BRITISH
STALAG IV C WISTRITZ near TEPLITZ-SCHOENAU
Commander: Oberst Lorenz
Assistant Commander: Major Jaeckel
Begleitoffizier: Hptm. Friese, Major Jaeckel.
British Chief Man of Confidence: Conductor Hilton R.A.
Man of Confidence for Cypriots: Sgt. Hadjionnon
There are only 7 to 8 British prisoners of war staying permanently at this Stalag. Conditions as stated by Conductor Hilton are satisfactory for them and they are engaged in the dispatch of the Red Cross parcels and other odd jobs.
Within the whole area of this Stalag are at present approximately
700 English and Dominion men and
1000 Cypriots
1545 British prisoners of war have just arrived from Italy and another 3000 to 4000 British are expected in the near future.
There has to be reported the death of prisoners of war No. 94372 PANAGHI Michael Regtl. No. CY/1504 A.M.P.C. The Cyprus Regiment.
Death occurred on September 17th 1943 at the Settenz Krankenhaus. Panaghi died of tuberculosis (lung and bowels) and is buried at the cemetery of Teplitz-Schoenau, Grave No. 238, Feld 23, R.8. Next of kin: Father, Panaghi Zintilis, Paleohori, Morphou, NICOSIA, Cyprus.
Date of visit: October 8th 1943.
RESERVE LAZARET BILIN
(Stalag IV C)
Date of visit: October 11th, 1943.
German Chief Physician: Oberstabsarzt Dr. PREISS.
Senior British Man of Confidence Lt. Col. BULL, N.Z.
I. GENERAL DESCRIPTION
No change.
II. CAPACITY AND PRESENT PERSONNEL
28 British prisoners of war.
III. INTERIOR ARRANGEMENTS
Very satisfactory. The operating theatre has been completed and the doctors have up to 10 operations a week.
IV. BATHING AND WASHING FACILITIES
Satisfactory. The washing facilities have been improved since the last visit of the Delegate of the Protecting Power.
V. TOILET FACILITIES
Very good.
VI. FOOD AND COOKING
Satisfactory
VII. MEDICAL ATTENTION AND SICKNESS
Excellent. There is a good contact and understanding between the British and the German doctors.
VIII. CLOTHING
In order.
IX. LAUNDRY
Adequate.
X. MONEY AND PAY
Correct.
XI. CANTEEN
Poorly stocked.
XII. RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY
There is no Minister of Religion in attendance at this Lazaret. Lt.Col. Bull prays with the men on Sundays.
XIII. RECREATION AND EXERCISE
Satisfactory.
XIV. MAIL
Fairly regular.
XV. WELFARE WORK
In order.
XVI. COMPLAINTS
No complaints.
ARBEITSKOMMANDO STADTKASERNE BRUEX
BRITISH (Cypriots)
Date of visit: 8th October 1943.
British Man of Confidence: Sgt. Kyriajkides N.Ch.
No change in the general state of this camp.
76 Cypriots are interned in this Kommando.
No change in the interior arrangements and bathing and washing facilities. Satisfactory.
The latrines are unsatisfactory. There are 3 seats but 2 are for some time under repair. The Lagerführer promised to speed up the repair work.
Food and cooking is said to be satisfactory.
Medical attention and dental treatment are in order. When passing through Brüx on his way back from the visit to the Komotau area the delegate of the Protecting Power overtook a party of about 60 men from this Kommando who were marching back to their quarters. He was very pleased to see these men marching in perfect order and discipline and making a fine appearance in their clean and well kept uniforms. The accompanying German officer spontaneously stated that they had better uniforms than the German guards. Laundry is done by the men themselves.
Pay is correct. The men are engaged un repairing uniforms and shoes for the prisoners of war of all nationalities at this Stalag. There is no canteen.
The religious activity is rather poor. No orthodox minister is available.
The men are allowed to play football on Sunday afternoon.
Mail is said to be regular.
Welfare work is stated to be poor. Only a few indoor games were provided by the Y.M.C.A.
Working hours are from 7.10 to 11.45 a.m. and from 13.10 to 17.45 p.m. Saturday afternoon and Sunday free.
KRANKENREVIER KOMOTAU
Date of visit: October 8th 1943.
Resident British doctors:
Captain May Mayrhofer, N.Z.M.C.
Captain Mikalides
This Kranenrevier is still closed down as hospital and it is only used as a station for sick parade and for dressings.
For the time being the two British doctors are the only British inhabitants in this place. They pay regular visits to surrounding Kommandos, attending British and foreign prisoners of war. They enjoy great liberties and consider general conditions as satisfactory.
ARBEITSKOMMANDO RUHLANDSHALLE - KOMOTAU
Date of visit: October 7th, 1943.
Man of Confidence and Chief Man of Confidence of all the Cypriots of this area: Sgt. Mohmed Hussein Kavaz.
ARBEITSKOMMANDO BAUHOF I No. 171 REICHSBAHN. KOMOTAU
British Man of Confidence: Pte. V.C. Stillwell.
These two Men of Confidence came to Krankenrevier Komotau to confer with the delegate of the Protecting Power and made the following statements:
I. GENERAL DESCRIPTION
No change.
II. CAPACITY AND PRESENT PERSONNEL
There are at
Ruhlandshalle 64 Cypriots and at
Bauhof I 40 British prisoners of war
III. INTERIOR ARRANGEMENTS
No change.
IV. BATHING AND WASHING FACILITIES
Satisfactory.
V. TOILET FACILITIES
Satisfactory.
VI. FOOD AND COOKING
Satisfactory.
VII. MEDICAL ATTENTION AND SICKNESS
In order.
VIII. CLOTHING
Satisfactory
IX. LAUNDRY
In order.
X. MONEY AND PAY
Correct. The men of Kommando Ruhlandschalle work at the Mannesmann Rohr - and Eisenwerke, Komotau manufacturing pipes and stoves.
The prisoners of war at Arbeits Kommando Bauhof I are engaged in loading and unloading trucks and waggons, laying out sleepers and rails. They work 10 hours a day. Sunday is free.
XI. CANTEEN
Very poor. Only some lemonade and beer are available.
XII. RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY
At Ruhlandschalle, an orthodox priest, Pte. Manolis, attends service every Sunday.
The men at Bauhof I have their prayer-books and are quite satisfied.
XIII. RECREATION AND EXERCISE
Very limited outdoor sports facilities.
XIV. MAIL
Mail from Britain is fairly regular, from Cyprus somewhat slow. Private parcels from Cyprus have been advised but have not arrived so far.
XV. WELFARE WORK
The men are taken to a cinema occasionally.
XVI. COMPLAINTS
The man of confidence Pte. Stillwell from Bauhof complained about their bad living quarters; these are situated between a smith's and a carpenter's workshop which is, of course, very noisy and inadequate. A new barrack was promised long ago but nothing has been done so far. The delegate of the Protecting Power made representations at Stalag and the Commander promised to look into the matter personally.
ZWEIGLAGER SCHOENBRUNN near WISTRITZ
Date of visit: October 11th, 1943.
The situation of this camp is about 10 minutes walk from Stalag Wistritz and was not used but closed when visited. It is a former restaurant with a concert hall and occasionally used as a transit camp.
ARBEITSKOMMANDO SCHAZ II. SCHAZ
Date of visit: October 11th, 1943.
British man of confidence: Lce. Cpl. Young, F.
Kommando-Führer: Feldwebel Thomas
I. GENERAL DESCRIPTION
No change. The camp is very unsatisfactorily housed in an old horse stable.
II. CAPACITY AND PRESENT PERSONNEL
84 Britons of whom 6 were, at the time of the visit, at the Res. Laz. Bilin.
III. INTERIOR ARRANGEMENTS
No change and no improvements since last visit.
IV. BATHING AND WASHING FACILITIES
So far these men had no bathing facilities at all; very primitive washing facilities, about 10 men share one bucket. The water has to be fetched from outside; it is only running from 6.30 to 8.30 a.m. and from 15.00 to 17.00 p.m. or only twice two hours a day, due to a shortage of water.
A new and good washroom is under construction and nearly finished; it is provided with hot water showers and 16 taps for washing. This means of course a great improvement.
V. LATRINES
Latrines are of the pit-type, three seats and one urinal. No toilet paper has ever been supplied and latrines overflow periodically.
VI. FOOD AND COOKING
Cooking is said to be unsatisfactory; it is done by 4 German women. There are experienced cooks amongst the prisoners, but so far they had not been allowed to do the cooking for their comrades.
VII. MEDICAL ATTENTION AND SICKNESS
Very unsatisfactory. There is a sick parade twice a week and the German Feldwebel decides whether a prisoner of war is fit for work or may undergo a medical examination at the Bilin Lazarett. Minor cases of sickness and wounds are looked after by a British medical orderly. Dental treatment is done at the Bilin Lazarett.
VIII. CLOTHING
Satisfactory.
IX. LAUNDRY
The laundry is done by the men themselves in their spare time.
X. MONEY AND PAY
Correct.
XI. CANTEEN
No canteen.
XII. RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY
No attendance so far.
XIII. RECREATION AND EXERCISE
No sport facilities, there is no space within the fence of the camp for physical exercises. Outside walks under guard are occasionally arranged on a free Sunday, but the men depend entirely upon the good will of the Kommando-Führer. In the course of collective penalties for individual offences against discipline or sets of insubordination the permission for such outside walks has in many cases been declined by the Kommando-Führer. Such a lack of common sense has caused bad feelings amongst the prisoners.
XIV. MAIL
No complaints.
XV. WELFARE WORK
There is no recreation room, some playing cards had been supplied by the Y.M.C.A.
The very unsatisfactory conditions at the Arbeits Kommando Schwaz II were subject to strong representations at the conference with the acting commander of Stalag IV C, Major Jaeckel and during an interview with Lt. Col. Krueger of the Wehrmachtkommando IV at Dresden. Both officers firmly disagreed with acts of collective penalties. All details were fully discussed and Major Jaeckel promised to have the camp enlarged thus enabling the prisoners to engage in physical exercises and obtaining the benefit of being out of doors.
ARBEITSKOMMANDO KOLUMBUS-SCHACHT, Niedergeorgenthal n/Bruex
STALAG IV C
BRITISH
Date of visit: October 11th, 1943.
British Man of Confidence: Cpl. BRUNTON, J.W.
I. GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This is an entirely new camp for prisoners of war and is situated about 5 km. north-west of Bruex on the road to Niedergeorgenthal. It has been opened only a fortnight ago for British prisoners of war coming from Italy and before that, was inhabited by civilian workers of various nationalities. The camp consists of 10 living barracks, one kitchen barrack, 2 barracks for recreations and 3 magazine barracks. The barracks are within a very large enclosure and there is ample space to move, play outdoor games and for other physical exercises.
II. CAPACITY AND PRESENT PERSONNEL
1,545 British prisoners of war are at present in this camp, namely:-
941 Englishmen
17 Canadians
576 South Africans
1 Cypriot
2 New Zealanders
3 Australians
3 U.S.A.
1 Dane
1 Persian
According to ranks there are:-
11 Sgts.
122 Cpls.
1,412 Other ranks
They have all come from Italy.
III. INTERIOR ARRANGEMENTS
The barracks are furnished with double-tier wooden bunks, chairs and tables. No cupboards. Electric light but rather small bulbs. In every barrack are 5 stoves for heating and cooking Red Cross food. The capacity of one barrack is about 120 men. No overcrowding. The two recreation barracks are actually used for living quarters but a party of about 350 men will move in the near future to another camp nearby and so the recreation barrack will be ready for their proper use.
IV. BATHING AND WASHING FACILITIES
Adequate. There is one bathhouse containing 80 showers. 140 taps with running cold water, 3 boilers and 1 delouser.
V. TOILET FACILITIES
Satisfactory. 4 latrine-huts with ample accommodations. Pit-type.
VI. FOOD AND COOKING
Cooking is done by the prisoners of war themselves under the supervision of a German chef. The food is said to be satisfactory and Cpl. Brunton states that it is in any way much better than in Italy. The men have a ration scale and are satisfied to get the full rations.
VII. MEDICAL ATTENTION AND SICKNESS
So far a French doctor visits the camp. The Delegate of the Protecting Power took the matter up at Stalag and at least one British resident doctor was promised. Dental treatment unsettled yet.
VIII. CLOTHING
The men are short of uniforms, coats, blouses, caps and shoes. Cond. Hilton, Chief Man of Confidence of Stalag IV C, endeavours to [?] the most urgent demands. It is reported that when the first batch of 350 men passed the transit camp at Stalag IV B Muehlberg, personal effects such as blankets, extra clothing, underwear and shoes had been taken off by Stalag authorities. Upon firm representations at the conference with the acting commander of Stalag IV C an enquiry into this matter was assured.
IX. LAUNDRY
The men do the washing themselves.
X. MONEY AND PAY
Correct. 70 Rpfg. a day.
XI. CANTEEN
No canteen. A list of articles to be bought at Stalag can be checked by the men.
XII. RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY
Unsettled.
XIII. RECREATION AND EXERCISE
There is plenty of space within the enclosure for outdoor exercises.
XIV. MAIL
Unsettled.
XV, WELFARE WORK
A welfare society has been organised by the prisoners of war but so far they could not do very much owing to the lack of room and appropriate means.
The men are engaged on works in the coal mines of Columbus-Schacht.
ARBEITSKOMMANDO No.346 A. Schicht Werk, Schreckenstein, n/Aussig.
ARBEITSKOMMANDO No.5 B. Tuchschmidt, Lackfabrik, Aussig.
BRITISH
Date of visit: October 12th, 1943.
Man of Confidence at 346 A.: Sgt. Loizides D.
Man of Confidence at 5 B.: Cpl. Pavlo P.
I. GENERAL DESCRIPTION
No change.
II. CAPACITY AND PRESENT PERSONNEL
At Camp 346 A. 73 Cypriots and
5 Englishmen
At Camp 5 B. 70 Cypriots and
2 Englishmen
III. INTERIOR ARRANGEMENTS
No change.
IV. BATHING AND WASHING FACILITIES
Adequate.
V. TOILET FACILITIES
In order.
VI. FOOD AND COOKING
At 346 A the cooking is done by the works kitchen. It is said to be good but insufficient. They have a little stove for cooking their Red Cross food which is very much appreciated.
At Camp 5 B the men do their own cooking. Satisfactory. A Red Cross food stove is provided and a second one promised.
VII. MEDICAL ATTENTION AND SICKNESS
At the Arbeitskommando 346 A the men go to a French doctor at Bogau. In emergency cases they are attended by the works doctor. Medical supply adequate. Dental treatment once a week by a German civilian dentist.
At Kommando 5 B is the same French doctor in attendance. There is a Medical Orderly in camp. The medical supply and dental treatment are adequate.
VIII. CLOTHING
Satisfactory
IX. LAUNDRY
At Camp No.346 A the laundry is done by the firm, but the prisoners of war wash their private underwear themselves.
At Kommando 5 B the firm provides the men with washpowder, they do their own washing.
X. MONEY AND PAY
Correct.
XI. CANTEEN
No canteen but the two Men of Confidence are allowed to go shopping in town.
XII. RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY
No facilities.
XIII. RECREATION AND EXERCISE
On both Kommandos the men are allowed to play football on Sunday afternoon. Boxing-gloves available.
XIV. MAIL
Fairly regular. Parcels from Cyprus arrive with delay.
XV. WELFARE WORK
The men can go to a cinema about once a month. They have some musical instruments. Satisfactory.
XVI. COMPLAINTS
No serious complaints.
The prisoners of war at Kommando 346 are engaged in the manufacture of soap and soda, on farming, gardening and transports. Working hours from 8 to 10 hours per day.
At work camp 5 B the men are manufacturing boot polish, paints, varnish and similar articles. 10 hours per day. They have their regular 24 hours rest.
ARBEITSKOMMANDO 162 A, 378 A, 362, 34 at Bodenbach-Tetschen.
Date of visit: October 12th, 1943.
Chief Man of Confidence of this area: Sgt. Battle F.
Man of Confidence at 162A: Sgt. Battle, F. with 95 Englishmen.
Man of Confidence at 378A: Sgt. Howard, A.R. with 53 Englishmen and 26 Cypriots.
Man of Confidence at 362: Cpl. Munns, S. with 26 Englishmen.
Man of Confidence at 34: Pte. Akatoku, N., with 62 Cypriots.
I. INTERIOR ARRANGEMENTS
Satisfactory.
II. BATHING AND WASHING FACILITIES
Good.
III. TOILET FACILITIES
162 A and 362 good.
34 unsatisfactory.
378A. The ground space is too small, so as the latrines are too close to the living quarters. The men complain of a bad small specially during the hot months.
IV. FOOD AND COOKING
Satisfactory. Red Cross food stoves are provided.
V. MEDICAL ATTENTION AND SICKNESS
At camp 378A there is no doctor available in emergency cases and no interpreter when reporting sick.
The four Men of Confidence complain not receiving proper treatment by the German doctors mainly due to lack of understanding. The Delegate of the Protecting Power proposed to the Commander of the Stalag IV C to direct a resident British doctor in this area, which was promised.
VI. CLOTHING AND LAUNDRY
Good.
VII. MONEY AND PAY
Correct.
VIII. CANTEEN
Poor.
IX. RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY
No religious attendance.
X. RECREATION AND EXERCISE
Kommando 162 A has some facilities but not for football.
Kommando 378 A has no facilities for outdoor games, not even walks are organised.
Kommando 362. Good.
Kommando 34. Sports have been forbidden for about 1 1/2 month according to the order from O.K.W.
XI. MAIL
Irregular.
XII. WELFARE WORK
In order.
XIII. COMPLAINTS
162 A has no complaints. The men work at the Reichsbahn repairing shops 9 to 10 hours a day.
362. No complaints. These prisoners of war are working in a leather factory and the Man of Confidence was very pleased to state the good understanding with his firm and the excellent conditions in his camp.
378 A and 34 complained about the long working hours. They work up to 56 hours a week but as these are the same hours as civilian workers do, not much can be done to alter it. The two Kommandos work for the Reichsbahn on various jobs.
0103/4603(P.W.2.a) 22.11.1943.
K.W.2/4 (Foreign Office Reference) 17.11.1943.
(EN CLAIR)
DEPARTMENTAL NO.1.
FROM BERNE TO FOREIGN OFFICE.
Mr. Norton.
No.5377
11th November, 1943.
D. 8.31 p.m. 11th November, 1943.
R. 5.35 a.m. 13th November, 1943.
My despatch No.1370 and your despatch No.3509.
Following points mentioned in report on Stalag IV C Wistritz and certain dependent work camps visited 8th-11th October: whole Stalag area contains 700 British and Dominion prisoners, 1,000 Cypriots, 1,545 British have just arrived from Italy (see my telegram No.5365). Three thousand to four thousand expected in near future. No CY/1504 Panaghi Michael P.O.W. No.94372 died from natural causes 17th September.
Kommando Breux toilet facilities unsatisfactory. Kommando Bauhof I No.171 Reichsbahn Komotau man of confidence complained about bad living quarters situated between blacksmith's and carpenter's workshops. Nothing done to erect promised new barracks.
Kommando Schaz II very unsatisfactory accommodation in old stable, no bathing facilities, washing facilities primitive ten men sharing one bucket, water supply inadequate, new wash room is under construction, toilet facilities bad. Cooking by German women unsatisfactory, medical attention very unsatisfactory, and German Feldwebel decides whether prisoners are fit for work or may have medical examination. No facilities for sports outside walks occasionally arranged on free Sundays but this depends on good will of Kommandofuehrer who in many cases has forbidden walks as collective punishment. Conditions here were subject of strong representations to German authorities.
