CONFIDENTIAL

BRITISH

No. 545.

STALAG III A - LUCKENWALDE

Date of visit: July 31st, 1944.

Camp Commander: Oberst Traiter

Second in command: Oberstlt. Loehr

British Man of Confidence: B.S.M. Henderson, POW No. 12597.

I. GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

        As far as the British POWs are concerned, this camp has been known hitherto as interrogation-center only; today, however, is no longer serves as such but has become an ordinary Stalag like any other in Germany. The former interrogation center has closed down.

        There is nothing to distinguish this Stalag from any other in Germany; it is laid out on exactly the same lines as all other large POW-camps and lies in flat open country.

II. CAPACITY AND PRESENT PERSONNEL:

        It is stated that British POWs began to arrive here during the month of May 1944. At present there are

                254 Irish NCOs (according to the German records)

                693 other British POWs, including some NCOs and W.Os.

        The Irish Non-Commissioned-Officers are in a separate barrack. They state that for some unknown reason, they were transferred from a Non-Commissioned-Officer's camp to this Stalag a short time ago; as they do not enjoy the facilities of a Non-Commissioned-Officer's camp here, they naturally are dissatisfied and wish to return to a suitable camp. The German camp authorities could give no explanation at all as to why these Non-Commissioned-Officers had been sent here and on their part would welcome a transfer of these men to some other camp. The accompanying officer of the OKW promised to take the matter in hand at once.

        About 150 to 200 POWs go out working every day, returning to camp in the evening. Up to now, 12 working detachments have been formed, all in or in the neighbourhood of Luckenwalde. More men are waiting to go out working and more detachments will be formed.

        The Germans point out that the British POWs are employed in so-called "preferential" working detachments. (As to these, no complaints were lodged with the Delegate of the Protecting Power. On the occasion of our next visit, some of these detachments may be visited.)

III. INTERIOR ARRANGEMENTS:

        The British POWs are accommodated in 5 barracks, the Irish Non-Commissioned-Officers occupying a barrack and compound altogether separate from the other British, the latter who are accommodated in four barracks in one and the same compound. The barracks as such are of the standard type, brick-built with two large dormitories, each separated by a wash-room. There are 3-tier wooden beds but the lower parts are unused. Each barrack normally holds about 300 men but at present less than 200 are accommodated in each. Lighting appears to be satisfactory. Each POW has two German blankets.

        Although the barracks are rather old and have not been kept in a particularly good state of repair, on the whole the accommodation provided is satisfactory.

IV. WASHING AND BATHING FACILITIES:

        As pointed out above, each barrack is divided into two sections (dormitories) with a washroom in the middle. The latter is fitted with running cold water. Every POW has a weekly hot shower.

V. TOILET FACILITIES:

        Latrines are outside the barracks in a special hut (pit-type), as such adequate but more liberal supplies of chloride of lime are requested by the POWs. The Germans state that if POWs as for it any amount is supplied.

VI. FOOD AND COOKING:

        Food is cooked centrally by French POWs, assisted by fatigue-men drafted from various nationalities represented in the camp (with the exception of the Russians). The British have 3 of their own men working in the kitchen. Regarding food as such there is no complaint.

        At the moment, there is a stock of Red Cross food parcels for about 4 weeks. Fresh supplies are expected shortly.

        Regarding the facilities for private cooking, a complaint was lodged with the Delegate of the Protecting Power, it being pointed out that firstly the stoves are inadequate and secondly a very insufficient fuel ration only is allowed daily. When discussing the matter with the Germans, it was stated that the POWs receive a fuel ration considered sufficient by the camp authorities, if reasonably used, at the same time pointing out the irrational cooking system of the POWs in keeping fires going all day, although one or two solitary tins only may be seen on a stove at the same time. The Germans also allow POWs to bring in wood from outside. POWs by their own arrangements buy all types of fuel from Russian or Italian POWs. Since this matter had been discussed already a few weeks ago with the delegate of the IRCC and now again with the Delegate of the Protecting Power, the Germans are fully aware of what the POWs complain about and it is hoped that more satisfactory arrangements shall be made.

VII. MEDICAL ATTENTION AND SICKNESS:

        REVIER: The revier is in one of the four barracks and consists of one very large room, that is to say, half a barrack has been turned into a sick room. As such it is rather primitive, little distinguishing it from an ordinary barrack-room, with the exception that there are fewer beds in it. In charge is a medical student, Sgt. in the army, assisted by four recognized British sanitators. On the day of visit, there were 33 patients. As to the actual medical attention, there is no complaint, patients are treated by two German army doctors. Sick parades are held twice weekly. Regarding medicaments and drugs, the Sgt. in charge pointed out the lack of supplies of all kinds from both, German and British sources. This also goes for instruments and general equipment.

                The Delegate of the Protecting Power did not fail to discuss these matters with the Germans and request improvements in general. The Germans stated that the same points had been brought to their notice a short time ago by a delegate of the IRCC and what could would certainly be done.

        LAZARET: The lazaret is pleasantly situated in woods about one mile from the base camp. Oberstabsarzt Dr. Kramer is in charge. British patients (20 British patients on the day of visit) are looked after by French and Serbian doctors. As from the day of visit (July 31st, 1944) two British medical orderlies will be attending British patients, previous to that date medical orderlies of other nationalities have looked after them. The lazaret is excellently equipped and the French and Serbian doctors treating the British POWs are stated to be very good indeed. So far there are no British doctors in this lazaret (or in the base camp), but the Germans confirm that two medical officers have been applied for. On the day of visit, all British patients were moved to a barrack where in future only British POWs will be accommodated.

                The Delegate of the Protecting Power was told of 3 British officer patients, who have spent some time in the lazaret but have as yet not been registered as POWs. Upon requesting information, the Delegate of the Protecting Power was informed by the camp authorities that these officers shall be transferred to an OFLAG at the earliest opportunity. The reason for their being in this lazaret was explained thus that the officers in question had been brought here at the time when this camp was still interrogation-center but that on account of their state of health, they had remained here even after the interrogation-center had been dissolved. Regarding their treatment, medical or otherwise, none of the officers complained, but they now wish to be registered. This the Germans promised.

VIII. CLOTHING:

        The majority of POWs possess only one complete British outfit, in fact the men have no other clothing except what they brought along from previous camps. No clothing can be issued in this camp as there is no stock, nothing having been supplied by the Red Cross so far. As far as the men in camp are concerned, the situation is not serious but is rapidly becoming so for those on commandos, particularly regarding boots. Every man has only one pair and when the time for repairs approaches, the real difficulties only just start. It is hoped that the Red Cross may be able to help; POWs have had a long talk with a representative of the IRCC recently.

IX. LAUNDRY:

        Facilities for the washing of laundry are rather poor, tubs and hot water being difficult to obtain. The Germans on the other hand state that all POWs have the possibility of sending their laundry to a central laundry in the camp, but that many POWs prefer to make their own arrangements.

X. MONEY AND PAY:

        Nothing to report.

XI. CANTEEN:

        There is a general canteen for the whole camp (including all nationalities represented), but is said to be very poorly stocked.

XII. RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY:

        Regular services are held in the barracks by Capt. the Rev. Hurst, Church of England, POW No. 23920, who has been transferred to this camp from OFLAG IX A/Z at Rothenburg. Once a week he holds a service in the French church. Capt. the Rev. Hurst states that there are many more Roman Catholics than adherents of other denominations, but there is no RC padre, nor have the POWs of that denomination a possibility for confession. When discussing the matter with the Germans, it was explained that although there are RC French padres in camp, British POWs are not desired to confess or have any kind of relation with them. However, an application for a Roman Catholic priest has been made sometime ago, but it is feared that none will be found.

XIII. RECREATION AND EXERCISE:

        In the so-called "main camp" (meaning the four barracks occupied by private soldiers and some Non-Commissioned-Officers) there are excellent facilities for all types of sports, but the Non-Commissioned-Officers who are confined to a rather small compound, are rather badly off and as a rule play sports on a proper ground only once a week. (This is one of the reasons why they request a transfer to a proper Non-Commissioned-Officers' camp, a request which will be complied with as soon as possible.)

        Regarding indoor entertainments, it is reported that there is only one theatre for all nationalities and that the British are allotted two evenings a week. Books, games and musical instruments from the YMCA would be most welcome. (The Protecting Power is transmitting these wishes to the YMCA).

XIV. MAIL:

        Certain delays in the censoring of letters are reported to the Delegate of the Protecting Power. On discussing the matter with the Germans, it was stated that the matter was already being dealt it.

XV. WELFARE WORK:

        As mentioned previously, a representative of the IRCC has paid a visit to this camp a short time ago.

XVI. COMPLAINTS:

        The Man of Confidence complains that POWs are put into cells for minor offences and when finally tried the time of detention is not deducted. He also states that while being detained POWs are not allowed to smoke or receive Red Cross parcels. When requesting information on these two points, the Delegate of the Protecting Power was informed by the Germans that the POWs are apt to confound "preliminary detention" with the actual "detention while awaiting trial". However, whichever may be the case, the Delegate of the Protecting Power demanded that the time of detention be deducted in both cases, which the Germans promised. Regarding the non-delivery of Red-Cross parcels and the prohibition of smoking, the Germans told the Delegate of the Protecting Power that this order (which indeed had existed for a short time) had been withdrawn recently. (These matters will be checked on the occasion of our next visit.)

XVII. GENERAL IMPRESSION:

        Materially this Stalag differs but little from others in Germany; it is no better and no worse. Most of the POWs came here in May of this year and are naturally not yet as well "organized" as POWs in Stalag established long ago. If the Non-Commissioned-Officers are soon transferred to a suitable camp, much is gained. Through the visits of both, representatives of the Protecting Power and the IRCC, the Germans are undoubtedly aware of the material shortcomings pointed out to them and if the improvements are carried out as promised, it is hoped that the general atmosphere and the spirit of the camp will have changed for the better too, for at the moment it is a somewhat restless camp.

Albert A. Kadler.

(EN CLAIR)

0103/5700.(P.W.2.)

16th September, 1944.

DEPARTMENTAL NO.1.

FROM BERNE TO FOREIGN OFFICE

Mr. Norton

No. 4351

12th September, 1944.

D. 2 p.m. 12th September, 1944.

R. 6.25 p.m. 12th September, 1944.

        My despatch 1313. Report on Stalag IIIA Luckenwalde visited 31st July states interrogation centre closed, camp now ordinary Stalag containing 254 Irish N.C.O's, 693 British, including some N.C.O's and W.O.s. all arrived since May. Irish in separate barrack without facilities N.C.O's camp. Accompanying German Officer promised to examine matter. 150 to 200 prisoners in 21 detachments. No complaints. Primitive revier lacks British and German medical supplies, instruments, drugs. Germans promised all possible action.