Stalag IIID

These two Special Labour Detachments have been in existence in their present form since the beginning of June in this year. Their creation having caused a certain amount of agitation among the British prisoners in Germany, we were invited by the German authorities to visit these camps in the company of representatives of the Protecting Power.

Camp No. 517 comprises about 200 non-commissioned officers and private soldiers. It is a camp formed of huts similar to the ones usually put to this purpose and containing the usual installations. Camp 399, on the contrary, which houses 25 officer prisoners, is established in a villa situated in the suburbs of a large town.

According to verbal information afforded by the German authorities, the end in view when these detachments were created was to make it possible, by some method which could be kept up for the duration of the war, for a certain number of British prisoners (officers, non-commissioned officers, and private soldiers) to go and be cared for and have a rest in better conditions than those which can be offered to them in the ordinary camps or Labour Detachments.

The choice of prisoners to form these special detachments, appears to have been made on no special system. No explanation as to the nature of the special detachments was vouchsafed to the ordinary camps. The chosen men were suddenly transferred from Oflags, Stalags or Labour Detachments - wherever they chanced to be - without receiving any explanation as to why they were being so transferred. It is precisely this procedure that appears to have caused a feeling on unrest among the British prisoners in general and which has given rise to a rumour concerning the existence of a "secret camp" in Germany.

The prisoners are housed in several ordinary wooden huts which are well constructed. Each hut is subdivided into several rooms (two or three generally) in each of which are lodged 14 men. The rooms are fairly large, bunks are constructed in two tiers and are nearly all furnished with bed-linen. Each prisoner has three blankets coming from the Camp from which he has been transferred and others coming from Red Cross consignments. The lighting, the ventilation and the heating are adequate throughout and there are, moreover, enough tables and chairs. We saw no anti-aircraft defence shelters (trenches).

The Camp is about 40 kms. distant from the centre of a large town in the centre of a flat, sandy region which is almost entirely covered with pine trees. There are no installations of either an industrial or a military nature in the immediate vicinity of the camp, which can be regarded as satisfactory from every point of view.

British prisoners prepare their food in the Camp kitchen, under German supervision. The meals are well cooked but not very large. The rations - which are the regulation ones, and partly known, are checked.

Uniforms etc, are in excellent condition; most of the prisoners have new clothing issued to them on arrival at the Camp. It seems that to a relatively small proportion of the men clothes coming from the Red Cross reserve stores of Stalag III D are issued.

Necessary repairs are done at the Camp; it appears, however, that the installation for this purpose is on a small scale and that there is a lack of the necessary materials, as is the case in all other camps.

Originally collective parcels were sent on to the prisoners from the camps from which they came, but, since this resulted in a considerable increase in labour and in much delay, it has now become more or less the usual practice to collect parcels for this Camp from those addressed to the neighbouring Stalag, Stalag III D. We are of the opinion that this is the most satisfactory procedure and that all collective parcels intended for this Detachment should be added to the consignments sent to Stalag III D.

The Camp Leader carries out the administration and distribution of collective parcels. The prisoners have to open all tins of food and all British standard parcels in the presence of the German authorities and this procedure, which is not resorted to in other camps has given rise to some discontent among the prisoners.

The prisoners have access to no installation for the preparation of individual dishes. With the exception of tea, milk, cocoa, and biscuits, which can be prepared separately, the preparation of individual dishes has, for several weeks past, been done communally. This procedure also has given rise to complaints on the part of the prisoners and reciprocal reproaches against them. We therefore during our final interview, expressly insisted that facilities of some kind should be afforded to the prisoners for the cooking of both individual and collective meals. Standard parcels should also, in the future, be handed to each prisoner with the contents in their entirety.

The reserve stock of standard parcels is very slender and would not suffice for much more than a week's consumption.

The washing installations (16 taps over 4 basins) and showerbaths (10 in number) which are provided in a hut specially reserved for their accommodation, are adequate. The showerbaths (supplied with both hot and cold water) can be freely used at all times. No vermin are reported.

The latrine installations are, on the contrary, entirely inadequate. The prisoners have at present but one latrine, of a rather primitive type, with two holes. A new, and large latrine, of the trench variety - without water flush - is in course of construction and should, we were told, soon be ready for use. Two members of the British medical corps, one of them recognised as such and the other shortly to be so recognised, attend to medical needs. There is no Infirmary, but there is a supply of dressings and drugs. Only slight cases are attended to in the Camp, in their own rooms. Serious cases are sent to Reservelazarett 119. At the present time a German military doctor visits the Detachments regularly: he can also be called at any time in case of urgent necessity.

On the day of our visit, two patients were hospitalised at the lazaret; only one patient, who was but slightly ill was at the Camp itself.

A civilian dentist gives dental attention; the prisoners can attend his surgery once a week. No artificial dentures are made. The general state of health is excellent.

At present there is no resident chaplain at the Camp. A permanent body of men is shortly to be established who will look after the religious and intellectual activities of the prisoners, and it will comprise among its numbers a priest. For the moment a lay brother celebrates Divine Service at regular intervals. There are no hymn books.

The prisoners have a Common Room provided with a stage; theatrical performances are given here from time to time. The library contains 300 English books. Moreover, the prisoners can regularly attend German study courses and lectures on cultural subjects. A dance orchestra comprising 15 musicians should also be mentioned.

In the vicinity of the camp there is a well arranged Sports ground which can be used by the prisoners every day. They can also use, both morning and afternoon, a swimming bath situated about an hour's walk away from the camp. It goes without saying that the prisoners appreciate these opportunities for taking exercise very much and that they make full use of them.

Like all other British prisoners, the occupants of this Camp write the regulation number of letters and cards.

The mail arrives but irregularly and with great delay, since letters do not arrive until after they have been through the camp from which each prisoner has originated. In view of the fact that the length of time which any one prisoner spends in this special Detachment is very limited, it has not been deemed advisable to change his address.

The occupants of this camp are not compelled to do any work, so that it is really permissible to call it a "holiday camp". Each man, irrespective of his rank, receives 15 Marks a month as pocket money.

On arrival at the special detachment prisoners are requested to sign a slip ("Verflichtunserklarung") by which they engage not to attempt to escape during their stay in the detachment.

Until a few weeks ago, the prisoners from this Detachment were allowed to go into the town in groups of 20 to see the local sights (horticultural exhibitions etc..) Out of consideration for the civilian population, these outings have had to be curtailed so that only outings for sporting purposes are now allowed, but of these there are plenty.

Interview with the Camp Leader (without witnesses but in the presence of the representatives of the Protecting Power)

As has already been stated, earlier in this report, the prisoners who constitute this special detachment were transferred here without being given any explanation of the reasons therefore, and without knowing whither they were bound.

This procedure caused a good deal of concern. The Camp Leader is unaware of the principle upon which the prisoners for transference were selected.

Most of the prisoners are completely in the dark as to the reason for which they have been chosen to benefit by this benevolent treatment. If, however, one investigates to discover what kind of work the prisoners concerned were doing when they were selected for transfer to this detachment, the character of the holiday camp becomes a trifle more obvious.

The Camp Leader assured us that the prisoners are not being subjected to any political or cultural propaganda by the Detaining Power.

The occupants of the Camp have, moreover, no precise knowledge as to the intended length of their sojourn here. During our final interview, we were told that in future the duration of the men's stay in this camp will be reduced to 6 weeks. We would mention here that a small group of prisoners have requested to be returned to the camps from which they originated as they do not wish to accept any favours whatever from the Detaining Power.

The officers are housed in one of the large villas of the suburban district of a large town. The officers are lodged in the proportion of from 2 to 6 men to a room. The installation of the rooms, (bedding etc) is in every way good. The batmen prepare the meals. The food is very good thanks, primarily, to the contents of collective parcels.

These come regularly from Stalag III D. The senior officer of the camp is responsible for their administration.

The officers count among their number one medical man who has the most essential drugs and medical instruments at his disposal. Only slightly ill patients are cared for at the Camp. All serious cases are sent to the Reservelazarett 119. A civilian dentist does dental work for the prisoners.

The officers have no Sports Ground, which they very much deplore. On the other hand, groups of five men at a time can spend several hours on the shores of a neighbouring lake.

The prisoners have no chaplain. Once a week, in the morning, they can attend a cinema performance in the Camp itself at which topical films are shown; also each week, prisoners can attend showings of shorter films. Most of the prisoners take part in study courses where they learn German. They have enough books.

This is good and gives rise to no special comment. The villa is closed at 10.30 p.m., that is to say when evening black-out time comes. During the day the officers can go about in the large, well-tended garden of the villa.

Interview with the Leader of the Camp (without witnesses, but in the presence of representatives of the Protecting Power).

At the commencement of this interview some general questions were discussed in the presence of the German authorities and the Camp Commandant:

Why are we here? The officers who are here are unaware of the reason for their transfer; their companions at the Oflags from which they come are also unaware of the reason. The Camp Leader referred to the prescriptions of the Geneva Convention, according to which no distinction should be made in the treatment afforded to different prisoners of war. They have no complaint to make in regard to the accommodation afforded to them, or the treatment different from that accorded to their fellow prisoners who are in the Oflags.

Reply The officers are here to take a rest. There is no basic principle underlying the selection of them made, but officers who, during their captivity have adopted a "non-military and undisciplined" attitude, are not sent to this camp. Not only, however, officers whose conduct has been uniformly good, but also some who have tried many times to escape are here.

The Camp is situated in a district which is much exposed to aerial bombardment. At the time of the last bombing attack houses situated comparatively close to the Camp were destroyed.

Reply In Germany, to-day, districts exposed to aerial attack are to be found everywhere. The authorities declare that they are considering leasing a castle near a large town for the accommodation of these officers. The strength will then be increased to 100 men. A new order of the Authorities lays down that each officer shall remain for from 6 to 8 weeks at this camp; they shall then be replaced by others.

3. The following questions were discussed without witnesses and were raised with the sole object of clarifying certain doubtful points.

The Camp Leader explained how he arrived here. In his Oflag (Oflag IX A/Z) he was awakened at 5.0. a.m. and taken away to some destination which was not disclosed. Before his departure he was forbidden to speak to the Commandant of his Camp. It goes without saying that this procedure occasioned a certain amount of concern among the other officers at the Oflag.

The treatment of the officers in this Camp is excellent. The prisoners are not subjected to any attempts at propaganda. This fact was confirmed many times during the interview by the Camp Leader.

In conclusion the Camp Leader stated that the prisoners had no complaints to make in regard to this accommodation or their treatment. But, entirely as a matter of principle, they protest against the establishment of camps of this kind and against the manner in which they have been brought to them. They fear serious misunderstandings may arise as a result of their having brought here, between themselves and their comrades, and between themselves and their native country.

In regard to their arrangement these two camps produce a good impression. The latrine installations of the Camp 517 urgently need improvement and the distribution of collective parcels has not up to now been altogether satisfactorily managed, (the lack of cooking facilities should be remembered).

Maintenance allowance for the Camp of the special Detachment No. 517 for detained British Prisoners of War for the week from 26.7.43 to 1.8.43.

Fresh meat and meaty foods

Cooking fat

Fat for spreading on bread etc

Sour milk cheese

Nourishing foods (pulses etc)

Potatoes

Fresh vegetables (Cabbage heads)

Dried Kohlrabi

Sugar

Tea substitute

Bread

Onions

Garlic powder

Caraway seeds

Salt

240 gr.

68 "

150 "

62.5 "

100 "

5250 "

1200 "

180 "

175 "

14 "

2325 "

)

) in usual

) proportions

)

In several British P.o.W. camps all over Germany the representatives of the Swiss Legation have been recently approached by prisoners wanting information about two so-called propaganda camps in Berlin where prisoners from different camps had been sent since May 1943. As nobody in the camps had been told anything definite about them, rumours and a great deal of uneasiness were spreading among the British prisoners. This went so far as to suspect the prisoners, Officers or men, who had been sent to the above mentioned camps, of more or less pro German feelings.

Having been informed of this the German High Command asked spontaneously representatives of the Protecting Power and of the I.R.C.C. to go and visit these two camps.

Therefore a visit was arranged which was performed by 3 representatives of the Protecting Power and one representative of the I.R.C.C. accompanied by an Officer of the O.K.W.

The accompanying Officer Major Roemer from the O.K.W. explained that the idea in creating these two camps was to start holiday camps for Officers and for men, where some prisoners with good disciplinary records will be sent for a period of about six weeks. Besides the intention of the German authorities is to give an opportunity to these prisoners to see something of Berlin and thus get acquainted with the German culture; therefore visits are organised in order to show the characteristic monuments of Berlin and Potsdam; Major Roemer emphasised that it was not meant as propaganda but that the German High Command wants to show to the prisoners and particularly from the Dominions that the Germans are no "barbarians". The prisoners in both camps confirmed that no political propaganda of any kind was made.

Besides Major Roemer did not conceal that by opening these "holiday camps" the German High Command hoped that as reciprocity some corresponding measures might be taken for the German prisoners in British hands.

The selection of the prisoners sent for a holiday to these camps is left with the Oflags and Stalags Commanders; the N.C.O's and men are generally chosen among working prisoners.

This camp does not differ from any barrack camp of that size except that there is relatively more room than in most camps and that the camp is less crowded.

Besides at the time of the visit, 187 British prisoners were in the camp of whom 20 N.C.O's coming from different Stalags.

The accommodation is ample with 14 prisoners sleeping in a room; as far as possible the prisoners coming from the same Stalag are lodged together. They sleep in double-tier beds and enough tables and benches are provided. Electric lighting is sufficient.

Washing and bathing facilities excellent in special barrack; hot showers twice a week; cold showers any time.

Latrines' barrack in course of rebuilding; will be completed in a fortnight. In the meantime prisoners have to use a small latrine with 2 seats only which is, of course, absolutely insufficient.

Up to a few days before the visit the contents of the parcels was cooked and issued to the prisoners in common, the reason given was that there were no facilities provided for the cooking of private food. There was a strong complaint from the prisoners' side and now each man receives his parcel in the normal way; the question of cooking facilities was discussed and it was promised to the inspector that a special store will be put at the disposal of the prisoners for their private cooking. Will be checked at next visit.

There is a small revier in the camp in charge of a Sergeant and a sanitator; however, the sergeant is no trained sanitator but an application has already been made for another sanitator in order to replace him.

Two prisoners have been sent to the hospital but at the revier there were at the time of the visit no patients.

There is a German supply of medicines which seemed sufficient. Besides there are some drugs from the Red Cross.

For dental treatment the prisoners are sent to a civil dentist in Lichterfeld-Berlin but no dentures can be made there which is, however, not important as the prisoners are only for a short time in this camp.

The cases of 5 prisoners suffering from the eyes were mentioned to the inspector; they will be sent to a specialist in Berlin.

The clothing question will be dealt with in the report of the representative of the I.R.C.C.

Each prisoner received from the German Authorities an amount of 15 Marks on his arrival to the camp.

Like in most camps in German the canteen is not well stocked; beer, however, is regularly on sale.

There is a large recreation room with a stage and a piano. The prisoners are allowed to take their meals there but, generally, they prefer to take them in their rooms where they have plenty of space.

There is a small library of 350 volumes but more books and particularly study books are wanted; this wish will be communicated to the Y.M.C.A.

There is a sport-field in the camp; sport-gear as well as out and indoor-games are at disposal.

As reported before the prisoners are taken but for walks and sometimes brought to Berlin and shown the town. They have every time to sign a paper declaring that they will not try to escape or make any "sabotage" when being out of the camp and the paper is destroyed when they are back in the camp.

The mail question seems to be badly organised, as most of the prisoners have not yet received mail since they arrived in the camp some weeks ago. The matter was discussed with Major Roemer who promised to look into the matter and to see how the forwarding of the mail from the different Stalags could be improved.

(1) There is no copy of the Geneva Convention in the camp; the accompanying officer promised to have one sent.

(2) There is a complaint that the British Man of Confidence has not been elected by the prisoners but appointed by the German Authorities. It is a difficult question in a camp like this where prisoners stay only a short time. A new Man of Confidence cannot be elected at each new arrival of prisoners and anyhow they would not know whom to vote for as they come from different Stalags and do not know most of their comrades.

Anyhow in this camp the Man of Confidence makes an excellent impression, although his task is not an easy one.

From the material point of view this camp is a good one and will be even better when the new latrines are completed and the cooking facilities improved.

Besides the prisoners are well treated; however, there seems to be a certain amount of uneasiness in the camp, as some prisoners do not understand why they have been sent to this special camp and are still afraid that they might be subject to propaganda, although they recognise that up to the present none was made in the camp; Major Roemer with whom the matter was discussed declared that if the German Authorities find that the prisoners are really dissatisfied they will at once put an end to their experiment by closing the camp.

The camp is installed in a village situated in the outskirts of Berlin in a healthy residential part.

The Officers are lodged from one to four per room and are quite comfortable although there is only one bath-room for the whole house.

They have a day-room and a dining room as well as a special card-room; the garden is not very large but attractive with flower-beds. Every day there is a walk for 10 prisoners and every day 10 prisoners are taken out to Wannsee where they can bathe in the lake.

The cooking is done by British orderlies and the German food improved with the content of the Red Cross parcels issued and cooked in common, which is an easy matter in such a small camp.

Brig. General Parrington emphasised the fact that the treatment is certainly excellent and that no political propaganda has so far been made among the prisoners; however he declared that, like in the men's special camp there is a certain amount of uneasiness concerning the reason of the creation of these camps. Brig. General Parrington is very anxious for the British Authorities to know that they choice of the prisoners sent to these camps is made by the German Authorities only, that the prisoners are not asked if they want to go there and are generally sent at a few hours notice without being told where they are going. He wants the British Authorities to know that in his opinion there can be no doubt about the loyalty of the prisoners sent to these special camps. It seems to have been a psychological mistake on the side of the Germans that they did not explain clearly beforehand to the prisoners what their intentions were; it might have saved a lot of unrest and uneasiness in the Oflags and Stalags.

(1) The lack of serious air-raid protection in what can be considered as a dangerous area, the camp being situated in a part of Berlin which has already been subject to bombardments.

This question was discussed a length with Major Roemer who declared that the opinion of the German High Command is that in the modern war no discrimination can be made between dangerous and non dangerous area, the whole of a country being liable to air bombardments. As a consequence he refused to consider the transfer of this camp for such a reason.

On the other hand he declared that the German High Command's plan is to enlarge this camp and that it is considering the transfer of this camp to a larger camp where room for more Officers would be available; this would probably be out of town; but he could give no precision whatsoever with regard to the possible date of that transfer.

(2) There was a complaint that the mail took a very long time to reach the camp and that some of the prisoners had received no letters since their transfer to this camp. Like in the men's camp Major Roemer promised to look into the matter and to take the necessary steps in view to have the mail service improved.

As a whole this camp makes a good impression and certainly the Camp Commander, who speaks English fluently, is well meaning. However, it is difficult to draw a definite opinion on the whole question of these two camps after one visit only.

The Swiss Legation has just received the official news that the camp 999 was transferred to Alt-Drewitz outside Berlin on the 1st of September.

It is now contemplated to have it transferred further to Southern Germany but no precision could be given as to the date of their transfer.

Until April 1942, dental treatment in those Camps of this Stalag which contained British Prisoners of War was undertaken variously by German "Dentists" and "Zahnarzte", both Military and Civil and at one Camp by a French Dentist. Besides urgent extractions and a certain number of fillings, a few artificial dentures were provided or repaired.

Systematic treatment became possible when an Officer of the Army Dental Corps was moved to the Stalag on the 1st April 1942.

Since that date, the Dental Centre has been moved five times to different working camps and it has nearly always been possible for parties from other camps to attend the Centre on an allotted day for each week.

At the moment, the Dental Centre is being re-established in its 6th site, in a camp to which most of the British Prisoners of War of the Stalag have been concentrated. It is therefore likely that dental treatment will now be even more freely available to the men than heretofore.

At one time 5382064, Corporal T. Carr, Royal Army Medical Corps and 2974791, Corporal Taylor Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders acted as Clerk Orderly and Mechanic respectively.

(NOTE: Corporal Beaumont, who is a regular soldier of the Army Dental Corps, provided Dental treatment for the men of his own camp under the supervision of a German Dentist until Xmas 1942 when his camp was split up. Much of the work he did has been seen subsequently by the Dental Officer in whose opinion Cpl. Beaumont performed a most valuable service for his comrades. At least 50 men were made dentally fit by him and the number of teeth saved, which must otherwise have been lost, war of course, much greater.

With the exception of Artificial Teeth (see Note 3) all equipment and expendable stores are provided by the German Army. At first, there were frequent delays in obtaining new supplies, but these are now indented for monthly and delivery takes only some two weeks.

The equipment is not lavish but it has proved ample for the work listed below. A complete lack of Eugenol and Clove Oil has been the most serious difficulty but the use of Thymol has been gradually developed until this lack is now rarely felt.

Alveolectomy. A certain amount of preparation of the aveclar bone for the reception of dentures is performed coincidentally with most multiple extractions, in order to shorten the time during which the soldier must be without dentures and so reduce the period during which he must be on a special diet.

New Dentures

Full Dentures

" Lowers

Part Uppers

" Lowers

TOTAL:

Renewals

Full Uppers

" Lowers

Part Uppers

" Lowers

TOTAL

Repairs

Paladon

Vulcanite

TOTAL:

Total of all cases

112

1. Anaesthesia is usual Novocain (Bayer "E") both for extractions and for conservative work.

Ethyl Chloride is used as a general anaesthetic when necessary, and is then administered by the British Officer in Medical Charge of the Camp.

2. The period covered is one of 65 weeks during which time the Dental Centre has been active for 61 weeks. The periods of inactivity are accounted for as follow:-

3. DENTURE WORK really began with the receipt on the 8th January 1943 of 3,504 teeth from the British Red Cross Society.

The Denture base used is Paladon and it was some little time before we finally discovered for ourselves the way to overcome the difficulties which are inherent in the use of acrylic resins and we all of us became conversant with the technique of its use.

Some rubber is available for repair purposes but many of the broken dentures are only restorable to function by renewal.

A detailed list of the denture work is available, if required and is in fact kept in an actual A.B.468 which was found two years ago, unused in a hedgerow in Crete!

5. [No entry for 4] The number of men "in the practice" is between 1500 and 2000.

Report Special Detachment No.517 Stalag III D visited 29 July Camp Leader Fred Lewit Bd. A No. 14233 Strength 198 British 20 of whom N.C.O's. Lodgings satisfactory Food good but not plentiful. Uniforms in excellent condition. Collective parcels taken from stock of Stalag III D Difficulties in preparation of individual dishes. Sufficient reserve standard parcels for only one week. Washplace and showerbath installations adequate Latrine inadequate No Infirmary One German military doctor. One civilian dentist. General state of health excellent. Leisure well organised Sport equipment lacking. Prisoners compelled to do any work given 15 Marks pocket money per week. Discipline good. General impression good.

Special Detachment No. 399 Stalag III D visited 29 July Camp Leader General Parington L. No.316. Strength 25 officers 6 private soldiers. Accommodation food satisfactory Collective parcels arrive regularly Sanitary installations excellent. Leisure correspondence pay according regulations. Discipline Good. Impression excellent.

These Detachments created by German authorities in order to give certain number British prisoners care and rest impossible in originating Camps. Because they stay only 6 to 8 weeks giving of new address for correspondence judged unnecessary, therefore great delay in delivery mail. Prisoners chosen for these Detachments without apparent reason and without being previously warned. Many prisoners demand return to originating Camps refusing to benefit from favourable treatment fearing distrust of comrades.

Swiss Legation, Berlin, recently reported on two "special" holiday camps Stalag 3D detachments 517 and 999 to which officers and men with good disciplinary records from different camps have been sent since May 1943 on grounds that O.K.W. wish to show, particularly to Dominion prisoners, monuments in Berlin and Potsdam, German culture and that Germans are "not barbarians".

Prisoners confirmed that no political propaganda has been made and accompanying German officer stated O.K.W. hoped for reciprocal holiday camps for German prisoners.

Selection of prisoners is left to Oflag and Stalag Commanders. Other ranks generally chosen from working prisoners. Material conditions are good but delivery of mail is very slow.