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... [pages missing]