Stalag VIIIA

1499

188

588

743

148

British (of which 323 N.C.O.) 331 in camp 2 doctors

Canadians " " 2 2 " "

Australians 68 85 " "

New Zealanders 285 319 " "

South Africans 318 399 " "

Fighting French 2 55 " "

Other British 6 8 " "

Food - Regulation rations; quantities communicated to prisoners and rations checked. Proper facilities for cooking food from collective consignments.

Clothing - The clothing for British P.O.W. is satisfactory. Stocks on hand are as follows:-

Collective consignments - In labour detachments, the amount of food which each prisoner may retain has been fixed at approximately one day's rations. The new ruling issued restricting food reserves has been followed by very numerous searches in the Main Camp and in the various detachments, resulting in the confiscation of very considerable quantities of food and tobacco. All the Camp Leaders maintain that supplies taken away during these searches must be considered as definitely lost, in spite of the ruling from the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht which provides that these supplies should be utilised for sick p.o.w. and the communal kitchens.

The Camp Leaders have full control over all collective consignments of food and clothing and are solely responsible for their distribution.

When trucks arrive from Geneva the seals are frequently broken or may be easily removed without forcing; nevertheless, the percentage of loss and theft is not too high.

On the day of the visit, four trucks of supplies for British P.O.W. arrived from Lübeck.

Distribution to the various working parties is becoming more difficult every day on account of transport.

Request - The British would like to receive 15,000 cigarettes to cover losses incurred during the last months.

Hygiene - In spite of periodical disinfection of the huts, fleas and bugs can not be definitely eliminated. Sanitary installations are primitive; the water supply is often quite inadequate.

Infirmary installation - Recently one of the specially constructed infirmary huts was cleared and placed at the disposal of a German section. The infirmary has been removed to another hut which the prisoners will have to re-equip entirely.

Medical stores, medicine - No special requests. German supplies have decreased by three quarters during the last year; it is useless to draw up special lists.

Ten days ago the British received 9 Medical and 10 Surgical Parcels; they would like to receive more important supplies.

Interview with doctors - The British doctors esteem that they have not enough occupation and would like to have more facility visiting the 60 British in the hospital.

Reply - One of the British doctors can leave for a labour detachment to give medical attention to the working parties in the neighbourhood. The remaining doctor can go to the hospital and attend the sick parade where the various cases are discussed between doctors.

Medicine and medical stores - Supplies have lately been greatly reduced; all consignments would be greatly appreciated. There is a great lack of bandaging material, also the following articles

Reply - One decease recently occurred (appendicitis); the case is being studied. Diagnosis are perhaps not always easy to establish.

The theatre has been closed for three weeks following the discovery of a clandestine wireless set in the hall.

Work - Complaints are frequently received from prisoners employed in war factories where labour is becoming more and more arduous and attains 72 to 80 hours per week.

Together with the Principal British Camp Leader, the Delegate visited some of the labour detachments as mentioned below and which, on the whole, gave them a good impression -

The "Detention Barracks" are always crowded with prisoners wearing special trousers, one leg of which is red. Several prisoners have been there for several months, even over a year, before being judged which, the Delegates were informed, was caused by the stress of work pending in military courts.

It was notified that, since over a month, Articles 60 and 61 of the Geneva Convention are no longer respected, owing to the fact that the prescribed minimum delay of three weeks is not allowed to prisoners of war for their defence. The local court officials stated that the charges are transmitted to the Camp a month before the date of appearance in court and that the fault could not be imputed to them.

Mail - The mail service continues to be fairly normal; South African mail is very slow.

The new ruling concerning food reserves unfortunately also applies to personal parcels, so that prisoners are obliged, on receiving a parcel from their next-of-kin, to divide the contents with their comrades if these exceed fixed daily rations as stocks are not allowed. This proceeding results in innumerable complaints.

Interview with Camp Leaders - These interviews, in camp and in labour detachments, took place without witnesses. For working parties, discussions in the presence of the Principal Camp Leader have proved excellent and to be recommended.

1. Confiscation and complete disappearance of food and tobacco following recent searches.

Reply - This question was settled some time ago and the Commander is surprised that it should again be raised. He affirms that all confiscated food and cigarettes are attributed exclusively to prisoners through communal kitchens and hospitals.

2. Attempt to suppress the daily bread ration as an individual disciplinary measure.

Reply - This is only temporary and is caused by excess of work; the matter will be put in order.

Conclusion - Camp conditions are normal; the Commander and the Arbeitseinsatz officer are very well disposed towards the prisoners.

List of sports requisites, indoor games and musical instruments for British Prisoners of War.

The Men of Confidence of the following British working detachments were called for an interview at the base-camp with the Delegate of the Protecting Power:

26 POWs are working in a stonequarry 9 hours daily, Saturday 8 hours only, no Sunday work.

57 POWs working in cement-work making blocks for housing scheme. Daily working hours 9 hours, Saturday afternoon and Sunday free, unless waggons have to be unloaded.

32 British POWs are loading and unloading waggons, mostly with electrical equipment, in a storage place for the airforce. Actual working hours are 10 hours daily. Every third Sunday the POWs have to work.

Complaints: Request for the greatcoats to be used at night as a third blanket is being considered by the Germans.

A demand for more rubber-boots to be issued for outside workers, who have to work on muddy ground will be considered if rubber-boots are still available. Rubber-boots are practically impossible to get in Germany.

During 2 months in summer, POWs had to work every evening until 9 p.m.; compensation had been promised but never given. The German authorities promised to examine the case and if found correct, the POWs will receive compensation now.

The Man of Confidence reported, that there are no civilians present when the POWs have to work overtime or Sundays. The German camp authorities promised to examine the matter and if found correct it will be stopped.

During the day and during two hours Sundays the camp staff is being locked in the billet. The camp commander stated, that unfortunately nothing could be done about it, since there is no sentry available. The camp commander suggested, that the camp staff of this commando should visit the commando No.11502, during the day or vice versa, since the same conditions prevail at that commando. However, neither camp staff would want to do it.

39 British POWs are working on the same airforce camp as those of working detachment No.11501, loading and unloading waggons during 10 hours daily. Work is required every third Sunday. Out of these 39 POWs, 12 do light work at the Luftwaffe Seed factory during 8 1/2 hours daily, no Sunday work at all.

Complaints: The POWs at the Seed factory complain, that they finish their work 1 1/2 hour earlier but have to wait for the others to be taken to billet. The camp commander stated, that unfortunately he could not change this, since he has not enough sentries to take the men back. Those who are available have to guard the others at work.

A request for the use of their greatcoats as a third blanket is being considered by the Germans.

The Man of Confidence asked to have a warm room put at his disposal for the wet clothing to be dried during the night. The German authorities promised to have this done. 5 POWs have been supplied with rubber-boots and a request that the others should also receive them, has been promised if rubber-boots are still available. It has been said that the civilians are wearing leather jackets, the POWs asked to have them supplies with them too. The camp commander stated, that these leather good are booty from France and due to their civilian nature cannot be given to the POWs.

The same complaint about locking in the camp staff during the day as at working commando No.11501 described above.

60 POWs digging clay 9 hours daily in clay pit. Saturday work until 3.30 p.m., no Sunday work.

The billets and washing and bathing conditions are such, that the Delegate at once asked to have the POWs removed. The camp commander informed the Delegate, that a withdrawal of the British POWs has already been considered and will be done as soon as possible.

10 British POWs working in clay-pit during 9 1/2 hours daily, Saturday until 2.30 p.m., and no Sunday work.

Complaints: Only 5 men have rubber-boots. A request that all men should be issued with rubber-boots has been favourably received. The camp commander stated, that they will be issued if still available. Request for the greatcoats to be issued as third blanket will be considered by the Germans.

No possibility to dry wet clothing during the night, since all clothing is taken away nights. The camp commander promised that some arrangements will be made to have their clothing put in a warm room over night.

Civilian Doctor is said to be unsympathetic to POWs. Apparently he gives no ointments and uses only paper bandage. Nearby is a camp with French Prisoners of war with a French medical officer, from whom the POWs would like to receive medical attention. The camp commander stated that he will examine the position and if possible he will have the French medical officer attend to the British POWs.

34 POWs employed in a tile-factory 9 hours per day. Every second Sunday is free. The complaint brought up on our last visit (see our report No.541 of July 27th, 1944,) has been dealt with in such a way, that every POW receives every second Sunday free, in spite of the 12 POWs who have to load or unload waggons every Sunday.

Complaints: Since Monday the 12th November 1944 the Margarine ration per day per man has been cut down from 40 grammes to 28 grammes. The German authorities promised to verify and to straighten the matter if not correct. It is, however, feared, that this is a cut all over Germany.

62 British prisoners of war are working in a stone quarry 9 1/2 hours daily, no Sunday work.

Complaints: The POWs receive very little fuel for cooking, washing and heating, apparently not enough to heat the rooms properly. The German authorities promised to investigate and to have more fuel issued.

28 blankets are worn-out and should be changed. The camp commander promised to have it done at once.

There is no running water in the billet, which is situated on the slope of a hill. Apparently not enough water is delivered for the use of the POWs.

Only 10 tablets of Aspirin for 60 men per month have been issued. When taking these complaints up with the camp commander, he informed the Delegate, that the POWs will be removed from this working Commando in about 6 weeks, however, he promised to set the things right in the meantime.

The following working detachments have been visited by the Delegate of the Protecting Power during his tour in the region of Stalag VIII A Görlitz on the 14th and 15th of November 1944.

Reference is being made to our last report No.541 of July 27th, 1944 in which a full description of the accommodation was given.

The strength of this camp has been decreased to 81 British Prisoners of war, who work 8 hours daily in the coal-mine. Every second Sunday is free and regarding working conditions and treatment down in the pit there were no complaints.

An entirely new wooden barrack has been built on the premises of the mine with two large rooms on either side and one big room have double-tier block-beds, which gives sufficient room for tables and chairs. Good air and light. There are no cupboards and the electrical lighting is insufficient. However, the director of the mine promised to put in additional electric lights and to have some kind of arrangements made for the men to hang up their clothing and to give them some shelves, in case he would not be able to procure cupboards. In a small stone building nearby are the kitchen, washroom and a small revier with running water, all very well equipped and very satisfactory. A bit further away but still within the compound is the latrine, a very small building serving only as latrine with 7 seats (flush-type) and a urinal. The compound is much bigger than the old one and the area in which the barrack is situated has more space. A request to have a night latrine installed in the barrack to prevent having the buckets in the rooms has been granted and the mine director has promised to have it made at once. This can easily be done, since the barrack is not quite finished but looked as if the POWs can move into it in about ten days, as has been foreseen by the mine director.

There is still one sanitator at this detachment. The medical attention has improved considerably, since the British medical officer, Capt. Learner had been sent from Stalag VIII A, Görlitz to this area to attend to the POWs in all the three coal-mining detachments. There are two sick parades weekly and there is no more trouble in having men graded. Capt. Learner's grading is accepted and if he wishes that a POW is being sent to the lazaret at Stalag, there is no trouble in getting the man to Stalag. In case of emergency, Capt. Learner comes to this camp at once.

Clothing situation is satisfactory with the exception of small size boots, sizes 6, 7 and 8 are needed and an indent to Stalag has been put through. The POWs have been supplied with rubber trousers and jackets and wooden clogs. Those who have been working in the wet part of the pit and who never received rubber boots have been withdrawn from that part of the mine. So far no protective helmets have been issued, the leather helmets are apparently unobtainable even for the Germans. The Delegate of the Protecting Power therefore requested that padded caps should be given to the POWs as it is done in other coal-mines. A sample of these padded helmets will be sent to this detachment and the director of the mine promised to have caps made according to the sample and issued to the POWs.

There are two more weeks supply of Red Cross parcels at the rate of half of one parcel per week.

As soon as the POWs have been moved over to the new barrack this detachment can be considered as very good, since there were no further complaints.

Rumour has it, that about 100 POWs are to arrive shortly. When taking up this question with the military authorities and the director of the coal mine, who was present during part of the conference, it was stated, that 160 POWs were supposed to arrive from the coal-mining district of Upper-Silesia on November 20th, 1944, however their arrival has been postponed indefinitely. A second wooden barrack has already been started to be built quite close to the present new barrack to accommodate the new arrivals. Should they arrive before this barrack is finished, they would have to be housed in the present billets. The Delegate asked that they should only be sent here after the second barrack is finished. No promise to that effect could be given.

152 British Prisoners of war, of whom 102 work below ground (coal mine) while the remainder is employed on various outside jobs, such as digging trenches for laying pipe-lines. No change with regard to working conditions and no complaint, with the exception that those working outside in the rain, and whose clothing is taken away at night have no way of drying their clothing, which is still damp in the morning. The Germans promised to have these clothes put into a room where they will be dried during the night. No accidents occurred in the mine since our last visit.

The accommodation has insofar improved as a new recreation barrack has been built and put at the disposal of the POWs. However, there was the complaint, that not enough disinfectant is being issued; apparently there are too many fleas and mice. The Germans promised to issue more disinfectant to get rid of the fleas and the nice; if necessary they will put up some mousetraps or supply the camp with one or two cats.

The man of confidence reported that old and worn-out working kits are not replaced regularly and that POWs often have to use their Red Cross trousers for the work in the mine. A strong protest was made and promise was given that the old working clothing will be replaced more often.

Here again was a request for small size boots and overcoats. An indent has been sent to Stalag and delivery is expected soon.

The Man of Confidence complained that not enough fuel is being issued for heating and that a third blanket should be issued due to the fact, that many of the POWs are from South Africa or Australia.

The German authorities promised the issue of a third blanket, if available, and also to issue more coal taking into consideration that a larger amount of fuel is allowed for POWs coming from a warm climate.

There are at present 6 POWs in the revier, none serious cases with the exception of one man, who is being sent back to Stalag. The sanitator fears that he is suffering from T.B. The men in this detachment are still taken care of by a German civilian doctor, who gives the best possible attention; therefore there is no need for Capt. Learner to visit this commando, as it would be most difficult for him to get here, being quite some distance from Waldenburg area. There are still 2 sanitators (recognised) in this camp; they asked for a Red Cross medical parcel, since they are completely out of British medicines. Stalag is sending one parcel the next day.

The Man of Confidence reported of an incident, which happened the day before the Delegate's visit. One of the POWs, Pte. A. Gray, POW No.75993 was hit by a German worker with the lamp over his right eye, receiving a very bad cut, five stitches were needed. Gray stated, that the German worker was forcing him to do more work, pushing him along. Gray losing his cap when trying to pick it up, the German in his fury hit him with the lamp. A strong protest was made by the Delegate and the German military authorities stated, that an investigation is taking place. If the case is found to be in favour of Gray, the German will receive punishment. Apparently this German is hated by his fellow-workers and they have already mentioned, that if the German is not being punished, they, meaning the other German workers, will "beat him up".

In spite of this incident, there were no serious complaints and this detachment continues to be a good one.

135 British and Colonial Prisoners of war, of whom 114 work below ground and the others on top. There are three shifts of 8 1/2 hours each daily. For those working underground every second Sunday is free while only every third for the top workers.

The Man of Confidence complained, that 4 POWs who are working at the coke oven, having to push heavy carts with coke some distance before they can dump it, while in other mines, the coke is dumped directly near the oven down a slope. The work is considered far too heavy and strenuous. The mine director agreed to this and promised to have these 4 men changed for other work less heavy.

Further it has been reported, that on November 7th, 1944 one shift, who had been working from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. were called back for work to do another shift from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. on the same day. The Germans apologized and promised that it will not happen again. A request for more padded helmets to be given to the POWs are granted by the Germans.

With regard to accommodation and living conditions in this detachment there was no complaint. It is actually one of the best and all the POWs are very satisfied with the installation.

Capt. J.A. Learner, POW No.80485, RAMC, is actually living in this commando. As mentioned before he is taking care of the POWs in this working detachment as well as commando No.12404. He is also treating the patients at the lazaret in town, which has been visited by the Delegate upon Capt. Learner's request. He stated that conditions in the mines have changed considerably. Since he arrived and appreciates very much the way he is left to run the place himself. He does all the grading and sends POWs back to Stalag if he does not find them fit for coal-mining work. The German military authorities as well as the mine directors accept his words. He mentioned that at present he is out of Red Cross medical and Invalid parcels, however, he hopes that they will soon arrive, since he has indented for at Stalag some time ago.

Furthermore he stated, that the drug supply from the Germans is quite good. Capt. Learner asked for a batman and the Germans promised that they will send him from Stalag one of the D.Us. as batman, since no others are available any longer.

Dental treatment is said to be rather bad and the Delegate of the Protecting Power requested that the POWs from this commando should be allowed to visit the same dentist as the POWs from Commando No.12404, who actually is stationed at Waldenburg. The Germans see no reason why this should not be done and promised to attend to it at once.

On the grounds of this German lazaret is one wooden barrack with barbed wire around it. It serves for prisoners of war of all nationalities. One room with 12 double-tier beds is reserved for the British patients. The room is rather small, dark and looks dismal; there is only one 25 watt bulb. There is one British recognised sanitator, who takes care of the sick under the supervision of Capt. Learner. On the day of the Delegate's visit there were 7 patients as the lazaret, none of them serious cases.

Complaints: Capt. Learner stated that not enough fuel is being issued to heat the room properly. The Germans promised to have more coal delivered.

A request for the whitewashing of the room and to put in additional electric lights has been granted by the German military authorities.

Capt. Learner also asked for a small sterlizer and for certain instruments. Apparently he does some minor operations there, but has no instruments. The instruments are at the lazaret at his disposal, however, whenever they are needed by him, they are used elsewhere. The Kommando-Führer stated, that a sterlizer and instruments have already been asked for and the military authorities promised to take the matter up with the German doctor at once to have the necessary instruments and the small sterilizer issued.

Capt. Learner complained that whenever there is an airraid, his patients, who can already get up, as well as his sanitators have to carry German wounded patients to shelter. When discussing the point with the German military authorities, they promised to stop it at once.

Since our last visit on July 25th, 1944 there has been a marked improvement with regard to living and working conditions, especially in connection with them medical treatment, thanks to Capt. Learner's unceasing efforts. Generally speaking these three detachments can be considered very good and far superior to the coal-mining detachments in Upper-Silesia. A great deal is due to the very good relations between the German military authorities at Stalag and the British Chief Man of Confidence, as well as the interest the Stalag authorities take regarding the British prisoners of war.

The Men of Confidence of the following British working detachments were called for an interview with the Delegate of the Protecting Power to commando No.12402 at Weisstein:

145 British and Colonial Prisoners of war employed in the glassworks at Waldenburg-Altwasser. They work three shifts of 8 hours daily, some work 10 and 12 hours per day. Every second Sunday is free.

No complaints whatsoever. The medical attention is said to be excellent, since Capt. Learner is taking care of the POWs in this commando.

68 British (mostly Australians and New Zealanders) doing constructional work, building a new Radio factory. The working hours are 8 hours daily. The walk to and from the factory is at a distance of about 4 km, the walking time is included in the working hours. Every Saturday afternoon and Sunday are free. There are no complaints with regard work or working conditions.

Complaints: Although the billets are very good, there are no facilities for bathing. The only way the POWs can have a bath is by drawing hot water from the kitchen and taking a bucket bath. The German military authorities are trying to find some bathing place at Hirschberg.

26 British prisoners of war are working in a brick factory 9 hours daily. Sundays are free with exceptional 2 to 3 hours work loading or unloading waggons. No complaint with regard work.

Complaints: The Man of Confidence stated that ventilation at night in billet is pretty bad. The German military authorities promised to have this rectified.

The POWs are accommodated in a stone house (private dwelling) in this little village of Königshan, Sudetengau, on the Southern side of Riesengebirge.

50 POWs working on Railway lines, repairing and maintaining lines. The actual working hours are 9 1/2 daily, Saturday afternoon and Sunday free. Travelling to and from work is included in the working hours. Occasional Sunday work especially in winter; however, compensation is given during the following week. Work is said to be very hard but can be managed by the POWs.

The entire house is at the disposal of the POWs. There are several rather large rooms with double-tier beds. Plenty of space, good light and air and the electrical light is said to be insufficient. Each POW has 3 German blankets due to their being colonials.

In the basement is a large washroom with a large boiler and two bathtubs. The POWs can have a hot bath daily. There is running water in the house.

2 cooks are employed to do the cooking for the men. They have plenty of vegetables and potatoes in the cellar, which they bought privately. Rations are received according to scale; the only complaint was, that for several weeks they have had only horsemeat issued to them. When taking this point up with the German military authorities, they promised to examine the case, however, gave little hope that any other kind of meat is available, as apparently the whole German population of this area is having practically only horsemeat.

There is a stock of Red Cross parcels for another fortnight at the rate of half of one parcel per week.

There is one recognised sanitator at this commando, who stated that officially the German drug supply is none too good; however, unofficially he is able to obtain practically everything he needs. A German civilian Doctor is taking care of the sick; the sanitator stated that he is "the best Doctor in Germany".

There is a military dentist who gives apparently excellent treatment. He does fillings and extractions and unofficially also makes plates. Seriously ill POWs are taken to the hospital at Trautenau, where they are very well taken care of.

The Man of Confidence stated that he is in urgent need of boots and greatcoats. This has apparently been ordered and Stalag informed the Delegate, that a delivery will be made very soon.

A request for issuing more coal for drying the men's clothing during the night has been granted by the German military authorities.

2 of the working POWs have every Saturday and Monday off to do the washing for all the POWs. In winter they have great difficulties in drying the laundry and the Germans promised to have more coal issued.

Satisfactory. The POWs here prefer to save the money to be given to the Red Cross instead of sending it home for their own use.

Football is played regularly in a nearby field. There are plenty of indoor games and some musical instruments.

The men are accommodated in a very large wooden barrack with a corridor in the middle leading to various rooms on each side. It is situated near a small village in one of the valleys of the Riesengebirge.

The strength of this commando is 85 POWs. They are working in three different flax-factories 9 3/4 hours daily. Saturday afternoon and Sundays are free with the exception of some men, who have to work about every third Sunday. 9 POWs have to work every Saturday afternoon and every Sunday, however, full compensation is given during the week.

As mentioned above, this new wooden barrack gives ample accommodation for the present strength. There are 12 men in each room, each one having a cupboard for himself. There is also a big mess-room, which is used as a theatre. Each POW has 2 German blankets; a request for a third blanket has been refused, as there are no more blankets available. However, it has been promised that additional coal will be issued to keep the rooms warm enough, that a third blanket would not be necessary any more.

There is a very good washroom in the barrack with running water. Every man can get a hot shower per week, in fact the Man of Confidence mentioned that they can have a hot shower daily if desired.

Adequate. There seems to be some difficulty in having the pit emptied regularly. The German authorities promised to have this attended to more often in future.

There are 2 British cooks in a very large well equipped kitchen with two large boilers and a very good size stove. The men receive long workers ration and there was no complaint about the quantity issued. The Man of Confidence complained about the quality of the meat, which is very inferior, especially during the summer months it was apparently uneatable. Due to the colder weather, it has improved somewhat, but still cannot be considered as good. Here again the German military authorities are fully aware of it, but since the German population in this whole district cannot get any other kind of meat, there is little they can do about it. However, they promised to take the matter up with the competent authorities trying to further improve the quality of the meat.

For the last 2 weeks there has been no more issue of Red Cross parcels and the men are eagerly awaiting a new shipment from Geneva through the Stalag.

There is one recognised sanitator at this commando. There seems to be a great deal of trouble with medical treatment, which the POWs receive from a military Doctor at Trautenau. Apparently the doctor is always too busy to examine the POWs and most of the time sends them back to work without even looking at them. Whenever a man has been sent to work by the doctor, the Kommando-Führer punishes the men with 3 days arrest. It has come to such a point, that no man wants to see the doctor, first of all because he is not being examined but simply sent back to work, secondly because the Kommando-Führer then punishes them with three days arrest. One man who is suffering from heart trouble went to see the doctor, who examined his throat only and sent him back to work. he was immediately punished with 3 days arrest. When the man asked to see a heart specialist, the Kommando-Führer stated, that if the heart specialist finds nothing wrong with him, he will get 26 days arrest. The man naturally is afraid to see the specialist. A strong protest was made by the Delegate and the German military authorities promised to investigate at once and if found correct, that the Kommando-Führer punishes men without any further orders from one of the officers, he will have the Kommando-Führer removed. The German Officer in command of these working Detachments also stated that he will get in touch with the military doctor and put things right.

Boots are said to be very bad and 5 more greatcoats are needed. Otherwise the clothing situation is quite satisfactory.

Practically nil. Razorblades are urgently needed. An indent has been sent to Stalag.

The Man of Confidence asked for a visit from the padre from Stalag. This request has been transmitted to the Chief Man of Confidence at Stalag.

There is plenty of football, indoor sports and musical instruments. The theatre is very much in use and proves to be very satisfactory.

The Man of Confidence complained, that the POWs have been forced to sign a form stating that they have full knowledge of the OKW order, that POWs are forbidden to have any intercourse with German women and also that theft after a bombing raid is punishable by death. This is an OKW order and will be taken up with that organization. One of the POWs who had been bartering with cigarettes was punished by the Kommando-Führer in allowing him only 50 cigarettes per week instead of 50 cigarettes per day. In case not all letter cards and letters issued are being returned during one week, the Kommando-Führer has been holding back outgoing mail as long as two weeks.

There are 3 cupboards missing, which apparently had been taken by the Kommando-Führer for his own room.

POW J.J.M. Kruger, POW No.76347 has asked that his brother, Pte. P.P.J. Kruger, POW No.81189 at working Detachment No.E149 depending on Stalag VIII B Teschen may join him here. When discussing this point with the camp commander at Stalag VIII A, Görlitz, he promised to grant this request.

This working Detachment, which used to be so good and which has every reason to be good has been greatly disturbed by the Kommando-Führer. Most of the complaints are directly connected with him and the Delegate of the Protecting Power requested the German officer in charge of this area to have this Kommando-Führer removed, to which he agreed, should the accusations against him prove to be correct.

As soon as a better Kommando-Führer is in charge of this working detachment it will again be one of the very good commandos.

The Men of Confidence of the following working Detachments were present at this Kommando to have an interview with the Delegate of the Protecting Power:

27 British Prisoners of war (mixed) are working in a flax spinning mill, some 9, 10 and 10 1/2 hours daily according to their kind of work. Some of the men work on transport, others on flax-machines and in the machine house. Saturday afternoon and Sundays are free, with very few exception for unloading waggons.

The Man of Confidence asked for information about the Red Cross parcels since they have had none for the last two weeks. No private parcels have been received for several weeks. The matter has been taken up with the Chief Man of Confidence at Stalag who reported, that private parcels have arrived and are being send to the various commandos.

27 British (mixed) Prisoners of war are engaged in work in a paper factory with transport and odd jobs. The working hours are 8 1/4 daily and 3 shifts of 8 hours daily, Saturday afternoon and Sundays are free and in case work is required during the free time, full compensation is being given during the week.

95 British (mixed) Prisoners of war working in a cigarette paper factory on machines on all different branches of the factory, in shifts of 8 hours daily. Some work 10 hours daily. Sundays are free and if work is required, full compensation is given during the following week.

Requests: Men who are working continuously in pulp-steam asked for walks, since they live on the second floor of the premises and therefore get practically no fresh air at all. The Stalag authorities promised to investigate and approve if considered necessary.

The POWs also asked to make a large map of Europe and to draw on it the daily change of the fighting front according to the German news. This, however, was refused.

62 British Prisoners of War are working in a paper factory on various odd jobs for 9 1/2 hours daily. No Sunday work.

Requests: According to the Man of Confidence, 92 supplementary diet parcels have been sent from Stalag on October 25th, 1944 but so far have not arrived. The Chief Man of Confidence at Stalag is making an investigation.

Pte. J.A. Carr, POW No.77084 reports, that he has never received any of the private parcels, which had been announced in the letters from his mother: Mrs. Carr, 41 Cedar Road, Strood, Kent.

33 British (mixed) Prisoners of war are working in a saw-mill for 11 hours daily. Saturday afternoon and Sundays are free and if work is required for loading or unloading waggons, full compensation is being given during the week.

Complaints: The Man of Confidence stated, that the Sunday clothing has been taken to a new stores outside the camp, which is very damp and cold. The German Officer in charge of these working detachments promised to investigate and to find a new store.

A request for the exchange of old and worn-out blankets has been approved and will be done immediately.

The Man of Confidence asked to have the air-raid shelters reinforced. The German authorities agreed to have this done. This Commando has been without Red Cross parcels for the last 4 weeks. The Chief Man of Confidence at Stalag promised to have this commando supplied with the first parcels arriving.

20 British POWs doing forestry work during 7 1/2 hours daily, Saturday afternoon and Sundays are free. The billets are said to be excellent with Sauna bath; work is not considered too hard.

This week was the last issue of Red Cross parcels at the rate of half of one parcel per week.

The Kommando-Führer was said to be very troublesome, otherwise there were no complaints. The German Officer promised to investigate and if possible to have him changed.

In General it must be said, that the working detachments depending on Stalag VIII A, Görlitz are throughout good. Many improvements have been made since our last visit and the Delegate feels assured that further improvements will be made, since the camp authorities at Stalag as well as in the various districts take great interest in the welfare of the Prisoners of war.