Stalag IIID

Camp Commandant

Security Officer

Accompanying officer of

the German High Command

: Oberst Siggel

: Major Heimpel

: Hptm. Jeske

There has been no change whatsoever in this camp since our last visit on August 28th, 1944.

Working conditions remained the same, the men still work for the Reichsbahn and are away from the camp for about 12 hours daily, including the time of travel to and from work. As a rule, Sunday is free.

As before, the prisoners have their own cobbler-, tailor-, and barber-shop, all 3 working satisfactorily.

Pte. G.W. RICH, POW No. 11868, the spokesman of the sanitators, gave a favourable report of the position of medical supplies from both, German and Red Cross sources.

At the day of visit, there were 6 patients in the revier of the camp and 1 at the POW Lazaret at Neu-Koeln, but none of them serious cases.

3 prisoners asked to be transferred to a light worker camp. When discussing this point with the Stalag Commandant and the German Oberstabsarzt, the latter assured the Delegate of the Protecting Power that this matter will have his full attention. He also gave the information that 2 of the 4 sanitators will be transferred to another camp where their help is more needed than here.

It was said that walks for medical personnel had again been stopped for the last 2 months. A promise was given by the Stalag Commandant that they would be resumed at once.

The prisoners complained that they were forced to deliver all pieces of underwear, such as shirts, socks, pants, above the number of two, to the German camp authorities. The order included the supplies received in private parcels. This deprivation is very much felt, as laundry takes up to 4 and 5 weeks before being returned.

As the order could not be countermanded by the Stalag Commandant, arrangements will be made by which every man can receive clean underwear from his stock in German hands by returning used pieces.

Some minor complaints were settled on the spot, when taking the matter up with Oberst Siggel, the Stalag Commandant, who accompanied personally the Delegate on his inspection tour.

This lazaret, reserved for Ps.O.W. of all nationalities, is situated in a stone-building in a suburb of Berlin. There are very satisfactory living-, washing- and toilet-facilities.

The capacity is 490 beds, of which on the day of visit 280 were occupied by patients of different nationalities, including the following 5 Americans, who are the only British or American patients at present in this lazaret:

The Delegate spoke with all 5 prisoners personally and found them in good spirit.

They are accommodated in a small separate ward with wooden double-tier beds. All beds have white sheets, which are regularly changed.

As there is neither a British medical officer nor British medical orderlies in this lazaret, the Russian doctor, a very capable surgeon, and 1 Russian sanitator have taken care of them. The treatment is stated to be very good.

Red Cross parcels are sent regularly from Stalag III D, which also provided an ample supply of English books.

The Delegate was highly surprised to find 2 German guards with rifles in the small American ward, as none of the 5 patients can move without crutches. The reason given was to prevent any contact of the newly arrived Americans with the prisoners of other nationalities.

This lazaret, as well as the German Oberstabsarzt, make both a very good impression. There were no complaints at all.

There are at present two British prisoners of war serving sentences of Court Martial in this penitentiary establishment. It is of a most modern construction, built in the years of 1929 - 32.

In the presence of Director Tümmler and G.H.C. Accompanying Officer Hauptmann Jeske, the Delegate interviewed both prisoners.

1. Pte. Harris, sentenced to four years, date of expiration, November 1st, 1945. Arrived here from Zuchthaus Rendsburg on April 29th, 1944. He lives in solitary confinement. Satisfactory accommodation and fair treatment. He works as a tailor, very skilful and industrious. The prisoner complained with regard to the insufficient food rations. In fact he looked weak and destitute.

Director Tümmler considers the prisoner food adequate. He produced the ration scale which, on paper, indeed appeared satisfactory. Pte. Harris was taken to the balance, his weight amounted to 55 kilos, against 52 kilos on the date of admission, May 5th, 1944.

Pte. Harris is in need of a uniform for the day of his dismissal. The Swiss Legation in Berlin will request the IRCC to supply one.

2. James Everett, sentenced to five years, date of expiration July 30th, 1947, arrived here from Diburg on the 28th of July 1943.

This prisoner shares a cell with two comrades, a Frenchman and a Czech. He is working as a tailor and stated that he is getting on alright. No particular complaints. A request for ointment for the treatment of haemorrhoids was granted by the Director.

Both prisoners highly appreciate the Protecting Power's Delegate visit. It is the only opportunity where they are permitted to receive a gift of cigarettes.