CONFIDENTIAL
Date of visit July 14th, 1943.
WORK CAMPS OF STALAG IV A
Grube Heye III was visited by the Delegate of the Protecting Power accompanied by the control-officer. The Men of Confidence of the other three Working Kommandos in this district, i.e., Grube Erika, Grube Brigitta and Grube Ostfeld, were all called to Grube Heye for discussion.
Grube Heye III.
Man of Confidence: Sgt. Voller, POW No. 95730.
53 British prisoners; no change in the working conditions.
Since our last visit several improvements have been made in this camp; the lighting in the sleeping quarters has been improved; the rooms have been whitewashed, the ceiling repaired and cupboards have been built for hanging the greatcoats.
The camp has a stock of 3 weeks Red Cross parcels.
There has also been an improvement in the medical attention as the Bulgarian doctor referred to in our last report has been replaced by a German doctor with whom the prisoners are satisfied. The British sanitator stated that only a small amount of drugs are supplied by the Germans but that his stock from the Red Cross is fairly comprehensive.
For dental treatment the men go to a German civilian dentist; however, the Man of Confidence as well as the Kommandofuehrer stated that he is very slow. This was discussed with the Oberstabsarzt of the Stalag who promised to make an investigation although he pointed out that owing to the few civil dentists left in Germany they are all overworked.
Incoming mail was scarce in June and only a very small number of private parcels arrived during the last few months.
Conditions have certainly improved since our last visit in this camp and the spirit amongst the prisoners is excellent.
Lately a fire-brigade has been formed in the camp and the men concerned have been provided with gas-masks. The existing air-raid shelter has been improved and a new one is at the moment almost completed.
Grube Erika
Man of Confidence: Sgt. E. Miller.
199 prisoners of war.
No change in the working conditions.
In this camp too there have been many improvements; conditions in the sleeping quarters are now very good as there are only six men per room and the food was stated to be now to the liking of the men.
There is a supply of two weeks of Red Cross parcels.
About the medical and dental treatment there was no complaint; a thermometer has now arrived at the camp.
The two medical orderlies mentioned in our last report have been reorganized as such and are now working at the Res.Laz. Schmorkau.
The recreation room is not yet completed but it is hoped that in about a month's time it will be ready for use.
Mail was said to be have been bad in June, also private parcels.
The Delegate of the Protecting Power arranged with the Control-Officer that three prisoners, who, after their discharge from a lazaret had been detailed to this camp for light work, will be sent back to the Stalag, as the work here is too hard for them.
This camp too has improved since our last visit. There is a new Kommandofuehrer who does all he can to help the prisoners; so he has made it possible to have the camp-compound extended and new air-raid shelters are being built.
Grube Brigitta
Man of Confidence: Cpl. F.R. Eustace, P.o.W. No.95613.
100 British prisoners.
The working conditions are the same, but as from next week the men have to do 10 hours daily instead of 8. The Man of Confidence asked whether two men on electric welding could be allowed to work only eight hours, as their job is very tiring. The matter was discussed with the Control-Officer who promised to look into the matter with the employer but pointed out that it will be difficult to make an exception for these two men as the German civilian workers doing the same work also are on a ten hours shift.
There was no complaint about the food; a large stove for private cooking has been installed since our last visit.
Medical and dental attention are satisfactory.
The cinema-shows mentioned in our last report have now been started and the men are able to see English films regularly.
The Man of Confidence asked whether it would not be possible to play other camps of the neighbourhood at football; the Control-Officer pointed out that the camps concerned are some considerable distance from each other and that lorries are now allowed to be used for pleasure-trips.
Also there is the difficulty of the men not being insured when meeting with an accident while playing football. However, this question was discussed with the Camp Commander who promised to try to give satisfaction to the prisoners.
Mail like in other camps.
In this camp too three men have been provided with gas masks should they ever want them in case of a fire within the compound.
Grube Ostfeld
Man of Confidence: Cpl. Noel Vasey, P.o.W. No.95798.
88 British prisoners.
No change in the working conditions.
Since our last visit the blankets have been washed but the Man of Confidence complains that some of them are now very worn out and should be replaced. The Kommandofuehrer stated that the employer has already applied for a new lot which will be given out as soon as they arrive.
No complaint about the food; there is a stock of Red Cross parcels for 5 weeks.
The medical attention is still the same; the Man of Confidence, however, stated that the German civilian doctor is overworked and that it is always very difficult to get him to the camp in an urgent case. In this connection the Man of Confidence mentioned the case of Pte. Taylor, about whom a separate report will be forwarded.
Dental treatment normal.
Mail like in all other camps.
The Man of Confidence enquired if it were possible to send to England money collected amongst the men in the camp for the widow of the aforesaid late prisoner of war Taylor. The German High Command will be asked to take a favourable view of the exceptional case.
At the moment the relationship between the British Man of Confidence and the Lagerfuehrer appears to be somewhat strained, probably due to some misunderstanding; however, conditions in this camp are generally fairly good.
E 850 - Radebeul
Date of visit: July 17th, 1943.
Man of Confidence: Sgt. Frank Conroy, No.8142.
35 British prisoners of war.
9 1/2 hours daily work in a tin-factory. Saturday afternoon and Sunday free. Minimum wages 70 pfng. a day.
This working camp was described in previous reports and the material conditions are still satisfactory.
No complaint about the food. Cooking facilities for private food sufficient.
Red Cross parcels supply for 3 weeks.
There is in the camp one qualified sanitator; however, he is not recognized as such by the German authorities and has to work in the factory; his name is: pte. Leslie Miller, pow No. 95517, army no. VX 15305; an application has already been made through the Protecting Power for his papers.
Medical treatment by a German civilian Doctor and dental treatment by a German civilian dentist; no complaint.
Clothing condition not too good; only a few men are provided with overalls by the firm and the uniform trousers are generally in bad state.
Boots' repair difficult too; there is a cobbler in the camp but he receives no material from the German authorities and very little from the I.R.C.C.
Sport facilities and games adequate; however, the camp is short of playing cards and the Y.M.C.A. will be asked to provide some if possible.
Mail from England was said to be normal; private parcels have been very scarce for the last two months. Mail from New Zealand and Australia was said to be satisfactory.
This is as a whole a good camp and the spirit seems to be high.
Gabriel Naville.
CONFIDENTIAL
No. 218.
RESERVE LAZARET KOENIGSWARTHA
(Stalag IV A)
Date of visit: July 15th 1943.
German Chief Physician: Oberarzt Dr. Schulze.
British Medical Officer: Cpt. Bandin Singh Seagal, I.M.C.
Lt. Sardar Ahmed, I.M.C.
I.) GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This lazaret has been reopened the 1st of May as a general hospital for prisoners of war. The buildings have been completely repaired and 7 new wooden barracks been built in the grounds behind the lazaret.
One of the stone buildings is occupied by the administration services, and the quarters of the medical personnel; the other stone building is occupied by the surgical section and the medical section is accommodated in the barracks, one being reserved as isolation barrack for infectious diseases and another one for all the general services (X-ray, massages, Red Cross parcels, clothing etc.)
There is still a nice garden at the disposal of the patients and a large vegetable garden.
II.) CAPACITY AND PRESENT PERSONNEL
The capacity of this lazaret is of 600 beds. At the time of the visit only about 2/3 of them were occupied.
The great majority of the patients are prisoners of other nationalities; thus are at the moment only 43 prisoners from the British Empire:
2 Medical Officers (I.M.C.)
2 British Sanitators
1 British Orderly
27 British patients (including some Cypriots)
11 Indian prisoners of war.
III.) INTERIOR ARRANGEMENTS
The interior arrangements are certainly adequate.
The rooms of different sizes, some containing only 3 or 4 beds are light and cheerful; the beds are single iron beds, the bed-linen being changed every week. Lighting sufficient.
IV.) WASHING AND BATHING FACILITIES
Adequate.
V.) TOILET FACILITIES
Satisfactory.
VI.) FOOD AND COOKING
There is no complaint about the food which was said to be about the same as in most camps.
Private cooking facilities adequate.
For special diets skinned milk and white bread are issued.
Stocks of Red Cross parcels for several weeks.
VII.) MEDICAL ATTENTION AND SICKNESS
The medical attention was said to be excellent and the Indian Medical Officers had no complaint.
They stated, however, that the amount of drugs issued by the German authorities is very limited; this is a general complaint in all lazarets; however the German authorities emphasize the fact that the prisoners of war are receiving as much medicaments as the German soldiers.
Further the Indian Medical Officers complained that often and especially from the working detachment "Grube Osfeld" the patients were sent too late to the lazaret. The result being that sometimes their condition was rendered more serious and that general they had to stay much longer at the lazaret. That question was discussed with the German "Stabsarzt" of Stalag IV A who supervises the medical attention in this area (see report Stalag IV A).
Dental treatment by a civilian dentist in the town who was said to have been rather rough to the patients at a time but to be better now following an intervention from the Chefarzt.
VIII.) CLOTHING
The Indian Medical Officers explained that they experienced some difficulty in issuing Red Cross clothing to the patients, the German authorities interfering with the distribution. However, after a discussion with the Chefarzt it seems that the difficulties arose of some misunderstanding and the matter is now cleared up.
IX.) LAUNDRY
Bed linen changed for Officers every fortnight and for patients every week.
X.) MONEY AND PAY
Nothing to report.
XI.) CANTEEN
Very little on sale at the canteen. Beer and lemonade can be had.
XII.) RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY
Capt. Fraser, the Church of England Padre of Reserve Lazaret Elsterhorst visits regularly this Lazaret.
XIII.) RECREATION AND EXERCISE
The Indian Medical Officers complained about the lack of books for Indian patients; the Inspector promised to try to arrange for some Indian books to be sent over from Stalag IV D.
The Indian Medical Officers complained too that recently they had experienced some difficult in having their regular walks outside the camp. The Chefarzt explained that it had bee very difficult for him owing to the shortage of German guards; he had offered two solutions to the Doctors: either to go out and have a walk with the Polish and Serbian doctors or to go out on parole after having signed a paper; they refused both alternatives and after an intervention of the Legation's Delegate the Chefarzt accepted to let the Indian Medical Officers go out on parole without signing anything; this was accepted and the matter seems so far settled.
XIV.) MAIL
Mail irregular.
Letters from India take an average of 3 months, the letters written in English being quicker than those written in Indian language.
XV.) WELFARE WORK
Nothing to report.
XVI.) COMPLAINTS
No other complaint.
XVII.) GENERAL IMPRESSION
This is a good lazaret; the material conditions as well as the medical attention and treatment of the ps.o.w. are excellent. The Chefarzt is willing to collaborate with the foreign doctors and the Legation's Delegate gained an excellent impression.
Gabriel Naville.
CONFIDENTIAL
No. 217.
RESERVE LAZARET SCHMORKAU
(Stalag IV A)
Date of visit: July 16th, 1943.
German Chief Physician: Oberstabsarzt u. Chefarzt Dr. Hering.
Senior British Medical Officer: Major Mackay, RAMC.
I.) GENERAL DESCRIPTION
No change.
II.) CAPACITY AND PRESENT PERSONNEL
2 British Medical Officers.
6 British Medical Orderlies.
2 British "Dolmetschers" (interpreters)
19 patients-British (including 5 Indians)
17 out of the 19 patients are mental cases.
III.) INTERIOR ARRANGEMENT
No change.
IV.) WASHING AND BATHING FACILITIES
No change.
V.) TOILET FACILITIES
No change.
VI.) FOOD AND COOKING
Food continues to be satisfactory. The Senior British medical officer stated that a ration scale is now posted daily; a new tea kitchen has been put at their disposal where special diet or private food can be prepared at any time. The coal supply, however, leaves much to be desired and in no way covers the requirements of the tea-kitchen; it was, therefore, arranged that the coal ration be supplemented by wood which the British prisoners together with those of other nationalities are ready to haul and cut. Until such time as they can dispose of an adequate reserve the lazaret authorities will supply what is required.
There is a stock of Red Cross parcels for 4 1/2 weeks. Red Cross parcels are now stored in a new and excellent room.
According to the Senior British medical officer the food position of the lazaret is very satisfactory. Rations are further supplemented by the products' yield of a large garden belonging to the patients of the lazaret.
VII.) MEDICAL ATTENTION AND SICKNESS
Generally speaking medical attention in the lazaret is satisfactory. The Senior British medical officer stated that he is given every assistance by the Chefarzt in carrying out his duties. He is now furthermore assisted by Captain Thos. J.V. Ferguson, RAMC, who has arrived here some weeks ago from Colditz (Oflag IV C).
It was asked whether permission could be given for all but the very serious mental cases to have twice weekly the use of a sportsfield near the camp, this being, according to the Senior British medical officer part of the treatment in civilian mental houses, where the patients are allowed and trained to play games in an enclosure. The Chefarzt agreed to this but demanded that every possible measure of security and care would be taken, a demand which was fully appreciated by the Senior British medical officer.
For dental treatment the medical personnel and prisoners go to the nearby town of Koenigsbruecke; it was said to be satisfactory; for the mental cases the position is much less favourable. Eyes are treated in Bautzen or Dresden.
As will be seen under paragraph II.), the demand of the Senior British medical officer for more trained medical personnel on the occasion of our last visit has been met.
It is now the wish of the Senior British medical officer that as many as possible of the surgical cases of Stalag IV A should be sent here for operation and treatment, as this lazaret was most suited to receive such cases. This suggestion was discussed later in the day with the Oberstabsarzt of Stalag IV A - Hohenstein, who explained that as far as possible this would be done.
VIII.) CLOTHING
Everything in order.
IX.) LAUNDRY
No complaint.
X.) MONEY AND PAY
Nothing to report.
XI.) CANTEEN
Nothing to report.
XII.) RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY
Cpt. Frazer still visits this lazaret regularly from Elsterhorst; it was demanded for him to be allowed a longer time in the lazaret in future as up to now he was never able to stay more than about 2 hours. There was no objection to this on the part of the Chefarzt who thought it rather a matter of the "Sonderfuehrer" accompanying Cpt. Frazer, whose time may be limited. This point was also discussed with the Commander of Stalag IV A who promised to do something about it.
XIII.) RECREATION AND EXERCISE
No complaint.
XIV.) WELFARE WORK
Nothing to report.
XV.) MAIL
Mail was stated to be spasmodic with occasional delays of up to two weeks.
XVI.) COMPLAINTS
The Senior British medical officer declared that he had no complaints but would like an assurance that the long ago promised whitewashing of the mental ward will be carried out at the very earlier moment, environments playing such an important part in the treatment of mental patients. This assurance was willingly given by the Chefarzt.
The Delegate of the Protecting Power at the same time informed the Senior British medical officer and the Chefarzt of the recently opened special section for mental patients at Klosterhaina and it now remains to be seen how a transfer of the bad cases in this lazaret to Klosterhaina is to be best carried out.
XVII.) GENERAL IMPRESSION
The lazaret makes still an excellent impression and everything seems to run smoothly.
The Senior British medical officer emphasized that collaboration with the German Chefarzt is easy and medical attention excellent.
Gabriel Naville.
CONFIDENTIAL
No. 215.
RESERVELAZARET ELSTERHORST
(Stalag IV A)
Date of visit: 15th July 1943.
German Physician: Oberarzt u.Chefarzt Dr. Kirchner
Senior Brit. Medical Officer: Col. Le Souef.
I.) GENERAL DESCRIPTION
No change.
II.) CAPACITY AND PRESENT PERSONNEL
8 British Medical Officers,
58 British Medical Orderlies,
279 British patients,
31 Indian patients.
III.) INTERIOR ARRANGEMENTS
No change since our last visit.
IV.) WASHING AND BATHING FACILITIES
Adequate.
V.) TOILET FACILITIES
Satisfactory.
VI.) FOOD AND COOKING
A new and large electric range had been supplied since our last visit and the special diet food is now cooked on that range in the main kitchen. Regarding the cooking and the rations given out there was no complaint, but the following points were raised:
(1) The Senior British Medical Officer explained that the diet here has lacked the fresh vegetables so much appreciated, such as cabbage, carrots, fresh swedes etc. The Chefarzt replied to this that up to now the weather had been very bad and that the ground of the Elsterhorst region being not suited for growing vegetables it is extremely difficult to provide enough of them. The Senior British Medical Officer therefore wished to know whether it would not be possible to have the necessary quantities of fresh vegetables brought here from other districts. The Protecting Power will approach the German High Command in this matter.
(2) Shredded and dehydrated swedes have been given out, but as the prisoners have no means to cook and prepare these properly (i.e. steamers and enough fat) they wish to know whether it is possible to substitute porridge or fresh or dried vegetables. The camp authorities promised to try to give satisfaction.
(3) An issue of Natr. Bicarb. to the kitchen as a means of softening dried peas was asked by the British and granted by the Chefarzt; the latter also confirmed that the asked for increase supply of cooking utensils for the British patients has been ordered and is receiving his full support although, in his opinion, the patients do not realize the present shortage of such things as frying pans, baking dishes, all types of bowls, jugs etc..
(4) Up to now sick men have had to pay for mineral water supplied to them and the Senior British Medical Officer asks if it could not be issued on a medical Officer's order as many of the men have no money and only receive it because British Medical Orderlies are paying for them. The Chefarzt stated that he had no authority to supply mineral water except in very serious cases as in the German Lazarets. But, the Chefarzt promised to look into the matter and to try to issue the 50 bottles asked for daily by them.
VII.) MEDICAL ATTENTION AND SICKNESS
S.B.M.O. Col. Le Souef stated that the general organisation as well as the medical attention in the Lazaret continues to be satisfactory, also the collaboration with the Chefarzt.
The shade-shelters mentioned in our last report have, unfortunately, not yet been constructed although permission to build them has been given long ago. It appears that the delay is due to the difficulty in providing the necessary wood, but it is hoped that at the latest this autumn matters will move. Fortunately, the summer was a very mild one and the absence of such shade-shelters has been felt but little up to now.
The Senior British Medical Officer expressed the opinion that the Lazaret was overcrowded; the present bedstate is held by the German High Command to be 400 beds whereas he considers it should be 350 only. As he has already discussed the matter with a General Inspector from the O.K.W., who agreed that the figure should be put at 350, something will in all probability be done about it; the Delegate of the Protecting Power on his part will discuss the matter with the German High Command as well.
There were several small requests which could be dealt with in a satisfactory manner at once:
repair of an autoclave,
supply of a second electric sterilizer,
red cross markings on the barrack-roofs.
The Senior British Medical Officer will in future be allowed to visit the working-parties of British prisoners of war in the neighbourhood of Elsterhorst, as requested by him.
VIII.) CLOTHING
Nothing to report except that the lazaret has received a fresh supply of patients' clothing and that the position is now satisfactory.
IX.) LAUNDRY
Nothing to report.
X.) MONEY AND PAY
Nothing to report.
XI.) CANTEEN
The canteen badly needs razor blades and cigarettes. Both, the Red Cross and the Y.M.C.A., will be informed of this.
XII.) RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY
Nothing to report.
XIII.) RECREATION AND EXERCISE
The Senior British Medical Officer asked whether permission could be given for hospital staff, including Medical Officers to play sports with surrounding British Kommandos. As this had recently been refused he would like the matter reconsidered. The Chefarzt could give no definite promise as to this Lazaret visiting other camps but stated that there would be no objections for other camps to come here. The Delegate of the Protecting Power will discuss this matter with the Commander of Stalag IV A at Hohenstein.
XIV.) MAIL
Mail was stated to be fairly regular as far as letters are concerned but leaves much to be desired regarding private parcels.
XV.) WELFARE WORK
Nothing to report.
XVI.) COMPLAINTS
(1) It has proved impossible to find a British tailor, cobbler and barber for this lazaret but the Chefarzt stated that satisfactory arrangements have been made for repairs of boots and clothes; a good French barber is at disposal.
(2) As to the question whether the Detaining Power has the right to send prisoners of war to a working camp who have passed the Mixed Medical Commission and were selected for repatriation, the Protecting Power is still awaiting the answer re-question thereon in its last report.
(3) The B.S.O. complained that prisoners of war coming from camps or other lazarets (sometimes very far away) were not always treated with the care required by the health condition: for instance they have to walk the distance of 7 klm. from the station to the Lazaret Elsterhorst. The German High Command will be asked to give orders in order to have the sick prisoners brought with more care to the Lazaret.
XVII.) GENERAL IMPRESSION
The conditions in this Lazaret are still satisfactory the British Medical staff experience no serious difficulties and the Chefarzt shows much understanding.
Gabriel Naville.
CONFIDENTIAL
No. 216
Date of visit: 16th July, 1943.
STALAG IV A
Camp Commander: Oberst Kratz.
Chief Man of Confidence: Sgt. W. Adams, Q.M.
For the discussion of the various questions as arisen from his visits to the working-camps and lazarets of Stalag IV A, the Delegate of the Protecting Power was received by the acting Deputy Camp Commander, Lt.-Col. Menzel, Colonel Kratz being on leave.
The first and by far the most important matter discussed again concerned the clothing problem of the working-camps, which is no nearer a satisfactory solution than it was on the occasion of the last visit of the Protecting Power. It must be stated though that the camp authorities are fully aware of the seriousness of the clothing position but that they have no answer to the problem either and are forced to carry on with makeshift-arrangements, fully realizing that these can but be of temporary nature. It must be accepted that the necessary raw-material just cannot be found.
In general most of the prisoners working in Kommandos have two pairs of trousers but in many cases one of them is beyond repair. Although the Chief Man of Confidence of Stalag IV A, Sgt. Adams, has now arranged for one pair of trousers to be made out of two old ones in a tailor's shop run by prisoners in Hoyerswerda, this last effort can never hope to hold off the day when the men have no more trousers to put on.
The second matter discussed concerned the medical attention in Grube Ostfeld, which leaves much to be desire. According to the Man of Confidence of that working-camp, the men somehow experience great difficulty in seeing a doctor when wishing to do so and it would appear that the Kommandofuehrer is to blame for it. The Delegate of the Protecting Power was able to mention several cases of prisoners having not been taken to hospital early enough, which naturally in many ways causes unnecessary trouble and delays their discharge from the sick list.
The Oberstabsarzt, Dr. Kuehne, promised to look into the matter and the Camp Commander assured a change in the command of Grube Ostfeld should matters not improve.
Regarding the renewed suggestion of the Senior British Medical Officer at Schmorkau, Major McKay and Col. Le Souef as Res.Laz. Elsterhorst, as to an X-ray examination for TBc. of all British prisoners of war the Camp Commander stated that such an examination had already been planned for his camp and would be carried out as soon as possible.
The Camp Commander also confirmed that there was no objection to the sports-teams of the various working parties playing against each other, a statement which will greatly please the camps concerned.
Gabriel Naville.
