CONFIDENTIAL
STALAG IV A
Date of visit: April 22, 1942.
Commander: Major Moritz
At the Base camp are at the present time no British prisoners of war, with the exception of the two men already mentioned in the last report of January 1942. These two men are in charge of the mail and parcels for the British work camps in this area.
Dependent from this Stalag are the Reserve Lazaret Elsterhorst, Reserve Lazaret Koenigswartha and the two work-camps Erika and Brigitta.
The two lazarets will be described in a special report.
Work Camp Brigitta No. 264.
Accompanying Officer: Hauptmann Schaefer
British Man of Confidence: S.C. Fitzpatrick, P.o.W. 95471.
There are at the present time 106 men employed in this camp, all British. They work in a Brown-Coal Mine.
The work is done in one shift of 8 hours. 3 Sundays a month are free. This is better than the work in Grube Erika, where only every second Sunday is free. This matter has already been brought to the attention of the German High Command.
The interior arrangement of the camp is exactly the same as described in the last report.
The washing and toilet facilities are the same as mentioned in January report.
A good shower room is available every Sunday, in the factory building. This building is about 1 hour walk from the camp. It would mean a nice walk through a forest, but the men think it to be too far to take the trouble. The representative of the mine promised to install in the men's quarters a cold shower for the summer.
The question of the seven men working in the kitchen, partly without pay, has been declared by the Man of Confidence to be settled in a satisfactory manner.
The other remarks concerning food and kitchen, in the last report, are still holding good.
The infirmary promised is now finished and was shown to the representatives of the Legation. It seems satisfactory in every way. In the same new barrack is also a recreation room for the prisoners.
The British sanitators had this time no complaint about the medicaments at his disposal. The health service is assured by the Physician of the mine. He can be seen for minor cases twice a week. In case of serious cases he is available.
In the quarter were at the time of the visit several men with flu, colds and chronic malaria, but all light cases.
A dentist is in the village and can be seen by the prisoners.
A few men have fleas but the necessary powder has been sent by the Red Cross.
No typhus cases or suspected cases were ever in this camp.
The clothing conditions were said to be better but the men would like to get 80 shirts and 26 pairs of boots, Nos. 8, 9 & 10.
Also small towels are badly needed.
The possibility for the men to do their own laundry is quite unsatisfactory. It was proposed to have the washing done in the village to which the Man of confidence agreed, even if the prisoners have to pay for such a service. [Note written in pencil: Watch the next report for this]
All men get the usual pay and the special ration for heavy workers.
There is no canteen but the men can go to the village for their necessary purchases.
Religious activity is none, but the accompanying officer stated that a priest could read Mass for the Catholic prisoners whenever the latter asked for it.
For recreation the new room in the new barrack should be available in the very near future. A sport-ground can be used as soon as a football is sent to the camp. The men would also like to get a tug of war, cards, dartboards and some more books. Also some hymn books would be appreciated. The Y.M.C.A. will be approached about these wishes.
There was no remarks made about the mail. The Red Cross parcels are coming rather slow for the last weeks and it was not possible to have one issued every week.
The Non-Commissioned Officer in this camp asked to be sent back to a Stalag, but this request has not been granted.
The general impression of this camp is not a bad one.
GRUBE ERIKA No. 508
Accompanying Officer: Hauptmann Schaefer.
British Man of Confidence: Sergt. E. Miller.
There are at the time of the visit in this work-camp 237 British prisoners all employed as miners.
The work is the same as described in the last report with the only exception, that it has been promised that from now on every second Sunday would be free.
All the men are now living in small rooms with 6 to 9 men in each. The rooms are quite satisfactory. The barracks are not used any more and shall be turned into recreation rooms.
The living accommodations in this camp must now be considered as very satisfactory.
Conditions of washing, showers, toilets are also satisfactory.
Food and cooking is still good. The sugar question raised in the last report is also settled.
A new infirmary is already used for some time with 12 beds, a special washroom and a special toilet. Beds are good, 6 in each room. Also special room for treatment, where the Doctor of the Mine has consultations twice a week. There were 3 men in the infirmary with light cases. The infirmary is in charge of an Australian medical student: Pr. Chapman, Iwan, AuN. NX 11358. P.o.W. 90937.
The only thing a little short is medical dressing, and Chapman asked for some medical parcels, 5 with dressing and 5 invalid comfort. Serious cases are taken by ambulance to the nearby Lazaret Elsterhorst.
No typhus cases ever in this camp.
The clothing condition in this camp is now very good. Each man having 2 uniforms and enough underwear.
A Catholic priest reads Mass for the prisoners every Sunday.
A representative of the prisoners is now at Stalag IV A.
In the camp is one N.C.O. working. He lost all his papers and is, therefore, no recognised. His name is: Corp. M. Gibson P.o.W. 7611.
Once in a while all prisoners are taken to the movies in the City.
For recreation the British Man of Confidence asked for 1 or 2 footballs, about 50 more books. The prisoners have a phonograph but no needles and no records.
Food parcels have so far arrived in sufficient number.
The men are very much satisfied in this camp. The relations between the German feldwebel who is looking after the British Prisoners, and the British Man of Confidence could not be better.
If it was not for the Sunday work this camp could be called a Model Camp in every respect.
Rudolph Iselin.
Dr. H. Wehrle.
CONFIDENTIAL
RESERVE LAZARET KOENIGSWARTHA
Wehrkreis IV. Dependent Stalag IV A.
Date of visit: April 22, 1942.
German Chief Physician: Stabsarzt Dr. Rindfleisch.
British Physicians: King, Alan Joseph.
Allan, Norman.
Godby, Norman.
Hold, Gerald.
Mayrhofer: Mac.
British Man of Confidence: 2nd Lt. McFarlane.
I.) GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Since last visit material for a new barrack has arrived and it is supposed to be erected soon. No other changes since last report.
II.) CAPACITY AND PRESENT PERSONNEL
At the time of the visit [there] were 135 British patients in this lazaret. Also 13 sanitators. Among the patients are 4 officers: C. Palmer, John, Pil.Off., Butler, Patrick, 2nd Lt., Folick, Coleman and Burroughs, Ronald).
There are amongst the patients some Australians, Indians and New Zealanders. As soon as the new barrack is finished some more British patients from other lazarets will be brought here.
III.) INTERIOR ARRANGEMENTS
No change since last report of January 28, 1942.
IV.) BATHING AND WASHING FACILITIES
As a rule hot showers can be had once a week but of late, the bath-room was several times out of order.
V.) TOILET FACILITIES
Same as last report.
VI.) FOOD AND COOKING
The remarks in last report still hold.
The German physician stated that in addition to the usual rations some men receive complimentary rations of milk, marmalade, bread, oatmeal, vegetables, mineral water and eggs and stewed fruit.
VII.) MEDICAL ATTENTION AND SICKNESS
The general remarks concerning the cases treated in this lazaret are the same as mentioned in the last report. It is still a lazaret for T.B. patients.
The treatment given is good and expert, and the technical outfit is first class.
As mentioned before, five British Physicians and 13 British sanitators have arrived now and are of great help here.
There are several serious cases, and the patients are not expected to live long. They are:
Sardar Khan, P.o.W. 196, Shiromahi, India.
Hassett, Robert, P.o.W. 92384, Roleystone, West Australia.
Babu Lal, P.o.W. 4353, Kunterki, Ujlari Mor. Adabad India.
Kanshi, Ram. P.o.W. 305, Malik Pore, Post Najah Garh, India.
Hogarty, Daniel. P.o.W. 16795, A.N. 2932249, 5 Stratleven Place, Dunbarton, Scotland.
Osman, Hassan. P.o.W. 10659, Monarga, Cyprus.
In the lazaret is also Pil.Off. Palmer, John H., P.o.W. 251. He is not satisfied with the state of his health and thinks, he could make better progress if he was interned in Switzerland. Concerning his case the physicians are of the opinion that he is rapidly getting worse. He had a short time ago a Hemotoe so that he could probably not survive a transport to any other place.
Another case is the one of Hon. 2nd Lt. Patrick BUTLER, P.o.W. 497. (This case was already mentioned in last report). He has tried three times to commit suicide on a basis most probably of schizophrenic depression. He ha now a room of his own where he is living with an orderly who never leaves him.
The British doctors need 2 rubber tube Stethoscopes which can not be had in Germany. They would be thankful to get them from the British Red Cross.
VIII.) CLOTHING
The stock of uniforms and boots mentioned in the last report is exhausted. The Man of Confidence asked for 150 uniforms and 150 pairs of boots of all sizes, to enable him to equip each man with one good outfit. About 150 shirts would also be welcome.
Each man receives, as long as he is in the hospital, a hospital dress.
IX.) LAUNDRY
Adequate and well taken care of.
X.) MONEY AND PAY
Each patient gets 25 pfennigs a day.
Two civilian internees in this lazaret would like to get the RM.10- all other internees in Civilian Camps get. They are:
Mr. Ralph Powis - No.17488.
Dr. John Aserappa No. 382.
Their case will be taken care of by the Legation.
Dr. Aserappa, John is 29 years old; his father is from Ceylon and his mother is Belgian. He used to live in Brussels, Belgium. He is quite sick and would like to go to live in Brussels or in Switzerland. His case will be brought to the attention of the German High Command.
XI.) CANTEEN
No remarks.
XII.) RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY
A British Church of England priest is expected in the lazaret almost any day. The German High Command informed the German Stabsarzt that one was being sent. For the present the German priest from the village holds services whenever needed, especially at funerals. There was a funeral of a Yugoslav patient at the time of the visit. 12 German soldiers with a wreath from the German Wehrmacht accompanied the coffin to the cemetery and there shots are fired each time over the grave. All the comrades of the deceased assist. The coffin is covered with the flag of the country of the deceased soldier. The ceremony was quite impressive.
XIII.) RECREATION AND EXERCISE
The outdoor space is quite sufficient, while the indoor space for recreation is still as mentioned in the last report. An improvement can hardly be expected, due to the lack of space.
A few more books, card games, chess and dartboards would be welcome. This will be asked from the Y.M.C.A.
XIV.) MAIL
The mail service lately was quite good. The patients received on the 21st of April mail that was posted in London on April 8th. This seems to be a record.
The British physicians asked, that, if possible, some additional parcels could be sent for the patients in this lazaret.
XV.) WELFARE WORK
This lazaret has been visited by representatives of the Y.M.C.A. and the Red Cross.
XVI.) COMPLAINTS
There were no real complaints, however, a few minor questions have been discussed.
(1) The British Man of Confidence asked if it was necessary to have all Red Cross parcels opened in front of the German Camp authorities. They believe that this rule was of course justified as far as private parcels were concerned. As to the Red Cross parcels they are of the opinion that a "Stichprobe" every once in a while should be sufficient. The German Chief physician said he would think the matter over and perhaps make some exceptions for patients who could not leave their beds. No steps will be taken, considering that this is only a minor questions.
(2) The wish was expressed by the British physicians to ask the British Red Cross to send, if possible, some special parcels with food becoming to T.B. patients to this lazaret.
(3) There is in this lazaret a civil internee Allah Dan Khan; he married a French woman and used to live at L'etoile rue d.'Amiens near Amiens (France). His son is in the French army and at the present time prisoner in France. Allah Dan Khan is 60 years old and not seriously ill. He would like to be able to go back to Amiens. The Swiss Legation will take care of his case.
(4) As this is a T.B. lazaret the German Stabsarzt in charge of it refuses to let the patients smoke. The British physicians however, are of the opinion that there are quite a number of patients who could, without harm to their health, smoke. This question was left to the German Stabsarzt to decide.
XVII.) GENERAL IMPRESSION
The general impression of this lazaret is quite satisfactory. The cooperation between the German Stabsarzt and the newly arrived British physicians seems to be quite good.
It must be asked that the British physicians have on the top floor nicely arranged rooms, with a small mess room and a private kitchen. They appreciate this very much.
All matters subject to complaint in this report have been discussed with the local camp authorities. Defects which the local camp authorities refuse to correct to state they are unable to correct, have been taken up with the German High Command.
Rudolph Iselin.
Dr. H. Wehrle.
CONFIDENTIAL
RESERVE LAZARETT ELSTERHORST
(Wehrkreis IV - Dependent Stal. IV A)
Date of visit: April 23, 1942.
German Physician: Stabsarzt Pflugbeil
Oberarzt Dr. Schulze.
British Physician: Capt. Randhin Singh Seagal I.M.C.
Lieut. Sardar Ahmed I.M.C.
I.) GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This lazaret consists of 6 large wooden barracks which are well built. There is room for 500 patients.
The barracks are surrounded by pine-wood forests.
II.) CAPACITY AND PRESENT PERSONNEL
At the time of the visit 41 British patients, of which 13 Indians were in this Hospital. Also 2 Indian physicians.
The sanitators looking after the British patients are Poles.
III.) INTERIOR ARRANGEMENTS
The barracks are divided in small rooms, each room with 12 to 16 beds, each man has the typical hospital bed with 2 blankets and the usual bed linen.
IV.) BATHING AND WASHING FACILITIES
Good.
V.) TOILET FACILITIES
Good.
VI.) FOOD AND COOKING
Kitchen and food quite good, and with contents of Red Cross parcels, sufficient.
VII.) MEDICAL ATTENTION AND SICKNESS
This is a general hospital.
2 Barracks reserved for internal medical cases.
1 Barrack - for light surgical cases and reconvalescents.
1 " - for serious surgical cases and newly per operated patients with a transportable x-ray station,
1 " - for isolation,
1 Barrack for Russian patients entirely separated by wire fence.
The British patients are suffering partly from fractures, Hernia, furunculosis and appendicitis.
Medical cases: heart diseases, ischias, bronchitis, gastritis and pleuritis. All the mentioned cases are not considered to be serious.
There, however, are three cases which look rather serious and are of special interest. They are cases of Paraplegia of both legs who showed up suddenly. Two of the patients were captured in Crete and one in Lybia. The doctor supposes that it is a Haematomyelitis.
There were cases of typhus amongst the French prisoners some time ago, but never amongst the British. All doctors and sanitators are vaccinated. At the present no typhus cases in the camp. The medical equipment must be considered first class.
VIII.) CLOTHING
The clothing is not in a good condition.
20 complete outfits, 20 shirts, and 20 pairs of boots - 7, 8, 9 are badly needed.
IX.) LAUNDRY
No remarks.
X.) MONEY AND PAY
In order, each patient receiving 30 pfg. a day pocket-money.
XI.) CANTEEN
The usual small articles can be bought by the prisoners.
XII.) RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY
The Catholic patients can go to Mass every Sunday. This service is held by a French priest.
A visit by a Church of England priest would be welcomed by the patients.
XIII.) RECREATION AND EXERCISE
A large space is available for football and other open air games. The men would like to get a handball, ping-pong balls and rackets, also some games to be played on the beds, like chess and cards.
The Y.M.C.A. will be approached for this.
XIV.) MAIL
In this camp men only write 2 letters and 2 postcards monthly. The German Stabsarzt promised to have the men write 4 cards. However, representations will be made at the German High Command.
One man is without news from home for 15 months. His name:
Priv. Simaya, Joseph Albala, P.o.W. 83190
add.: Mrs. Simaya, rue Wolfson 44, Tel Aviv, Palestine.
XV.) WELFARE WORK
The lazaret has been visited by representatives of the International Red Cross.
XVI.) COMPLAINTS
None.
XVII.) GENERAL IMPRESSION
This lazaret is a good one. The relations between the German physician who is a very human thinking man, and the Indian physicians are quite friendly.
Rudolph Iselin
Dr. H. Wehrle.
0103/3191(P.W.2.a.) 10.6.42.
K.W.2/4 (Foreign Office Reference)
4.6.42.
(EN CLAIR)
POLITICAL DISTRIBUTION.
From: SWITZERLAND
FROM BERNE TO FOREIGN OFFICE
Mr. Norton
No.1941
2nd June, 1942.
D. 10.32 p.m. 2nd June, 1942
R. 1.30 p.m. 3rd June, 1942
Following is summary of report on Stalag 4 A visited by representatives of Swiss Legation Berlin on April 22nd.
There are only two British prisoners at Base Camp who deal with mail for the British work camps in this area. Dependent on Stalag are two reserve Lazarets and two work camps.
One hundred and six British prisoners are employed at Work Camp Brigitta No.264. They work in one eight hour shift in a brown coal mine. Three Sundays a month are free. No change in washing and toilet facilities and interior arrangement of camp. A good shower room is available every Sunday in factory building which is one hour's walk from camp. Men think it too far to go. Mine representative promised to install cold shower in men's quarters for the summer. Question of pay of seven men working in kitchen satisfactory settled. Infirmary now finished and seems satisfactory. British sanitators have no complaints about medicaments at their disposal. Clothing conditions better but eighty shirts and twenty-six pairs of boots size 7, 8 and 10 required. Small towels also badly needed. I am informing International Committee.
No facilities for men to do their own laundry.
Men get usual pay and heavy workers rations. No canteen but men can make purchases in village.
No religious activity but it was stated that a priest could read Mass for Catholic prisoners whenever asked.
Recreation room in new barrack should be available shortly and sport ground used as soon as football is sent to camp. Men also required tug-of-war rope, cards, dart-boards and books. I am informing International Committee.
Red Cross parcels arriving slowly recently and it was not possible to have one issued every week. I am informing International Committee.
General impression of camp not bad.
Two hundred and thirty-seven British prisoners employed as miners in Grube Erika No.508 work as described in the last report but promise has been made that from now on every second Sunday will be free. Living accommodation very satisfactory. Washing and toilet facilities satisfactory. Food and cooking good. New infirmary in use in charge of Australian medical student private Iwan Chapman. Medical dressing and medical parcels required. I am informing International Committee. Clothing condition very good each man having two uniforms and enough underwear.
One N.C.O. is working in camp. He lost all his papers and is therefore not recognised. Name Corporal M. Gibson. Prisoner of War No. 7611.
Prisoners are occasionally taken to cinema in town. Gramophone needles and records, footballs and books required. I am informing Red Cross. Food parcels sufficient. Apart from Sunday work this camp could be described as model camp in every respect.
Reserve Lazaret Koenigswartha contains 135 British patients and 13 sanitators. Among the patients are four officers. No change in interior arrangements bathing washing and toilet facilities since last report. Recently bath room several times out of order. German physician stated that some men receive additional rations.
This is still a Lazaret for tubercular patients. Treatment is good and expert and technical outfit is first class. Five British physicians and thirteen sanitators have now arrived. There are six serious cases who are not expected to live. They are Sardar Khan 196 Hassett Robert 92384 Babu Lal 4353 Kanshi Ram 305 Hogarty Daniel 16795 Osman Hassan 10659. British doctors need two rubber tube stethoscopes. I am informing International Committee.
The stock of uniforms and boots exhausted and man of confidence asked for 150 uniforms and 150 pairs of boots of all sizes and also 150 shirts. I am informing International Committee.
British Church of England clergyman is expected daily in Lazaret.
Books games etc., required. I am informing International Committee.
Mail service good. Patients received mail on April 21st posted in London on April 8th. Additional parcels required. I am informing International Committee.
German doctor in charge refuses to allow patients to smoke as it is tubercular Lazaret. British doctors however think that number of patients could smoke without harming their health.
General impression Lazaret satisfactory.
Reserve Lazaret Elsterhorst contains forty-one British patients of which thirteen are Indians and also two Indian doctors. Sanitators looking after British patients are Poles. Bathing washing toilet and cooking facilities good. There are cases of typhus amongst French prisoners but never amongst British. All doctors and sanitators are vaccinated. At present no typhus cases in camp. Medical equipment considered first class. Clothing in bad condition. Twenty complete outfits twenty shirts and twenty pairs of boots size 7, 8 and 9 badly needed. I am informing International Committee.
Visit by Church of England clergyman would be welcomed by patients.
Chess cards and pingpong rackets etc., required. I am informing International Committee.
Men only allowed to write two letters and two postcards monthly. German doctor promised to arrange for men to write four cards. Swiss are making representations to German High Command.
General impression good.
