CONFIDENTIAL
STALAG IV A
Date of visit: July 1-2, 1942.
Camp Commander: Major Moritz
The base camp has only the restricted number of British p.o.w. to look after the reception and distribution of mail and parcels.
A few days before the present visit, the Man of Confidence of Grube Erika, Sergt. E. Miller, has been appointed by Major Moritz as Chief Man of Confidence for the whole Stalag IV A, but still residing at Grube Erika. It is certainly necessary to have a Chief Man of Confidence, who can centralise all matters concerning the British p.o.w. But the nomination was not done according to the regulations of art. 43 of the Geneva Convention. Moreover, this choice does not seem to meet with the approval of quite a number of p.o.w. The Camp Commander has been asked by the delegates to consider his nomination, and have the Chief Man of Confidence elected in the normal way.
It was found out on this visit that, contrary to previous informations, there are other lazarets and Kommandos depending from this Stalag. They are as follows:
Lazarets: Elsterhorst
Koenigswartha
Gnaschwitz
Schmockau
Work-camps: Grube Erika
Grube Brigitta
Grube Ostfeld
Grube Heye III
The Reservelazaretts Gnaschwitz and Schmockau have been opened, it was said, only lately for British prisoners. As they were not on the list of hospitals to be visited, the delegates could not see them, but they will be visited next time. The other two hospitals were seen, and special reports are made on each one of them.
Three of the work-camps were inspected. Grube Heye III was omitted, as the British p.o.w. will be taken back from there in a few days, only Russians are to be there in the future. During next visit, it will anyhow be asked if British are still there, in which case this Grube will also be seen.
WORK-CAMP GRUBE ERIKA
Date of visit: July 1, 1942
Accompanying Officer: Hauptmann Schaefer
Man of Confidence: Sergt. E. Miller
234 British p.o.w. were working in this mine at the time of the visit. 4 of them were to leave that same week, for an hospital.
The British p.o.w. have now very satisfactory lodging-quarters. They have 2 new barracks, that is one more than last April, and in each barrack there is a good shower-room. Also, a new latrine has been erected, and no complaint can be made on these different points. There still lacks a recreation-room, although one has been promised for a long time now. The German High Command will be asked to interfere in this matter, as this is a rather large work-camp.
The medical dressing asked for last time have arrived, so that this is settled. The control of the British medicaments was not in the hands of the Man of Confidence. The Camp Commander said he would give orders accordingly. To be checked on next visit.
The great problem here is still that of the work. The men have long hours in the mine, and some of the parties longer than others. Baufuehrer Seeliger is specially known to ask more work than others. The delegates spoke about this to the Accompanying Officer and to the representatives of the firm and checks will be made on the number of working-hours asked from each party. Actually, the British p.o.w. work two Sundays in succession, the third one being free. There seems to be an order from the German High Command to this effect. This question of the Sunday-work will be treated again at the end of this report.
Football had been stopped, because one Englishman had tried to escape. The Camp Commander gave orders immediately to allow the p.o.w. to play again. To be checked.
The Man of Confidence would like to receive or buy a typewriter. His wish will be forwarded to the Y.M.C.A.
WORK-CAMP GRUBE BRIGITTA
Date of Visit: July 2, 1942.
Accompanying Officer: Hauptmann Schaefer
Man of Confidence: S.C. Fitzpatrick
89 British prisoners of war are working here. 12 more are in Res.Laz. Elsterhorst, 50% of them on account of accidents.
The interior arrangements in this camp are the same as in previous report. The men fixed up a shower themselves, as it took so long for the firm to do it.
As regards food, it was mentioned that the quantities received by the P.o.W. are decidedly getting smaller. This is due, probably, only to the fact that the rations for Germans have been lessened, but as the British have no possibility of checking the weight of what they receive, it gives them a certain feeling that they are wronged. The representatives insisted to have them given the possibility of controlling the quantities that are distributed to them. To be checked on next visit. The quality of the food was said to be satisfying, and it must be added that the prisoners of war get butter instead of margarine.
On the day of the visit, three patients were ill, one with an acute gastritis, another one with a lesion of a finger, and the third one with an ulcer on the leg.
Lance-Corporal Albert Sadd (95345), although not recognised as such, is working as a medical orderly. His recognition will be asked in the usual way.
Contrary to what was said in the last report, there is a new barrack for the Revier. An old one, about 200 yds. from the camp, was to be cleaned and repainted in the near future, and used to that effect. The delegates insisted on the fact that, when once promised, an amelioration to the general conditions of the camp should be taken up at once. If, on next visit, the Revier is not ready, strong representations will be made to the German High Command.
The clothing conditions are good, the only articles still missing being large-size boots.
The laundry is quite satisfying, and is done in the village, free of charge.
There are no hymn-books here, and the Y.M.C.A. will be asked to procure some. Sermons are read on Sundays. The Catholics had no service, but they will be allowed to go to the French mass in the future.
A foot-ball has been received, and the p.o.w. play sometimes. They also received playing-cards and books.
The Sunday-work question is getting more acute here now. The M.o.C. has up till now been able to prevent the same men to go out to work more than two Sundays in a month, but he wonders if he will be able to keep it up much longer. He manages it now because there is a new Feldwebel in charge of this camp, a very comprehensive man. But, may-be, he will not remain very long in this post.
WORK-CAMP GRUBE OSTFELD
Date of Visit: July 2, 1942.
Accompanying Officer: Hauptmann Schaefer
Man of Confidence: Corporal Visey (95798).
This work-camp was opened on October 12, 1941, and was never mentioned previously. It is formed of wooden barracks of the regular type, and apart from the ventilation, which is bad at night, and which will be remedied in the near future, quite satisfactory.
The present capacity of this work-camp is of 105 British prisoners. They work in brown-coal mines. Hours of work: 9 per day, while the civilians work up to 12 hours. But, in compensation, the p.o.w. only have one Sunday off in 4.
The washing and bathing installations are very good. The p.o.w. have a new shower-room, with 18 showers, which they can use thrice a week.
The latrines, 8 seats, are in an outside barrack. They are only emptied when full, and this should have been done prior to this visit. The Accompanying Officer gave orders to have them put in order at once.
The cooking is done by 2 British cooks, together with a French one. There was no complaint about the quality of the food. The inspectors insisted to have a weekly menu, indicating also the food rations, posted in the kitchen. It was promised to do so. To be checked.
The drinking water is not very good in this region. All water should be boiled. The p.o.w. have the same water as the civilian population gets.
The general health condition was said to be very good. On the day of the visit, 6 p.o.w. were ill with influenza, gastritis, furonculosis or small accidents. There is no Revier in this work-camp, the men lying in bed in their usual quarters.
There is a recognised sanitator here, lance-corporal W.D. MUNRO (95674). Two other non-recognised medical orderlies work in the mine. Their names have already been sent for recognition.
A civilian doctor visits the camp twice a week. The sanitator has enough medicaments, and he bought a few surgical instruments for first aid. When a serious case occurs, the motor ambulance of the firm is available to transport the patient to Res.-Laz. Elsterhorst.
A civilian dentist, in a nearby village, looks after the p.o.w. 6 sets of false teeth are needed.
The clothing conditions in this work-camp are good. Each p.o.w. has 2 battle-dresses and good boots. Only 10 more pairs of boots are needed, and have been asked from the Stalag. On account of the kind of work done here, the Man of Confidence would like to receive canvas gaiters, of the Army type. There are non available at Stalag. Overalls are also needed for 10 men doing special work. They have been ordered by the firm, and are expected soon.
The Man of Confidence said that he had often seen British uniforms worn by p.o.w. of other nationalities. Major Moritz promised to make an inquiry. He had ordered that British clothing was to be given to British p.o.w. only, and was surprised that his orders were not executed.
There is no canteen. The men can only get some beer, and about 10 razor-blades per week for 105 men. The Camp Commander promised to have a canteen organised in the near future. To be checked during next visit to this camp.
The R.C. p.o.w. can attend the French mass.
Gramophone records are wished, and also a piano-accordion. These desires will be brought to the attention of the Y.M.C.A.
There still were in this work-camp a certain number of N.C.Os. not recognised, and who have to work. A list is to be sent to the Protecting Power, to be transmitted to the British Government.
Two p.o.w., Oldfield and Rutter, had been considered unfit for work by the civilian doctors, but were still in the camp; Major Moritz gave orders to have them sent elsewhere. To be checked.
GENERAL IMPRESSION
The inspectors were not satisfied with their visit of this Stalag. Although the treatment of the British p.o.w. is fairly good, it seems that everything is not done to help them, and specially that an unnecessary delay occurs in obtaining what the p.o.w. are entitled to.
For one thing, there was nowhere in this Stalag, except in Res.-Laz. Koenigswartha, a copy of the Geneva Convention, although many instances have asked to have it posted. As a result, the p.o.w. do not know what they are entitled to, sometimes grumbling without reasons, and the Men of Confidence are absolutely in the dark as regards their duty and rights. In Grube Ostfeld, the Man of Confidence had never heard of a Protecting Power, and addressed himself only to the I.R.C.C. Major Moritz, when tackled on this point, said he had receives copies of the Geneva Convention from the German High Command, but had thought it wiser not to have them distributed in the different camps. He promised to have them posted at once. But the inspectors have mentioned this also to the Kommandeur der Kriegsgefangenen des Wehrkreis IV, and made serious complaints about the non-observation of art. 84 of the Convention. The Kommandeur was very surprised to hear that, all the more so that the German High Command had given orders that copies should be posted everywhere where there are p.o.w. So it is hoped that now all the work-camps and hospitals depending from Stalag IV A will have a copy of the Convention.
Another thing also taken up with the Camp Commander concerned the religious activity. There is only one protestant clergyman in the whole area, and he is in Koenigswartha. Major Moritz promised that he would be allowed to go and visit the other camps. To be checked.
But the greatest problem here is still that of the work, and specially Sunday-work. Ever since the first visit in this Wehrkreis, in January 1942, representations have been made to the German High Command. A slight improvement has occurred in some cases, but the result wished has not yet been reached. A new and very urgent representation will be made again to the German High Command on this point.
Fred O. Auckenthaler
Dr. Hans Wehrle.
CONFIDENTIAL
RESERVE LAZARETT ELSTERHORST
Date of visit: July 1st, 1942.
German physicians: Stabsarzt Dr. Rahm
Oberarzt Dr. Schulze
British physicians: Captain Randhin Singh Seagal I.M.C.
Lieut. Sardar Ahmed I.M.C.
I.) GENERAL DESCRIPTION
There is no change in the general description of this camp.
II.) CAPACITY AND PRESENT PERSONNEL
On the day of the visit the number of patients in this hospital was about 360, of all nationalities. 48 British patients were at Elsterhorst as well as 2 Indian doctors, 2 British Medical Orderlies and 1 British Orderly.
III.) INTERIOR ARRANGEMENTS
They are the same as mentioned in previous reports. Two rooms are reserved for the British patients, one of them for medical cases, the other one for surgical cases.
IV.) BATHING AND WASHING FACILITIES AND
V.) TOILET FACILITIES
These are considered sufficient.
VI.) FOOD AND COOKING
There was no complaint on this question.
VII.) MEDICAL ATTENTION AND SICKNESS
The Indian physicians pointed out that there was an increasing number of heart troubles. It is their opinion that this is due to overworking and nerve strain on the British P.o.W. in the different work camps and mentioned them as "Soldiers' Hearts". The three cases of paraplegia of the legs are still in this hospital. Electrical treatment has been asked for, but those patients will probably be transferred to another hospital where they can get more specialised treatment.
VIII.) CLOTHING
There is no change since the last visit.
The I.R.C.C. has been notified of this fact.
IX.) LAUNDRY
The doctors complained that they had to do their own washing, but the Chefarzt said they are not obliged to do so. This question will be taken up again during the next visit.
The bed-linen for the officers was only changed until now every four weeks; the new order concerning the changing of bed-linen had not yet arrived in this hospital and representations are made on this point to the German Authorities.
X.) MONEY AND PAY
No change.
XI.) CANTEEN
No change.
XII.) RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY
No Protestant clergyman has been here as yet. This question was taken up with the Commander of the Stalag IV A, of which this hospital depends, and the latter said that he will try to have a British clergyman sent there regularly. This will be checked on the next visit.
XIII.) RECREATION AND EXERCISE
Material for outdoor games as requested on the last visit has not yet arrived, nor games either. The Y.M.C.A. will be again approached and asked to provide this lazarett with its requisites.
XIV.) MAIL
It was said that in June some of the patients did not have all the letters and cards they are entitled to. The commandant of Stalag IV A has been asked to look into this matter, so that the number of official cards and letters are sent to this lazarett, and each man gets the amount he is entitled to.
Private SIMAYA, mentioned in the previous report, is now in Stalag IV A and has still received no letters.
XV.) WELFARE WORK
Regular visits are made by the I.R.C.C. and Y.M.C.A.
XVI.) COMPLAINTS
No complaints.
XVII.) GENERAL IMPRESSION
The atmosphere of this hospital seems to have slightly changed lately, since the arrival of the new Chefarzt, who was previously at Oflag IV C. It may though only be an impression, due to the fact that the relations between the Indian and German doctors were specially good in the past, and the next visit will enable the inspectors to give their opinion with more accuracy.
Fred. O. Auckenthaler,
Dr. Hans Wehrle.
CONFIDENTIAL
RESERVE LAZARETT KOENIGSWARTHA
Date of visit: July 2, 1942.
German Chief Physician: Stabsarzt Dr. Rindfleisch.
British Senior Medical Officer and Man of Confidence: Major Roderick McKay, R.A.M.C. (1166).
I.) GENERAL DESCRIPTION
There are no changes in the general description of this camp since last report.
II.) CAPACITY AND PRESENT PERSONNEL
On the day of the visit there were 162 British prisoners of war as patients in this lazarett, including two officers, Butler and Palmer. Other British comprise 7 doctors, i.e. apart from the 5 mentioned in previous reports, the new Senior British Medical Officer, Major Roderick McKay and Captain H. Wykes, R.A.M.C. Two officer-interpreters, one Scotch clergyman, Captain Gordon Fraser, 14 medical orderlies and two ordinary orderlies. Second Lieut. McFarlane, the previous Man of Confidence, is still in this lazarett as an interpreter, and assistant of Major McKay.
III.) INTERIOR ARRANGEMENTS
Due to the fact that several patients of other nationalities have left Koenigswartha, the interior arrangement is much better, and there are no more double-tier beds.
IV.) BATHING AND WASHING FACILITIES
The bath room has been repaired and showers can be had regularly.
V.) TOILET FACILITIES
No change.
VI.) FOOD AND COOKING
There was no complaint whatsoever about food.
VII.) MEDICAL ATTENTION AND SICKNESS
This hospital is well fitted now as a special TBC lazarett. Regular supplies of Codliver oil, milk, and other special food are coming in well.
Of the several special cases mentioned in the last report, Sardar KHAN and Robert HASSETT have died, but the others are still in the lazarett, as well as Pilot Officer PALMER.
Second Lieut. Patrick BUTLER has mentally and physically improved. He is very much interested now in the production of Macbeth at the suggestion of the Chaplain. This activity helps him greatly in recovering his health. It must be mentioned that the presence and activity of a chaplain is bringing very good results for all the patients of this lazarett.
VIII.) CLOTHING
The uniforms and shoes asked for have been announced, but have not arrived yet in the lazarett. They can be expected any day now.
IX.) LAUNDRY
No change.
X.) MONEY AND PAY
No change.
XI.) CANTEEN
No change.
XII.) RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY
As already mentioned, Capt. Gordon Fraser is now at Res.Laz. Koenigswartha.
On the occasion of this visit the church-yard was also visited by the inspectors, who were very much satisfied with its order and upkeep. The graves are flowered and crosses with the names of the prisoners of war are fixed on them.
XIII.) RECREATION AND EXERCISE
The sports-ground will be at the disposal of those who can use it within a few days.
The books and games asked for have been received from the Y.M.C.A.
XIV.) MAIL
Private Pearce David SPENCE, No.5759, and Private R. BRINDLEY, No.4563, have received no private parcel for two years.
XV.) WELFARE WORK
Regular visits by the Y.M.C.A and I.R.C.C.
XVI.) COMPLAINTS
No complaints.
XVII.) GENERAL IMPRESSION
The inspectors had a very good impression of this lazarett.
Fred. O. Auckenthaler.
Dr. Hans Wehrle.
