CONFIDENTIAL

BRITISH

BELGIAN

RESERVE LAZARETT SCHMECHWITZ

Camp Commander: Chef Arzt Dr. Rindfleisch.

English Man of Confidence: Sergeant Major Goddard

Belgian Man of Confidence: Lt. Ney (French) represents all French speaking prisoners.

July 17, 1941.

        This Reserve Lazarett especially for tubercular patients has been reported on before, and as there is no change in the very satisfactory conditions prevailing, this representative spent a great part of his time in discussing and handling matters designed to buttress the morale of the men and promote their welfare.

        The institution has 150 beds and modern equipment throughout. The medical officer in charge takes a very intelligent and sympathetic attitude toward those placed under his care. There are 52 English soldiers and two officers, as well as three British civilians. The Belgians number only three soldiers. In addition there are 25 Serbs and ten French.

BRITISH

        A number of the British were formerly at Reserve Lazarett Tangerhuette, and express themselves as highly gratified by the change. It might be remarked that the location of Schmeckwitz is very attractive, with trees on all sides, outdoor benches and pavilions, and deck chairs distributed throughout.

        The calorific rations of food work out at well over 3000 per day. It is stated, however, that only the bed cases are supplied regularly with milk.

        Over one half of the British have been passed by the Mixed Medical Commission, and the others are of course anxiously awaiting the next visit of this body. It is six months since the last visit was made, and several bed cases have developed in the meantime. Naturally the matter of repatriation looms large in the minds of the men, and it was satisfying to at least be able to advise them as to recent receipt of telegraphic communication from the British Government indicating that this matter is receiving its active attention.

        At this camp are the one English and two British Indian civilians formerly at Tangerhuette, who not being military present a special problem in that the Mixed Medical Commission does not consider them as coming under its official cognizance.

        Several of the prisoners are strongly of the feeling that the only hope for their recovery lies in being transferred to Switzerland. While this representative could not discuss such a matter from a medical point of view, effort was made as far as possible to ease their minds and cheer them up.

        At present there is a shortage of books in the camp due to the fact that their stock was left at Tangerhuette when they departed from that point. Efforts will be made to have these transferred to Schmeckwitz. In addition they would like some games suitable for their condition. This matter will be brought to the attention of the Y.M.C.A.

        Except for the week prior to the visit, the prisoners consider that they have not been receiving sufficient packages. Formerly the supply received worked out at one parcel every 6 weeks per man. During the past week, however, 25 packages were received which helped to improve the situation.

        Over the past month the British received 63 parcels, many of which were re-shipped from Tangerhuette. The total number was made up as follows:

                52 foodstuffs

                  1 clothing

                  8 medical

                  2 tobacco

        These were Red Cross parcels for general distribution. It is stated that the medical parcels are made up mostly of surgical supplies, which are not needed in a tubercular hospital. Mainly needed in this category are things for the chest.

        A matter which concerns the British has to do with the re-payment in kind of foodstuffs which are voluntarily supplied to them by the French. The French have been making substantial donations from their supplies to the British, but the British have not been receiving sufficient foodstuffs to be able to repay the French for their kindness, it being pointed out that one parcel per man every six weeks does not leave anything for compensating distribution.

        One prisoner has been without mail for ten months and would of course like some word from his family. For information details are as follows:

                Prisoner: R. West P.o.W. No. 1180, Reserve Lazarett Schmeckwitz.

                Family: Mrs. West, 6 Herbert Road, New North Road, Islington, London, N.

BELGIAN

        The Belgians being so few in number and being spoken for by a Frenchman, naturally in general administration fall in the same category as the French. They express themselves as well satisfied with the treatment accorded to them. They indicate only one desire and that is to be supplied with a newspaper from their home country. (Letter to Belgian Red Cross)

Paul S. Guinn.