Stalag 344

Camp Commander

Assistant Commander

Abwehr Officer

Senior British Officer

British Man of Confidence

British Man of Confidence for R.A.F.
British Man of Confidence for the Repatriables

: Kapitän sur See Gylek

: Major Pawlik

: Major Birkhoff

: Lt.Col. T.H. Wilson, RAMC

: R.S.M. Sheriff

: Sgt. A.M. Curry

: Sgt. Cameron-Simpson

No change since our last visit of June 29th, 1943. The camp commander informed the Delegate of the Protecting Power of a contemplated extension of this camp; however, as a nearby wood will have to be cut down for that purpose and entirely new barracks constructed, the realisation of this planned extension must not be expected for some time.

The "Straflager" referred to in our last report of June 29th 1943 (point XVII, paragraph 4, page 9) no longer exists.

There are now 30405 prisoners of war in this Stalag; 17432 are in working detachments (of which there are 303) and the remaining 12973 prisoners at the base-camp, amongst whom there are:

British prisoners of war

R.A.F.

Repatriables

American Prisoners of War

9926

966

1150

(British)

At the time of the visit the camp authorities were preparing the lists and the departure of the grands-blesses.

Regarding the handcuffed prisoners of war, there has been no change of either in the number or their treatment.

The Delegate of the Protecting Power has always been of the opinion that the strength of this base-camp should not surpass the figure of56-6000 men; today the figure given is 12973 which means that the camp is shockingly overcrowded. Owing to recent transports of prisoners of war from Italy to Germany the strength of the camp has increased from 7890 to 12973 prisoners of war. The first party of about 2300 men arrived from Italy about the middle of August 1943, that is to say before the capitulation of that country. The next transports followed "in bits and pieces" and the following figures were given by the British Man of Confidence:

September 18th 1943:

September 24th 1943:

September 30th 1943:

980 men

1270 men including 168 officers

539 men

Since then 49 more officers and 30 Greek civilians (who are ex-Greek officers) have also arrived, although the Greeks and most of the British officers have in the meantime left for other camps.

This terrific increase of the camp strength has brought about chaotic conditions and whereas the Delegate of the Protecting Power strongly objected to the bad overcrowding when last visiting this camp and expected to find more favourable conditions this time, he now finds himself confronted with almost insurmountable difficulties regarding accommodation and the many problems connected with it.

Due to the large influx of prisoners of war from Italy, the sleeping rooms are intolerably overcrowded. Not only are now all three tiers of beds occupied (formerly only the two upper ones used to be occupied, the bottom one being considered as unhealthy owing to its proximity to the cement floor), but many prisoners are forced to sleep on palliasses on the floor; among those 127 are even forced to share it with others, having no palliasse of their own, so that in these cases 3 prisoners are sharing 2 palliasses. It goes without saying that there is now very limited room for any tables or benches in the sleeping rooms and many men cannot sit down for their meals.

Each prisoner has now only one blanket and 1584 men are without one and all, having been issued with a greatcoat in lieu of a blanket. At this time of the year, however, one blanket or greatcoat is absolutely insufficient and the British medical officers fear, with winter fast approaching, an alarming number of bronchitis or pneumonia (please also see point VIII regarding clothing).

Owing to the bad overcrowding, the washing and bathing facilities are worse than ever. No new wash-barracks have been built and with the present camp strength prisoners will be able to have a hot bath about once a month only. The water supply, as previously reported inadequate in normal conditions, is now absolutely insufficient and the higher part of the camp is without water altogether. The prisoners naturally experience the greatest difficulties in keeping themselves clean.

The number of latrines is insufficient; those available cannot cope with the situation. Latrines are now emptied by the prisoners themselves. A number of men have formed a special working party (they are all volunteers) whose duty it is to go round the camp emptying latrines. A hand pump and four horse-carts are at their disposal. Now these men are continuously on the job as it is difficult to keep the latrines down.

Food was described as being about of the same standard as on our last visit. The German order forbidding the men to cook in their barracks still stands, though it is never pressed and the men do their private cooking at their own discretion.

It was stated that only very rarely are fresh vegetables being supplied and that this year's supplies consisted mainly of cabbage and beetroot. When discussing this matter with the commander of the camp, it was pointed out that, as a rule, fresh vegetables are supplied once a week and according to the season and that large quantities of fresh green "seasoning-vegetables" (such as parsley, celery etc) are being used daily.

Lt.Col. T.H. Wilson, R.A.M.C., is the Senior British Medical Officer for the whole of Stalag VIIIB; he is at the same time in charge of the lazaret.

Besides the British medical officers working in the lazaret and the revier of the base-camp, there are now 15 British doctors attached to working parties. The camp commander is endeavouring to send as many British medical officers out on working parties as is possible. Probably most of those who have recently arrived from Italy will thus be employed.

Major S.C. de Clive-Lowe, N.Z.M.C. is still in charge of the revier. He is assisted by 13 medical officers and 100 sanitators. On the day of the visit there were over 400 patients in the revier. According to the Senior British Medical Officer the general state of health is reasonable at the moment, but if present conditions continue a serious epidemic might be expected.

In the revier too the overcrowding is worse than ever and although the bed strength has been increased from 300 to 400 beds, the revier is still short of accommodation. The recent influx of prisoners from Italy - one transport contained some 700 sick men - has put the British doctors in an almost hopeless position.

The supply of drugs is inadequate from Red Cross as well as from German sources. The indents to the local authorities are constantly cut down and when complaining, it is simply stated that supplies are not available. On the other hand the supply of Invalid Dicts from the Red Cross is generous and greatly appreciated.

Regarding dental treatment, the position has not improved since our last visit. Extra accommodation and equipment is now more than ever necessary for the dental station to cope with the additional number of men in the camp and in the working detachments. The former two dental officers have now been joined by a third one who has arrived with one of the transports from Italy. The dental station is very short of dental plaster with the result that more than a hundred men are being deprived of their artificial teeth until more supplies arrive. It was stated that a German Oberstabzzahnarzt recently visited the camp dental station and commented on the inadequate additional equipment, but so far for nothing has arrived.

A special dental report by Captain A. Wilkinson of the A.D.C. was sent to the British Government through the Protecting Power on July 27th, 1943.

There is now a total of 92 mental patients (this figure includes those who have come to this hospital from the civilian mental home at Loven to await repatriation):

Psychosis

Neurosis

at lazaret Stalag VIIIB

number of patients:

still at mental home Loben

Total 92

Regarding tuberculosis cases the Delegate of the Protecting Power was told that there was a total of 76 patients, mostly bed-cases. Conditions here for tuberculosis cases are good, according to one of the English specialists.

Lt.Col. Wilson stated that the British medical officers were satisfied with conditions in the lazaret; the collaboration with the German Oberstabsarzt, Dr. Woithala, remains pleasant and the latter does not interfere with the work of the British.

The lazaret is urgently requiring 6 small sterilisers for each hospital block and a second one for the hospital operating theatre. These instruments are on the list handed to the Delegate of the Protecting Power by the Senior British Medical Officer as requested by the British Government. This list includes the needs of the working detachments as well and will be sent by special letter.

Generally speaking all the men in the kommandos doing dirty jobs have two uniforms but the working one is usually in bad condition. In the base camp there is only one uniform per man and as a whole the clothing position is now very unsatisfactory. There are only negligible amounts of uniforms in stock and the Men of Confidence acting as trustee for all Red Cross matters (food, tobacco, medical, and clothing parcels, J. Lowe, is never in a position to meet the demands from the working detachments. The supplies of boot repair material received are now exhausted and the question of replacing boots or at any rate the timely arrival of fresh repair material is now the most burning problem of this Stalag with its 303 working detachments. A regular supply of boot repair material would save hundreds of pairs of boots from being worn until beyond repair. On the other hand, there is plenty of good underclothing in stock.

Regarding blankets, the position is nothing short of deplorable (please see also point III of this report). On October 6th 1943, there were 1584 men without blankets, having nothing to cover themselves at night except greatcoats issued to them in lieu of a blanket. The German authorities state that although 1500 blankets have arrived recently, they are in no way capable to cope with the new situation which has arisen by the arrival of large numbers of prisoners from Italy.

No change since last visit. It is more difficult than ever for the men to wash their laundry on account of the inadequate water supply.

The Man of Confidence states that the new pay system mentioned in our last report has been amended and is now more satisfactory.

Despite several requests, the Man of Confidence has never yet been shown the accounts of the canteen; on the other hand, the German camp authorities informed the Delegate of the Protecting Power that, if he so desires, the Man of Confidence could at any time control the figures. On March 2nd 1943, the Man of Confidence was handed the following details giving some idea of how the profits of the canteen are used:

1. The provision of letter-cards and postcards as a free issue to the Prisoners of War.

3. Expenses for spare time relaxations of Prisoners of War such as Musical Instruments, music paper, radio installations, books, newspapers, film apparatus and films, machines and tools and material for handwork employment.

4. Improvement of billets in the camp. Appointments for school, theatre, etc. Installation of special apparatus for hospital, etc.

7. Replacement for wilfully or carelessly destroyed camp fittings, if the perpetrators are not to be discovered.

Canteen problems were discussed at great length and it was stated that the canteen of this camp now possessed a sum of 40,000 RM representing the accumulated yearly profits.

Nothing to report except that the church has been closed down upon arrival of the prisoners from Italy, thus providing more accommodation. Church services are now held in the theatre.

In the middle of August the camp school too was closed down so as to provide more accommodation for new comers.

Large supplies of sports kits and games are expected from Geneva at any moment. Books (novels particularly) are now not available in adequate numbers for the increased number of prisoners; most books are in bad condition.

There are still long delays, in some cases up to three months; for instance letters from the British Red Cross take up to three months, letters from the Protecting Power to Stalag VIIIB between 7 to 17 days.

The Man of Confidence is of the opinion that the censoring department of the Stalag VIIIB is in most cases to blame for the delays in the delivery of mail. The Delegate of the Protecting therefore asked to be shown round the censoring department; this request was readily granted by the commander who personally accompanied the Delegate and stated that still more personnel was being engaged. The officer in charge of the censoring department said that it was unfair to lay all the blame for the delays on his department; often there would be no incoming mail for weeks and then all of a sudden 40 to 50 sacks might arrive (each of them containing 9 to 10000 letters) and so create unavoidable delays.

Those prisoners of war recently brought up from Italy expressed their anxiety lest their mail should not be redirected to this country. The Protecting Power will therefore take up the matter with the German High Command.

Conditions in the camp are obviously intolerable and their detailed description under points II, III, IV, V, VII, VIII, IX, etc., of this report gives an idea of the main complaints regarding the camp itself. However, two further points may be mentioned, namely:

1. REPATRIATION. At the time of the visit there was great activity in the camp both on the British as well as the German side; lists of those prisoners to go home were being established, written out and rewritten time after time and there seemed to be a general disorder as to who was to go home and who was to stay behind. The following statement by the Senior British Medical Officer of the revier gives an adequate picture of the situation at the time:

"Since February 1942 there have been in this Stalag a large number of "repatriable" men ever increased by each sitting of the Mixed Medical Commission. Until the last Commission, in May of this year, men were not given Certificates by the Board to state whether they had passed or not. During this period many men have arrived from other Stalags as D.U., many without Certificates. These latter have been asked for and in a number of cases, supplied, but there are still a number of men, amongst whom are men who went to Rouen, on the last Repatriation Scheme, without any proof of having passed the Commission.

This state of affairs has given rise to the present situation when, on the eve of repatriation, the Detaining Power had very little knowledge of what D.U. Personnel were in the Stalag, and what is far worse, that there are still a number of men who had definitely passed as repatriable, and have proof of this in the form of a Certificate, but the Authorities here have no record of these men. As a result of this, according to the orders received, those men must not remain behind until definite proof, even to the extent of passing another Board, is obtained. This to men who have waited in the hope of returning home for nearly three years is a tragedy."

However, after his return to Berlin the delegate of the Protecting Power learned that thanks to the energetic attitude of the British medical officers and the intervention of the Protecting Power all the D.U's of Stalag VIIIB who had passed the Mixed Medical Commission have been repatriated.

2. SICK PRISONERS FROM ITALY Many of these men have arrived in a shocking medical state, due to insufficient and inadequate treatment in the past. The number includes over 20 who have lost limbs, blind, partially blind, and permanently maimed. Many of these men state that they have passed the Mixed Medical Commission, but again they have no proof whatsoever, except of their sad condition.

The camp in its present condition makes a deplorable impression; as reported under the different points of this report, not only are the sleeping quarters overcrowded, but all the sanitary facilities have become absolutely inadequate. Considering the seriousness of the situation, the Delegate of the Protecting Power, without waiting for his return to Berlin, sent a short reply by letter asking the Swiss Legation in Berlin to take up the matter immediately with the higher German authorities.

It must be pointed out that the camp commander, who has always shown great interest for the fate of the British prisoners of war, cannot be held responsible for the present condition; he found himself left with thousands of prisoners from Italy on his hands and he just had to find accommodation for them.

Notwithstanding the hard working conditions or the situation in the main camp, the spirit of the British prisoners everywhere is splendid.

To end this report, the Delegate of the Protecting Power wishes to mention the magnificent work done by the chief Man of Confidence of Stalag VIIIB, R.S.M. Sherriff, and his assistant, Sgt J. Lowe. The task of the Man of Confidence in a camp of that size and the control over 300 working detachments is most trying and difficult; R.S.M. Sherriff through his tactful behaviour has succeeded in gaining the respect of the German authorities and the gratitude of his comrades for his work and his devotion in their interest. The Delegate of the Protecting Power, who has been visiting this area for nearly two years has always been given the utmost help and assistance by R.S.M. Sherriff and he therefore would like the British Authorities at home to know of the courageous attitude and splendid work done by this British soldier.

The permanent number of prisoners of war working in the sugar factory is 60, but during the "campaign" (time during which the sugar beets are brought in by the producers), which lasts for about 8 to 10 weeks as from the beginning of October, the number of prisoners is increased to 351.

The working conditions during that short period are pretty hard as the men are working in two shifts of 12 hours each; during the week-end each shift has to work for 18 consecutive hours in order to change the shifts. No Sunday free, but the prisoners will be given an 8 days holiday as compensation.

The rest of the year the prisoners have to work 10 hours daily, with every Saturday afternoon and Sunday free. The pay is 70 Pfennig a day and 1,20 RM for the day when they work 18 hours.

Some accommodation as described in last report except that there is an additional wooden barrack with accommodation for 162 prisoners during the campaign. The accommodation in the sleeping quarters can be considered as adequate, there was, however, a complaint that the shutters in the wooden barrack must be shut during the night, and, therefore, the ventilation is not sufficient. The matter was discussed with the accompanying officer and it was decided that the shutters would in future be opened during two hours every night and that an opening will be cut out of each shutter.

Medical attention is satisfactory; there is a revier with eight beds in the camp and two British sanitators are in charge of it. Prisoners can go to the German civilian doctor in the village and in case of urgency the doctor is at hand; facilities for transfer to hospital are there. There are enough medical stuff and drugs in the camp, chiefly German and some from the Red Cross.

The clothing conditions are pretty bad, especially as regards the prisoners who recently came from Italy; most of them have only one uniform in which they have to work, no overalls being provided by the employer. Footwear is not bad; there is a cobbler in the camp and for the time being enough repairing material from the Red Cross.

There is no recreation room during the time of the campaign, all rooms being occupied by the prisoners. But for the rest of the year there is plenty of room.

The mail, as in most camps of this area, was said to be very slow at the moment; letters from England are very irregular and take now longer than they used to. Mail from New Zealand takes an average of about 3 months.

There were no serious complaints in this camp; a few small matters were settled on the spot. On the whole this detachment can be considered as good.

There are two camps, normally jointly composed of 56 prisoners of war but increased to 256 men during the campaign. The 200 additional men in the case of these two detachments have all come up from Italy and were said to be in a bad way, most of their belongings having been left behind and their clothing being poor. The men in these detachments come from all parts of the Empire; there are Englishmen, Canadians, South Africans and Australians.

Not taking into consideration the campaign, the working conditions in these detachments are good; the hours are from 6.30 a.m. to 12 noon and from 1 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. Sundays are free as a rule; if work on Sundays is demanded, compensation during the week is given.

While the campaign is on, the men work 12 hours a day and 18 hours over the weekend. There is no free time at all, but a holiday is given at the end. It was stated that working conditions this year were quite good.

Washing, bathing and toilet facilities are satisfactory. The men can have hot showers as often as they like. The accommodation in both detachments is good. Thee is no overcrowding.

Food is cooked by civilians and was stated to be good as far as prisoners' food goes. Private cooking is done in the barracks, each of which is fitted with a large cooking-stove; fuel is plentiful. Red Cross food parcels are in stock for 3 weeks.

It was stated that a British medical officer would be attached to the camp in the near future; at the moment two recognised sanitators render first aid. If necessary, the men can visit a German civilian doctor every day; he was said to be efficient and impartial. For dental treatment the men up to now have gone to a civilian dentist both for extractions and fillings but according to a new order must go to Lamsdorf for fillings and dentures in the future.

Clothing is fairly satisfactory except for boots. Every man has a working and a Sunday uniform. At the moment supplies of spare underwear, caps and gloves are expected from Lamsdorf, but boots are the big problem as they are mostly in bad condition and there is no repair material.

During the campaign the men's laundry is washed by two fellow-prisoners who do nothing else but look after the washing. For the rest of the year laundry is sent out.

Beer is supplied as often and as much as the men wish. There is no canteen, but the men can send to Lamsdorf for these things which are still obtainable.

More frequent visits by a padre would be welcomed. This matter was discussed with the accompanying officer who promised to make the necessary arrangements at Lamsdorf. Furthermore, the men ask for about 20 prayer and hymn books of the standardised army type. This wish will be transmitted to the quarters concerned by the delegate of the Protecting Power. Regarding games and musical instruments these two detachments are rather badly off possessing practically nothing apart from a few mouth organs. Football is not much played, but the men would be grateful for a baseball equipment; they also ask for a box of magician tricks, musical instruments and some books. These wishes will be transmitted to the Y.M.C.A. by the Protecting Power.

The Canadian mail was stated to be excellent, but otherwise the usual complaint of the slowness of the mail was put forward.

This is a good camp. The men are happy and know how to deal with their own little problems.

This camp was opened for British prisoners of war on September 2nd, 1943, having been occupied until then by Italian civilian workers. There are nine large barracks of the usual wooden type. Special barracks are taken up by the bathing and washing facilities, the toilet facilities and the kitchen; also there is a special store room for the Red Cross parcels.

On the day of the visit there were 468 men in this camp two of them being away at the hospital at Cosel. The men are split up in 22 different working parties employed by I.G. Farben. The hours of work - 8 to 9 h daily - are those of the civilians and are fair. Saturday afternoons and Sundays are free. Pay amounts to 70 Pfennig a day.

The Man of Confidence complained that the barracks had been left in a dirty state by the Italians and that bugs had just been discovered. This point was immediately discussed with the accompanying officer and the officer in charge of the camp, and the gassing of the rooms infested with bugs was decided upon at once. At the same time it was stated that the British prisoners would not remain here but be moved to a new camp nearby very shortly.

Each man has two blankets. Those who have come up from Italy would like one additional blanket, but it will not be easy to fulfil their wish. Washing and bathing facilities are excellent; there is continuous hot water and the men can have hot showers at any time. The latrines are of the modern flush type.

The prisoners cook their own food. A corporal is in charge of the control of German rations. Eight British prisoners are working in the camp kitchen. There is a stock of Red Cross parcels lasting up to March 1944; the prisoners call it a "very satisfactory reserve."

The camp is awaiting the arrival of a British medical officer. Four sanitators are already here. On the day of the visit there were seven patients in the revier though none of them serious cases, most of them suffering from colds or stomach trouble. At the moment medical attention lies in the hands of the British medical officers of the neighbouring Bau-und Arbeits-Bataillon No.20 (please see report of October 16th). These officers visit this camp daily.

For dental treatment the prisoners have until now gone to the dental station of the Bau-und Arbeits-Bataillon 20, but in future the dentist will come to this camp.

The delegate of the Protecting Power was handed a small list of surgical instruments badly wanted by the sanitators.

The clothing position was stated to be unsatisfactory; although about 90% of the men have two uniforms, most of these are bad. As to the boots the position is worse still, and there is no material for repairs at all, only occasionally do the book-makers receive some leather from the neighbouring Bau-und Arbeits-bataillon 20.

The men wash their own laundry. There is no canteen as yet, but the Bau-und Arbeitsbataillon 20 is assisting this camp by lending money to buy such things as are available; but even with the assistance of the German authorities there is little to be bought. Beer is plentiful.

So far the camp has not received any musical instruments, but the band of the neighbouring commando 20 pays regular visits to this detachment; film shows have been organised and generally the camp is well off for entertainment having itself a good-sized combined theatre and concert hall.

For sports the position is less satisfactory. The order of the General commanding the prisoners of war which decrees that football shall not be allowed outside compounds, is causing a lot of trouble both for the prisoners and the German camp authorities in such cases where there is no football ground inside the camp compound thus either depriving the British prisoners of their football (or, indeed, any other outdoor) games, or forcing the camp authorities to ignore the General's order which has already happened in many cases. However, as the whole position regarding sports on account of this order has become most unsatisfactory, the Protecting Power will take the necessary steps to have either the order rescinded or amended in a way acceptable to the prisoners of war.

In the case of this camp it was decided that, should there be a transfer to a new camp, a football ground must be available inside the camp compound. The prisoners already possess footballs, a cricket-bat and some other sports gear.

Mail was described as being bad for Australians but more or less satisfactory for the others; even for those prisoners recently transferred from Italy to Germany mail is beginning to arrive.

There were no serious complaints and the delegate of the Protecting Power was able to settle a few small matters on the spot. There is a pleasant co-operation between the British prisoners and the German camp authorities, and if the prisoners are transferred to a new clean camp soon there should be no further trouble.

British Man of Confidence: Cpl. MURRAY, prisoner of war No.7454 - 30 British prisoners of war.

Doing forestry work on the Duke of Ratiber's estate. Nine hours daily work, Saturday afternoon and Sunday free. No complaint about the working conditions. The camp is installed in a very large room of the village inn. The men are now sleeping in single wooden beds, but they would prefer to have double beds with a view to increasing the free space in the room; the matter was discussed with the forester who is prepared to put enough wood at the disposal of the prisoners enabling them to make double beds with the present single ones. Each man has two blankets.

There is at the moment only one large brick stove which is also used for private cooking; it is feared that it will not be sufficient to heat the whole room, and the delegate of the Protecting Power obtained that another stove will be put in before the first of November. The electric lighting, too, is not sufficient for the winter, and the forester promised to have more light put in.

There was a complaint that the palliasses are full of fleas; it was promised that within a week all the beds would be disinfected and the straw changed. Washing facilities are rather primitive but sufficient for a small party; bathing once a week in a tub.

Latrines of the pit type in the courtyard. The inspector protested strongly against these latrines which are badly built and too close to the house; he was promised that a new one will be built a little further away.

No complaint about the food which is cooked by civilians. Like in most camps, especially in this part of the country, the amount of vegetables is very limited.

There is one sanitator together with working party E 588 in the neighbourhood. The prisoners are looked after by the German civilian doctor of the village. No serious case to report.

Dental attention insufficiently organised. Up to now the prisoners went to a civilian lady dentist and had to pay for the treatment as they are not supposed to be attended to by a woman. The matter was discussed with the accompanying officer who is going to have the dental attention organised for this party as well as for E 588.

Clothing condition fairly good at the moment; every man has two uniforms. The situation with regard to boots is less satisfactory. In the opinion of the Man of Confidence every prisoner ought to have two pairs of boots in these work detachments as they very often return from their work with wet boots.

This camp was never visited by a padre. There are enough books provided, but the camp is short of playing cards and indoor games; the Y.M.C.A. will be asked if they can provide some, as well as a football.

There was one complaint, about the water (pumped from a well) not being clear; some cases of diarrhoea were noticed recently, and the prisoners put this work down to the water. They were advised by the delegate of the Protecting Power not to drink any more of it unboiled, and the forester promised to have the water analysed.

This party is not particularly good at present, but when all the promised improvements are carried out, the conditions will be fairly satisfactory.

The camp is accommodated in a lovely wooden house in the forest outside the village of Rauden; the house used to be a private house and later on a restaurant. There is enough space inside the compound around the house and the garden looks well with flowerbeds.

The prisoners sleep in several rooms in double tier beds, each one having two blankets. Heating and lighting adequate. A day room is at their disposal.

Washing in basins satisfactory; bathing in a tub. They manage to have one hot bath per week. Latrines of the pit type in the garden. Satisfactory.

No complaint about the food which is cooked by a British cook. Three weeks issue of Red Cross parcels in stock. Medical and dental attention see report E.374.

Books are received from the main camp, but the prisoners want indoor games and playing cards. They also would like to receive an accordion. The Y.M.C.A. will be asked if they can supply these articles.

This camp seems to be a very happy one. The quarters are comfortable and the prisoners live a life for themselves, apart from the village, in lovely and healthy surroundings. They said they had nothing to complain about.

The prisoners are accommodated in what formerly used to belong to, and form part of, a German air force camp next to a small airport. There are several well equipped barracks now taken up by the British. They men are employed on general work in the camp such as unloading railway wagons, digging, or helping joiners, etc. They work as a rule from 7 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 5 p.m. but most of them do contract work and return to the camp already at 1 p.m. Week-ends are free. The pay is 70 Pf. a day.

The barracks are pleasant, airy and not overcrowded. Each man has two blankets. Bathing and washing facilities are excellent. In the winter the prisoners can have a hot bath every day whereas in the summer there is hot water only during the weekends.

The prisoners cook their own food although they say it is bad; they receive "light workers" rations and state that these are issued to them correctly. The stock on hand of Red Cross parcels will carry them through to November 4th, 1943. Private food is cooked in the cook-house.

There is no revier in the camp; the men go to a German doctor at the "Fliegerhorst" (name of the air force camp), and in cases of need of isolation are taken to a German hospital.

Clothing is reasonably good. Each man has two uniforms, but trousers are getting very scarce. Here the supply of boots is satisfactory. Laundry is sent to Hindenburg.

The camp possesses a good supply of books and indoor games. There is a small day and recreation room with a piano. Some of the prisoners own musical instruments and in the past have put on shows at the German canteen of the Fliegerhorst.

During summer the men have been allowed to go bathing twice weekly. Inside the camp compound there is only room to play handball, however, every Sunday afternoon the prisoners play football on the German aerodrome.

Mail was described as being slow and having been better last year. Private parcels seem to arrive quicker than any other mail. Two men complained not receiving their mail, they are:-

Both men say that they have proof that mail is sent from home, but it never arrives.

There are no complaints in this camp. The only requests the Man of Confidence had concerned film shows and a larger store room for Red Cross parcels. Both these requests were discussed with the camp commander who promised to study the matter and, if at all possible, fill the wishes of the prisoners.

This camp is situated near large railway-marshalling yards on the outskirts of Gleiwitz. There are five barracks three containing the sleeping rooms and the remaining two accommodating a small theatre and recreation room, store room for Red Cross parcels, a school and a cobbler's shop. The latrines are in a separate barrack.

There are 157 men. The Man of Confidence is English, the sanitator comes from New Zealand, and the others are mostly Palestinians or of other nationality having fought with the British forces in British uniforms at the time of capture.

Their work varies; generally it consists of unloading railway trucks, removing sleepers, etc. As a rule the prisoners do contract work. Sundays are free. The pay is 70 Pf. a day.

Each man has two blankets. The prisoners who are used to a warm climate are asking for a third one now that winter is approaching, but with the present extreme shortage of blankets both from Red Cross and Geneva sources it is difficult to meet this demand. However, the delegate of the Protecting Power insisted that each of the large sleeping rooms should be furnished with an additional stove for heating. The accompanying officer agreed to this demand and left orders for the employer to supply three large and two small additional stoves.

Bathing and washing facilities are adequate. Hot baths can be had at any time. Food was stated to be very badly cooked. With this statement by the Man of Confidence the German Feldwebel in charge of this Kommando fully agreed. The cooking is done by civilians and the prisoners have little control over the ration or the way the food is cooked. Therefore they have lately demanded to receive certain rations (meat and potatoes) in kind and make their own arrangements about cooking them, but, although this has proved satisfactory, it cannot be a solution in the long run. Therefore, in agreement with the delegate of the Protecting Power, the accompanying officer is trying to make arrangements through the Company for the prisoners to cook their own food altogether. Red Cross parcels are in stock for four weeks.

Twice per week sick prisoners can see a German doctor but there is now also a British medical officer coming here twice weekly from working detachment E 22 (see next report). There are five beds in the small revier which is looked after by a British sanitator. The latter states that he has ample supplies of drugs and medicines both from VIIIB and the Germans. On the day of the visit there were three men in the revier, one suffering from lumbago and two recovering from influenza. A report on what the British sanitator called "almost an experimental operation" on one of his fellow-prisoners was handed to the delegate of the Protecting with the request to transmit it to the proper quarter. The delegate requested that the man in question be examined again by the German Truppenarzt and, if necessary, be sent to the lazaret at VIIIB. This was granted at once.

Regarding clothing the Man of Confidence stated that some of the men have two uniforms though both are generally old ones. The firm employing the prisoners has given out no overalls. Boots on the other hand are satisfactory; there are 22 new pairs in store. Two cobblers do the repair work. Laundry: sent to Gleiwitz. No complaint.

There is a fair-sized theatre or recreation room in one of the barracks; a grand-piano has been hired by the prisoners who also possess quite a number of other musical instruments. They are now asking for permission to buy a radio with several loud-speakers, the former stated to have been installed in the German guard's room and the latter in the various barracks. The accompanying officer stated that there would be no objection to such a purchase.

Regarding football the same applies to this camp as set out in the report on work detachment No.711 E Regersfeld. Mail was said to be slow both from England and Palestine.

The main complaint concerned the unsatisfactory arrangements made regarding the night latrines, the matter was discussed with the accompanying officer and a satisfactory solution arrived at; the employer is given time until the 1st of November to make the necessary alterations. Should these not be carried out by that time, the prisoners will be taken away from his camp. A few other matters could be settled on the spot.

There are 284 British prisoners of war in this detachment now. Their working conditions have remained the same ever since our last visit on May 8, 1942. Three shifts of about eight hours each; lately every second Sunday has been free.

As far as the interior arrangements of the camp are concerned, there have been no changes. Food was stated to be "falling off," bread was worse and the men ask for more potatoes. There are still 2 English prisoners working in the kitchen.

The Man of Confidence told the delegate of the Protecting Power that in the past things had been missing out of invalid parcels from Canada; although all the seals were untouched upon opening the parcels, many a time a stone had been put in in place of food to make up weight. He thinks that these missing articles must have been stolen in Canada when the parcels were packed.

Cpt. Donald, R.A.M.C., has been here a week only. He does not only look after the sick in this camp but visits working detachment E 494 (see previous report) as well as two other British kommandos in the neighbourhood. Prisoners of another British kommando come here for treatment. He is assisted by three British sanitators. Serious cases are sent to Gleiwitz hospital. At the moment there are a small number of chronic gastric cases. The drug supply is poor both from German as well as Red Cross sources. At present medicines for coughs, stomach burns and similar complaints, are particularly short. Cpt. Donald states that chronic ear discharges seem to be quite frequent; owing to the nature of the prisoners' work it is naturally difficult to keep the cars clean. There are also many cases of chronic bronchitis and the British medical officer suggests that the men should be x-rayed for T.B.

Cpt. Donald complains that the transport of sick prisoners from this camp to the Gleiwitz hospital is particularly bad. The delegate of the Protecting Power discussed this point with the accompanying officer and the German Feldwebel at great length, and a satisfactory solution was arrived at with which the British medical officer declared himself satisfied. At the same time the position of the sanitators regarding their walks was clarified.

Pit-clothing is now in a very poor state and newly arriving prisoners often receive working clothes discarded by others. The delegate of the Protecting Power demanded to speak to the owner of the mines who employs the British Prisoners; during that discussion the following information was given; all foreign workers, including prisoners of war, are given wooden clogs to work in if no leather boots are available which is now the case. Working overalls no longer are in stock; what is given out now as protective clothing are such articles as have been collected during the so-called "Altspinnstoff-[Sannlung?]" (a country-wide collection of old clothes) which are brought to certain centres where they are disinfected and then bought up by industrial concerns or any employer in need of working clothes or overalls for their workers.

Regarding the uniforms the position is fairly satisfactory. The men working below ground have one uniform and their working clothes, those working on top have two uniforms. The best suit is in fairly good condition. Boots are fairly satisfactory too. There are two cobblers and three tailors working in the camp.

Otherwise there has been no change here since our last visit on the 8th May 1942. The problem of football playing was discussed with the employer and the accompanying officer, and a way will be found to let the prisoners have their games as usual without directly disobeying the order of the General commanding the prisoners of war, until such time as this order is rescinded or sensibly amended.

The British medical officer pointed out that many of the men who have now worked in mines for over three years would greatly appreciate and deserve a change of work. This being a question of importance it will be put to the German High Command by the Protecting Power.

This party was visited previously on the 8th of March 1943. No change in the layout of the camp, but the conditions are worse as there are now 50 more men in the camp; the result is a definite overcrowding of the sleeping quarters and the lack of a recreation room; however, it is planned to enlarge the camp by including the present guards' barracks; this will greatly improve the situation.

The Man of Confidence reported that there are bugs in the rooms. All the barracks have been gassed, but the delegate of the Protecting Power, supported by the German accompanying officer, insisted that it should be done at regular intervals which was promised.

Like in most camps the blankets are generally in a rather bad condition, worn out and very thin. Out of the newly arrived prisoners 40 have so far received only one blanket. The delegate complained strongly about this and it was guaranteed by the Kommandofuehrer that the blankets had been ordered by the employer and would be issued very soon.

The cooking, which is now done for the prisoners in a nearby Serbian camp, was said to have improved since last time; there was no complaint about it except that the British Man of Confidence has no means of controlling the rations issued; the accompanying officer ordered at once that he should be allowed to go to the kitchen whenever he wishes to control whether his men are receiving the rations they are entitled to.

The facility for boiling water for tea and coffee is not sufficient as the men have only one boiler at their disposal. Another one will be supplied to them.

According to a general order from the Kommandeur der Kriegsgefangenen in Wehrkreis VIII prisoners will in future no longer be permitted to play games or practice sports on fields situated outside the camp compound; this order affects very severely most of the working parties. Although, in many camps, it has so far not been carried out, in the case of this one the use of the playing-field was prohibited recently. The matter was discussed and it was arranged that this field, which is fortunately situated next to the camp, will be included in the camp, which is a good solution.

There were no other complaints concerning the camp or the treatment. The prisoners work in a coal mine in three shifts of eight hours each ("Graefin Johnnna Schacht"). They work in three different parts of the mine: Section 4 - 56 prisoners; as an average working three Sundays out of four; in this mine there seems to be much water. The delegate of the Protecting Power asked the German supervising officer to insist on rubber boots being issued to the men. Section 12 - 71 prisoners; working two Sundays out of four. One prisoner was fatally injured in June 1943 having been struck and partly buried by the collapse of coal. Section 24 - 10 prisoners doing only maintenance work underneath; work from one to two Sundays out of four.

There is only one professional miner working here, and, unfortunately, he could not be interviewed as he was away from the camp at the time of the visit. According to other prisoners who without being miners by profession have worked in other mines in Germany, it seems that they work in the mine, without being particularly dangerous, is rather more dangerous than in other mines. Safety measures are not always strictly carried out, and the prisoners are not being looked after very carefully by professional miners. However, the proportion of accidents does not seem to be particularly high.

Five prisoners wear glasses, and the accompanying officer was asked to have them sent to a non-mining party. Besides, the two following cases were dealt with:

Pte. Gerard BARKER, No.30570, who recently arrived from Italy where he had been issued unsuitable glasses. He will be sent to the eye specialist and taken off this work.

Pte. Alfred TUDOR, No.30.530, also recently arrived from Italy. He was injured in Africa in the right arm and had a bullet round in the back. He is not strong enough for this sort of work and the accompanying German officer was asked to have his sent back to the main camp or to a party doing lighter work.

Generally speaking this is a fairly good detachment except for the work which is certainly hard.

The majority of the prisoners in this camp from the party E 561 Jaworzno (see report of March 9, 1943) which no longer exists. They arrived here in June 1943 and are provisorily installed in two different camps pending the completion of a new camp in the neighbourhood; the new camp which will partly be occupied in November has been visited by the Delegate; it is composed of concrete barracks, and when completed, will certainly be satisfactory from the material point of view. For the time being the two different camps are completely separated, lying a few miles from each other and therefore will be described separately.

The prisoners work in a coal mine, 95 of them underneath and 65 overground. They work in three shifts of eight hours actual work. They are free on two Sundays out of four. There was absolutely no complaint about the working conditions which were said to be fair and much better than in Jaworzno.

The accommodation in one wooden barrack is very primitive and absolutely inadequate; there are nearly 60 men in each room, no separate beds but palliasses on platforms. Not enough room nor sitting accommodation provided. Ventilation as well as day or night lighting absolutely insufficient.

Washing and toilet facilities are very primitive. Good bathing facilities in the mine.

The food has recently greatly improved and is now as good as can be expected. The eating bowls are in a very bad condition; however, the Kommandofuehrer stated that new bowls had been bought by the employer and would be issued as soon as the party moved to the new camp.

There is no revier in the present camp, but two sanitators. The medical attention seems to be satisfactory. The prisoners may go three times a week to the German civil doctor, and if they are not satisfied with the treatment they are permitted to apply to the German military doctor. Drugs are supplied in sufficient quantities. Dental attention by the German civil dentist in the town for extractions and fillings, without charge up to 7, Mk. a month per man. Prosthesis work done in the Stalag if considered necessary by the German doctor.

Clothing and footwear may be considered good. Laundry washed at the mine; satisfactory.

Canteen: badly stocked. Some articles come from the main canteen in the Stalag and some are bought in the town.

There is no recreation room, but in the new camp a day room will be erected. Enough books and indoor games at hand. Sport and football facilities adequate. Mail was stated to be very slow and irregular; from Palestine it takes two to three months.

The material conditions in this camp are absolutely unsatisfactory, but no complaint was made as they are only provisory and the prisoners will be transferred to the new camp in about a fortnight's time. Apart from this the working conditions as well as the treatment are good.

The prisoners do construction work of all sorts; as a matter of fact they are now employed on the construction of their new camp. Most of them do piece-work. The minimum pay is 70 Pf. a day. They are free every second Sunday.

The camp is composed of two barracks, one wooden barrack accommodating 28 men per room, and one concrete barrack with 157 men in one very large room. The men sleep in double tier beds and the rooms are definitely overcrowded in both barracks. Like in E 593 A the men have so far been issued with one blanket only. When the delegate of the Protecting Power protested, he was told that more blankets had been ordered some time ago, that they had now arrived, and that each man would very soon receive a second one.

There is on wash room with cold water and enough taps; a boiler has been installed for hot water. For hot showers the prisoners go to the mine. Toilet facilities in a special barrack; latrines of the pit type emptied often enough, but there are only ten seats, which is not enough for nearly 300 prisoners.

There was no complaint about the food which is cooked at the mine and brought to the camp by cart. However, the delegate of the Protecting Power complained that there was no control for the Man of Confidence over the rations issued. As the mine is far away, it was arranged that the rations for this camp will be controlled by the British Man of Confidence of Party E 72 which draws its food from the same kitchen. Red Cross food parcels: stock till November 27th.

There is no revier in this provisional camp. One sanitator only; but two sanitators have been applied for at the camp and will soon arrive.

In the inspector's opinion it would be desirable to have a British medical officer in the new camp which will be about 500 prisoners strong. The accompanying officer promised to convey this wish to the commander of the Stalag and to do his best to have it met. The health conditions are so far good; there was no complaint about the medical attention which is the same as in part A. Dental attention as in part A.

Clothing conditions may be considered satisfactory; each prisoner has two uniforms, however, only about 20 men have been supplied with working clothes by the employer. Laundry: washed at the mine.

Canteen: poorly stocked. The Man of Confidence complained of the difficulty in obtaining beer because of the prisoners in this camp being Jews. The matter was discussed with the company officer who promised to try to arrange that beer be delivered to this camp.

This camp is in many respects unsatisfactory, but as the prisoners will be moved to the new camp in about six weeks' time, no formal complaint was made.

Coal mining work. 92 men work above the mine 9 1/2 hours daily; they are free every second Sunday. The rest works below in three shifts of 8 1/2 hours each: they are free every second Sunday. Pay: minimum 70 Pf. a day.

These men work for the same mine in town, loading and unloading timber. They are free about three Sundays out of four and are paid a minimum of 70 Pf. per day.

These two detachments are in the same camp and live under exactly the same conditions; they will therefore be described together. They were last visited on March 8, 1943.

No change since that time except that a new sleeping barrack has been added as well as a recreation barrack with a stage. Unfortunately, because of the need of storing-facilities for Red Cross parcels, this recreation room is now partly used as store-room and no shows and concerts can take place. The matter was discussed with the manager of the mine who is willing to do something about it and is ready to put another room at the disposal of the camp.

The health condition may be considered as fairly good. There is a revier in the camp and 2 British sanitators; three times per week the men may go to a civil German doctor in town.

The average number of prisoners attending the daily sick parade is 50, but the majority of them have just minor complaints. As an average there is one patient lying in bed. Up to now there was neither a fatal nor a serious accident in the mine.

In this camp again the sanitators complained of the shortage of drugs; their needs are comprised in the list sent as part of the report on Stalag VIIIB.

Clothing as well as boots in good condition. Five weeks supply of Red Cross food parcels.

There was no serious complaint in this party; the working conditions seem to be better than in most coal mines and the material conditions in the camp are good. Both men of confidence emphasised the fact that the German Kommandofuehrer as well as the German guards were very fair and the treatment as good as could be expected. In short, this detachment can be considered as a good one.

Working in a chemical factory. Eight hours daily. About two thirds of the men are free every second Sunday and the rest gets a day off every ten days. The minimum pay is 70 Pf. a day.

The camp is situated at the outskirts of the town not far from the factory. For the time being there is only one very large wooden barrack with a central passage and rooms on both sides; another barrack is going to be built soon; the foundations are already there.

At present the rooms are certainly overcrowded with about 34 men per room; the sitting facilities are definitely inadequate. Every prisoner was issued with two blankets with the exception of 16 men who received only one; a second one will be provided in the next few days.

There was a complaint that there were bugs in the barracks; they will be gassed and the delegate of the Protecting Power insisted with the German company officer that the rooms be passed not only once but at regular intervals. This was promised.

Washing facilities in a special room inside the barrack. Satisfactory. Baths every day at the factory. Toilet facilities of the pit type. Adequate.

There was no complaint about the food which is cooked in the civilian canteen of the factory by civilian women. It seems, however, that up to now the Man of Confidence had no opportunity to control the food in the kitchen. The delegate of the Protecting Power insisted that he be permitted to go to the kitchen whenever he wished, and this was granted by the accompanying officer who gave orders to that effect. Facilities for the cooking of private food: in the barracks. Five weeks stock of Red Cross parcels.

Two British sanitators are in charge of the revier, but there is no British medical officer. Medical attention by a civil German doctor coming regularly to the camp; however, the Man of Confidence complained that the doctors' orders are not always carried out and the delegate insisted with the German officers that these orders must in future be strictly carried out.

At the time of the visit six patients were lying in the revier; one prisoner with suspected appendicitis and another one with suspected pneumonia. The doctor was expected the same day to decide if these men were to be sent to hospital. The other patients were just suffering from colds. It seems that quite a number of prisoners in this camp are suffering from boils. In the sanitator's opinion the reason for this is the sort of work they are doing; some 90 men are working in a part of the factory where salmiac and carbide are prepared.

The German officers as well as the managers of the factory deny, however, that the work is in any way prejudicial to health.

In the delegate's opinion it would be a good thing if a British medical officer could visit this party regularly, and the accompanying officer was asked to take the necessary steps to have a British doctor sent to one of the British work detachments in the neighbourhood.

Dental treatment by the German civil dentist of the town was said to be satisfactory except that he is overworked and the prisoners have sometimes to wait a fortnight before they can be seen by him. It was arranged that a definite day every week will be fixed for the treatment of the prisoners. Plates and dentures are made in the main camp. Unfortunately the dentists there are being overworked and the material lacking at the moment, about 15 prisoners of this detachment are waiting for dentures.

Generally speaking the clothing situation is not very good. Only about ten per cent of the prisoners have two uniforms. The uniforms of the rest are mostly in bad condition. The majority of the working prisoners have been supplied with working-overalls, the others have been promised one. Footwear is fairly good. There is a cobbler in the camp and he had at the moment enough repairing material.

Laundry: done by the work, satisfactory. Canteen: badly stocked. Very little to be obtained locally. The Man of Confidence was promised permission to go to the main camp where he will probably be able to buy some articles for the canteen; beer is sometimes obtainable.

At the moment there is no recreation room, but there will be one in the new barrack. There is a band in the camp and recreation seems to be well organised. Sports facilities adequate; football can be played twice a week.

Like in most camps the prisoners complained of the slowness of the English mail in recent months. Australian mail was recently better. Private parcels in general satisfactory.

An air raid shelter for the prisoners is provided in the cellar of the civilian canteen just outside the camp; when the new barrack is completed, there will be an air raid shelter below it.

Pte. Joseph FLETCHER, prisoner of war No.5654, home address "20 Galloway Road, Bircots, Doncaster, England," complained that he had never received any private parcel for over three years although he knows that parcel were being sent regularly from home. Could an inquiry be made.

Most of the prisoners are working underground in the Castellenge-Grube. They work in three shifts of eight hours actual work but are away from the camp over 11 hours a day owing to inadequate organisation and bathing facilities. Generally speaking one Sunday off in three weeks.

There is much dissatisfaction in this party owing to the hard and, it seems, dangerous work, at least in certain parts of the mine. The section 2 is particularly dreaded by the men; 63 prisoners are working there, civilians work there too. The fact is that this coal seam is only two feet high and very steep. Therefore, the ground being very slippery, the men experience the greatest difficulty in moving quickly enough in order to avoid coal blocks continually dropping and rolling down. According to the mine manager the fault lies with the men who do not always carry out the safety measures ordered by the mine. Nevertheless the work seems particularly trying in this section. The fact that out of six fatal accidents registered among the British prisoners in all the coal mines, two took place here, and that recently one more man has been so severely injured in the spine that his life is in great danger. Pte. A. Coleman, prisoner of war No.4437 - shows that the work here must be considered as more dangerous than in other mines. According to the British medical officer's report an average of about 20 men are off work every day owing to more or less severe injuries. The delegate of the Protecting Power was able to personally form a picture of the great number of prisoners suffering from all sorts of injuries.

The prisoners complain also of the bad ventilation down in the pit and of the fact that the safety measures (for instance timbering) are not always carried out with enough care. The general opinion among the prisoners is that in this mine the coal output comes before the safety.

This camp has been visited on the 7th of May 1942. The conditions in the camp are excellent and there was no serious complaint about the material conditions or the treatment. There is now a British medical officer, Cpt. Rose, A.A.M.C. The medical attention is satisfactory and at the time of the visit there was no serious case in the revier. Serious cases which cannot be dealt with in the camp are sent either to the German hospital at Hindenburg or to the main camp lazaret.

The camp is not badly off for drugs. Dental treatment by the local German dentist for extractions or fillings. Satisfactory. Plates and dentures are made by the dentists of the Stalag. Unfortunately they are overworked and do not have enough material at the moment. 20 prisoners of this camp have been waiting for their dentures for a long time.

As mentioned before the camp itself is satisfactory, but the working conditions seem to be bad. Therefore the German High Command will be asked to have an inquiry made into the conditions under which the prisoners have to work there.

This commando has been existing since April of this year. The prisoners are accommodated in a large stone building, a former Polish school. Upon inspecting the camp the delegate of the Protecting Power found it to be overcrowded. The former revier is now being used as a sleeping room; beds have further been placed in an attic without windows. Thee are 227 men working in a coal mine, usually in two shifts. They are away from the camp 12 to 12½ hours. The mine is about three kilometetrs from the camp and the prisoners have to walk to their work. As an average every second Sunday is free although lately it has only been every third Sunday.

Each man has two blankets. Bathing facilities at the mine are satisfactory, but the washing arrangements in the camp are rather poor. Water has to be pumped from a tank and there is only one single tap for 227 men. This is naturally totally inadequate and the delegate demanded that something be done immediately to improve the situation.

Food is quite well cooked, but the men complain about the complete lack of vegetables lately. When discussing this with the accompanying officer, he stated that the employer had put in orders for fresh vegetables, but owing to the general lack of that commodity throughout Germany nothing has been received as yet. Facilities for private cooking are insufficient for the number of men in this camp, and the delegate of the Protecting Power requested that the number of stoves be enlarged, as proposed by the prisoners. This was promised. There is a stock of Red Cross food parcels for four weeks.

The medical attention is in the hands of Cpt. R. ROBERTSON of Work. Det. No E 538 Sosnowice. The prisoners are therefore not attended by a German doctor. On the day of the visit there were no sick in the camp. As a rule the daily sick parade is attended by about 20 to 24 men, the main complaints being small accidents in the mine (cuts, bruises and boils). There are two sanitators who state that the camp is very short of drugs but that the Germans still supply small amounts.

For dental treatment the men go to a good civilian dentist at Sosnowice. For extraction and filling the prisoners do not have to pay, but dentures are charged for. However, this is a quiet agreement between the prisoners and the dentist; the men prefer to pay and quickly receive dentures than wait months and months until Stalag can provide them.

Pit-clothing was described as being very poor. The men are supplied with very little from the German side and many of them wear English leather boots in the mines and others again have been given wooden clogs. No rubber boots are supplied to those who have to work in water.

Uniforms are generally in good condition. About 60% of the men have two suits. Boots are fairly good; there is a well equipped cobbler and tailor's shop still possessing a supply of repair material from the Stalag.

There is no recreation room in the camp and the men find it very difficult to give concerts and stage shows. There is a small band and the men are very enthusiastic about their entertainment, giving every minute of spare time to prepare shows and concerts.

Sports are satisfactory. There is a football pitch nearby where the prisoners are allowed to play. During summer the men get plenty opportunity of swimming.

Letters are very slow in arriving whereas parcels reach the camp in much shorter time.

After his inspection of the camp and his talk with the prisoners the delegate of the Protecting Power asked for an interview with the proprietor of the mines in which the British prisoners are employer. During that interview the long working hours, the inadequate pit clothing, the overcrowding of the camp together with its shortcomings regarding washing facilities as well as a few other points were discussed. The delegate of the Protecting Power asked of the proprietor that better accommodation and pit clothing be provided and something be done about the other points discussed, and he was supported in his demands by the accompanying officer who on his part will report the unsatisfactory conditions in this camp to the commander of Stalag VIII B. The delegate of the Protecting Power insisted that either a number of prisoners be taken away from this camp or, otherwise, appropriate accommodation be found elsewhere.

This camp was last visited on March 9th, 1943. Since then the camp strength has increased from 138 to 249 men. The prisoners now work in three shifts of 8¾ hours each. Sunday work is on the average demanded on three Sundays out of four. The pay is 70 Pf. a minimum a day.

In this camp, too, the complaint about the quite inadequate pit clothing was put to the delegate of the Protecting Power. Insufficient numbers of rubber boots are supplied to those working in wet parts of the mines, other pit clothing is of poor quality. When discussing this with the accompanying officer, the delegate emphasised that these same complaints had been brought forward on his last visit and that once again he must ask that a firm request to improve matters be made to the proprietor of the mine. This is all the more necessary as some of the improvements promised last time - repair of showers and provision of a latrine at the pit had not been carried out.

Conditions inside the camp compound are satisfactory. The camp is not overcrowded and continues to provide good accommodation. Each man has two blankets.

Regarding clothing it was stated that about 75% of the men have two uniforms and that their boots are in good condition.

Laundry is again sent out. For some unknown reason the very satisfactory arrangement which the prisoners had made, i.e. have two fellow-prisoners wash the laundry for the entire camp, had been cancelled and the men ordered to send their things to an outside laundry. Now there are continuous complaints about articles being lost and replaced by inferior goods and perfectly good things being destroyed through the use of chemicals. The accompanying officer promised to look into the matter at the Stalag and, if possible, arrange for the prisoners to wash again their own laundry.

There is no canteen and the camp receives no supplies of beer. Here again the accompanying officer promised to make supplies possible directly from the Stalag canteen.

Medical attention is still in the hands of Cpt. N.S. SEAFORD, R.A.M.C., now assisted by two medical orderlies. On the day of the visit there were three men in the revier, none of them being serious cases. There is a shortage in all drugs. From German sources very little is received.

Dental treatment is not quite satisfactory. The men go to a badly overworked dentist is Sosnowice with the result that they have to return there 10 to 15 times until completed. Cpt. Seaford, therefore, does now extractions himself, not only in this camp but in all working detachments of the area. Regarding dentures the arrangements are that with the permission of the German doctor the men are sent to a dental station at Kattowitz where they receive quick and good treatment without pay.

The main complaint in this camp again concerned collective punishment (see our last report of March 9, 1943). The Man of Confidence stated that because of some 15 to 20 men leaving their work too early, football was cancelled for the entire camp and the recreation room declared out of bounds. The accompanying officer again severely reprimanded the Kommandofuehrer. The delegate of the Protecting Power insisted that the respective article of the Geneva Convention be strictly adhered to and in a later discussion with the accompanying officer suggested the removal of this Kommandofuehrer as, obviously, he showed no interest in the welfare of the prisoners, neither at work nor at leisure.

37 men work above the ground and about 12 are employed in the workshop of the pit. The remainder of the men work underground. There are still two shifts, as reported during the last visit (March 9, 1943), but the prisoners complain that, although there is a certain amount they have to finish daily, it is never kept to and more often than not the men work overtime. There are frequently days of 12 hours work in the mine. Regarding Sunday work there is no definite rule. There have been cases of 28 days on and though, generally, the men work two Sunday out of three.

The Man of Confidence stated that as far as life in the camp was concerned, and if pit work was not so bad, "we would not have much to grumble." None of the men had any complaints. Recently a new NCO was put in charge of the camp and since then everything was very nice. They only state that nothing has been done by the proprietor to improve facilities for private cooking, although this has been expressly promised to the delegate of the Protecting Power on his last visit. The excuse given was that the prisoners would be transferred to new and still better barracks at the beginning of December where there will be two stoves in each room. However, the delegate insisted that notwithstanding the contemplated transfer something be done at once in this camp, all the more as this had been promised six months ago. He was given such an assurance.

Serious trouble, however, arises from the unsatisfactory working conditions and the treatment the men receive from some of the civilian guards down in the mine. It was stated that some of these civilians have maltreated and on two occasions even injured prisoners of war and that they are generally ill-disposed towards them. This has, naturally, created strong tension amongst the prisoners, and the Man of Confidence fears that if the present situation is allowed to continue, some of his men may some day lose control of themselves and hit back, with probably most serious consequences for the prisoners concerned. As the delegate of the Protecting Power took a very serious view of this situation, he immediately demanded an interview with the proprietor of the mine, together with the British Man of Confidence, the accompanying officer, and the officer in charge of the camp. The main points and results of this conference were:

The mine owner was unaware of the malignant attitude of the civilian guards towards the prisoners working underground and had no knowledge of the recent incidents when prisoners had been maltreated. He offered his apologies and assured the delegate that he would personally look into the matter. (He also promised to improve the cooking facilities for the men, a matter his manager had promised the delegate six months ago).

The cases of maltreatment of prisoners of war by civilian guards had duly been reported to the German military authorities of this camp, and both the delegate of the Protecting Power and the accompanying officer were satisfied as to the steps taken to punish those concerned and avoid future incidents. The matter has been reported to the commander of the Stalag, and the delegate of the Protecting Power will do so likewise when calling on the Commanding General in charge of prisoners of war of this army district, which will be on October 2, 1943, as Breslau.

Regarding more satisfactory working conditions, including better pit clothing, but above all a definite and clear statement as to the daily amount of work asked from the prisoners by the mine, a conference between the proprietor of the mine and the British Man of Confidence together with a professional British miner was decided upon. Then details will be discussed and a clear settlement established. With this the British Man of Confidence stated to be satisfied.

The delegate of the Protecting Power regretted the absence of the British medical officer attached to this camp, Cpt. ROBERTSON, R.A.M.C., who had gone to VIIIB for a few days.

Following points mentioned in report on certain dependent work camps Stalag VIII B visited 8th to 14th October: E276 Ottombachau clothing conditions bad especially of prisoners recently arrived from Italy most of whom have only one uniform in which they have to work.

E600 and E607 Oberglogau two hundred prisoners recently arrived from Italy in need of clothing. Boots are in bad condition and there is insufficient repair material.

E711 Reigersfeld uniforms and boots in bad condition. Recent order of OKW forbidding football outside compound is causing difficulty. Representations will be made to have this order rescinded or amended.

E374 Rauden lighting and heating inadequate palliasses full of fleas toilet facilities bad inadequate dental attention by civilian woman dentist for which prisoners must pay.

E494 Gleiwitz Oehringen food badly cooked and prisoners have little control over rations. Night latrines unsatisfactory.

E22 Food has deteriorated German and Red Cross drug supply poor. Prisoners who are employed in coal mine suffer from chronic ear discharges and in many cases from chronic bronchitis. Transport arrangements for sick prisoners to Gleiwitz Hospital bad. Protective clothing in poor state. British Medical Officer stated many prisoners have now worked in mines for over three years and deserve change. Matter will be referred to OKW.

E209 Bobrek overcrowding as camp contains fifty more prisoners than when last visited in March. Blankets in bad condition and forty recently arrived prisoners have each received only one blanket. Prisoners work in mine some working three Sundays out of four in a shaft where there seems to be much water. Unnamed prisoner fatally injured in June 1943 by collapse of coal. Work more dangerous here than in other mines safety measures not always strictly carried out though accident rate not particularly high. Private Alfred Tudor No. 30530 recently arrived from Italy injured in Africa in arm and bullet wound in back not strong enough for this work.

E593 Schomberg majority of Palestinian prisoners have come from E561 Jaworzno no longer in existence. Temporary accommodation in wooden barrack very primitive and inadequate insufficient sitting accommodation ventilation inadequate washing and toilet facilities very primitive. Prisoners must pay for dental attention by German civilian dentist. Prisoners due to the transferred to new camp in fortnight's time.

E393B 291 Palestinian prisoners. Rooms overcrowded. As in E593 only one blanket issued each prisoner toilet facilities inadequate. Camp unsatisfactory but prisoners due to be moved to new billet in six weeks time.

E594 Koenigshuette (see your telegram 3531) 195 prisoners working in chemical factory accommodation overcrowded sixteen men have received only one blanket certain number of prisoners suffering from boils which sanitator attributes to chemicals. Clothing in bad condition. Except for temporary overcrowded camp may be considered good.

E51 Klausberg majority of 418 prisoners working in mine part of which is considered dangerous. Coal seam is only two feet high and very steep. Prisoners experience greatest difficulty in avoiding falling coal blocks. Out of six fatal accidents amongst British prisoners in coal mines two have occurred here. Private A. Coleman No.4437 severely injured in spine and life in danger. British Medical Officer reports twenty men off work every day owing more or less severe injuries which Swiss representative was able to confirm. Prisoners complained of bad ventilation in pit and that safety measures not always carried out with sufficient care. They consider output comes before safety. OKW will be requested to enquire into this.

E579 Dandowka (see your despatch 2098) accommodation overcrowded some beds bring in windowless attic 227 men working twelve hours daily in mine three kilometers from camp to which they must walk. Recently only every third Sunday free washing arrangements at billet bad with one tap. Facilities for private cooking insufficient pit clothing very poor no rubber boots supplied for men working in water.

E453 Dombrova pit clothing and issue of rubber boots inadequate these and other improvements promised last March still not carried out. Laundry unsatisfactory collective punishments still enforced.

E538 Sosnowice prisoners often have to work overtime. Nothing done to improve private cooking facilities civilian guards have ill-treated and on two occasions injured prisoners towards whom they are generally ill-disposed.