CONFIDENTIAL
No. 72
STALAG IV A - Hohenstein
Date of visit: January 20th, 1943.
Kommandant: Oberst Senf.
Accompanying Officer: Hauptmann Schaefer.
Man of Confidence: W. Adams, Sgt. Q.M.
Stalag IV A - Hohenstein is merely the place where the different Arbeitskommando are administered.
The Red Cross parcels arrive at Prossen, little station near Hohenstein. From hence they are distributed to the different work camps.
The visit to Hohenstein comported only the discussion of the different points, which had been raised during our visits in the district of IV A.
WORK CAMP GRUBE OSTFELD
Date of visit: January 18th, 1943.
Man of Confidence: Cpl. Vasey.
I.) GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Ostfeld is situated near big mining fields. The men work in the open air, where they extract brown-coal. There are two barracks, a kitchen shed and a special hut containing the sanitary installation. In a fourth shed the washing facilities are installed.
II.) CAPACITY AND PRESENT PERSONNEL
97 men, 2 in hospital.
III.) INTERIOR ARRANGEMENTS
On our last visit the prisoners of war complained about the bad ventilation. 4 aeration chimneys have been built on each sleeping barrack and air conditions in these are now adequate.
In each of the barracks a day-room has been accommodated. This does improve considerably the living conditions.
The blankets being in a bad state of dirt, it was arranged with the work, that they would be gradually replaced by clean ones.
IV.) BATHING AND WASHING FACILITIES
Showers can be had twice a week. The washing facilities in camp are adequate.
V.) TOILET FACILITIES
Toilet facilities adequate.
VI.) FOOD AND COOKING
The food is said to be excellent.
VII.) MEDICAL ATTENTION AND SICKNESS
No change. The men can go freely to the medical visit.
Pvt. S. Fairhurst, p.o.w. No. 95916 had a working accident. The middle finger of the left hand is partly stiff so that fist cannot be closed totally. He is under medical control and the insurance company has been advised.
VIII.) CLOTHING
Some battle dresses and greatcoats are needed. The man of Confidence of Stalag IV A who cares for the whole district has been informed of this.
IX.) LAUNDRY
The laundry is done outside the camp by some washer-women. The soap is furnished by the men who also pay for the washing.
X.) MONEY AND PAY
No complaints.
XI.) CANTEEN
Some articles can be bought in little quantities. But generally speaking one can hardly talk of a canteen.
XII.) RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY
Religious services are held about all 3 weeks. Chaplain Frazer who lives at Reserve Lazaret Koenigswartha is allowed to visit the different Work Camps of Stalag IV A in turns.
XIII.) RECREATION AND EXERCISE
The men can play football. Indoor games are available.
XIV.) MAIL
The mail question, as everywhere, is not a satisfactory one. However it is not possible to find out where the sore point lies. The German authorities, approached in this matter, assured us that censoring and transport of mail in Germany is pretty well organised. The slowness or irregularity originates before the mail reaches Germany. It is of course not possible for us to ascertain this, nor can we make any investigations.
XV.) WELFARE WORK
No complaint.
The prisoners of war wish for some gramophone records.
XVI.) COMPLAINTS
As nearly in all Work Camps no working kits were given out. As the work engineer was present the accompanying officer got his promise to give out overalls which had lately arrived and needed some repair. It was arranged that Cpl. Vasey, the Camp's Man of Confidence, who is a gentleman's tailor, would supervise the work of the two French prisoners of war who would be ordered to mend the working clothes.
XVII.) GENERAL IMPRESSION
Well organised camp.
WORK CAMP GRUBE BRIGITTA (Burgkammer)
Date of visit: January 18th, 1943.
British Man of Confidence: Cpl. Fr. Eustice.
I.) GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Nothing changed.
II.) CAPACITY AND PRESENT PERSONNEL
103 men. 2 in hospital.
III.) INTERIOR ARRANGEMENTS
No change.
IV.) BATHING AND WASHING FACILITIES
A new shower-room is about to be built and will be available presently. It will be open for the men coming in from work. Otherwise washing conditions are normal.
V.) TOILET FACILITIES
No complaint.
VI.) FOOD AND COOKING
Adequate.
VII.) MEDICAL ATTENTION AND SICKNESS
The revier is the same. It is hardly used, as the prisoners of war when sick, are sent immediately to the Sammelrevier Schwarzkollm.
VIII.) CLOTHING
Adequate.
IX.) LAUNDRY
The laundry is done outside.
X.) MONEY AND PAY
In order.
XI.) CANTEEN
There is no canteen.
XII.) RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY
Chaplain Frazer from Reserve Lazaret Koenigswartha comes here every 3 weeks.
XIII.) RECREATION AND EXERCISE
Adequate.
XIV.) MAIL
Not adequate. See our remark in report for Grube Ostfeld.
XV.) WELFARE WORK
No complaint.
XVI.) COMPLAINTS
There is a complaint that some men, working in the Briquette factory are doing this under unhealthy conditions. Enquiry proved that the work:- charging briquettes on trucks - was done in the open air. Coal dust evidently is raised, but the factory law does not consider this as unhealthy work.
XVII.) GENERAL IMPRESSION
This camp can be called a good one. The German Non-Commissioned Off. who is in charge of it, is very soldierly. But the British prisoners of war go on very well with him as he is straight-forward and comprehensive.
WORK CAMP GRUBE HEYE III
Date of visit: January 18th, 1943.
British Man of Confidence: Sgt. Voller.
I.) GENERAL DESCRIPTION
No changes were made in this camp.
II.) CAPACITY AND PRESENT PERSONNEL
55 men. 4 in Revier Schwarzkollm.
III.) INTERIOR ARRANGEMENTS
The former sick-room was changed into a drying-room.
Each man has 3 blankets. New stoves were put into the barracks.
The light is rather weak, due to the break-down of one of the work's turbines.
IV.) BATHING AND WASHING FACILITIES
There are no showers. In the washroom hot water is available.
V.) TOILET FACILITIES
No complaint.
VI.) FOOD AND COOKING
No complaint.
VII.) MEDICAL ATTENTION AND SICKNESS
The sick are sent to Revier Schwarzkollm or Res.Laz. Königswartha.
Dental treatment is done in a near town, Bernsdorf. The civilian dentist there is described as a rough and rather overworked man even by the German soldiers. All extractions are done without anaesthetics. The Chief doctor in Stalag IV A promised to look into the matter.
VIII.) CLOTHING
The clothing question is satisfactory as a whole. The second battle-dress, however, used as working-kit, wears out very quickly.
IX.) LAUNDRY
The men do their own laundry.
X.) MONEY AND PAY
Satisfactory. No complaint.
XI.) CANTEEN
Here also there is no canteen. The NCO of the guard goes to Bernsdorf for errands. But very few articles can be bought.
XII.) RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY
As in the other Mines, Chaplain Frazer comes to see the men every third week.
XIII.) RECREATION AND EXERCISE
Adequate.
XIV.) MAIL
Very irregular.
XV.) WELFARE WORK
No complaint.
XVI.) COMPLAINTS
There are several complaints:
Sunday work is done. But it does not seem well organised. The men going out for it have often finished in a few hours and stay then in the Works up to 8 hours without doing anything. They say that they do not mind working but they resent the waste of time, when they might be in camp resting or repairing their kit.
Complaint was made about this to the accompanying officer who promised to look into the matter with the Works engineer.
The men wish to do task-work. This would give them more time in their barracks.
This question was brought to the works engineer also.
XVII.) GENERAL IMPRESSION
Satisfactory.
WORK CAMP GRUBE ERICA
Date of visit: January 18th, 1943.
Brit. Man of Confidence: Sgt. E. Miller.
I.) GENERAL DESCRIPTION
No change in the general organisation.
II.) CAPACITY AND PRESENT PERSONNEL
199 men. 6 in Lazaret.
III.) INTERIOR ARRANGEMENT
A new recreation room is being built. This will improve considerably the conditions of life in this camp.
IV.) BATHING AND WASHING FACILITIES
No complaint.
V.) TOILET FACILITIES
No complaint.
VI.) FOOD AND COOKING
Adequate.
VII.) MEDICAL ATTENTION AND SICKNESS
There is now a special doctor in this camp. He is a Polish prisoner of war under control of Oberarzt Dr. Schulze from Res. Laz. Elsterhorst. The British prisoners of war are very satisfied with this solution.
Dental work cannot be done here. The men have to go to a civilian dentist. The Chief Doctor (Stabsarzt Dr. Kühn) in Stalag IV A told the representatives of the Protecting Power that in the near future a dental station will be opened in Stalag IV A which will allow the treatment of dental cases from all the Work Camps of Stalag IV A.
VIII.) CLOTHING
Satisfactory.
IX.) LAUNDRY
The laundry is given to a civilian enterprise which works conveniently.
X.) MONEY AND PAY
In order.
XI.) CANTEEN
The canteen is very poor.
XII.) RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY
The same condition as in the other work camps. Chaplain Frazer comes every three weeks.
XIII.) RECREATION AND EXERCISE
Football can be played.
XIV.) MAIL
Same complaint as in other camps.
XV.) WELFARE WORK
No complaint.
XVI.) COMPLAINTS
There are several other complaints:
(1) P.o.W. HAMMOND, No. 95547, who is acknowledged as sanitator, has still to work in the mine. The point was brought to Stalag IV A and the error was duly stated. Hammond will be taken away from the work and placed elsewhere as sanitator.
(2) The men complain about the fact that the way to the place where they work is very long, so that their absence from camp is from 11 to 12 hours.
The point was taken up with the Director of Grube Erica. He said that it was arranged that the main part of the trip was done by railway, but that it was not possible to shorten it otherwise. The brown coal in this area is extracted on a very large scale so that it happened now and then that working parties have to go a long way to reach their destination.
XVII.) GENERAL IMPRESSION
On the whole this camp can be considered as a good one.
WORK CAMP RADEBEUL
Date of visit: January 23rd, 1943.
Control Officer: Hauptmann Köcke.
Brit. Man of Confidence: Sgt. R.H. Tebitt.
I.) GENERAL DESCRIPTION
It is the first time the representatives of the Protecting Power visit this camp. There is a concrete building of modern style in the middle of a factory area. It is very well equipped and the rooms are clean and spacious.
Its destination is to hold British prisoners of war doing only light work.
II.) CAPACITY AND PRESENT PERSONNEL
38 men. 20 of these came from the Res.Laz. Königswartha, where they were treated for TBc.
III.) INTERIOR ARRANGEMENTS
There is a big dormitory with double-tier beds, heated by central heating. The light is satisfactory, also the aeration.
IV.) BATHING AND WASHING FACILITIES
Next to the dormitory there is a room for washing, containing two circular washing-troughs with about 12 double taps. In one corner there is a shower.
V.) TOILET FACILITIES
Two W.Cs are attaining to the wash-room.
VI.) FOOD AND COOKING
The food is brought in from an inn of the neighbourhood. It is said to be adequate. Private food can be cooked in a little kitchen next to the dormitory.
VII.) MEDICAL ATTENTION AND SICKNESS
Medical attention is given by civilian doctors in Radebeul. Sick parade is every morning. But it is the German NCO of the guard who decides whether the men can go to see the doctor or not. Only patients with fever get the permission for treatment.
The representatives of the Protecting Power protested strongly against this.
Once already a man had been refused to go to a doctor for 10 consecutive days. Finally when he was admitted to see the doctor he had to be operated for appendicitis the same day.
There is no sanitator in this camp.
Some men had to be sent back to Königswartha as they had had a relapse of TBc.
It is urgent that a serious control should be organised in Radebeul. The matter will be brought to the German High Command.
VIII.) CLOTHING
Satisfactory.
IX.) LAUNDRY
Satisfactory.
X.) MONEY AND PAY
No complaint.
XI.) CANTEEN
Canteen very poor.
XII.) RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY
No religious activity. Stalag IV A will be asked to give permission that Chaplain Frazer should also come to this camp.
XIII.) RECREATION AND EXERCISE
Last season the men could play football. But the ground has been changed into a vegetable garden. Walks under guard will be organised.
XIV.) MAIL
Mail rather worse.
XV.) WELFARE WORK
Satisfactory.
XVI.) COMPLAINTS
Special complaints:
(a) Sometimes the men have to do Sunday work. Principally when there are railway trucks to discharge. Regulations state that the waggons have to be sent back 6 hours after their arrival. As the prisoners of war live in the factory, they are taken for this work. This question will be brought before the German High Command.
(b) Letters from the Man of Confidence in Radebeul to the principal Man of Confidence in Stalag IV A were given back by the Control Officer as they contained demands that could not be granted. The representatives of the Protecting Power protested strongly against this, drawing the attention of the Control Officer to the fact that it is against the Geneva Convention Art. 40 Par 3 and Art. 44 Par. 2.
(c) The inspector had to object against the fact, that the NCOs. of the guard opens and reads the letters addressed to the prisoners of war although they had previously been censored at Stalag IV A. This question was brought to the Commander of the Prisoners of War in Berlin occasionally. He promised to look into the matter.
(d) Regarding the work of NCOs the authorities of this camp do not seem to know the regulations of 26.5.42 R12822). The attention of the Control Officer was drawn on this point and a copy of the order was handed over to him.
(e) The Red Cross parcels are stocked in a kitchen where the guard cooks. The British Man of Confidence has no key. The German authorities promised to straighten this out.
XVII.) GENERAL IMPRESSION
Materially speaking this camp is certainly one of the best. The question arises whether the German NCO who has the responsibility of the guard and of the welfare of the British prisoners of war is the right man for this post.
This has already been talked over with the German High Command and the matter is being investigated.
KRANKENREVIER SCHWARZKOLLM
Date of visit: January 18th, 1943.
This Revier is used as collective sick ward for the different work camps of Stalag IV A. Minor cases only are kept here.
The treating doctor is a Polish prisoner of war Doctor Adamovicz who works in this Revier under supervision of Oberarzt Dr. Schulze in Res.Laz. Elsterhorst. There is room for 66 patients. The beds are two-storied. Each man has three blankets. The heating is done by a big iron stove.
There is electric lighting. Aeration is not adequate, as the revier is a former theatre-room. The windows are partly closed by planks and one part of the room is cut off from the rest by a partition. Behind this there is a little room for consultation and a little officer for the doctor. In the consultation room there is no running water. The toilet facilities are adequate, as well as the washing accommodations.
On the day of our visit there were 5 British prisoners of war in this revier.
Dr. Adamovicz would like to have the visit of the I.R.C.C.
Rudolph Burckhardt.
Dr. K. Staehelin.
CONFIDENTIAL
No. 84.
RESERVELAZARETT ELSTERHORST
Date of visit: January 18th, 1943.
German Physicians: Stabsarzt Dr. Rahm.
Oberarzt Dr. Schulze.
British Physicians: Captain Randin Singh Seagal, I.M.C.
Lieut. Sardar Ahmed, I.M.C.
I.) GENERAL DESCRIPTION
No change.
II.) CAPACITY AND PRESENT PERSONNEL
21 British prisoners of war.
20 Indian prisoners of war.
2 Indian Doctors.
III.) INTERIOR ARRANGEMENTS
The Doctors complain about the heating in the barracks, which are said to be unheated in the night. Dr. Rahm contests this but promised to control this question.
IV.) BATHING AND WASHING FACILITIES
There is not enough hot water in the Indian Doctor's bathroom. This also will be controlled.
V.) TOILET FACILITIES
No change.
VI.) FOOD AND COOKING
No change.
VII.) MEDICAL ATTENTION AND SICKNESS
No change.
VIII.) CLOTHING
No change.
IX.) LAUNDRY
No change.
X.) MONEY AND PAY
No change.
XI.) CANTEEN
No change.
XII.) RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY
No change.
XIII.) RECREATION AND EXERCISE
No change.
XIV.) MAIL
Mail is irregular.
XV.) WELFARE WORK
In the room where the Red Cross parcels are stored, two French prisoners of war are occupied with the issuing. The Chief Doctor says that no complaint was made against this until now. But he is ready to exchange one French against a British prisoners of war.
XVI.) COMPLAINTS
The Indian doctors protest against the order preventing them to enter the isolation pavilion when there are British or Indian patients laid up there. The Chief Doctor explained that it was done because of the need of isolation and also that no case of infection was stated yet amongst the Britains or Indians in this camp. One man had small-pox and was put under observation for a short time.
The Indian doctors state that in the camps of Annaburg and Koenigsbruecke the medical attention is very bad. One man died in Annaburg of Pneumonia on the 1.12.42, without being sent to hospital.
The understanding between the Indian and the German Doctors is not good at all.
The Indians are very sensitive and expect no understanding from the German doctors. This is really a great pity as generally the common work creates a certain harmony amongst the doctors of different nationalities.
XVII.) GENERAL IMPRESSION
No change since last time's visit.
Rudolph Burckhardt
Dr. A. Staehelin.
CONFIDENTIAL
No. 75.
RESERVELAZARET KOENIGSWARTHA
Date of visit: January 19th, 1943.
German Chief Physician: Oberstabsarzt Dr. Tiele.
British Physician: Lieut.Col. Dr. Le Souef
I.) GENERAL DESCRIPTION
No change since the last visit.
A well has been opened. Its depth is 25 meters. The water is very pure and clean and in profusion, so that the complaints about the scarcity of it will be without foundation, as soon as the pipes and other installations will be ready for use.
II.) CAPACITY AND PRESENT PERSONNEL
225 British patients.
9 British doctors.
2 British Officers interpreters
21 British Sanitators.
III.) INTERIOR ARRANGEMENTS
No changes.
IV.) BATHING AND WASHING FACILITIES
The washing facilities as stated in our last report are unsatisfactory and will be so long as the new water supply cannot be used.
V.) TOILET FACILITIES
The cooking is good. But there is only one little stove for cooking the private food which for about 400 men is thoroughly insufficient.
VI.) MEDICAL ATTENTION AND SICKNESS
The medical attention is good, but the conditions under which the doctors have to work are a great handicap.
The lazaret cannot be called adequate. Too many patients are accepted or have to be accepted which has led to overcrowding. In consequence the hygienic conditions cannot be kept up to a standard necessary for a TBc. hospital. The British Chief doctor is of the opinion that the 10 cases of TBc. contracted by the sanitary personnel are a proof to this.
The representatives of the Protecting Power brought this question to the attention of the German authorities of the lazaret. Oberstabsarzt Dr. Thiele states that it could not be expected that a provisional Lazaret should be equipped as well as a Sanatorium in peace-time. He affirms that he does his best to get the necessary outfit, but the material difficulties are to be considered.
The whole hospital will be improved as soon as the new barracks, that are under construction now, will be ready. As to when this will be, there exists no certainty. The barracks are already put together. The interior arrangements of some are nearly finished. But the progress has suddenly stopped, because the necessary furniture had not arrived.
Anyway the British medical staff will be accommodated quite conveniently in a special shed, having their own bath-room and comfortable quarters.
A second apparatus for pneumothorax has been asked for. The demand has been granted by the German High Command and the instrument is expected soon.
A main complaint had to be put in as regards the transport of sick prisoners of war sent to Koenigswartha from Work Camps or from Stalags. The complaint was discussed with the Chief Doctor of Stalag IV A, who promised to reform and to regulate as best he could this question.
VIII.) CLOTHING
No complaint.
IX.) LAUNDRY
No complaint.
X.) MONEY AND PAY
No complaint.
XI.) CANTEEN
No complaint.
XII.) RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY
No complaint.
XIII.) RECREATION AND EXERCISE
No complaint.
XIV.) MAIL
The same complaint as everywhere.
XV.) WELFARE WORK
No complaint.
XVI.) COMPLAINTS
The British Chief doctor complained about the fact that the sanitators, owing to their little number and the work they had to do, did not get the 24 hours rest every week foreseen by the Geneva Convention for working prisoners of war.
The question was put to the Oberstabsarzt Thiele, who said that he had asked for 20 more sanitators. As soon as these arrive the work will be arranged accordingly.
XVII.) GENERAL IMPRESSION
For the moment one can hardly talk of amelioration. But it is hoped that on our next visit we may find that things have moved to the better.
Rudolph Burckhardt.
Dr. A. Staehelin.
Foreign Officer Reference K.W.2/4
0103/3191.(P.W.2.)
26th February, 1943.
DEPARTMENTAL NO. 1.
(EN CLAIR)
FROM BERNE TO FOREIGN OFFICE.
Mr. Norton
No. 857
18th February, 1943.
D. 2.21 p.m. 18th February, 1943.
R. 10.55 a.m. 19th February, 1943.
My telegram No. 4274.
Following points mentioned in report on certain dependent work camps Stalag IVA visited by representatives of Swiss Legation Berlin January 18-20th; mail everywhere unsatisfactory. Kommando Grube Heye III dental treatment rough. Kommando Radebeul German guard decides as to prisoners who can see doctor and one man refused permission for ten days had to be operated for appendicitis immediately. Some prisoners sent back to Koenigswartha owing to recurrence of tuberculosis. Krankenrevier Schwarzkolim inadequate ventilation.
0103/3966. (P.W.2.a.) 5. Jul. 43.
F.O. Ref. K/W.2/4-25.6.43.
B.52.GBr.(1)1 St. IVA-JM.OS.
With reference to the note B.52.GBr(1)1-St.IVA-JO/JP of 15th February, 1943, to which was annexed a report on the visit made on 20th January, 1943, to Stalag IV A, the Federal Political Department, Foreign Interests Division has the honour to transit to His Britannic Majesty's Legation under this cover a memorandum of 13th April, 1943, of the High Command of the German Army, replying to certain points raised by the Swiss Legation in Berlin as a result of the inspection of the Work Camp Radebeul.
It results from the reports on camps previously transmitted to His Majesty's Legation that, with regard to Sunday work, there is an order of the German High Command according to which the prisoners of war can in fact only have one free Sunday in three.
As His Majesty's Legation can see from the note B.52.GBr.(1)9-CL/Ky of 22nd January, 1943, the Swiss Legation has made several renewals of representations to the German Authorities on this subject.
Since the representations have so far had no results the Swiss Legation will again address the German Government in order to obtain a satisfactory response and their department will not fail to transmit to His Majesty's Legation further information on this matter as soon as it reaches them.
Annexed - 1 note.
To His Britannic Majesty's Legation, Berne.
13.4.43.
To List No.9 of 9th February, 1943.
All prisoners of war requiring medical attention are sent to the competent civilian doctor daily. Furthermore, prisoners of war can also be treated by the works doctor, who is at the works once a week.
In the case quoted of the prisoner of war with appendicitis, the illness had reached a sub-acute stage which first had to be allowed to subside before the operation could be performed. [Written in margin, spanning these first two paragraphs: Reference to Protecting Power report of visit to Stalag IV A work camps Jan. 43. Page 11 para vii]
To 1). This is a question of Sunday work in urgent cases only, for which purpose not more than six prisoners are detailed. Such occasional extra work does not contradict the regulations issued, according to which the prisoners of war are to have 24 hours uninterrupted rest every third Sunday. [Written in margin: Page 12 para xvi]
To 2). Has been stopped.
