Translation by the London Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross

STALAGS V B and C

Germany

Visited by M. Mayer and M. de Cocatrix on January 9th. 1945

(Interview between the Delegates and the principal Camp Leaders of Stalag V C; the "Kommandantur" of this camp is now at Stalag V B, the principal camp of Stalag V C having been destroyed during an air raid on November 27th. 1944)

Camp Leader - MOHAMAD Ahamed No.55 (V C)

Strength - 1,400 Indians (V C) out of 24,929 prisoners.

        Out of this group of 1,400 Indians from Stalag V C, only the Camp Leader is at Stalag V B. The majority of the Indians are now at Stalag V A, except some labour detachments which have not yet been evacuated and with which the Camp Leader is no longer in contact. The Camp Leader could not given any precise information and simply requested that the International Committee of the Red Cross should send supplies to Stalag V A. The Indians had received nothing since August 1944 and the little which remained at Stalag V C was completely destroyed during the bombardment of November 27th. last. The situation for these Indians is very serious for they found no reserves at Stalag V A.

        The Delegates visited an old hospital attached to Stalag V C; this hospital is now used merely as an infirmary; medical attention is given by a very well disposed "Oberstabsarzt" and two French doctors. Strength - 72 patients, including 2 Indians. These patients belong to working parties in the neighbourhood.

        The installation is satisfactory; patients complain, however, that the air raid shelter is not safe.

        At the time of the Delegates' visit, there were only three serious cases in the infirmary. As a rule, serious cases are transferred to Stalag V B, but transports are extremely complicated.

        Doctors see about thirty men on sick parade each day. Medical stores are scarce since the destruction of the local depot.

COPY OF TELEGRAM.

0103/4590. (P.W.2.)

5th March, 1945.

From: International Red Cross Committee, Geneva

To: Delegate, London.

        Stalag V B and C visited 9 January see report 9 September Indian representative Mohamid Ahamed 55 for 1400 Indians from Stalag VC destroyed during bombardment 27 November nearly all already transferred to Stalag VA lack everything Stop. Some Detachments still isolated through Military events 2 Indians in an infirmary Stop. Stocks Stalag VC entirely destroyed Stop.

        Reserve Lazaret Rottweil visited 9 January British Doctors Fosbrooke J. Major Lumsden W. Capt. Indian Doctor Hakim representatives Jones L. Sgt. 11166 British Lathrop R. 30318 Strength 6 Arabs 29 Indians 16 British 1 Canadian out of 174 sick Anglo-Saxons Nearly all in surgical division coming from Western Front Hospital Well installed in Former School well built proper bedding 2 blankets per patient third necessary isolation wards Doctors provided own rooms heating insufficient insufficient regulation food but diet meals possible clothing satisfactory. Each patient given outfit on arrival. Consignments rare great loss between Stalag and Hospital. Mail still more rare 50 days for mail from England. Excellent attention medical supplies and instruments sufficient Doctors satisfied 15 British will go before Mixed Medical Commission 25 leaving hospital for Hilag IV 5 January. Good library pingpong Stop Religious services Doctors on good terms with German Doctor. Personal belongings new arrivals from Front confiscated. No receipts given. General impression satisfactory.