CONFIDENTIAL

STALAG VIII B

BRITISH
August 1941

Camp Commander: Oberst Leutnant Minsinger

British Man of Confidence: Sidney Sherriff

Red Cross Representative i.e. Assistant Man of Confidence in charge of receipt of parcels: John Lowe.

I.) GENERAL IMPRESSION

        This camp which is in Silesia has been frequently described. It is the largest prisoner of war camp for British soldiers. It is composed of row after row of one-storey barracks each with running water washing facilities. A sufficient number of toilets has been erected in sheds which stand at some distance from the barracks. The camp includes large playing fields and vegetable gardens. Surrounding territory is flat but not unpleasant. The air is invigorating. There are no air raid shelters nor is any thought to be needed.

II.) CAPACITY AND PRESENT PERSONNEL

        There are 13,000 British prisoners and about 7,000 assorted French, Polish and Yugoslavians in the entire STALAG. Among the British are 293 Indians and 1160 Palestinians.

        There are also 278 Belgians in this camp but none in the base camp. The Belgians are employed in agricultural labor in small work details many miles from the base camp. They were not investigated during the current inspection although reports concerning them which were obtained at the base camp were to the effect that they were receiving not unsatisfactory treatment.

III.) INTERIOR ARRANGEMENTS

        The stone barracks contain triple-decker beds which are suitably furnished with blankets and mattresses. There is adequate light, ventilation and space for hanging clothes. Since these barracks were in part built for German troops and since they have all been erected within the past several years, no serious defects were found. It may be stated that the physical condition of this camp is good.

IV.) BATHING AND WASHING FACILITIES

        Satisfactory.

V.) TOILET FACILITIES

        Satisfactory.

VI.) FOOD AND COOKING

        Dr. Vance B. Murray, Senior Surgeon of the United States Public Health Service states: "A copy of the weekly menu could not be obtained, but one was seen and the amounts copied. This showed that each man presumably got per week:

        The above summary does not note fresh vegetables which are plentiful in season. Therefore in calculating caloric values from such a summary one would underestimate what was really received. The German estimate for each day of this particular weeks menu compared with what was considered sufficient was as follows:

VII.) MEDICAL ATTENTION AND SICKNESS

        The Stalag hospital and future Lazarett consist of two brick and two beaver board (painted grey with red crosses on white ground on the roof) barracks now in use, beside which there are two more large wooden barracks as yet unfurnished.

        It is intended to enlarge the present capacity to 450 beds and remove the patients now in Reserve Lazarett Langenbielau.

        There are 11 British and five Serbian physicians here at present beside a dentist and a dental technician in a dental laboratory. The Senior British medical officer is Major Weston and the dentist is Lieutenant Pickering. The German medical OC was Oberstabsarzt v. Rudiger.

        One of the brick buildings is the treatment barrack (Behandlungszimmer) containing an examination and treatment room with operating facilities for minor operations, a helio therapy room, storage room for clothing and storage for canned and other food from the Red Cross and other packages. The other brick barrack has an operating dentist room, druggist recreation room and three rooms with British patients (6 in number). Each of the brick barracks has bathing and toilet facilities. The two grey beaver board barracks contain French and Poles. One of the barracks has skin cases, mostly scabies, the other assorted (noninfectious) conditions.

        The equipment at this plant is not pretentious, but what there is, is kept clean and orderly. The beds are individual wooden cots with clean sheets, pillows, mattresses and temperature charts at the foot of each.

        Major Weston said the Oberstabsarzt was cooperative and he had no complaints about the German medical officers.

VIII.) CLOTHING

        Clothing but not boots of the prisoners seem satisfactory, and an effort was made to have Lowe, the Red Cross representative, informed concerning distribution of uniforms and boots etc. This is a matter which calls for the cooperation between the local German authorities and the men of confidence in all camps, and a difference of opinion can arise when, as sometimes happens, the Man of Confidence believes that prisoners should get new equipment when the camp commander or one of his assistants believes that the clothes the prisoner already wears are still serviceable. It is believed that this question has been settled at STALAG VIII B but future inspections might include examination of this point. The camp commander agreed that one pair of leather shoes should be provided for each prisoner, but he pointed out that these supplies were very hard to obtain and in view of the approach of winter it is hoped that the British Government will sent approximately 1000 pair of boots within the near future. Also wanted are 2000 British caps.

IX.) LAUNDRY

        Satisfactory.

X.) MONEY AND PAY

        Satisfactory. Sanitary personnel who have not got their documents in order or who lost them in the battle field are being required to work as ordinary prisoners pending investigation of their cases by the German High Command. They are receiving normal prisoner wages but are not receiving sanitary pay. The Berlin authorities are being asked to expedite a decision concerning their cases.

XI.) CANTEEN

        The canteen was found to be satisfactory. It was open all day long and had such items for sale as lemonade at 15 Rpf a bottle, cigarettes 1,6 Rpf a-piece, razor blades 4,6 Rpf a-piece, toilet paper 30 Rpf a large roll. These compare adequately with Berlin prices.

XII.) RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY

        This is now satisfactory following the transfer of a chaplain who was not pleasing to the German authorities by another chaplain brought from OFLAG VII D. The Embassy inspector believes this incident, which is now entirely finished with, was caused in part by the uncooperative attitude of the local German authorities toward the entire question of religious worship and in an equal part by the intransigent attitude of the British chaplain who has now been replaced, and who gave the Embassy inspector, who spoke to him at his present place of detention, OFLAG VII D, the impression that he was doctrinaire and inexperienced. The matter is here given in outline form because it is by no means peculiar to Stalag VIII B alone.

XIII.) RECREATION AND EXERCISE

        In addition to the exercise afforded from work the prisoners are able to take walks inside the camp; to play football on an exercise field and are further provided with a boxing ring and an improvised hand ball court. The 698 non-commissioned officers who do not work are given compulsory calisthenics three hours a day; they make no complaints concerning this exercise. Two orchestras, British-manned, rehearse daily. There is a large library although books, like cigarettes, are always welcome to prisoners.

XIV.) MAIL

        Letters are being received and sent regularly.

XV.) WELFARE WORK

        This camp has recently been visited by a Danish director of the International Y.M.C.A.

XVI.) COMPLAINTS

        The German authorities complained that Red Cross representative Lowe helped certain prisoners to escape and informed non-commissioned officers of Palestinian troops that they should not  work. Lowe has not been penalized in any way. The Embassy representative was not disposed to investigate the first point thoroughly since it was apparent that the Germans had decided to take no action. It is quite clear not only at this camp but generally speaking that the German authorities are anxious to have as many non-commissioned officers work as possible in view of the labor shortage in Germany. For this reason they complain of the 698 British non-commissioned officers who do not work although no penalties have been levied against them. After questioning was it learned that the three hour compulsory calisthenics was not considered in any way a reprisal by the British non-commissioned officers. Lowe stated that he, as a responsible person had merely informed the newly arrived Jewish contingents of their rights under the Convention.

        It would not be surprising, however, to learn that he advised them informally not to work in view of the fact that certain British prisoners believe that to volunteer to work is to aid the enemy. In this case the Embassy representative read to the Palestinian Man of Confidence the pertinent articles of the Convention.

        In view of the increased size of this camp the British Man of Confidence Sherriff desires to receive an additional Anglican and Church of Scotland chaplain. (Berlin authorities are being informed). Sherriff added that there were sufficient numbers of British physicians but that an eye, ear, nose and throat specialist was wanted. (Matter referred to Berlin authorities.)

        Sherriff requested that British prisoners be allowed to sing the British national Anthem at Sunday church service and to use the British Union Jack during burial services of British prisoners (The matter is being referred to Berlin authorities.)

        The Indian Man of Confidence, Daffadar Abuzar, prisoner of war No. 2545, wants his men to receive mail. A complete list of the Indian troops at this camp is being forwarded under separate cover.

        The Palestinian Man of Confidence, Sergeant Major Assir Schustermann, prisoner of war No. 4673, asked whether non-commissioned officers should work, whether the Palestinian troops could receive clothes, and whether they would receive treatment equal to that of British prisoners. In a four-way conversation between him, the German camp commander, Sherriff and the Embassy representative complete agreement was reached and it was emphasized that Palestinian troops would receive treatment absolutely equal to that of other British troops; that they would receive their share of all general Red Cross parcels including clothes, and that Palestinian non-commissioned officers might or might not volunteer to work as they see fit. It was pointed out that prisoners who work receive pay; prisoners who do not work receive no pay.

        A report has been received from certain British prisoners of war that the Man of Confidence at this camp and particularly their assistants in the mail and storage rooms would not distribute letters or receive letters for mailing to England and would not give Red Cross parcels except when the prisoners paid for such favors. This matter was investigated as thoroughly as the Embassy representative could but neither Lowe nor Sherriff was informed of the accusation. No foundation of any sort could be discovered for this rumor and it was indignantly denied by the Senior British Officer, Major Weston, prisoner of war No. 878.

        Red Cross representative Lowe complained that he was not informed concerning distribution of clothing parcels to British work details and pointed out that allegations had been made that certain Polish prisoners were wearing British uniforms provided by the British Red Cross. The German authorities denied this allegation and stated that Poles were wearing only those British uniforms which had been captured and which were a part of war booty. In this connection the following Memorandum received from the German Foreign Office dated July 21, 1941 was read to Lowe and to the camp commander who stated that in the future the matter would be properly regulated. "The Foreign Office has the honor, in reply to the Memo of May 13, 1941 and subsequent to its own Memo of May 31, 1941, to inform the American Embassy that, according to investigations made, the Man of Confidence for the British prisoners of war, whose statement it attached hereto, has always participated in the supervision and distribution of food packages received. The fact that he was not invited to participate also as regards clothing and linen packages has at its reason a regulation, which was not construed properly. The distribution was therefore done only by the "Department Administration" of the camp. The commander of STALAG VIII B reports, however, that the man of confidence now participates in the entire supervision and distribution."

        The Embassy representative in reply to the question to Sherriff whether British prisoners had to work seven days a week at dependent work details was informed that this was not true as far as Sherriff knew. In reply to a question whether 26 British prisoners of war at the Detail Groschowiyz No. E 30 were required to work from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. without eating or resting, Sherriff stated he was ignorant of the matter. The camp commander pointed out that he had arrived at this camp only the day before but that he could not believe such a report would be true. He said that he would investigate the matter, and would guarantee that the prisoners got at least an hours rest with time to eat in the middle of the day.

        The Embassy inspector raised questions concerning an allegation that two British prisoners of war who attempted to escape but who were recaptured had been shot by the German guards and had been left unburied two days as a lesson to other prisoners. The camp commander denied these facts. He stated that the prisoners in question were Samuel Green, prisoner of war No. 10201 and Joseph Reid, prisoner of war No. 11241, who were shot while attempting to escape on March 12, 1941. This was their second attempt; the scene of their death was Arbeitskommando E 22 Ohringen near Gleiwitz. He added that they were buried there and their colleagues in the base camp were making a wreath for the graves.

        In reply to allegations that there was undue delay in the receipt of mail in STALAG VIII B specifically that prisoners were receiving accumulated letters in one case 60 and in one case 38, the responsible German authorities stated that outgoing mail was regular because it was limited to two letters and four post cards per person monthly; incoming mail they stated might be subject to small delays at the base camp because it was arriving in such quantities and because there were insufficient censors. The camp commander stated that he had asked for 12 more censors.

        The chief trouble according to the local authorities, however, resulted in the fact that the mail had been held up for some months en route from England to Germany. They pointed out that mail dated February had only been received at the base camp in July. They believe that the newly arranged air mail system would prevent this delay from occurring in the future. In confirmation of this belief it may be stated that prisoners at this camp are receiving air mail letters within a month of their dispatch from England.

XVII.) GENERAL IMPRESSION

        This camp is physically in good condition. The new camp commander, Oberst Lt. Minsinger, who arrived here two days before the visit is an able and efficient though perhaps rather a strict German officer. He was formerly in charge of OFLAG VIII C which has enjoyed a generally good reputation. It is hoped, therefore, at this camp that cooperation between captors and captives will improve under the new leadership. The present disciplinary action  does not appear unduly severe. Eighteen British prisoners of war were in arrest cells where they were visited. They were found to be undergoing punishment averaging two weeks apiece for attempting escapes. Another 18 prisoners were awaiting trial for such offences as theft of civilian clothes for the purpose of facilitating escape. In view of the large number of prisoners here and of the habit for British prisoners frequently to attempt to escape it is not thought that this is an undue percentage of arrest.

        Sherriff stated that complaints concerning work details were brought to him and then were referred to the authorities in the base camp. These complaints he stated normally receive prompt attention. Sherriff stated that the food had improved very much during the past year. He particularly mentioned large quantities of new potatoes which have been provided.

        Work details were not unsatisfactory in Sherriff's opinion which he based on reports received from captives who had returned to the base camp after having been employed outside.

        The prisoners at the work details themselves are mainly engaged in building streets, mining and working in small factories. The British do little agricultural labor in this Stalag. Major Weston, the British physician reported that approximately two per cent of the British prisoners in the entire Stalag were ill; he considered this a fair average. He states further that the health of the prisoners had improved since the past winter and attributed this to the extra parcels which were arriving through the British Red Cross. It was observed that the living quarters for the Palestinian troops were exactly as those for the British, that the arrest cells were satisfactory and that the German authorities had cooperated in assisting the British Man of Confidence to trace missing British prisoners from the lists which were provided him by the American Embassy which in turn has received it from the British Government. These items suggested that a new spirit was developing between the German authorities and the British captives.

        The camp commander was informed that possibility existed that the British prisoner of war, Private F. Elgie, prisoner of war No. 16053 was employed on work in coal mines although he had been wounded. He would, upon investigation, be transferred immediately to the base camp, the camp commander stated.

ARBEITSKOMMANDO E 15 Bielau, Neisse

41 British prisoners

        This camp is situated in a large beer tavern of which the second floor serves as living room. The prisoners sleep in double decker bunks which are furnished with mattresses and blankets. The room is large, airy and has six windows. In one corner stands a piano and around the walls hang the prisoners' extra clothing including overcoats. Several of the prisoners were interviewed. They stated that the work conditions were satisfactory and that the food was good. They were in receipt of mail and packages, averaging one parcel per week per person. One prisoner only stated he had not received news from his family. He is Frank Anthony George, prisoner of war No. 15516, STALAG VIII B, home address: Wife Mrs. F.A. George, 23 Warwick Road, Walls End, Tyne.

        The clothing seems reasonably good but the Man of Confidence stated that he had sent a list of needed articles including boots and uniforms to the base camp.

        Washing facilities including running cold water and tub facilities for bathing in warm water weekly. The prisoners work 45 hours a week in damning a river and receive 56 Rpf a day. The special attraction of this camp is the permission each prisoner receives who finishes work at 5:30 p.m. in time to have his own tea. Their food rations were more than the average German civilian's because captives were considered to be doing half "Schewereabeit". The food is cooked by a German woman who is apparently on friendly terms with the soldiers and who calls them by their first names although she can speak no English.

        Dr. Vance B. Murray, Senior Surgeon of the United States Public Health Services, states: The prisoners have rigged screens on the landing of the second floor of the Gasthaus where they are quartered and take baths from buckets there.

        There is a two seat country style toilet for this use in the Gasthaus courtyard.

        Food comes from a farm kitchen across the road and is eaten on tables and benches in the dormitory. A woman cooks the food.

        There is electric light, heating by iron stoves and ample ventilation.

ARBEITSKOMMANDO PAPIERFABRIK ROTHFEST E 42.

Man of Confidence: Sergeant Coleman, prisoner of war No. 14904

50 British.

        This work detail made a good impression although there seems to be too small a courtyard for the prisoners to take exercise during week ends. During the summer they are allowed once a week to go swimming the purpose being to provide amusement and cleanliness. They sleep in a large building on the ground floor, said building being ventilated by four French windows and illuminated by six electric lights. The prisoners work in two shifts in a paper factory each shift lasting for nine hours. They stated that the work, although difficult was not unbearable. The chief complaint here was that the food was poor. This matter was called to the attention of the Camp Commander but no guarantees were received that it would be improved. Prisoners have received, however, during the past 14 months an average of 16½ parcels per person. Access to the kitchen where the prisoners can cook their own parcel food is available six hours a week. The Camp Commander, at the request of the Embassy representatives, state that this time would be increased to ten hours a week.

        Shoes and clothes are needed at this work detail, and the Man of Confidence at the base camp is being informed.

        The following prisoners have received no news from their families

        Woolley was captured in Norway.

        This work detail appears to be somewhat below standing regarding amusements for the prisoners after work hours. The countryside is not unattractive at all and the working conditions are not unsatisfactory.

        Dr. Vance B. Murray states: "Opening off the dormitory is a wash room with cold running water. A small house outside the building in which the dormitory was, had stoves on which water could be heated and clothes washed or baths taken. Baths could also be had at the factory.

        At two seat flush toilet and pissoir are in a room adjoining the dormitory. In the latter food is eaten at tables. Food is cooked elsewhere and brought to the work camp. The visit was made at lunch time and meat, potatoes and lettuce were seen served on plates with knives and forks to eat with. The prisoners are given food cards entitling them to the kind of food corresponding to the kind of labor they perform.

Gordon Knox

Dr. Vance B. Murray