No.710

CONFIDENTIAL

British

Date of visit: February 19th 1945.

STALAG V A - LUDWIGSBURG (ALDINGER LAGER)

I) GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

        Ludwigsburg lies at some distance to the north of Stuttgart and the above mentioned Indian camp forms part of a very large complex of P.O.W. camps of various nationalities situated on the outskirts of this small town. In this region, air raids are reported to be very frequent; as yet only an open trench system is available for the prisoners' A.R.P.

        The Indian compound is composed of 9 large wooden barracks; an additional barrack is inhabited by Arab Ps.o.W. The barracks are well constructed.

II) CAPACITY AND PRESENT PERSONNEL:

        On the day of visit the total strength was 1,143 British Ps.o.W., details being as follows:

        The present strength has been made up by various transports, the first of which numbered about 1,000 Indian Ps.o.W. who arrived from Epinal (France) on November 5th, 1944; the second party of 345 Indian Ps.o.W. came from the former Indian working camp at Schönenburg No. 1521 (Stalag V C) on November 29th, 1944, whereas the third transport arrived on December 12th, 1944 from the former Stalag V C Offenburg, which was destroyed by fire. The Palestinians at present in this camp (Arabs) were also transferred here from the area of Stalag V C. Amongst the Indians, there are 126 Sikhs, 440 Hindus, 25 Christians, and the remainder are Mohammedans.

        With the exception of one Indian working detachment at Pforzheim there are no others depending on this Stalag as yet.

III) INTERIOR ARRANGEMENTS:

        Although the barracks are well-planned and pleasant they are rather overcrowded, and in each room two or three prisoners are required to sleep on the floor (good mattresses are provided). It is stated that the camp is short of 460 beds. During the first weeks of their stay here each Indian prisoner had three German blankets but had to give up one each during the rather hard winter. When discussing this matter with the Camp commander, the latter told the Delegate of the Protecting Power that the third blankets had been needed for distribution to the American Ps.o.W. in the neighbouring Dulag, who otherwise could have been supplied with only one blanket each.

        The Commandant mentioned also that the Indian prisoners had used the majority of their wooden bedsteads in order to keep the fires going in the barrack stoves, although in the opinion of the German authorities sufficient quantities of heating material had been distributed even though coal is not available. The Camp Commander promised to have as large a number of bedsteads as possible replaced, although he is facing great difficulties in obtaining such bedsteads from Stuttgart suppliers. Furthermore, he informed the Delegate of the Protecting Power that a new barrack is being put up in the Indian compound to alleviate the present over-crowding.

IV) BATHING AND WASHING FACILITIES:

        The wash barrack at present at the disposal of the Indian Ps.o.W. is too small, and it is also used by Dutch and Polish Ps.o.W.

        Regarding hot showers, it is reported that since the arrival of the Indian Ps.o.W. at this camp they have been given only one hot shower each. Due to the lack of coal and fire-wood they find it difficult to obtain sufficient quantities of hot water for their ritual washings. For the same shortage, the delousing plant cannot be operated as often as is required in the interests of hygiene and cleanliness. This complaint has been put before the Camp Commander some time ago, and much as he regrets the situation and does his best to improve it, he can give no definite assurances as to its remedy.

        It is also reported that frequently the water supply is inadequate in that the arrangement to draw it from an open well is unsatisfactory. However, on account of the heavy bombing of the region German camp authorities declare that they are unable to improve on this matter.

V) TOILET FACULTIES:

        These are of the pit type and too primitive. The Delegate of the Protecting Power lodged a complaint with the Camp Commander and stressed that certain improvements, which the latter promised, should be carried out forthwith.

VI) FOOD AND COOKING:

        The Indians are afforded the facility of a separate kitchen and have four Indian cooks and three helpers. The cook in charge reports that he has no possibility for control of the German rations as a list of these is not published. He also points out that the rations arrive late and irregularly. Many items shown on the scale have been submitted by other products. When this matter was discussed with the Camp Commander, it was confirmed that the scale of rations to which the prisoners are entitled, is posted in the camp kitchen. Should this have been overlooked recently, he will take care that in future better attention is being paid to this item.

        Regarding the irregular delivery of supplies, nothing can be done about this as it is a matter of transportation.

        The cooking arrangements for the contents of Red Cross food parcels are very inadequate, in fact apart from the facilities afforded by heating stoves in the barrack rooms, they are non-existent. This, of course, is particularly felt by the Indian Ps.o.W. whose food needs special cooking. In addition, the fuel question interferes with their cooking.

        When the Delegate of the Protecting Power discussed this matter with the Camp Commander, the latter promised certain improvements, admitting, however, that it is in the nature of present conditions that some time may elapse before these can be completed.

        The stock of Red Cross parcels is sufficient only for two more issues (at the rate of a half parcel per man per week). Although the I.R.C. has been informed of the situation, no further supplies have so far been advised. Many parcels had to be left behind in the area of Stalag V C; the German authorities try to attend to the collection of such parcels but are faced by transportation difficulties. A complaint was lodged with the Delegate of the Protecting Power concerning the control over Red Cross parcels, it being pointed out that these are being kept under lock and key in a special barrack by the French and Germans, and that several thefts have occurred recently. Whenever the Indian Chief Man of Confidence requires such parcels, he is obliged to go first to the French to ask for the key and then to the Germans for the second key, which greatly complicates matters. He has no key for the store room. The Delegate of the Protecting Power insisted with the Camp Commander that other storing facilities be provided and that the usual double-key system be introduced, whereby the Indian Man of Confidence would hold one and the Germans the other key, so that the room can be opened only in the presence of one and the other.

VII) MEDICAL ATTENTION AND SICKNESS:

        The Indian Medical Officer reports that a week ago he finally managed to obtain a revier room with ten beds at present against the 36 he actually requires. In this connection, the Camp Commander stated that as soon as beds would be delivered, the revier would be the first to be considered.

        Another item to which the Indian Medical Officer called attention, concerns the restriction on electric current, it frequently happening that the light is cut off for shorter or longer periods without advance notice. He states that if special wiring could be extended to the revier, this difficulty would be overcome, and the Camp Commander agreed that this should be done at the earliest possible moment.

        At the time of the visit there were six patients at the revier, but none of them serious cases, while 32 patients from this camp are at present under treatment at the Kriesgefangenen-Lazarett Ludwigsburg. During the past cold period there have been a number of cases of coughs, colds and pneumonia who, if considered serious enough, were transferred to the near-by Kriegsgefangenen-Lazarett Ludwigsburg, where they receive special attention by two Indian sanitators and an Indian cook, apart from the care by the British-American staff there.

        According to the Indian Medical Officer, the situation as regards medical supplies is fairly satisfactory, stocks being on hand from both, Red Cross and German sources.

        From a medical point of view, the Indian Medical Officer states that his main concern is the over-crowding of the barracks which leads to the spreading of colds and other diseases.

VIII) CLOTHING:

        The clothing question is very unsatisfactory. About two-fifths of the prisoners possess one complete British outfit; most of the men are in need of shirts, socks and battle dresses. These prisoners who have arrived from Offenburg lost all their reserves in the bombing of that city, and at this camp there is no stock from which to help them out. Here, too, it is pointed out again that when they were transferred here from camps further west, many prisoners were compelled to leave supplies of clothing behind owing to lack of transportation. The Commander, on being approached in this matter, promised to do his best to have the stocks collected from the former camps. Fortunately, the dispatch of a consignment of clothing has been advised from Geneva.

IX) LAUNDRY:

        The reasons as describes in previous items (lack of coal, overcrowding, occasional shortage of water, transportation difficulties) account also for the impossibility of adequate laundering, for which purpose a 300 liter boiler only is at the disposal of the Indian Ps.o.W. The prisoners may send certain articles of clothing to a near-by laundry run by French prisoners but the latter cannot cope with the amount of work. The difficulties of the British Ps.o.W. are increased by the absence of a change of clothes.

X) MONEY AND PAY:

        The Indian Medical Officer complaints that up to this date the medical personnel, including himself, have received no pay. Upon discussing this matter with the Camp Commander, he ordered at once that this point be attended to.

XI) CANTEEN:

        There is no canteen at this camp.

XII) RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY:

        On account of the overcrowding of this camp the prayer rooms originally installed are now used as dormitories. The Camp Commander is aware of the situation and is endeavouring to restore the former satisfactory condition as soon as possible.

XIII) RECREATION AND EXERCISE:

        Sports are hampered mainly by the absence of proper sport outfits, and indoor entertainment by the lack of books, games, musical instruments, etc. The Protecting Power has already notified the Y.M.C.A. of the situation.

XIV) MAIL:

        Generally speaking, few Indian Ps.o.W. receive mail, although some letters dated last September have been received, re-addressed to this camp.

        The issue of letter forms and cards by the German camp authorities are stated to be irregular and some Ps.o.W. have received not more than two letter forms for the entire period. According to the German camp authorities, this is also a matter of transportation difficulties.

        The Delegate of the Protecting Power was informed by the Indian Man of Confidence that the Camp P.O. is run mainly by French prisoners, requesting that the Indians were allowed to delegate an Indian to share the P.O. duties in order to have a certain control over mails, particularly as regards the arrival of parcels. The Camp Commander agreed to this request.

XV) WELFARE WORK:

        A representative of the I.R.C.C. paid a visit to this camp in November, 1944. The wishes of the Sikhs regarding special parcels and hair-oil were handed in at that time, but, naturally, nothing has yet been received.

XVI) COMPLAINTS:

        Apart from the complaints mentioned above, the following must be registered.

        Indian prisoners point out that during night raids A.A. gun lorries take up a position in the neighbourhood of the camp. However, when discussing this complaint with the Camp Commander, the latter denied the correctness of such a statement, maintaining that there were no A.A. guns in the vicinity.

XVII) GENERAL IMPRESSION:

        The Delegate of the Protecting Power had a lengthy conversation with the Camp Commander, pointing out that the prisoners had the impression of a certain reluctance on the part of the Lageroffizier in transmitting complaints of the Ps.o.W. to the Camp Commander and that the Lageroffizier tried to dispose of them as trifles. The Camp Commander, while not admitting the situation, made, however, a mental note of the Delegate's statement. The Camp Commander, who has but recently taken over this camp, admitted that he found it in a rather neglected condition, but that after five years of war and in the face of a badly bombed district, the difficulties in bringing about the desired improvements appear rather unsurmountable. Nevertheless, he re-affirmed his earnest goodwill. Besides, according to information he had recently received, the Indians are likely to be transferred to a new camp in the neighbourhood of Ludwigsburg. The Delegate of the Protecting Power feels reassured by the presence of this new Camp Commander.

All the complaints and shortcomings mentioned in this report have been or will be taken up with the competent German instances.

sgd. Werner Buchmuller.

CONFIDENTIAL

No.709

British/American

Date of visit: February 19th, 1945

KRIEGSGEFANGENEN-LAZARETT LUDWIGSBURG

        Reference is made to our last report No.602, dated October 21st, 1944, when it was pointed out that this is not an independent reserve lazarett, but as a hospital forms part of Stalag V A Ludwigsburg. Since our last visit, the former Stalag commandant has been retired. His successor appears to be more efficient and honest in his endeavour to have shortcoming eliminated and to bring about the much desirable improvements.

I) GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

        As a result of events on the western front, this hospital has rather changed its character from a purely transit - or clearing station to a more permanent institution as far as British or American PsOW are concerned. As will be noted, their number has increased considerably since our last visit.

        With regard to air alarms, these are stated to occur very frequently in this region; for protection the following procedure is observed: Walking cases and stretcher cases go to the basement on the regular hospital advance notice, while the medical and other personnel follow when full alarm is sounded. All bed cases (mostly serious surgical ones) are kept permanently in the basement where some sort of wards and operating rooms have been prepared.

II) CAPACITY AND PRESENT PERSONNEL:

        On the day of visit the number of British and American patients as well as staff was as follows:

III) INTERIOR ARRANGEMENTS:

        At present seven wards plus a very large new revier for patients from the American Dulag next door are assigned to the British-American section. At the time of the visit the sick wards were rather crowded. For the greater part there are double-tier beds and, as a rule, only surgical cases can be accommodated in single beds. Each patient has two German blankets. For the revier three blankets are allowed, as the heating facilities there are less satisfactory. Heating throughout the cold season was described as having been on a moderate scale as it was shut off early in the evening.

        According to informations received from the German camp authorities, the British-American section of this hospital is to be moved to a block next door in about a week's time where more room and facilities will be available.

IV) WASHING AND BATHING FACILITIES

        Up to the present each prisoner has been afforded one hot shower a week. Should coal stocks diminish, this facility will be curtailed. The German camp authorities state that they are living "from hand-to-mouth" as far as coal supplies are concerned.

        Otherwise washing facilities, (running cold water) are adequate.

V) TOILET FACILITIES

        These are satisfactory.

VI) FOOD AND COOKING

        There has been no change in the arrangements for cooking and the kitchen is still in charge of French PsOW. As reported last time, this hospital is not receiving "lazaret rations" but "ordinary rations" (like any camp), with special diet allowances as ordered by the doctors.

        Regarding Red Cross food supplies, the Senior British Medical Officer reports that until recently these have been received from the stocks of the French prisoners but since the opening of an American Dulag next door (please see separate report thereon) this camp forwarded such supplies. Present stocks are stated to last three more weeks.

        The facilities for private cooking at the lazaret have not improved since the last visit of the Delegate of the Protecting Power although certain promises were then made in this respect nor has the number of eating utensils, such as spoons, cups, bowls etc., been increased to an adequate standard in keeping with the number of inmates. When once more taking the matter up with the German authorities, the new Commandant made apparently reliable promises in this respect.

VII) MEDICAL ATTENTION AND SICKNESS:

        The two British Medical Officers, who arrived here on January 10th 1945, share the duties of attending the sick; Major Gordon is looking after the surgical cases while Capt. Rutherford takes care of the medical cases. They are assisted by two French and one Polish doctor. Major Gordon reports that the facilities for operating and treatment of the sick in general may be described as adequate as temporary or auxiliary hospitals go. The surgical cases arrive by ambulance trains, mostly from forward hospitals, while most of the medical cases are prisoners from the neighbouring Dulag V A and Stalag V A (Aldinger Lager) requiring medical or hospital treatment.

        Regarding the supply of drugs, medicaments and dressings, the S.B.M.O. states that there is a frequent shortage of dressings, since the number of wounded prisoners arriving at the hospital is comparatively large.

        Otherwise the situation is fairly satisfactory because the German authorities supply as much as they can. There is still a small stock of medical supplies on hand from the Red Cross and a further consignment is expected to arrive shortly. A new list of medical supplies needed was handed to the Delegate of the Protecting Power for transmittal to the Red Cross.

        A list of all American patients at present under treatment at this hospital is forwarded with this report. It will be noted that the prognosis of Private Howard BLAND, A.S.No.35070042 is the only unfavourable one.

VIII) CLOTHING

        There is no British or American stock of clothes and the patients of course possess only such articles of clothing as worn at the time of their capture. Upon discharge, prisoners receive from French stocks such clothing they are most in need of, but it is hoped that the Red Cross, who has been informed of the situation, will be able soon to help. When admitted to the hospital, each prisoner receives a hospital shirt and a pair of underpants from the German quartermaster.

IX) LAUNDRY:

        For the laundering of personal clothes, the prisoners are required to make their own arrangements. This, however, is practically impossible as the supply of hot water is very limited and no boiler is available. When discussing this matter with the lazaret authorities, it was promised that a boiler should be installed and the shortcomings in this respect eliminated as far as possible.

        The S.B.M.O. states that the change of bed clothes takes place at rather irregular intervals because of the difficulties in laundering. When this condition was described to the German commandant, he replied that most of their town laundries have been bombed out and, therefore, the usual amounts of washing cannot be handled.

X) MONEY AND PAY:

        Nothing to report.

XI) CANTEEN:

        No change since our last visit; there is practically nothing on sale at the canteen. Occasionally small supplies of matches and Polish cigarettes arrive. The need for all types of toilet articles is urgent as ever and again the Red Cross and the Y.M.C.A. will be informed accordingly by the Protecting Power. After our last visit some supplies have been dispatched to this camp by the British OFLAG V A - WEINSBERG, but these are now exhausted.

XII) RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY:

        There is a French Roman-Catholic padre at the hospital whose presence is much appreciated.

XIII) RECREATION AND EXERCISE:

        The S.B.M.O. reports that the medical personnel are enjoying regular walks unless interfered with by the very frequent air raids.

        As requested, the Y.M.C.A. will be informed by the Protecting Power of the patients' wishes for books, games, gramophone records etc.

XIV) MAIL

        Mail arrivals are practically nil.

XV) WELFARE WORK:

        Nothing to report.

XVI) COMPLAINTS

        The S.B.M.O. stated that he had no complaints apart from the material shortcomings reported above.

        The representative of the Gaullist prisoners lodged the following complaints with the Delegate of the Protecting Power.

                1) It is reported that upon arrival at Waldkirch from the front, French money was taken away from prisoners on or about January 25th, 1945; some prisoners are stated to have handed over sums of from 1'000 to 10'000 French francs but did not receive any receipts. Unfortunately, no further and more exact information on the matter could be given to the representative of the Protecting Power.

                2) Regarding the transport of about 40 non-commissioned officers and 400 privates from Waldkirch to the Ludwigsburg area, at some date after January 20th, 1945 (more exact information is not available) it is reported that the prisoners were locked into the cattle trucks and there had to sustain an air raid while the German guards apparently lost their heads and ran away. Some of the prisoners are said to have been shot at on this occasion. At the time of this transport winter weather was rather rough but the prisoners had only one blanket each. The most serious complaint was with regard to thirst since prisoners had nothing to drink at a time for four days on end. Food was also stated to have been very poor.

        The impression among Gaullist prisoners is that there is occasional discrimination on the part of German subalterns.

        All the complaints and shortcomings mentioned in this report have been or will be taken up with the competent German instances.

XVIII) GENERAL IMPRESSION:

        It must again be stated that the accommodation afforded the patients at this lazaret as well as the hospital installation is in general somewhat primitive but there are prospects for better quarters.

        Although little has been done to improve the situation since our last visit, the new German Stalag commander appears to endeavour earnestly to bring about the improvements which the Protecting Power has asked for. Naturally, there are many obstacles in the way to fulfillment of such attempts in an area which has sustained repeated and severe bombings.

Sgd. Werner Buchmuller.

K.W.2/4(F.O.Ref.)

(EN CLAIR)

W.O. Ref. 0103/6612 (P.W.2.)

DEPARTMENTAL NO.1.

FROM BERNE TO FOREIGN OFFICE.

Mr. Norton

No. 399

3rd March, 1945.

D. Untimed 3rd March, 1945.

R. 2.15 a.m. 4th March, 1945.

        My telegram No. 158.

        Telegraphic summary of report on Stalag VA visited 19th February containing 22 British 1121 Indians including 1 MO 50 NCOS 36 Palestinians states several Indian barracks very overcrowded lack 460 beds. Prisoners complained of lack of facilities for private cooking, shortage of coal for heating, baths and washing, insufficient control of Red Cross parcel reserves. New Commandant promised improvements. Indians will probably be shortly transferred to new camp.

K.W.2/4(F.O.Ref.)

(EN CLAIR)

W.O. Ref. 0103/6612 (P.W.2.)

FILES

FROM BERNE TO FOREIGN OFFICE.

Mr. Norton

No. 400

3rd March, 1945.

D. 8.20 p.m. 3rd March, 1945.

R. 12.55 a.m. 4th March, 1945.

        My despatch 7932.

        Telegraphic summary of report on Ludwigsburg Lazaret visited 19th February, containing 53 British patients, 2 doctors, 23 protected personnel, states medical attention satisfactory but Lazaret lacks crockery, blankets and facilities cooking Red Cross food. Shortage of clothing and toilet articles. New Commandant is doing utmost with means at his disposal. Inspector learnt that it was planned to transfer prisoners elsewhere.