CONFIDENTIAL

BRITISH/AMERICAN

No.645.

Date of visit: November 17th-18th, 1944.

STALAG IV G OSCHATZ

        Reference is made to our previous report, No.451, dated May 24th, 1944.

        The Stalag Commandant being on leave, the Delegate of the Protecting Power was accompanied on his trip by Hptm. Heger, his substitute. This arrangement allowed the Delegate to discuss all complaints at the camps visited and make a final meeting at the end of the trip unnecessary. The Stalag itself was not inspected, the reason being that apart from the Stalag staff (numbering 19), no British prisoners are there.

Stalag strength: The details of the Stalag strength were given as follows:

        There are 64 British working detachments in the Stalag area.

Medical attention: Touring round to the various working detachments we met the following three British Medical Officers:

                Capt. F.J.D. WEBSTER, RAMC, pow. No. 228333 (Revier in Leipzig)

                Capt. J. McGAVIN, RAMC, pow. No.42675 (Lazaret Wurzen)

                Capt. V.M.F. WRIGHT, SAMC, pow. No.228313 (Lazaret Bad Lausick)

        All three doctors reported a good general state of health of prisoners of war in their area.

Dental treatment done by local dentists is satisfactory throughout the whole Stalag area.

The following reports concerning lazarets were received by the Delegate of the Protecting Power:

Revier Leipzig (Capt. Webster)

        There has been no change whatsoever at the revier in Leipzig; the same unsatisfactory washing and cooking facilities were reported. It has again been promised by the Germans to remedy this situation at the earliest convenience.

        The number of beds reserved for British prisoners of war was increased from 10 to 20 upon request on the occasion of our previous visit.

        Supply of drugs is still inadequate.

        In general, it can be said that this revier has lost in importance, as now all serious cases are taken to the recently opened

POW Lazaret Wahren in Leipzig. (Report of Capt. Webster)

        Staff: 1 Serbian, 2 Polish, 1 Italian and 1 Russian physician, as well as medical orderlies of various nationalities, including 2 British.

        Annex to Lazaret Wahren: 1 French and 1 Italian Medical Officer. No British medical orderlies.

        Capacity and present personnel: Average number of British and American patients treated in this lazaret amounts to 60-80 sick. On the day of interview the list of patients presented as follows:

                They are visited once a week by Capt. Webster.

        Treatment and accommodation are said to be satisfactory in the Lazaret Wahren.

        Supply of drugs from German sources and by the Red Cross is sufficient.

        The transfer of a British Medical Officer and British medical orderlies to this lazaret has been requested by the Delegate of the Protecting Power.

Lazaret Bad Lausick (Capt. Wright)

        As promised by the German Stabsarzt on the occasion of our last visit, conditions in this lazaret, especially the toilet facilities, have improved.

        Capt. Wright lodged no complaints with the Delegate of the Protecting Power and gave a favourable report on general state of health, supply of drugs and general conditions.

POW Lazaret Wurzen (Capt. McGavin)

Date of visit: November 17th, 1944.

        The British staff of the lazaret consists of one medical officer, Capt. J. McGavin, RAMC, and two medical orderlies. The German stabsarzt Dr. Bussick is in charge of the Wurzen Lazaret which accommodates prisoner of war patients of all nationalities.

        On the day of visit, 35 British and 4 American patients were under the medical care of the British doctor and his staff. Fortunately none of the inmates were serious cases.

        All serious cases are kept in a separate room furnished with single beds whilst light cases and convalescents lie in a large hall on double-tier beds.

        Red Cross diet parcels are limited. As compensation, patients suffering from stomach ailments receive a regular German issue of white bread.

        One or two minor complaints were settled with the local Kontroll Offizier and the Stabsarzt.

        Generally speaking, conditions in this lazaret are satisfactory.

        Religious activity. A detailed report on religious activity and a list of burials, both written by Capt. the Rev. F. Chadwick, are attached to this report.

WORKING DETACHMENTS DEPENDING ON STALAG IV G OSCHATZ

        This time the Delegate of the Protecting Power visited only a few working detachments, but met most of the district men of confidence. They reported all complaints of the commandos in their district, which were afterwards discussed with the German camp authorities.

Date of interview: November 17th, 1944.

DISTRICT LEIPZIG EAST

District Man of Confidence: Cpl. REEVES, pow. No.251537 (Interview at Leipzig)

Strength of the district: 971 British prisoners of war in 11 working detachments.

Complaints: No important complaint has been put forward to the Delegate of the Protecting Power.

DISTRICT LEIPZIG NORD (Interview at Leipzig)

Strength of the district: 344 British prisoners of war in 5 working detachments.

Complaints: In this district all Red Cross parcels have been removed outside the camp and no key given to the men of confidence.

        Reply of the German officer: A new order has been received from the German High Command stating that from now on the only key to the Red Cross store-room, which, according to an older order of the same authority has to be outside the camp, must be in possession of the German guard; the control and distributing of Red Cross food, however, remains in the hands of the British Man of Confidence.

DISTRICT LEIPZIG WEST

District Man of Confidence: Sgmn. R. PUTZEL, pow. No.224427 (Interview at Leipzig)

Strength of the district: 497 British prisoners of war in 7 working detachments.

Complaints:

        (1) In this district there exists a camp of Polish prisoners of war captured in British uniforms when in British military service. Why is the district Man of Confidence not allowed to visit this camp?

        (2) Due to the new order concerning Red Cross parcels, the whole district stock has been gathered together. Would it not be possible to have a more central store-room, to avoid the long ways of 5 - 12 kilometres from certain camps to this central store-room?

Settled as follows:

        (1) In future, the district Man of Confidence will be allowed to visit the Polish camp. The Poles are treated as British.

        (2) Arrangements will be made to secure a second store-room for the camps farther away. The suggestion of the district Man of Confidence is accepted.

DISTRICT ESPENHAIN (Interview at Leipzig)

Strength of the district: 550 British prisoners of war in three working detachments.

Complaints:

        (1) In this area only a French doctor is in charge of the prisoners. As he does not speak English, the understanding is very difficult, and the British prisoners believe that they are not treated properly.

        (2) The district Man of Confidence is not allowed to visit the working detachments when he finds it necessary.

Settled as follows:

        (1) As it will hardly be possible to get a British Medical Officer to this area, arrangements will be made to secure an interpreter to facilitate the understanding between French doctor and British prisoners.

        (2) There are no regulations about the rights of a district Man of Confidence. The Kontroll Offizier can give him, on his own responsibility, an "Ausweis" which enables him to move freely and to visit his camps whenever he likes. This was promised by the competent officer.

DISTRICT GRIMMA

District Man of Confidence: Cpl. F.G. ELVIN, pow. No.10992 (Interview at Grossteinberg)

Strength of the district: 368 British prisoners of war in 6 working detachments.

Complaints: None.

WORKING DETACHMENT No.434, GROSSTEINBERG.

Date of visit: November 17, 1944.

Man of Confidence: Pte. J.G. PETERS, pow. No.12310

I. GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

        No change since our last visit on May 25th, 1944.

II. CAPACITY AND PRESENT PERSONNEL:

        79 British prisoners of war.

III. INTERIOR ARRANGEMENTS:

        The sleeping-rooms with wooden three-tier beds are very satisfactory. Every prisoner was supplied with two blankets. Lighting and heating facilities are in order.

IV. WASHING AND BATHING FACILITIES  )

V. TOILET FACILITIES                                    ) are good.

VI. FOOD AND COOKING: No complaint.

VII. MEDICAL ATTENTION AND STATE OF HEALTH: Satisfactory.

VIII. CLOTHING           )

IX. LAUNDRY               ) in order.

X. MONEY AND PAY  )

XI. CANTEEN: Only beer is available.

XII. RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY: The camp is regularly visited by a padre.

XIII. RECREATION AND EXERCISE  )

IV. MAIL:                                               ) no complaints.

XV. WELFARE WORK: Nothing to report.

        Working conditions: The prisoners work in a stone-quarry, 9 hours a day. Sunday-work is requested once a month.

XVI. COMPLAINTS: No complaints at all.

XVII. GENERAL IMPRESSION: This is a very satisfactory camp.

DISTRICT WURZEN

District Man of Confidence: L/Cpl. F. CHAPMAN, pow. No.11804 (Interview at Grossteinberg)

Strength of the district: 533 British prisoners of war in ten working detachments.

Complaints:

        (1) Working detachment No.357, Altenhain. The building of the new barrack, promised on the occasion of the last visit of the Delegate of the Protecting Power, was stopped in the meantime.

Settled as follows:

        (1) The German authorities made the transport difficulties responsible for the stopping. They promised, however, not to relax in their efforts to finish the barrack before winter.

No other complaints.

DISTRICT BORNA

District Man of Confidence: Gnr. J. MEARS, pow. No.229900 (Interview at Grossteinberg)

Strength of the district: 266 British prisoners of war in 5 working detachments.

Complaints:

        (1) The district Man of Confidence is compelled to work and has not sufficient free time to visit the working detachments.

        (2) Working detachment No.148, Pegau. The Man of Confidence sent 4 letters to the German Kontroll Offizier asking him to transmit them to the district Man of Confidence. The latter received only one.

        (3) Working detachment No.102, Bad Lausick. For several months the men have not been allowed to play football although the sportsfield is at their disposal.

Settled as follows:

        (1) District men of confidence are only dispensed from work when they are in charge of more than 500 prisoners. If he will visit one of his camps, he has to ask for permission which, as a rule, will be granted.

        (2) Investigation will be made and orders given to secure in future the transmission of letters without any delay.

        (3) Prisoners again will be allowed to play football on every free Sunday.

WORKING DETACHMENT No.654 COSWIG

Date of visit: November 17th, 1944.

Man of Confidence: L/Cpl. J. WARFORD, pow. No.228420

I. GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

        The camp consists of a large barrack with two sleeping-rooms; adequate air-raid shelters.

II. CAPACITY AND PRESENT PERSONNEL: 26 British prisoners of war.

III. INTERIOR ARRANGEMENTS:

        The prisoners are well accommodated. Lighting and heating facilities are satisfactory.

IV. WASHING AND BATHING FACILITIES:  )

V. TOILET FACILITIES:                                    ) are adequate.

VI. FOOD AND COOKING: No complaints.

VII. MEDICAL ATTENTION AND STATE OF HEALTH:

        Medical attention is said to be good. Two men are at present at the revier at Meissen (none of them a serious case).

VIII. CLOTHING:

        The clothing position is very bad in this camp. Although they were captured two years ago, not every man has a complete British outfit. The Chief Man of Confidence is trying his very best to ameliorate the situation.

IX. LAUNDRY:

        Laundry has been given out to a German firm in town. Though the firm signed for the number of articles sent in, the often missing items have never been replaced.

X. MONEY AND PAY: Correct.

XI. CANTEEN: No canteen.

XII. RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY: Nothing to report.

XIII. RECREATION AND EXERCISE: In order.

XIV. MAIL: No complaint.

XV. WELFARE WORK: The Delegate of the Red Cross paid a visit to this camp in July 1944.

        Working conditions: The men work 65 hours a week for the "Kitchbach'sche Werke". They are employed in workshops and have no complaints about work or working conditions. There is no Sunday work.

XVI. COMPLAINTS:

        (1) Laundry, please see under point IX.

        (2) Clogs are badly needed for eight prisoners working in the muddy yard.

        Settled as follows:

        (1) The German Kontroll Offizier has been asked to look into this matter and make the laundry replace the lost articles. This was promised.

        (2) The clogs will be issued to them by the factory.

XVII. GENERAL IMPRESSION:

        This is a good camp.

DISTRICT DOEBELN

District Man of Confidence: L/Bdr. E. BOSONWORTH, pow. No.248016 (Interview at Rittmitz)

Strength of the district: 188 British prisoners of war in 7 working detachments.

Complaints:

        (1) Working detachment No.266, Kleinbauchlitz. Ill-treatment of a British prisoner by Feldwebel Kellner. As of the same Feldwebel another case of ill-treatment was reported in the likewise visited camp of Rittmitz, both cases together were brought to the knowledge of the German officer in charge of the district. (Please see special report on Rittmitz, point XVI).

WORKING DETACHMENT No.104. RITTMITZ

Date of visit: November 18th, 1944.

Man of Confidence: L/Cpl. W. COLCLOUGH, pow. No.252540

I. GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

        The camp is situated on the first floor of a stone-building. The compound is very small.

II. CAPACITY AND PRESENT PERSONNEL:

        At present there are 41 British prisoners of war in the camp.

III. INTERIOR ARRANGEMENTS:

        The living quarters are adequately furnished with double-tier beds. Lighting is usually good, but at present one lamp has to be repaired.

IV. WASHING AND BATHING FACILITIES:

        Facilities for hot showers are at the factory. In the camp a small room will be placed at the disposal of the prisoners for washing.

V. TOILET FACILITIES:

        The latrines are adequate, but very primitive.

VI. FOOD AND COOKING:

        The cooking is done by a German girl. A stove for Red Cross cooking is ordered and should arrive within the next few days.

VII. MEDICAL ATTENTION AND STATE OF HEALTH: Satisfactory.

VIII. CLOTHING:

        The clothing position is not too good. Supplies from the Stalag come in from time to time, and slowly the situation becomes better.

IX. LAUNDRY:

        Laundry is given out and sometimes comes back before being dried properly.

X. CANTEEN                                        )

XI. MONEY AND PAY                        ) in order.

XII. RECREATION AND EXERCISE  )

XIII. RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY: Nothing to report.

XIV. MAIL: No complaints.

XV. WELFARE WORK: Nothing to report.

        Working conditions: The men are employed partly in a factory, partly in a stone-quarry. They work 50-60 hours a week. There is no work on Sunday.

XVI. COMPLAINTS:

        (1) 2 cases of ill-treatment were reported of the same Feldwebel. As he was present at the inspection, investigations were made on the spot by the Delegate and the accompanying officer of the German High Command. He was found guilty.

        (2) Only part of the men have access to the hot showers at the factory.

        (3) The Geneva Convention was torn up by a German guard and no new one supplied.

        Settled as follows:

        (1) Hptm. Heger, representing the Stalag Commandant, promised the immediate dismissal of the said Feldwebel, as unfit for handling prisoners.

        (2) Arrangements will be made by the German authorities to ensure a possibility of bathing also for the remaining part working outside the factory.

        (3) Promise was given that a new Geneva Convention will be supplied without further delay.

XVII. GENERAL IMPRESSION:

        This is not a bad camp, but needs frequent control.

WORKING DETACHMENT No.44, GRAUSCHWITZ    AMERICAN

Date of visit: November 18th, 1944.

Man of Confidence: Pte. E. STANKO, pow. No.83153.

I. GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

        This American camp (the only one in the Stalag) is in the cellar of a stone-building which forms part of the factory.

II. CAPACITY AND PRESENT PERSONNEL:

        34 American prisoners of war.

III. INTERIOR ARRANGEMENTS:

        The prisoners are accommodated in adequately furnished sleeping-rooms with double-tier beds. Lighting and heating are stated to be satisfactory.

IV. WASHING AND BATHING FACILITIES  )

V. TOILET FACILITIES                                    ) satisfactory.

VI. FOOD AND COOKING                             )

VII. MEDICAL ATTENTION AND STATE OF HEALTH:

        There seem to be difficulties in seeing the doctor.

VIII. CLOTHING:

        The clothing position is very bad. Every prisoner has one complete outfit, but underwear and socks are badly needed. The Chief Man of Confidence is aware of the situation and does his best to ameliorate the position.

IX. LAUNDRY               )

X. MONEY AND PAY  ) in order.

XI. CANTEEN: There is no canteen.

XII. RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY: Nothing to report.

XIII. RECREATION AND EXERCISE: Recreation facilities are poor.

XIV. MAIL: No complaints.

XV. WELFARE WORK: Nothing to report.

        Working conditions: The prisoners are employed in a "Kartoffel-Fabrik" and work 10 hours a day and two Sundays out of three. No complaints about work or working conditions.

XVI. COMPLAINTS:

        (1) Prisoners complain that they are not allowed to go to the sick-parade at Oschatz when reporting sick.

        (2) The sport facilities are very poor.

        (3) The Man of Confidence has no control at all over the distribution of Red Cross parcels.

        Settled as follows:

        (1) The Kommandoführer was instructed by the German officer of the Stalag that every man must be permitted to see the doctor when he reports sick.

        (2) It was promised that in future prisoners will be taken out on Sundays to have a game of football.

        (3) From now on the Man of Confidence will be present when Red Cross food is distributed to prisoners.

XVII. GENERAL IMPRESSION:

        On November 15th, 1944, the American prisoner Mauritz Garcia, pow. No.270261 was shot by a German guard. He was buried on November 18th, 1944, in the cemetery of Muegeln near Oschatz.

        This camp will be visited again on the next occasion. It cannot yet be considered as good.

(Signed) Fritz DASEN

Special Report concerning the visit of the Delegate of the P.P. to the prison at ZWICKAU, the 23rd of November 1944.

Accompanying Officer from the German High Command: Hptm. Schade.

        On the day of visit the following 3 British Prisoners of War were imprisoned:

                LYNCH, sentenced to 15 years imprisonment

                KITSON,       "            10    "              "

                MERRET,       "             8     "              "

        The Delegate was not allowed to speak to the Prisoners of War without witnesses, so that the Oberinspektor Metzger and the German Accompanying officer from the O.K.W., Hptm. Schade, assisted at the interview.

                1. Lynch: This Prisoner of War works at the "Sattlerei", work is not heavy, working conditions the same as for other prisoners.

                2. Kitson: Is employed at the "Tischlereri", under the same conditions as all other prisoners.

                3. Merret: Is actually lodged outside the main-building in an annexe called "Längefeld". He works at "Maschinen-arbeiter".

        State of Health: The state of health of the 3 Prisoners of War is good. They all look very well, though they have lost weight, especially Kitson, who lost about 20 kilos. But this Prisoner of War assured the Delegate that he feels to-day much better than ever.

        Mail: Until now these Prisoners of War were only allowed to write one card in four months. As this is the law of the prison, nothing could be altered. Nevertheless, the Oberinspektor promised some exceptions for these 3 Prisoners of War if they have to communicate some important news. The incoming mail is in order.

        Red Cross Parcels: The Prisoners of War are not allowed to receive such parcels.

        Walks: The Prisoners of War have their regular walks.

        Working-conditions: The Prisoners of War work under the same conditions as all other prisoners. Sunday-work only if the firm asks for it, (until now there was no Sunday work).

        Books: The Prisoners of War have some English books at their disposal.

        Baths: Due to the lack of water the Prisoners of War have had only one bath in a fortnight lately. As soon as there is sufficient water, the Prisoners of War will have their bath weekly.

        Treatment: Treatment is correct and satisfactory.

        Requests: The Prisoners of War asked for a supply of toothbrushes, tooth-paste, soap and combs. The Delegate arranged, with the agreement of the Oberinspektor and the officer from the OKW., that these articles will be sent to these Prisoners of War from the Non-Commissioned Officer Camp Hohenfels. The Chief Man of Confidence of this N.C.O. camp has been informed by the Delegate and promised to send these articles regularly every two months.

                2. New-testament and German-English grammar. Also for these articles permission was given. These books will be sent from Hohenfels too.

        Final Conclusion: During the conference the Prisoners of War were as an exception allowed to smoke some cigarettes, the first they had in 3 years. The Delegate got an excellent impression of the Oberinspektor Metzger, deputy of the prison, who is doing all he can for these 3 Prisoners of War.

(sig.) Fritz DASEN.