CONFIDENTIAL

STALAG IV. F. HARTMANNSDORF

No. 641

Date of visit: 19 to 23rd of Nov. 1944.

COMPLEMENT of the STALAG:

Number of Working-Detachments of this Stalag : 95

Number of Supply Depots for Red Cross Food : 7

In the Stalag itself there are only 27 Pow., forming the staff. These Prisoners of War are well accommodated, interior arrangements are good, the British Chief Man of Confidence had no complaints so far as the staff is concerned.

RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY. The two chaplains:

                Rev. R.H. Hill, chaplain to the army force, 4th class, Pow. No. 1225, and

                Capt. J.W. Hill, salvation army, Pow. No. 261052

gave the following statement upon their activity: In the period from January - November 1944 they paid 93 visits to 60 different working-parties to conduct services. They visited also ten times the Hohenstein Lazaret and conducted in all 10 funerals.

In the final discussion with the Stalag authorities the following complaints and requests were brought up for discussion:

1. British Chief Man of Confidence: As the British Chief Man of Confidence has visited only 25 working-parties since January, the Delegate arranged with the Stalag commandant that in the future more facilities will be given to the British Chief Man of Confidence for visiting the different areas, especially all new camps, including the U.S.A. camps.

2. Chaplains: Till now the Chaplains were allowed to travel in 3rd. class only. This error will be changed and from now they will receive tickets for 2nd class. Due to the lack of guards, it happens sometimes that only one of them could leave the Stalag on Sundays. A promise was given by the Germans that in future both chaplains will be allowed to go out on week-ends.

STALAG IV. F. HARTMANNSDORF

3. WORKING - PARTY No. C. 112, BORSENNANGER.

        At this detachment the following articles were taken away by the German Lagerführer from personal parcels: shoe-polish, tooth-paste, hair-pomade, parfumes. The Delegate expressed his astonishment about such proceedings and asked for explanations. Stalag commandant answered, that these articles have to be examined - as a security measure - and that they will be given back to the owner after examination.

4. WORKING - PARTY No. W. 123, BOGENSTEIN, Willkau - Hasslau.

        This working-party has been searched by a German captain without that a Prisoner of War was present. The Delegate made strong objections against such proceedings. Stalag commandant disapproved of this action and promised that it will not happen any more.

5. WORKING - PARTY No. G. 108, GLAUCHAU.

        The director of the factory for which the Prisoners of War are working seems to be a man who is doing nothing for the general welfare of his workers, (there are in the camp: broken windows, leaking roofs, broken water-supplies, etc.) Promises were given to the Delegate that this employer will again be reminded of his duties.

6. Some minor points, such as:

                a. election of two district Men of Confidence

                b. publication of a camp journal

                c. application for one more British Medical Officer for this Stalag.

        were also brought up for discussion and settled on the spot.

WORKING DETACHMENTS depending on STALAG IV. F. HARTMANNSDORF.

WORKING DETACHMENT No. C 58, CROSSEN-MULDE

Man of Confidence: Cpl. W.R. CUMMUNS, Pow. No. 228877

Date of visit: 20th of Nov. 1944.

I. GENERAL DESCRIPTION: camp is lodged in a big compound in a stone building, there are no military targets in the neighbourhood. Air raid shelters are under construction.

II. CAPACITY AND PRESENT PERSONNEL: total strength 241 British Prisoners of War, of whom 5 Non-Commissioned Officers.

III. INTERIOR ARRANGEMENTS: 3 sleeping and 2 dining rooms, every Prisoner of War has two blankets. There is a nice workshop for cobbler, tailor and shoemaker. One locker for two men, enough tables and chairs. Heating and light also in order.

IV. WASHING AND BATHING FACILITIES: in good order.

V. TOILET FACILITIES: adequate, 11 seats.

VI. FOOD AND COOKING: the Prisoners of War have their own cook, they have a very nice kitchen. Food is in order.

VII. MEDICAL ATTENTION, DENTAL TREATMENT, SUPPLY OF DRUGS all in order.

VIII. CLOTHING  )

IX. LAUNDRY      ) satisfactory

X. MONEY AND PAY: correct.

XI. CANTEEN: There is no canteen.

XII. RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY: in order.

XIII. MAIL: incoming mail very slow, outgoing in order.

XIV. RECREATION AND EXERCISE: there are a small theatre, some indoor games and a library in the camp. The Prisoners of War play football.

XV. WELFARE ACTIVITY: nothing to report.

        Nature of work: paper-factory, 3 shifts of about 11 hours, every Sunday is free.

XVI. COMPLAINTS: none.

XVII. FINAL CONCLUSION: a very satisfactory camp.

WORKING DETACHMENT No. Z. 128 MARIENTHAL, Walde Strasse 9.

Man of Confidence: Pte. H.A. BROOKS, Pow. No. 11116.

(Interview at Crossen, 20th of November 1944)

Strength of the camp: 20 British Prisoners of War.

Nature of work: tramway-factory, 10 hours daily, Sunday generally free.

Complaints: the only request put forward concerns the lack of some working gloves. The Germans promised to provide the Prisoners of War with some pairs.

WORKING DETACHMENT No. W. 123, BOGENSTEIN, Willkau-Hasslau.

Man of Confidence: Pte. A.F. HOSSACK, Pow. No. 262638.

(Interview at Crossen, 20th of November 1944)

Strength of the camp: 9 British Prisoners of War.

Nature of work: digging air raid shelters, 55 hours weekly Sundays are free.

Complaints: the only complaint concerned the search of the camp by a German captain. (Please see under title 4, special report concerning the Stalag IV. F., Hartmannsdorf).

WORKING DETACHMENT No. Z. 15, SUEDKAMPFBAHN, I. Zwickau.

Man of Confidence: Bdr. John Allan THOMAS, Pow. No.11223.

(Interview at Crossen, 20th of November 1944)

Strength of the camp:   3 N.C.O.

                                 93 Privates

                                   1 Medical orderly

           total strength   97 British Prisoners of War.

Nature of work: odd jobs, air raid shelters, etc. 9 hours daily, every Sunday is free.

Complaints: none.

WORKING DETACHMENT No. C. 101, Crossen II.

Man of Confidence: Pte. H.D. SCOTT, Pow. No. 11845

(Interview at Crossen, 20th of November 1944)

Strength of the camp: 239 British Prisoners of War.

Nature of work: paper-factory, 3 shifts of 10 hours daily, no Sunday-work.

Complaints: 1. During air-alarms the German civilians leave the factory, while the Prisoners of War have to go to shelters in the factory. The Delegate arranged, that in the future the Prisoner of War will have the same rights as the civilians.

                   2. The Prisoners of War requested if the concert-room in the factory could not be used by them. The Germans promised, that this room will be given free for the Prisoners of War.

                   No further complaints.

WORKING DETACHMENT No. Z. 118 BUERGERSCHACHT I.

Man of Confidence: Sgm. D.H. FOULKES, Pow. No. 262388.

(Interview at Crossen, 20th of November 44)

Strength of the camp: 114 British Pow., 1 Medical orderly.

Nature of work: surface work in a coal mine. 10 hours daily, every third Sunday is free.

Complaints: 1. These Prisoners of War have only one blanket. The Germans promised to have a second one issued as soon as possible.

                   2. On the day of the visit the following three Prisoners of War were in the camp as sick:

                            SIMCOX, Pow. No. 261757 (swollen knee)

                            BAXTER,      "          261820 (general state of health)

                            MAILEY,      "           261836 (bad; losing weight)

                    The German doctor assured the Delegate of his full attention to these cases and to transfer these Prisoners of War to a lazaret, if necessary.

                    No further complaints.

WORKING DETACHMENT No. G. 168 GLAUCHAU.

Date of visit: 20th of Nov. 1944

Man of Confidence: Pte. S.C. ROBINSON, Pow. No. 10987.

I. GENERAL DESCRIPTION: camp is lodged in a wooden barrack, no military target in the neighbourhood, good air raid shelters.

II. CAPACITY AND PRESENT PERSONNEL:

        34 Cypriots

        26 British

          2 American   total strength: 62 Pow.

III. INTERIOR ARRANGEMENTS: 4 sleeping rooms, a separate dining-room, a separate room for the medical orderly and the cook, every Prisoner of War has two blankets. Insufficient tables and chairs, in one sleeping room no stove. Broken windows, roofs are leaking, water-pipe also broken.

IV. WASHING AND BATHING FACILITIES: one hot shower available weekly in the factory, in the camp conditions are adequate.

V. TOILET FACILITIES: in order, but rather primitive.

VI. FOOD AND COOKING: in order.

VII. MEDICAL ATTENTION, DENTAL TREATMENT, SUPPLY OF DRUGS: in order, one a week sick-parade.

VIII. CLOTHING           )

IX. LAUNDRY               ) satisfactory.

X. MONEY AND PAY  )

XI. CANTEEN: there is no canteen, only beer available occasionally.

XII. RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY: none until now.

XIII. RECREATION AND EXERCISE: there is a small library in the camp, also a gramophone. The Prisoner of War can play football.

XIV. MAIL: mail from Cyprus is very slow, for 6 weeks no incoming mail.

XV. WELFARE ACTIVITY: nothing to report.

XVI. COMPLAINTS: 1. Interior arrangements. This point was discussed with the Stalag authorities, who promised to provide the Prisoners of War with more tables and chairs and that the necessary repairs will be carried out. The supply of a stove was also promised.

        2. The Prisoner of War TRUSH, Pow. No. 259143, needs a new set of teeth. The German doctor will take care of this case personally.

        3. There was no light work foreseen for the Cypriot Prisoners of War for the cold winter time. Arrangements will be made that these Prisoners of War will be employed on light work inside the factory.

Nature of work: artificial wood-factory, 60 hours weekly, Sunday generally free.

WORKING DETACHMENT No. 919 A. URSPRUNG.

Man of Confidence: Pte. R. AUSTIN, Pow. No. 5365.

(Interview at Glauchau, 20th of November 44)

Strength of the camp: 40 British Pow.

Nature of work: laying gas-pipes, 8 hours daily, every Sunday is free.

Complaints: Washing facilities are rather poor, the Prisoners of War must wash themselves in the sleeping room. The German promised to do their best for an improvement.

        The Prisoners of War asked for some supply of clogs. Some pairs will be sent.

WORKING DETACHMENT No. 104. KOHLENSCHACHT LUGAU.

Man of Confidence: Cpl. J. SHAW, Pow. No. 258376.

(Interview at Glauchau, 20th of November 44)

Strength of the camp: 191 British Pow.

Nature of work: coal-mining, surface work 8-9 hours daily, every second Sunday is free.

Complaints: none.

        The Prisoners of War of this camp are quite satisfied.

WORKING DETACHMENT No. L. 106, LOESSHITZ.

Date of visit: 21st of Nov. 1944.

Man of Confidence: L/Cpl. H. HOBGEN, Pow. No. 266440.

I. GENERAL IMPRESSION: Camp is lodged in a stone building, on two floors, near a small village. There are no military targets in the neighbourhood. No air raid shelters, but good shelters in the factory.

II. CAPACITY AND PRESENT PERSONNEL: total strength: 58 British Pow.

III. INTERIOR ARRANGEMENTS: 2 sleeping rooms, a separate dining room, every Prisoner of War has two blankets, lighting and heating in order. Not enough tables and chairs.

IV. WASHING AND BATHING FACILITIES: in order, hot showers available at any time in the factory.

V. TOILET FACILITIES: in order, but primitive.

VI. FOOD AND COOKING: in order, the Prisoners of War have their own cook. Drinking cups and buckets are needed.

VII. MEDICAL ATTENTION, DENTAL TREATMENT, SUPPLY OF DRUGS: one sick-parade weekly, the Prisoner of War go to a French doctor. There are some difficulties due to the lack of understanding.

VIII. CLOTHING: in order for the old Prisoners of War. The New-comers need boots and uniforms, also underwear. (The British Chief Man of Confidence at Stalag has been informed by the Delegate of these deficiencies.)

IX. LAUNDRY: done by the Prisoners of War themselves. Soap issue is said to be insufficient.

X. MONEY AND PAY: correct.

XI. CANTEEN: no canteen, only beer occasionally.

XII. RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY: none until now.

XIII. RECREATION AND EXERCISE: there are a small library and some indoors games in the camp, no possibilities for outdoor sports.

XIV. MAIL: in order.

XV. WELFARE ACTIVITY: none until now.

        Nature of work: cotton-factory, 11 hours daily, Sunday generally free.

XVI. COMPLAINTS: 1. Laundry: The German assured the Delegate, that the Prisoners of War get their full ration of soap. Nevertheless they promised an additional issue, if possible.

        2. Food: The needed drinking cups and the buckets will be furnished as soon as possible.

        3. Clothing: As this position for the ten new Prisoners of War is very bad, the Delegate asked the Germans for supply of overalls and boots. No promise could be given by the German authorities for any improvement in this case. Perhaps some overalls can be supplied.

WORKING DETACHMENT No. 87, OBERSTUETZENGRUM.

Man of Confidence: L/Cpl. G. PERRIES, Pow. No. 260136.

(Interview at Lössnitz, 20th of Nov. 1944.)

Strength of the camp: 53 British Prisoners of War, 1 Medical orderly.

Nature of work: loading and unloading wood, 60 hours weekly, every third Sunday is free.

Complaints: 1. Clogs and gloves are needed. An issue was promised by the Germans.

        2. The Prisoners of War had their hot bath only every fortnight. In the future they will have their hot bath every week.

WORKING DETACHMENT No. A. 66, ANNABERG.

Date of visit: 21st of Nov. 1944

Man of Confidence: L/Cpl. R. BRIGGS, Pow. No. 259153.

I. GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Camp is installed on the second floor of the "Ferngaswerk", in the middle of the factory, in a very dangerous area. Air raid precautions are there, in case of alarm the Prisoners of War may leave the factory and go to a nearby natural tunnel.

II. CAPACITY AND PRESENT PERSONNEL: 25 British Pow.

III. INTERIOR ARRANGEMENTS: two sleeping rooms, one dining room, good sitting accommodation tables and chairs, 1 locker for two men, 2 blankets for every Prisoner of War. Light and heating in order

IV. WASHING AND BATHING FACILITIES ) very satisfactory,

V. TOILET FACILITIES                                    ) latrines: flush type.

VI. FOOD AND COOKING: cooking is done by the factory and is reported to be in order. Good stoves in the room for Red Cross supply.

VII. MEDICAL ATTENTION, DENTAL TREATMENT, SUPPLY OF DRUGS One sick-parade weekly, the Prisoners of War go to a French doctor. Sometimes some difficulties arise due to the lack of understanding.

VIII. CLOTHING: in order.

IX. LAUNDRY: satisfactory.

X. MONEY AND PAY: correct.

XI. CANTEEN: no canteen, only beer can be bought.

XII. RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY: only one visit from the chaplain since January.

XIII. RECREATION AND EXERCISE: there is a small library in the camp, the Prisoners of War have their regular walks, no sport facilities.

XIV. MAIL: is reported as very slow.

XV. WELFARE ACTIVITY: none until now.

        Nature of work: gas-factory, doing different jobs, 8 hours daily, every Sunday is free.

XVI. COMPLAINTS: one Prisoner of War needs spectacles; the Delegate arranged, that this man will be allowed to see a specialist. No further complaints.

XVII. FINAL CONCLUSION: this is indeed a good camp.

WORKING DETACHMENT No. 129, RASCHAU.

Man of Confidence: L/Bomb. B.E. COE, Pow. No. 260229.

(Interview at Lössnitz, 21st of Nov. 1944.)

Strength of the camp: 20 British Pow.

Nature of work: paper-factory, 60 hours weekly, Sunday generally free.

Complaints: Clogs and gloves are needed. They will be provided, if possible.

WORKING DETACHMENT No. A 13, LINDENGARTEN.

Man of Confidence: Pte. W. HILLCOAT, Pow. No. 279380.

(Interview at Annaberg, 21st of Nov. 1944.)

Strength of the camp: 16 British Pow.

Nature of work: working for the German Red Cross 8-9 hours daily, every Sunday is free.

Complaints: none.

WORKING DETACHMENT No. J. 2, JAHNSBACH.

Man of Confidence: Sapper KEETON, Pow. No. 226704.

(Interview at Annaberg, 21st of Nov. 1944).

Strength of the camp: 53 British Pow., 1 Medical orderly.

Nature of work: railway-work, 54 hours weekly, Sunday generally off.

Complaints: the only request put forward concerned an additional issue of soap, as the Prisoners of War are occupied on very dirty work. Their overalls can be washed only one a month. The Germans promised to provide 1 or 2 packets of washpowder to the normal soap issue.

WORKING DETACHMENT No. 50. SCHEIBENBERG.  American

Man of Confidence: Pte. E.L. RIZZO, Pow. No. 81404.

(Interview at Annaberg, 21st of Nov. 1944.)

Strength of the camp: 25 American Pow.

Nature of work: stone quarry, 10 hours daily, every third Sunday free.

Complaints: 1. Lack of protective material such as special spectacles, overalls and books which are needed for this kind of work. The German knew about these deficiencies and promised to do their best to provide the Prisoners of War with some protective material.

        2. As where is, as a rule, only one sick-parade weekly, it happened that one Prisoner of War with a poisoned finger could see the doctor only 5 days after his accident. The Delegate protested strongly against such medical service. The Germans promised to have this case full investigated and the necessary measures taken. It was once more stipulated that in any case of emergency Prisoners of War are entitled to see the doctor immediately.

        3. Some minor points were settled on the spot.

WORKING DETACHMENT No. 9, CHEMNITZ-BOSSENAMGER.

Man of Confidence: Sgt. H.N. TOMLIN, Pow. No. 269974.

Date of visit: 21st of November 1944.

Strength of the camp: 76 British Pow.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: this entirely new camp is situated about 3 km. east of Chemnitz, in one big wooden barrack, divided into several rooms for all purposes. So far as the interior arrangements are concerned, including washing-bathing and toilet facilities, all conditions are indeed excellent. Air raid shelter also in good order. This is the best camp the Delegate has ever seen.

Nature of work: wood-cutting and digging, 9-10 hours daily, Sunday is free.

Complaints: no complaints; some minor requests were settled on the spot with the German Kontrolloffizier.

WORKING DETACHMENT No. W. 149, WUESTENBRAD.

Man of Confidence: Pte. John RUTHERFORD, Pow. No. 247303.

(Interview at Chemnitz, 21st of Nov. 1944).

Strength of the camp: 18 British Pow.

Nature of work: digging shelters, 8 1/2 hours daily, Sunday is free.

Complaints: none.

WORKING DETACHMENT No. C. 89, NEEDESTRASSE 131.

Man of Confidence: L/Bomb. John SUTTON, Pow. No. 229287.

(Interview at Chemnitz, 21st of Nov. 1944).

Strength of the camp: 24 British Pow.

Nature of work: transporting, loading and unloading glass, 9 hours daily, every Sunday is free.

Complaints: none.

WORKING DETACHMENT No. C. 104, LIMBACHERSTRASSE.

Man of Confidence: Pte. G.H. CARR, Pow. No. 269909.

(Interview at Chemnitz, 21st of Nov. 1944).

Strength of the camp: 7 British Pow.

Nature of work: brickworks, 9 1/2 hours daily, no Sunday work.

Complaints: none.

WORKING DETACHMENT No. C. 98, LIMBACHERSTRASSE.

Man of Confidence: Cpl. P. JOUBERT, Pow. No. 262991.

(Interview at Chemnitz, 21st of Nov. 1944).

Strength of the camp: 37 British Pow.

Nature of work: wooden barrack factory, 10 hours daily, Sunday work only occasionally.

Complaints: none.

WORKING DETACHMENT No. R. 123, ROEHRSTORF AM BAHNHOF.

Man of Confidence: Cpl. J. SMINDON, Pow. No. 249811.

(Interview at Chemnitz, 21st of Nov. 1944).

Strength of the camp: 30 British Pow.

Nature of work: Charcoal - factory, 11 hours daily, Sunday work only occasionally.

Complaints: 1. Ten new-comers have only one blanket. The Germans promised to provide a second one for these men as soon as possible.

        2. The following minor requests were also discussed and settled to the satisfaction of the Pow.

                a) no Geneva Convention (will be provided)

                b) a third lamp is needed (accepted)

                c) no ration scale (will be given)

                d) till now only one window could be kept open at night; from today two windows will be opened every night.

WORKING DETACHMENT No. C. 88, SCHULSTRASSE.

Man of Confidence: Pte. Wet JONES Pow. No. 229076.

(Interview at Chemnitz, 21st of Nov. 1944).

Strength of the camp: 142 British Pow. 1 Medical orderly.

Nature of work: building, 10-11 hours daily, every second Sunday is free.

Complaints: 1. Until now the recognized medical orderly had to work. Upon intervention of the Delegate this was stopped immediately.

        2. Overalls are needed; if possible, the Germans will provide for a better issue of overalls.

(sig.) FRITZ DASEN.

CONFIDENTIAL

LAZARET HOHENSTEIN - ERMSTTHAL

(Stalag IV. F.)

Brit./Am.

Date of visit 20th of Nov. 1944

German Doctor : Stabsarzt Dr Stoossel

British S.M.O. : Major H. FOSBERY, R.A.M.C. PoW.No. 3643

British M.O. : Capt. A.C. THOMSON,  "      "         "        228340

Accompanying Officer from the G.H.C. : Hptm. Schade.

No change in the general description of this lazaret since our last visit. (see previous reports).

On the day of the visit there were in the lazaret the following British and American patients:

The medical staff is formed by the two British Medical Officers and 8 Medical orderlies, of whom 4 are American.

State of Health: The British S.M.O. gave the Delegate an excellent report about the general state of health of the British and American patients. When visiting the wards, the Delegate was very pleased about the healthy looks of all patients.

Supply of Drugs: At the moment the supply with drugs is in order; there is a sufficient stock at the lazaret.

Dental Treatment: Dental treatment is done by a French dentist in the lazaret itself. It is reported to be satisfactory.

Complaints: None.

The condition of the following British Pow. is being considered critical:

Gnr. Samuel SIMPKIN, PoW. No. 259104

Diagnosis: Rheumatic Pancarditis.

(sgd.). Fritz Dasen.