CONFIDENTIAL
No. 123.
STALAG IV A Hohenstein
Date of visit: April 5th, 1943.
Camp Commander: Oberst Kratz,
Accompanying Officer: Hpt. Schaefer
Chief Man of Confidence: Sgt. W. Adams, Q.M.
Except for the Man of Confidence and a few prisoners of war doing administrative work there are no British prisoners of war at Hohenstein. A visit was paid to the Camp Commander after visiting the different Arbeitskommandos and the Lazarets depending on Stalag IV A; all the various queries from the working parties were discussed, but the following general question was expressively dealt with a great length.
The Camp Commander's attention was drawn to the importance which the Swiss Legation is attaching to the working clothes question in general and it was emphasized that the British Government cannot be expected to supply further working clothes for British prisoners of war working for Germany. Although the Swiss Legation representative appreciates the difficulties confronting the various firms in securing the necessary material, the Commander was firmly requested to do all in his power in finding a satisfactory solution.
He then explained to the representative of the Swiss Legation that the tailoring of trousers out of old German greatcoats has been ordered by the German High Command but as this is of recent date, no results can be expected for some time. The Commander then ordered the establishment of the number of prisoners of war requiring such working trousers.
As this question is an important one it will be discussed with the German High Command.
WORK CAMP GRUBE HEYE III
Date of visit: April 5th, 1943.
Man of Confidence: Sgt. Voller, pow. no. 95730.
I.) GENERAL DESCRIPTION
No change since last visit of January 18th, 1943.
II.) CAPACITY AND PRESENT PERSONNEL
55 British prisoners of war of whom 7 are in Revier Schwarzkollm.
Working conditions: 8 hours daily, every third Sunday free.
III.) INTERIOR ARRANGEMENTS
The light is still poor and it was arranged with the accompanying officer that at least there should be good light over the tables where the prisoners of war are writing and reading. There was a complaint that the ceiling of one of the barracks is leaking but the necessary steps have already been taken to have the roof repaired.
IV.) BATHING AND WASHING FACILITIES
No change.
V.) TOILET FACILITIES
No change.
VI.) FOOD AND COOKING
No complaint.
VII.) MEDICAL ATTENTION AND SICKNESS
The camp is visited twice a week by the civilian doctor of the firm for which the prisoners of war work who is a Bulgarian; the Man of Confidence complained about the inability and lack of authority of this doctor; the matter was discussed with the Commander of Stalag IV A who was requested to consider reorganisation of the medical attention at this camp. The suggestion was made by the Legation representative to have the Commandos of this area regularly visited by one of the British medical officers at Res.Laz. Elsterhorst. The accompanying officer promised to arrange for the Stabsarzt of Stalag IV A to look into the matter.
VIII.) CLOTHING
Except for a few men the prisoners of war have two uniforms each; the working uniform is generally in a bad condition as no working overalls are provided.
IX.) LAUNDRY
Nothing to report.
X.) MONEY AND PAY
Nothing to report.
XI.) CANTEEN
No change.
XII.) RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY
No change.
XIII.) RECREATION AND EXERCISE
Satisfactory; gramophone records are wanted and this wish will be communicated to the YMCA.
XIV.) MAIL
Nothing to report.
XV.) WELFARE WORK
Nothing to report.
XVI.) COMPLAINTS
The following complaints were made.
1.) It was said that the German Kommandoführer has threatened to punish all the prisoners of war by forbidding them to play football on account of one man's misbehaviour. The control-office immediately explained to the Kommandoführer that this would be collective punishment which is forbidden by the Geneva Convention. He gave strict order that no such thing would happen again.
2.) Up to now the sanitator was not allowed to go out for walks outside the camp. It was arranged that he should be allowed to do so.
3.) The Man of Confidence was told to make an application for a) Joseph Duncan, pow.no. 308, and b) Cpl. D. McDonald, pow.no. 95812 who, according to the Pay Master's roll are corporals, to be transferred to a non-working camp.
XVII.) GENERAL IMPRESSION
This camp does not make a bad impression and the inspector thinks that conditions in it could further be improved by the Man of Confidence showing a little more initiative.
WORK CAMP GRUBE OSTFELD
Date of visit: April 5th, 1943.
British Man of Confidence: Cpl. Noel Vasey, No. 95798.
I.) GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This camp has been described in previous reports; no change since last visit of January 20th, 1943. The working conditions are as follows: the prisoners of war have to work 9 hours daily; the men who extract brown coal in open mines are free one Sunday out of four, except for about 10 of them who are doing forest work and who are free every second Sunday. The minimum pay is 70 Pfg. daily.
II.) CAPACITY AND PRESENT PERSONNEL
98 British prisoners of war, including 6 in lazaret or revier.
III.) INTERIOR ARRANGEMENTS
No change,
The prisoners of war are still using blankets which were supposed to have been replaced by clean ones (see last report). The matter was discussed with the accompanying German officer who ordered the Kommandoführer to have them washed, as the firm is not in a position to furnish new ones.
IV.) BATHING AND WASHING FACILITIES
No change.
V.) TOILET FACILITIES
No change.
VI.) FOOD AND COOKING
No complaint about the food; there is a 7 weeks supply of British Red Cross parcels.
VII.) MEDICAL ATTENTION AND SICKNESS
No change.
Dental treatment is done by a German civilian dentist; each man is entitled to one filling per month; for dentures the prisoners are sent to Stalag IV A.
VIII.) CLOTHING
The Man of Confidence stated that the military gaiters sent by the British Government have not yet arrived.
IX.) LAUNDRY
Nothing to report.
X.) MONEY AND PAY
Nothing to report.
XI.) CANTEEN
Nothing to report.
XII.) RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY
Nothing to report.
XIII.) RECREATION AND EXERCISE
The Man of Confidence asked for new gramophone records and his wish will be communicated to the YMCA.
XIV.) MAIL
The mail was said to be rather irregular, although letters take about three weeks only from England.
XV.) WELFARE WORK
Nothing to report.
XVI.) COMPLAINTS
The question of overalls is still acute; no working-kit has yet been issued to the men working in the mines, only a few civilian clothes have been given out to those doing particularly dirty work.
This is a general complaint and will be taken up with the German High Command for all the working parties in this area.
XVII.) GENERAL IMPRESSION
Fairly good camp.
WORK CAMP GRUBE ERIKA
Date of visit: April 5th, 1943.
British Man of Confidence: Sgt. E. Miller.
I.) GENERAL DESCRIPTION
No change since last visit of January 18th, 1943. Working conditions are still the same; actual work 8 1/2 hours daily; travel to and from the working places takes 2 hours altogether; every third Sunday is free.
II.) CAPACITY AND PRESENT PERSONNEL
186 British prisoners of war.
III.) INTERIOR ARRANGEMENTS
No change; the recreation room is not yet completed.
IV.) BATHING AND WASHING FACILITIES
No change.
V.) TOILET FACILITIES
No change.
VI.) FOOD AND COOKING
The food is cooked by civilians for the prisoners of different nationalities as well as for the German civilian workers; there was no complaint about the rations but about the way in which the food is cooked; the prisoners wish for the soup to be thicker. The matter was discussed with the German supervisor of the kitchen who agreed to comply with this wish. Will be checked on next visit.
Red Cross parcels are in stock for about 5 weeks.
VII.) MEDICAL ATTENTION AND SICKNESS
No change; the sanitator complained about the difficulty in procuring a thermometer. Out of the three these possessed, two are broken and the third one is not working. As Stalag IV A seems unable to supply thermometers, this question will be put to the German High Command.
There is now a dental station at Res.Laz. Elsterhorst, where the prisoners of war are sent twice a week for treatment (extractions and fillings), but there is no possibility of obtaining dentures or having them repaired.
VIII.) CLOTHING
Every prisoner of war has two uniforms, but as no working overalls are provided, the working uniform and especially the trousers are now in bad condition. The question of boots is also acute, as the continuous work on sandy ground ruins the soles in about 6 months time completely.
IX.) LAUNDRY
Nothing to report.
X.) MONEY AND PAY
Nothing to report.
XI.) CANTEEN
The canteen is provided by the Chief Man of Confidence of Stalag IV A, who is able to do his shopping in Dresden.
XII.) RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY
No change.
XIII.) RECREATION AND EXERCISE
No change.
XIV.) MAIL
Nothing to report.
XV.) WELFARE WORK
Nothing to report.
XVI.) COMPLAINTS
There was a complaint that two medical orderlies, Pte. David Lindsay, R.A.M.C. identif.no. 18465, and Pte. Hammond, R.C.W. identif.no. 95547 have still to work in the mines; their case was brought to the knowledge of the Commander of Stalag IV A who promised to look into the matter. This matter will also be put to the German High Command.
XVII.) GENERAL IMPRESSION
Except for the rather long working hours and the complaint about the food this camp seems to be a fairly good one.
WORK CAMP GRUBE BRIGITTA
Date of visit: April 5th, 1943.
British Man of Confidence: Cpl. F.R. Eustace, pow.no.95613.
I.) GENERAL DESCRIPTION
No change. Working conditions are now satisfactory except that the prisoners have to work on alternate Sundays.
II.) CAPACITY AND PRESENT PERSONNEL
101 British prisoners of war.
III.) INTERIOR ARRANGEMENTS
No change, satisfactory.
IV.) BATHING AND WASHING FACILITIES
Adequate.
V.) TOILET FACILITIES
Adequate.
VI.) FOOD AND COOKING
Satisfactory. One month's Red Cross parcels supply. Facilities for private cooking are poor but the installation of one more stove is contemplated.
VII.) MEDICAL ATTENTION AND SICKNESS
No change, satisfactory.
VIII.) CLOTHING
Every prisoner of war has two uniforms; as no working kits are issued the working uniform and especially the trousers are rather worn out.
IX.) LAUNDRY
Nothing to report.
X.) MONEY AND PAY
Nothing to report.
XI.) CANTEEN
Satisfactory. Full facilities are provided for purchasing beer and other items.
XII.) RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY
No change.
XIII.) RECREATION AND EXERCISE
Excellent. Facilities for studying and quiet reading are limited, but an application for a study room has been made and is receiving attention. The organizing of cinema-shows for the prisoners of war was discussed with the German accompanying officer, with the employer and with the Commander of the Stalag IV A and a satisfactory solution seems likely.
XIV.) MAIL
Nothing to report.
XV.) WELFARE WORK
Nothing to report.
XVI.) COMPLAINTS
The complaint in the last report about the men having to work under unhealthy conditions no longer exists as the men have been taken off that work. Here no fresh complaints.
XVII.) GENERAL IMPRESSION
This is a good camp. Both the German Kommandoführer as well as the British Man of Confidence are collaborating with the result that the spirit among the men is excellent.
Gabriel Naville
CONFIDENTIAL
No. 122.
RESERVELAZARET ELSTERHORST
STALAG IV A
Date of visit: April 5th, 1943.
German Physician: Oberarzt und Chefarzt Dr. Kirchner
Senior British Medical Officer: Col. Le Souef.
I.) GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This Lazaret has been described in previous reports and there is no change in its general lay-out. All British prisoners of war in Germany suffering from tb. are now centralized in this Lazaret; on March 1st the entire staff and all the patients from Königswartha were transferred to Elsterhorst. On the other hand, the British medical staff formerly at this Lazaret has been transferred to Königswartha.
II.) CAPACITY AND PRESENT PERSONNEL
The British medical staff is composed of 9 British medical officers and 53 British sanitators. Besides there is some French and Serbian medical personnel.
The capacity of the Lazaret is now 400 beds.
At the time of the visit there were, besides patients of other nationalities, 252 British patients, including one American civil internee and 18 Indian prisoners of war.
III.) INTERIOR ARRANGEMENTS
No change.
There was no complaint about the heating of the wards. Every man has 3 blankets.
IV.) WASHING AND BATHING FACILITIES
Adequate.
V.) TOILET FACILITIES
Satisfactory.
VI.) FOOD AND COOKING
There was no complaint about the food which was said to be about the same as in camps. The Senior British Medical Officer complained about the lack of white bread for the patients; the answer of the Chefarzt was that the patients received the same extra diet as TB. cases in the German army who, it would seem, receive no white bread at all; every patient receives daily 1/4 lt. skimmed milk and 1 1/4 lt. full milk.
The Senior British Medical Officer asked for a range in the main kitchen for the cooking of special diet food. The Chefarzt explained the difficulties in providing such a range and suggested that the cooking of special diet food should be done in every barrack on the stove provided for the private cooking. The Senior British Medical Officer agreed to give this proposition a trial and the matter will be discussed again in due course.
There is a good stock of food- and medical Red Cross parcels.
VII.) MEDICAL ATTENTION AND SICKNESS
Col. Le Souef declared that the general organisation as well as the medical attention in the Lazaret were satisfactory; the supply of drugs is adequate. He emphasized that compared with Königswartha this Lazaret was a great improvement. The air is dry and suitable for tb. patients, the only draw back being that the grounds are rather sandy and when the wind blows the air is liable to be dusty. At present there are not enough shady places in the open but the construction of a shaded veranda is planned.
VIII.) CLOTHING
The patients' clothing provided by the German authorities is generally in a bad condition; some more has been ordered but the authorities of the Lazaret could give no exact information as to their arrival. There is a supply of pyjamas by the Red Cross, but the Senior British Medical Officer complained that they were entirely under the control of the German Lazaret authorities; the Chefarzt explained that this is in accordance with an order by the German High Command. This matter will therefore be discussed with that authority.
IX.) LAUNDRY
Nothing to report.
X.) MONEY AND PAY
Nothing to report.
XI.) CANTEEN
The question was raised by the Senior British Medical Officer whether light beer could be provided for the sanitators and the Chefarzt promised to consider the matter.
XII.) RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY
There is a Chaplain of the Church of England in the Lazaret, Capt. Frazer, who also visits the British Kommandos and Lazarets depending on Stalag IV A; he is given every facility by the German authorities.
XIII.) RECREATION AND EXERCISE
The organisation and recreation and exercise is satisfactory.
XIV.) MAIL
Nothing to report.
XV.) WELFARE WORK
Nothing to report.
XVI.) COMPLAINTS
No serious complaint was put forward, but the Senior British Medical Officer raised the following points:
1) He asks for a tailor, a cobbler and a barber.
2) He wishes to know whether the Detaining Power has the right to send prisoners of war to a working camp who previously had been selected for repatriation and who have recovered to a certain extent. The Swiss Legation acting as Protecting Power will therefore ascertain the opinion of the German High Command on this point and would appreciate likewise the view of the British Government.
XVII.) GENERAL IMPRESSION
The general impression is a good one and the new Chefarzt who is a specialist seems willing to collaborate with the British doctors for the benefit of the prisoners of war.
Gabriel Naville.
CONFIDENTIAL
No. 121
Date of visit: April 6th, 1943.
RESERVELAZARET KÖNIGSWARTHA
STALAG IV A
German Chief Physician: Oberarzt und Chefarzt Dr. Schulze.
British Physician: Captain Randin Singh Seagal, I.M.C.
5 British Sanitators and Orderlies.
This lazaret has been closed on March the 1st and the medical personnel as well as the patients have been transferred to Res.-Laz. Elsterhorst, which is now being exclusively used for treating T.B. cases.
This Res.-Laz. will be reopened on May 1st 1943 as a general hospital for prisoners of war. It is now being disinfected, repaired and enlarged; 7 new barracks have been built and the Lazaret, when completed, will accommodate 450 patients. The Chief Man of Confidence of Stalag IV A, who accompanied the inspector, controlled the stock of Red Cross parcels and decided that a four weeks supply should remain at Königswartha and the rest be sent to Elsterhorst.
The medical officers were interviewed, but had nothing special to report, as the lazaret is at the moment closed. It will therefore be visited on the next occasion.
Gabriel Naville
CONFIDENTIAL
No. 124.
Reserve-Lazaret GNASCHWITZ
Date of visit: April 6th, 1943.
German Chief Physician: Oberstabsarzt Dr. Krusche.
The Chefarzt has appointed a Belgian sanitator and interpreter as permanent representative of the British patients. His name is Thirifays, but besides him a British patient, Cpl. Murphy, acts also as Man of Confidence. The latter has the entire control of Red Cross parcels.
This is a lazaret for purely medical cases, comprising one main stone building (with day-rooms, kitchens and the offices) and three barracks with the wards. All the personal is French and Belgian.
On the day of visit there were 14 British patients and 12 Indian patients (6 repatriables), the others being French, Belgian and Serbian prisoners of war.
Except for the Indians who are all together in one room, the patients are not separated according to their nationality but type of illness.
The lazaret is not really meant for British prisoners and they are only occasionally sent here. As a matter of fact, after the first of May the British prisoners of war will be transferred either to Res.Laz. Königswartha or to Res.Laz. Schmorkau; the Indian patients probably being sent to the latter already next week.
As therefore in future no further British prisoners of war will be sent to this lazaret, it will not be described at great length.
There was no complaint about the medical attention and the lazaret in general makes a good impression.
The only complaint was put forward by the Indians who state that they have no place of their own to prepare their special Indian food. The matter was discussed thoroughly with the Chefarzt, who is ready to put a stove at their disposal under condition that the other prisoners don't interfere with their cooking.
There is a four weeks supply of Red Cross parcels.
Gabriel Naville
