit. Until November 1943 pay was at the rate of 70 Rpfg. a day, but sine then a new system has been substituted which is, till the present, far from satisfactory. Some have not been paid at all since November 1st, 1943. Some have been underpaid, and many clerical errors occur.

There has been a noticeable slowing up in the rate of delivery, especially of civilian parcels from England. The letter post is fairly good.

Camp is built on sand dredgings of the nearby canal. (Adolf Hitler). In 1943, we have carted in soil for vegetable and flower gardens to replace the sand, and have levelled the football field and made sunbathing lawns. The men are allowed to breed rabbits. The library established; circulation 1000 books. Proves very popular.

Has been in progress since October 1st, 1943. Aim-London Matric standard. Have one man ready to sit this examination and two waiting to sit lesser examinations, and about 10 regular attenders at school. Tutors at present work on job during day. Have made application to have full-time tutors sent to us from parent Stalag, capable of teaching to London Matriculations standard. Subjects at present taught:

The school-room is used as Church during Sundays - the Services being taken by Mr. 22948 Pte. W.J. Giffin, a medical orderly. Padre Griffiths (20th Bau Bn.) visits about once every two months.

Have recently been established. Though 17 medical orderlies left in September for repatriation (8 of them Bandsmen) the Band still functions as: Theatre orchestra; Military Band; or Dance orchestra under baton of C.S.M. Hobbs (2nd Glosters).

Revier: The 22 beds in two rooms with inter-communicating door also small kitchenette and coal range. Hot and cold water are in process of installation. Ample supply of coal for heating purposes in the revier rooms.

Medical Inspection room and Operating Theatre. Equipment having been bought by the camp in 1942 before "buying restrictions" were enforced. The equipment is mainly the property of E/3. About 8 per cent of camp are sick daily.

Medical Orderlies. There is a staff of 7 protected personnel and one not yet recognized - Boiling A.C.G. POW Nr. 35275, Army Nr. 7378974 R.A.M.C. 150 Field Ambulance. Captured 1/6/42. Besides these, 5 of the men voluntarily assist in wards and M.I. room work in the evenings, and two extra give massage and heat treatments nightly.

(a) The B.R.C. units have come regularly for the past year and, on a strength of 900 men, I have been receiving 4 units (parcels 1 to 4) per month. The dressings are particularly valuable.

(b) The German supply of drugs has been constant, reasonable and adequate. We seem to be more fortunate in this area than in others. The B.R.C. are here purely an addition to the German issue.

General health of the men is excellent. There has been no case of t.b. in the last year, and only one (with strong family history in 1943). There were two cases of Meningitis with complete recovery. In summer there was the usual epidemic of light diarrhoea (no dysentery), due to enormous number of flies, dust etc. In November and December there were a large number sick with feverish colds and mild influenza. This was attributed partly to the season, partly to the increased crowding in the rooms. (from 20 to 24 men a room) A report was made to the German medical authorities, asking at the same time to reduce the number of men per room - but it was ignored.

Accidents. Apart from small fractures of toes, fingers, etc., and one case of a man loosing 1 1/8 phalanges of three fingers, there has been a surprising freedom from accidents.

General Illness. Skin diseases, especially boils, impetigo, allergie and infective eczemas, and talina infections head the list. "Gastritis" - so called is as frequent as in England. In the last year there have been three cases of pneumonia two of which responded to sulphapyridine and one was sulphapyridine resistant, resolving by lysis on the 10th day.

Inoculations. The annual inoculation is in June. The men are weighed every six months.

Medical: Gastric test-meals, urine, lumber punctures, B.P's Hb and sedimentation rate tests are all done on the Kdo. Major MacLeod, Medical Specialist at Stalag 344 visited three times in 1943 (in January, July and November, staying three days on each occasion.)

X-rays: Chest screening and x-rays of limbs are done in German Reserve Lazaret of Cosel.

E.N.T. Men requiring E.N.T. investigations are taken to the Specialist Clinic in Kattowitz where the standard of investigation and treatment is good.

Eyes: Captain Gartside R.A.M.C. visited in March 1943 and Major Thompson in December 1943. The Germans provided all astigmatic lenses and severe spherical corrections. Reading glasses were ordered from the B.R.C.

Surgical cases: The cases for major surgery are sent to Krgf. Reserve Lazaret Cosel. The minor cases are treated in the Kdo. Revier which is equipped with operating theatre and fuel facilities for sterile surgery. The drums are sterilized in the village civil hospital.

Dental Centre: For Kreis Cosel this was at first situated in Arbts.Kdo E/3 Stalag 8 B (344). In August 1943, however, it moved to more commodious quarters in Bau Bn 21, still continuing to cater for all British prisoners of war in the area.

You will no doubt have heard of the 'carve up' of our Stalag. What was the administrative area of VIII B is now that of four Stalags.

We have not changed location, but have become Stalag 344. The whole of our former coal-mining parties have come under an administration centre at Teschen, which takes our original designation of Stalag VIII B. RSM F.C. READ, POW Nr. 19 is there as Camp Leader, and will do a good job of work.

Other Working Parties have been taken over by Stalag VIII A, with base Camp at Sagan, and Stalag VIII C with base Camp at Gorlitz. The Camp Leaders concerned are respectively, RSM B.R. Cockroft, POW Nr. ? and RSM J.J. Rossouw, POW Nr. 82360. Both of these WOs came in from Italy.

The situation here has been relieved somewhat. There is still a lot to be done, but I honestly believe that efforts are being made, and perhaps before the winter is through more will be achieved.

(This is presumably a mistake as Stalag VIII A is known to be at Gorlitz, and Stalag VIII C is known to be at Sagan).

Swiss Legation Berlin report Stalag VIII B transferred to Teschen and former Lamsdorf Camp now called 344. According to statement of representative GHC 11th January Stalag 344 contains 12,040 British prisoners, Sanitary installations have been improved, further buildings under construction and 8000 extra blankets distributed.

Swiss Legation made further representations to German Ministry of Foreign Affairs 12th January to accelerate improvements and requested authorisation to send two inspectors to camp earliest possible.

Swiss Legation Berlin report Stalag 344 visited 7th and 8th February now contains ten thousand prisoners soon to be reduced to eight thousand and according to Germans to six thousand within two months. Report expected shortly.

The Federal Political Department, Division of Foreign Interests, has the honour to transmit herewith to the Legation of His Britannic Majesty a preliminary report on the visit made on February 8th and 9th 1944, by a representative of the Swiss Legation in Berlin to STALAG 344.

The Department adds that the Swiss Minister, M. Feldscher, but in view of the more or less favourable report brought back by M. Naville concerning this STALAG, he has for the moment abandoned the idea of this visit.

The Department will not fail to forward the final report to His Majesty's Legation as soon as possible.

Following additional points mentioned in report on Stalag 344 visited 7th and 8th February:

British M.O. renewed complaints regarding insufficient medical supplies and has not yet received items mentioned in my telegram No.5088 (International Red Cross Committee informed of this and bad clothing position.)

According to report received by man confidence prisoners at detachment E444 Benesschau employed on work connected with bomb manufacture and at E556 Jaegerndorf prisoners making boxes believed used as ammunition cases. Camp Commandant ordered enquiries to be made about former and prisoners to be removed from latter. Accommodation at E365 Hohenstein reported unsatisfactory.