Stalag VIIIB

Stalag Commandant

2nd in command

German doctor

Security Officer

Accompanying Officer

German High Command

Chief British M.o.C.

Senior British M.O.

: Kapitän z.S. Gylek

: Oberstlt. Eichberg

: Oberstabsarzt Dr. Menzel

: Major Birkhoff

: Hptm. Jeske

: RSM F. Read, pow. No.19

: Major G.F. Eagle SAMC

Since our last visit on June 17th 1944 nothing has changed in the general out-lay of the camp. Two brick built barracks are at present under construction and will eventually be taken over by the Russian prisoners of war, such separating them from the British. At present the mixture of nationalities, mainly British, Russians, Italians and some French and Poles continues, thus creating many inadequacies. For instance the Russians walking all over the camp are emptying and searching dustbins and spreading this refuse over a wide space in the search of eatable things. On the whole, general conditions have turned to the worse. The camp is infested with bugs and fleas and the majority of the British prisoners prefer to sleep outside in the open than to be tortured by this vermin. Some of the barracks have been fumigated but within very short time bugs and other vermins appeared again and the situation must be regarded as hopeless.

The total number of British prisoners of war in the area of Stalag VIII B amounts now to 13.305. The previous strength of 12.437 having increased by about 500 men from Stalag XXI D Posen which has been evacuated and a few hundred prisoners from the Invasion front. For the latter ones two Kommandos have already been opened where they are not allowed to mix with old-time prisoners although they are not separated from them whilst staying at Stalag.

At the base camp itself are at present approximately 1000 men which means that the camp is overcrowded by about 250 men, with result that the theatre is now used as a dormitory.

No change. Through the intermediary of the Camp Leader the occupants of Barrack No.1 asked the Delegate for permission to have their beds put out of their barrack as they are full of bed-bugs. Although they have been taken to pieces on several occasions and all the fissures burnt out or washed with disinfectant, no lasting result was achieved as during night time the bugs appear again coming out of the walls or dropping down from the ceiling. Reluctantly the Commandant agreed to the removal of the beds knowing by himself that this means only a slight improvement.

The new-comers which were accommodated in the theatre-room have no beds at all and have to sleep on sacks filled with wood-wool on the stone-floor. Since some of these men have already left for Labour-Detachments there are a number of surplus straw-sacks and blankets all over the rooms and nobody seems to be interested in their removal thus augmenting the general untidiness of the camp. The prisoners would very much like to have them put away as there are no storage facilities within the barbed wire. The Commandant gave orders for their removal.

Cleaning utensils, such as brooms, sweepers and brushes are almost non-existent. Commandant agreed to have a party of men sent out to the woods to cut birch-tree twigs for the manufacturing of brooms.

No change. A complaint with regard to the rations accorded to about 70 men engaged in the construction of two new barracks in the camp had no result as the work done by these men (brick-laying and small transports) does not entitle them to heavy-workers rations. At present they receive the same food as the non-workers in Stalag.

On the whole, medical attention within the Stalag area has improved. A definite progress was achieved by enforcing the order that no civilian doctor, mine- or work-doctors, i/c. prisoners of war is allowed to do any grading, i.e. marking men fit for any category of work. This grading can solely be done by German Medical Officers who generally give the prisoners a fair chance. To all prisoners leaving Stalag for Labour-Detachments a card showing their grade is now issued and similar orders for the issue of these cards were given to the district doctors. By this regulation it is hoped to have the men protected against the over-zealousness of some work-doctors.

On the other hand, a draw-back was registered by the new order which forbids British Medical Officers and sanitators to visit the Stalag lazaret and other lazarets too, even when sending patients to these places. The same applies to the SBMO who is not allowed to visit other lazarets and Kommandos anymore. Commandant stated that this order had to be issued for security reasons.

Conditions at this lazaret show only little material change. One of the barracks had to be fumigated and was subsequently white-washed. The mixture of nationalities still continues but the British lazaret staff is most of the time able to have the British patients separated from prisoners of war of other nationalities. Drug supply from German and Red Cross sources is said to be satisfactory. Although the understanding between the British and the German medical authorities is not the very best, daily routine work runs fairly smoothly. The isolation ward was subject to a strong complaint by the Delegate. This room is next to the hospital latrine and separated only be thin wooden boards from the urinal without any isolated between. The smell in this room was awful and the floor and wall were wet as the opposite side of the wall forms the actual urinal with several leaks between the planks. When a few weeks ago a British diphtheria case was admitted to this hospital and placed without the SMBO's knowledge in this ward, Major Eagle already placed a strong protest and removed the man in his office which he subsequently lost.

No consideration is paid to the British Medical Officers' recommendations with regard to the selection of medical orderlies to be sent to Labour-Detachments, resulting in a chaotic state of affairs. For instance stretcher-bearers are sent to a lazaret to attend serious surgical cases or a medical cook posted in charge of a mine party whilst trained medical personnel is available and not doing any work at Stalag. The SBMO believes that the security officer is the cause of these unsatisfactory dealings, because this officer is said to suffer from "mania of conspiracy". The Commandant promised investigation.

On August 10th 1944 an order was issued following which the British medical personnel has to do guard duties at the gate leading from the prisoners of war camp to the lazaret, from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. the remaining period to be covered by orderlies of other nationalities. The duties were to prevent unauthorized persons from entering the Lazaret, and failure to prevent such persons from entering, would result in the Medical Orderly concerned appearing before a Military Court. Requests to have this order withdrawn had no results and the matter will have to be taken up with the OKW. This is just to show how well this camp is managed and how useless these guard duties are is proved by the fact that about 100 yards from the lazaret gate a large hole in the wiring allows any prisoner free access to any part of the hospital.

A step forward in the right direction will be the opening of a new lazaret at Sossnowitz in the middle of the mining area. This hospital will be ready within short and run by British staff, thus replacing the ill-famed Reserve Lazaret Laurahütte. Although the latter mentioned hospital has widely improved, since it is run by British sanitators, it will be closed and Reserve Lazaret Sossnowitz will take its place.

The clothing position is generally speaking satisfactory all over the Stalag area. Stocks are at present almost exhausted as the new-comers from the Invasion-Front had to be out-fitted. Boots especially are running short at present. The issue of working clothing, especially leather-boots to the miners, remains at sore problem. Most of the mines issue now wooden-sole shoes to their workers. This measure is very much disliked by the men and often reported to be dangerous for men working on an incline, as these boots give no adequate ankle support. Military authorities do apparently their best to press the mine-authorities to issue leatherboots but due to the shortage of leather, they are simply not available any more.

Done by the men themselves. Due to the fact that by orders of the IRCC only half a parcel is issued to the prisoners, a shortage of soap is felt in the mining detachments. It would be desirable if an additional supply of soap could be sent to the Stalags where prisoners are employed in large numbers on dirty work such as this coal mining business is.

Pay appears to be correct as far as can be ascertained. An enquiry was made with regard to the money the men send home to their next-of-kin as no confirmation of receipt has reached this Stalag. The Delegate was able to give details about the transfer of this money.

No change as the base-camp itself. The men on Kommandos experience more and more difficulties in purchasing small items such as matches and razor-blades, since the local camp-leaders are not allowed any more to go to the Stalag for shopping and the transport and dispatch of matches by rail and post is forbidden. Orders were issued to the Guards Companies to have the camps provided with these articles but the Companies too have great difficulties to obtain adequate supplies.

Major Hiddlestone and another British Capt. are in charge of religious attendance at this Stalag. They still disapprove highly of the previously mentioned order from the OKW following which Kommandos may only be visited when the return to the base-camp at night is ascertained. This means that many Kommandos cannot be visited as they are situated too far from the base-camp to be back within one day. The situation will improve within short as the Chaplain will be posted to the new hospital at Sossnowitz from which the Padre will be able to visit more Kommandos.

By an order from the Commanding General of Wehrkreis VIII all theatrical performances in prisoner of war camps have been forbidden on the grounds that since these performances are not available any more for the German civilian population, prisoners of war should not enjoy better facilities. As there was nothing to do about it here in the Stalag the matter will be taken up with the OKW. Concerts and variety shows are still allowed.

Hockey sticks and soft-ball bats have to be given back to the Security Department after playing as they are considered as dangerous and might be used as weapons in case of a revolt.

Outgoing mail in order. Incoming mail, letters are said to arrived fairly regularly, parcels not at all for several weeks. Reasons are obvious.

A representative of the YMCA has lately been here and a Commission from the IRCC is expected on the 26th of this month.

Besides the above mentioned, many insufficiencies and complaints, the following were brought to the Delegate's knowledge.

Storage of Red Cross articles: The present store-room in town are reported to be insecure, damp and too small. The Commandant stated that within short the Italian prisoner-of-war store-room will be available as the Italians are turned over into civilian status.

Confiscation and loss of articles of prisoner of war from Stalag XXI D. When these prisoners left their former Stalag, a search was made by the Gestapo and many articles of which a list was handed to the Commandant were confiscated. Furthermore, when the train arrived at Teschen station, 500 men were called out and before the men were allowed to get their kit-bags from a separate waggon, the train moved off. The Commandant promised his full attention to both the cases.

Issue of cigarettes to non-working prisoners of war. Due to a new order, which was said to be from the OKW, only working prisoners of war are allowed to purchase cigarettes from the canteen (50 cigarettes a month). NCO's and DU's and similar cases have to rely solely on the Red Cross supply which following new regulations given by Geneva (half a parcel a week) and the total lack of private parcels, allows the men only 25 cigarettes a week. This is considered as an additional hardship and the Protecting Power will not fail to discuss the matter with the OKW.

Aid-Raid Precaution: The splinter-trenches at the base camp are very unsatisfactory. They are not large enough to accommodate all the men and are partly caved in. When recently the British Camp Leader put a party of men on this excavation work, they were ordered away by the guards and no reason was given. The Commandant stated that the prisoners will have no trenches or lose the sports-grounds as no other ground is available. The OKW will be approached to find a satisfactory solution.

Graves - Photographs: The Chief British Man of Confidence reports that on seven graves at the Reserve Lazaret Laurahütte no crosses have been erected and that several photographs are still missing. The Commandant promised consideration.

A number of minor points were fully discussed and settled at the conference with the Stalag Commander. A strong protest was lodged with regard to the prevailing conditions at Stalag itself, but the Commandant seems to be unable to improve the situation. It is above his capacities.

It is evident that conditions at the base-camp have become worse since our last visit, especially with regard to the vermin. The camp authorities cannot cope any more with the situation and the Stalag Commandant himself is too weak to enforce better conditions, as his orders are generally hampered and curtailed by his Security Officer who actually runs this Stalag. This Officer is well-known from his previous activities at Stalag 344, formerly VIII B.

Fortunately conditions on Labour-Detachments have generally improved. Working hours, especially Sunday work, have in many cases diminished either because the civilian workers had to turn out on Sundays to dig defence trenches or because transports were not available for the dispatch of the coal. Adequate air-raid shelters are now being available in most of the Kommandos and the remaining ones are constantly pressed to have these shelters finished. Through the carelessness of the British prisoners of war at Kommando E 715, I.-G. Farben, Auschwitz, who refused to enter the splinter-trenches during an air-raid, as they preferred to watch the "show" 38 men were killed and several were injured. It must be stated that the loss of these lives is definitely the men's own fault as they refused to go to their shelters and the guards apparently did their best to send them down. The Chief Man of Confidence and several of the wounded men which were met a few days later at the Reserve Lazaret Laurahütte had to confirm this report. None of the men in the shelter was hurt but some of the barracks have been destroyed resulting in the loss of clothing and other articles. The Swiss Legation, Berlin, will again request to have this Kommando removed from this area. Rumours at Stalag were going on that the present Commandant will leave within short time and it is hoped that with the new Commandant conditions will improve and come back to their previous satisfactory situation.

I. This camp is situated on the outskirts of the above named suburb of Gleiwitz near the mine where the men work. It consists of 3 oldish and a new barrack of various sizes and shapes holding large sleeping rooms, a smaller recreation hall, medical inspection room, a Revier, and some smaller rooms for the camp staff. Outside the barbed wire is the cook-house, the guards barrack and the Red Cross store-room. Furthermore, there are a fairly large latrine house and some smaller sheds for storing purposes, a boxing ring and the air-raid trenches within the compound.

II. There are 296 British Prisoners of War in the camp. The majority are English; they are engaged in mining work in a mine belonging to the Reichswerke Hermann Göring. The men work in 3 shifts of 8 3/4 hours and they have practically every Sunday free lately, due to the transport difficulties of the coal. About 100 men are engaged on surface work, the remainder is working down in the shaft. Work is said to be not too hard.

III. The rooms are furnished with double tier iron beds, one cupboard to share between 3 men, insufficient sitting accommodation when all the men are in camp. The two blankets which are of a very poor quality will be exchange as well as the straw in the mattresses. There is electric light and reasonably good stoves. A white-wash of the rooms and a thorough fumigation was requested by the Delegate and was promised to be done.

IV. In each room is a tap with running cold water and several wash-basins available, a larger washroom in the main-barrack may be used as well. Hot showers for the workers and the camp-staff are daily available at the mine.

V. The latrine house holds 18 seats, (pit-type) and 2 large urinals. More disinfectant was promised to be issued.

VI. Two British cooks are in charge of the kitchen and no complaints about cooking and rations were expressed. The Red Cross parcel stock at hand will last for about two months at a rate of 1/2 parcel a week per man. The prisoners take this reduction rather cheerfully. Somewhat felt is the cut of soap and last but not least the issue of cigarettes which is now at a rate of 25 per week.

VII. Medical attention is given by the resident Medical Officer Capt. Hughes and 4 medical orderlies. Capt. Hughes visits also the neighbouring Kommandos E 719, E 62, E 706, E 149, E 542, E 494, and cares by this for about 1000 men. He has full authority and no interference from any other doctor, except a German Medical Officer who does the grading when new men are sent to these Kommandos. Capt. Hughes states that he can manage with the drug supply from both the German and the Red Cross side and that his understanding with the employers is reasonably good. The majority of the cases under treatment are boils and similar deficiency-cases but the general state of health is reported to be fairly good considering the length of captivity. The revier in the camp holds 5 beds and the Delegate asked for bed-linen which will be furnished. Serious cases are sent either to Res. Laz. Tost or Gleiwitz, Hindenburgstr.

VIIII. Every man in camp has at least one full British uniform and a second pair of trousers. British boots are generally in good repair but most of them too large, smaller sizes being not available at Stalag. Working clothing is provided to all the miners, surface workers work in their uniform. Mine-boots are provided but the latest issues consist of wooden sole shoes which are very much disliked by the men. As these wooden sole shoes must be considered as inadequate for men working on inclines the OKW will be approached to give a definite ruling as to when real leather boots and when wooden sole shoes have to be issued by the firms. Repair material for the mine clothing consists of old and torn pieces of clothing and is not very satisfactory. Boot repair material is very scarce. There are two tailors and two cobblers on duty at this camp.

XI. There is a little canteen in camp and one man is appointed to do some shopping in town accompanied by a guard.

XIII. Football is played on eight-a-side football pitch just outside the compound and volley-ball and boxing is exercised within the barbed wire. Indoor games and musical instruments are available. Concerts and small shows are given in the recreation-room.

XVI. Besides the points mentioned under their respective headings no further complaints were brought forward. The Guards Company Commander who was present at the inspection promised to see that a general overhaul of the barracks will be carried out thus relieving the somewhat gloomy aspect of the camp. Some minor points were amicably settled with this officer.

XVII. Although this camp is materially not too good the men here show excellent spirit and enjoy generally very good health. With the improvements which were promised, carried out, conditions may be called fairly satisfactory.

I. This camp is situated at about 2 miles distance from the previously described detachment and consists of two large and well-built barracks holding the sleeping- and living rooms, a smaller central barrack divided into latrines, wash-room and a small kitchen for the cooking of the Red Cross food stuff. Within the compound is at the same time a boxing ring and the air-raid shelters. The later ones reducing the available free space considerably. An extension of the camp with a brick-built barrack, formerly used by Ukrainians, will be taken over within short as another 100 men are expected to arrive any day.

II. The present camp strength amounts to 188 British Prisoners of War of whom the majority are Englishmen. The men work in the same mine as Kdo. E 22 the only difference being another mine head. Approximately 140 prisoners are engaged on work down in the shaft, the rest is employed on surface work, i.e. sorting coal, transports, general odd jobs in the workshops. There are 3 shifts of 8 3/4 hrs. daily for the miners, surface workers do two shifts of 10 1/2 hrs. There were no complaints about the work itself. The Sundays have lately been free, previously one Sunday free within three.

III. There are double-tier wooden beds, a small cupboard per man, sufficient tables and stools or forms, two blankets per man and a straw-sack to sleep on, in the rooms. Electric light, coal stoves.

IV. The wash-room holding washing arrangements with 16 taps of cold running water and a copper to boil water. Hot showers daily at the mine.

VI. The German rations are cooked in a communal kitchen for the whole mine. The prisoners are not satisfied with the food they receive and state that it is always the same soup. In spite of orders given to the firm by the Guards Company, the management refuses to let the men do their own cooking. Therefore the OKW will be approached to have the situation straightened out. The preparing of the Red Cross food stuff is satisfactory although the stove for this purpose is rather small. With the beginning of the cold season and the stoves going in the rooms the situation will improve as these stoves lend themselves very well to heat water or cook little things. There is a shortage of eating bowls and mugs as the firm has difficulties in replacing broken ones.

VII. Medical attention by Capt. Hughes from Kdo. E 22 who visits the camp twice weekly. There is a medical orderly on duty and a second one will be sent from Stalag with the increase of men. Lately a party of 25 men arrived from Teschen-Stalag all men graded II B and 20 of them were sent to the mine by the civilian doctor, although these men are only fit for surface work. All the men will be medically re-examined and if of no use to this Kdo. sent back to Stalag. The Revier which is rather small holds only four beds and will be enlarged. The medical orderly states that the drug supply may be called reasonable. The average number of men reporting sick every day amounts to 15 to 20 men. Boils and various rashes are the main cause attended to. Rashes are said to be due to the mine-clothing and hard to treat when the men work in the mine. Dental treatment, fillings and extractions, organized.

VIII. Each man has at least one uniform, the majority have two. Boots are expected from Stalag. Working clothing is issued by the firm for the men working down in the shaft and some others on dirty jobs in the work-shops. In this Kommando too wooden sole shoes are issued to the men. When lately a party of about 30 men were issued with this sort of shoes the men refused to go down in the shaft with them and after a tremendous argument some 30 pairs of good leather boots were thrown at them. These boots were said to be a reserve-stock for the German civilian foremen.

XI. Canteen supplies are rather poor. Arrangements being made by Guards Company.

XIII. Boxing, swimming and basket-ball within compound. Football is played on the ground of the neighbouring Kdo. E 22. Some indoor games are available but practically no musical instruments, only two ukuleles. The YMCA will be asked to provide a harmonica, two trumpets, a saxophone and if possible a drum.

XIV. Mail is said to be as good as can be expected under the present circumstances. Outgoing mail in order.

XVI. No further complaints than mentioned above. A fumigation was found to be necessary and will be carried out. A tailor and a cobbler more will also arrive with the increase of the camp's strength.

XVII. Once the prisoners will be allowed to do their own cooking and the remaining points straightened out, this Kommando will become quite a good one. The spirit among the men is quite high.

This Kommando was last visited on June 19th, 1944 and as at that time conditions were found to be far from satisfactory, the Delegate decided to see this Detachment again. He was pleased to note that substantial improvements have been made, i.e. 40 men were sent back to Stalag thus relieving the overcrowding, a new latrine with 20 seats has been built and the medical attention has improved as well. The woman mine-doctor, Dr. Gosch however is still trying to interfere into things which are not in her competences and has lately again graded three men of the neighbouring Kommando E 411 for mine work. This was immediately stopped and this doctor received now a written order stating that she is only allowed to propose men for mine-work and that the grading can only be done by a German military doctor. The German Medical Officer in question who is acting doctor at the Res. Laz. Konvikt in Beuthen gives the men a very fair chance. It is hoped that by this written statement the position will now be cleared once and for all.

The present strength of the camp is now 557 British Prisoners of War. Amongst these men is a civilian internee, A. Mills (32706) 19 years old, who was previously interned in Italy. He wants to go to a civilian internee camp and Swiss Legation Berlin will make the necessary application to have him removed from here. The following complaints were brought forward with regard to work:

1) 23 men engaged on surface work (Abteilung 16 and 30) have only every 4th Sunday free, instead of at least every third. Will be stopped.

2) In Abteilung 30 (repair-squad) the men are often liable to make double shifts when urgent repairs have to be done and they are usually not informed beforehand when this happens, resulting in the men being left without food or drink for a considerable length of time. A particularly bad case was when one man (Worth 16002) was kept for 23 hours without a break on his job. The Delegate made a very strong protest about this practice and the mine-director promised that should it happen again, the men would be warned beforehand and an adequate break for meals accorded to them.

3) Four men in Abteilung 1, working in the water, will if possibly available, provided with rubber boots.

4) Men wearing glasses and have their glasses broken by accident in the men not to be sent down before the glasses are replaced. This was granted.

1) Insufficient number of cupboards for the men's use. Mine promised to give some more if available.

2) Shortage of cleaning material such as brooms, brushes, etc. Since last visit only 6 brooms were provided for the whole camp and the prisoners would like to have more in order to keep their camp nice and tidy. Here again the mine-director promised to give a more liberal supply.

3) Sports facilities. Although a reasonably good ground is available the Kommando-Führer, Fw. Engelskircher who is very antagonistic to sports finds all sorts of excuses to prevent men doing a bit of exercise. He cancels the little facilities there are for minor offences of an individual. The Delegate took a very serious this on this inadmissible behaviour of this Kommando-Führer and the Guards Battalion Commander who was present promised to reprimand this man and if necessary have him exchanged by another one. His bad behaviour was again proved by the fact that on another occasion

4) he prevented the men going to see the dentist just because he was not in his mood to accompany the men there. On the whole his attitude towards the prisoners is not at all correct. The situation will be closely watched.

5) Splinter-trenches against air-raids are not sufficient i.e. not all the men can find admittance. At present the men can use the potato-cellar which is very adequate but when the new crop will arrive, present arrangements are insufficient. The Guards Battalion Commander gave orders that the potato-cellar will be kept empty until an enlargement of the splinter-trenches will be made by the firm.

6) Walks for the sanitators had to be arranged. Here again the Kommando-Führer tries to overrule existing regulations.

It is sincerely hoped that this visit will help to bring normal conditions back to this camp. Kommando E 72 was for a long time quite a good Kommando and it is regrettable that conditions should have turned in this bad way. A number of minor points were cleared at the same time and the Guards Battalion Commander promised to keep an eye on this Detachment.

This Kommando is accommodated in a neighbouring barrack of Kdo. E 72 and actually within the same compound.

There are 40 British Prisoners of War engaged with a saw-mill, cutting and transporting studs for the mine.

The only complaint these men had was about the attitude of Dr. Gosch, the firm's doctor, who lately called out three men from this Kommando for mine-work on Kdo. E 72. The position was cleared.

There are two Cpls. in this Kommando who want to return to Stalag as they do not want to work any longer.

Otherwise general conditions might be called fair. The men enjoy good physical and morale health.

This Kommando has last been visited on our previous inspection tour in this area and although at that time found to be reasonably good, RSM Reid from Stalag asked the Delegate to go there again.

There is little or no change with regard to working conditions. There are still 3 shifts of 8 hrs daily and the men have to make roughly 4 to 5 hrs per week on plus in order to be off work every Sunday. Due to the increase in the number of men from 115 and 146 prisoners, the men have lost their recreation room but the camp cannot be considered as overcrowded.

All the complaints mentioned in our last report are still standing except the one dealing with the emptying of the latrines. These are now better attended to. On the other hand, the sports-ground is still not enclosed into the compound, the boiler promised on the occasion of the last visit and 6 months before that as well, has still not been provided, rubber-boots to the men were issued once but are already torn and useless and there seems to be no replacement. Delegate pointed these deficiencies our very sharply and disapproved of the manner of giving promises and not holding them.

A number of minor complaints and/or wishes were fully discussed and partly straightened out at the conference with the officers i/c. They dealt with:

1) Doors being locked at night and men being unable to go to the air-raid shelters. This was settled.

2) Pay books and other documents confiscated. This is an order by the OKW and will be taken up with this body.

4) Removal of the following two prisoners who have previously escaped from this camp and are liable to get into troubles with guards:

Materially speaking this Kommando is a reasonably good one, all the same, the men feel not very happy here, partly due to the somewhat tightened discipline following a few escapes and also about the conditions in the mine they work. This mine is known as being a dangerous one for falls and although no serious accident has happened yet the men do not feel at ease at all.

I. This camp is laid out next to the electric power plant for which the prisoners work and consists of 3 large barracks holding altogether 17 sleeping and living rooms of various sizes, a cobber-, tailor- and barber-shops, camp-office, a nice recreation-room which is at present being transformed into a further sleeping room and attached to one barrack is a good washhouse and the toilets. A further barrack will soon be taken over and used for recreational purposes. This building is across the road and only accessible after 17.30 when the men return from work and the part of the road between the actual camp and the recreation-barrack is taken into the compound. This solution proves to be quite satisfactory.

II. 314 British Prisoners of War form the camp strength to-day, two men having escaped last night. They are employed in pick and shovel work and general constructional jobs on an extension of the above named power-plant, 10 1/2 hrs daily. Saturday afternoon and Sunday is usually free. No complaints about the work.

III. The usual furnishing of double-tier wooden beds with two blankets and straw-sacks, tables and stools, few cupboards, electric light and good stoves.

IV. The washroom holds a large number of taps with running cold water, 4 sprays for cold showers and 4 others for hot ones. Unfortunately the hot shower-sprays are all except one in bad repair and the Delegate pressed to have the repairs done as soon as possible. This was promised.

VI. 4 British cooks are in charge of the kitchen which is outside the enclosure and supervised by a German civilian. No complaints about food and cooking, rations are reported to be according to scale and of good quality. There is at present no stock of Red Cross food parcels at hand but a shipment is expected any day. The men have some difficulty in finding sufficient fuel for the cooking of their Red Cross food stuff. This was straightened out.

VII. Three British medical orderlies are in charge of medical attention. The British Medical Officer Capt. Lancaster from Arb. Kdo. E 51 visits the detachment twice a week and two further sick parades are with a German Medical Officer. Supply of drugs and medicines is somewhat short. Dental organized. General state of health is stated to be good.

VIII. Fairly good. Every man has at least one full British uniform, some have two sets. Boots, too, are in good order. The firm issues overalls to all the workers, rubber boots are badly worn out should be exchanged. This will be done as soon as a new supply arrives.

XIII. Recreational facilities are good. Football can be played, in summer the men were taken for swimming. Indoor games of all sorts are available as well as musical instruments.

XIV. Letter-mail is said to be satisfactory, parcel-mail non-existent. Outgoing mail in order.

XVI. No complaints. A few minor points were amicably settled with the officers i/c.

I. The camp is situated on a slightly elevated position at about one mile's distance from the mine where the men work. Seven large barracks form the camp. Five and a half barracks are used for sleeping and living quarters, half a barrack forms the Revier and the last one is divided into a large recreation-room, kitchen, workshops and stores. There are two further smaller buildings holding the washing and bathing facilities and the toilets. In the centre of the camp is a reasonably large playing-ground for foot-ball, handball and rugby and a smaller ground for basket-ball quoits, etc.

II. On the day of visit the camp strength amounted to 501 British Prisoners of War. The majority are Englishmen. All but about 70 men work down in the mine in three shifts of 8 1/2 hrs. Every third Sunday is free. There was a question about the men having to wait an unduly long time when work is finished until guards are available to take them back to the camp. This was straightened out.

III. As usual. A fumigation of the camp was requested by the Delegate and was promised to be done in the very near future. Otherwise interior arrangements may be called adequate.

IV. Washing facilities are adequate, too. Hot showers daily at the mine for the underground workers, surface workers take their baths in camp. Repairs on some of the sprays were found to be necessary and promised to be attended to. Fuel issue seems to be rather short for the number of men who have to take their baths in camp.

VI. The cooking is done by three British cooks in a reasonably well-equipped kitchen. They would like to have one man more but as the camp staff, excluding camp-leader and the medical personnel, numbers already 19 men it is unlikely that the authorities will allow one man more. There is a stock of Red Cross parcels for 10 weeks at hand at a rate of 1/2 parcel per man per week.

VII. Capt. Lancaster and 5 sanitators are i/c. of medical attention. There is a very good medical inspection room which can be used for light surgery and a spacious Revier with 12 beds. Accommodations for serious cases are arranged by the Standort-Arzt as no definite arrangements exist in this area. Most of the cases are sent to the Res. Laz. Tost. Dental treatment is organized. Capt. Lancaster states that the German medical supply is reasonable. Recently the German Medical Officer graded 30 men for light duty underground but as reported there is no light duty to do for these men. The Battalion Commander promised to look into the matter.

VIII. Satisfactory. At least one full uniform is on every man and the firm provides everybody with working clothing. Boots too are in good repair and only very few men have to wear clogs or wooden sole shoes.

IX. At present, the men wash their own clothing. Arrangements to give the laundry out are being made.

XI. Canteen supplies are very poor. Only beer is regularly available. The Battalion Commander promised to make arrangements.

XIII. Recreation facilities are quite good but the men think they have not sufficient time to play games, etc. Two grounds are available within the enclosure, a nice recreation-hall is at the men's disposal, as well as all sorts of sports kit, indoor games and musical instruments.

XVI. Besides the points mentioned above, the following complaints and/or requests were brought to the Delegate's knowledge:

1) The men on surface work should be taken to an air-raid shelter when the alarm goes. Up to now nobody engaged on surface work went to the trenches because most of the time the alarm was not heard due to the terrific noise the machines make there. On one occasion when the alarm was audible the civilian foremen refused the men to seek shelter and threatened them even with a revolver. The Guards Battalion Commander promised to look into the matter.

2) Prisoner of War Hassan (10185) who is a Turk or Arab should be sent to a camp where he can make himself understandable as he does not speak English and feels rather lost here. This will be considered.

3) Prisoner of War P. Gleed (131220) asked to be sent to Kommando E 166 where his brother is. Will be done.

4) Prisoner of War B. Sakol (7604) Army No. 112322, an ambulance driver is still not recognized as Protected Personnel. Swiss Legation Berlin will make the necessary steps.

XVII. Materially speaking the camp is a fairly good one but the men are not very happy here mainly because of the work which they do not like at all. There are also quite a number of incidents on work with the civilian workers, mostly the so-called Volksdeutsche, but they are mostly due to provocation by the British.

I. This camp is near the above named mine and consists of one large barrack, divided into 6 sleeping and living rooms, a little shed for the cooking of Red Cross food stuff, the latrine hut and a good covered air-raid shelter, all within the enclosure.

II. There are 128 Prisoners of War all Greeks except four Cypriots. They came here on September the first from Arb. Kdo. Udetfelde which had been dissolved as the men were doing forbidden work there, (loading bombs, etc.) They are now engaged in this mine and work on 3 shifts of 9 hrs each. Every second Sunday is free.

III. The well-built barrack is furnished with double-tier wooden beds, cupboards and sufficient sitting accommodation. Electric light and large brick stoves with any amount of fuel. Due to this liberal supply of fuel the men are issued with only one blanket but quite a number have a second private one.

VI. The food is cooked by the mine and sent to the camp. Advises with regard to cooking to suit the men's taste are being considered. Red Cross food parcels at hand and the cooking facilities for such are satisfactory.

VII. One sanitator i/c. Medical attention given by the mine-doctor who is reported to give good treatment but inclines to sent the men back to work without giving the men sufficient time to recover.

VIII. Everybody has two uniforms. Working kit is provided by the firm as well as wooden sole shoes to which the men have no objection. Army boots generally in good repair.

XIII. A ground has been put at the men's disposal but it needs levelling cut. Equipment for sports and indoor recreation available.

XIV. Mail is reported to be very scarce, very few men have received letters from home. Outgoing mail in order.

XVI. There was a complaint about the Kdo-Führer who tends to treat the men a bit harshly. However the Delegate has a good impression of him but told him to be a bit more lenient with the men which he promised. Another complaint dealt with the loss of Red Cross stuff on the way from their former Kommando to this camp when the Railway waggon was forced and 1175 cigarettes and some chocolate was stolen. This case is already in the hands of the police.

XVII. From the material point of view the camp may be considered a good one, once the men have settled down and got used to their new work the situation will certainly be satisfactory. The employer is quite reasonable although he is not satisfied with the amount of work the prisoners do.

The men are still in the old camp but the general situation has so far improved as about 40 men have left the detachment thus reducing the camp to its present strength of 154 British POWs. The majority are South-Africans.

The prisoners are still engaged on the same kind of work; only lately the men were obliged to work for three Sundays without a break and had only the fourth Sunday free. This was stopped.

Otherwise the men had no complaints but they are impatiently waiting to move into their new quarters. This would have been finished long ago but when about 2 months ago the necessary material arrived, everything was seized by some military authority and directed for immediate use to the front. After the conference with the officers i/c. and the employer, the Delegate visited the emplacement of the new camp where one barrack is almost finished now but still a lot of work has to be done. Some of the men who are working there complained to the Delegate that they could not carry on with the work as they sometimes have to wait for days until a few sacks of cement, sand or a lorry full of gravel arrives. The Delegate requested the employer to speed up the work in order to have the prisoners properly accommodated. The employer expressed his good will but pointed out the grave difficulties in obtaining any material.

Meanwhile the men are putting up with their present quarters quite well. The only real insufficiency is the lack of moving space and the dampness of one of the dormitories.

I. Since our last visit on June 19th 1944, little has been done in completing the Kommando. The essential things have all been made but the recreation-barrack for which the men are longing is still not finished, the foundations and the walls have been erected but the roof and all the interior outfit is still missing. This is a very sore point for this camp as the prisoners have no real sportsground for their own and therefore have little opportunity to spend their leisure hours in a beneficial way. Since the chief-engineer of the firm will now take the matter in hand, it is hoped that within short this barrack will be completed as well.

II. There are at present 594 British POWs. Working conditions are the same as last time and the type of work as well.

V. In order. There is a tendency of the Kommando-Führer to have the latrines emptied only when absolutely necessary. More frequent emptying was promised.

VII. Medical attention by Capt. J.A. McLeod. General conditions are satisfactory and the men enjoy very good health. There seems to be some confusion as to where serious cases have to be sent to. When lately G.G. McLennon (5533) had an attack of acute TB, he was refused from Res. Laz. Tarnowitz to where he had been taken by ambulance and then sent to Res. Laz. Tost where he was again not admitted, and eventually was taken back to his Kommando and only the following day was taken up in a hospital near Krakau. There are also three other closed TB cases in camp who are awaiting transfer to an appropriate hospital. The Revier is satisfactory. On the day of visit 5 patients were there, one with pneumonia and the others with dysentery. The Medical Officer asked the Delegate to apply for a sterilizer and if possible for some white aprons for the doctor and the medical orderlies. It will be considered.

VIII. The camp is well equipped with clothing, boots however are in bad repair as no repairing material is available.

X. Correct, except for some cases where men who had accidents while at work have not been paid. This was straightened out.

XIII. As mentioned above, recreation is the sore point in this Kommando. In spite of promises given on the occasion of our last visit, no proper sportsground has been arranged. The prisoners were allowed to play on the ground of the neighbouring Kommando E 594 but after some pretended incidents, this "privilege" was withdrawn for security reasons. Once more the Delegate requested the local authorities to put an adequate ground at the disposal of the men, or at least give the men the opportunity to play on the pitch of Kdo. E. 594. Definite promise to find a satisfactory solution was given. The recreation hall will now soon be finished and by the general situation will improve. Equipment for sports and indoor recreation is available.

XIV. Mail is reported to be satisfactory under the present circumstances. Outgoing mail in order.

XVI. Besides the complaints mentioned above, the following points were discussed:

1) Letters written by the British Camp Leader to the Control-Officer have never been answered. No satisfactory answer was given but promises were given to do so in the future.

2) Orders given by the Kommando-Führer have never been given in writing, only verbally. The Delegate insisted on posting all orders in writing in German and English on the board specially erected for this purpose. The Accompanying Officer from the OKW supported this demand but there seems to be a contradictory order from the Commanding General of the area who forbids to give written orders to POWs. The matter will be taken up with the OKW.

3) Air-raid shelters are still not finished. The men here volunteered to dig the trenches but no cement is available for the covering with concrete slabs. As mentioned above, the Chief Engineer of the firm will now take all the work which is left to be done in his hands and there are good reasons to believe that these shelters will soon be finished.

XVII. With all these various deficiencies left to be straightened out, there is little noticeable of a "show-camp" as it was to be by the intentions of the Germans. As a matter of fact, it is rather a poor show. All the same there are reasons to believe that something will be done in the very near future and thus bringing the Kommando to normal conditions.

I. This is a new camp specially built for the prisoners of this firm who have up to now lived in an old school at some distance from the present accommodation. The camp is laid out on a slight slope outside Milowitz and once finished will be very satisfactory. It consists of 6 large stone barracks of which 4 are at present completed and taken over by the men as sleeping and living quarters, the fifth building will be taken over to-morrow, half of this barrack forms the very satisfactory Revier, and the sixth barrack will be finished by the end of the month. This building will hold the kitchen, store-rooms and a recreation-hall. Within the compound is also a large latrine-house and the air-raid shelters, as well as a temporary small kitchen.

II. The present camp strength amounts to 657 British POWs. The majority are New-Zealanders and they are engaged on coal-mining working in three shifts of 8 hrs daily. Surface workers have two shifts of 10 1/2 hrs a day. 140 men are on surface jobs, the remainder works underground. The last five Sundays have been free because the civilian workers had to dig defence trenches in the neighbourhood. The Delegate made sure that under normal conditions all the men will have at least one Sunday free within three. Up to now only every fourth Sunday was free. Of the complement of 657 men, 152 are still in the old camp but will be transferred within the next days.

III. The barracks are of a very good type, each holding 16 rooms with 10 men per room. A corridor runs in the middle of the building with the rooms on both sides. The rooms are very airy and well lighted by day and night. They are furnished with double-tier beds with straw-sacks and 2 blankets, cupboards and sufficient stools and tables. Good stoves.

IV. There is a tap with running cold water in each half-section of a barrack and 2 to 3 washbowls per room. Hot water is three times a day available from the shower-house outside the compound. Hot showers daily at the mine for miners and other workers. The camp-staff is allowed to go there three times a week.

V. There are 80 seats in a large latrine house for day and night use. More disinfectant was granted.

VI. Food cooked partly in the old camp and partly in the temporary kitchen here. 8 British cooks i/c. No complaints about rations nor the quality of the food.

VII. Medical attention by Capt. Hooper and 6 sanitators. Satisfactory. The present Revier holds ten beds, more will be available in the new one. The average number of men reporting to the daily sick parade lays between 60 and 70. The majority of the cases are septic conditions which are very hard to heal probably due to diet conditions. The Drug supply is reported to be adequate. Some difficulties are found to convey men unable to walk to the German M.O. for inspection or examination. This was straightened out and the firm will provide a carriage when ever necessary. Minor cases are allowed to go by tram-car. General state of health is reported to be good.

VIII. Uniforms and underwear are available in good number. Boots too are as a rule in good repair. The mine issues mine-clothing and wooden sole shoes to the prisoners but replacement of torn and worn-out items is difficult and repair material is very scarce.

XI. No canteen in camp. Once the barrack which holds the kitchen will be finished, a canteen will be installed. Present supplies consist of beer, and some matches and razors from Stalag.

XIII. There is a sportsground just outside the compound. Due to 4 escapes, security measures were tightened for this week and the men had no access to the sportsground. Normal conditions will return on the end of the week. There is an orchestra in camp and indoor games are available, too. Once the recreation-room will be ready the situation will be satisfactory.

XIV. Mail from New-Zealand is said to be normal, parcels however rather scarce. Outgoing mail in order.

1) Auxiliary sentries (civilian foremen) threaten men on work with their pistols for not doing the amount of work required.

2) Men injured at work being left for an unreasonably long time down in the mine before medical attention is given. This applies only for minor injuries such as cuts, bruises, etc. The Delegate took a serious view on these two points and the Battalion Commander promised personal examination and attention in order to stop these incidents.

3) Issue of wooden sole shoes to miners. This point will be taken up in a general way with the OKW.

XVII. Once finished, this camp will certainly be quite a good one. The men enjoy generally good physical and moral health.

I. This camp is being enlarged and consists now of 5 old and one new barrack and a further one under construction. (Will be ready within 3 weeks). It is laid out on the road from Modrow to Klimontow, two mining places in Upper Silesia. 4 1/2 of the old and 1/2 of the new barracks are taken up by the men as living and sleeping quarters, the remaining half of the old barracks forms the recreation room, and half of the new barrack is holding the Revier, work-shops and camp-office. The compound is fairly large and encloses a sportsground.

II. 625 British POWs form the camp's complement. They are in their big majority South-Africans. The men are engaged on coal mining in two mines of the same firm. Miners work in three shifts of 8 3/4 hrs, surface workers do two shifts of 10 hrs each. Every second Sunday is free.

III. The barracks are divided in rooms of various sizes holding from 10 to 28 men sleeping in double-tier wooden beds with only one blanket until the first of October. The rooms are quite airy and well lighted, stoves are available. There are sufficient sitting accommodations and cupboards have to be shared between 4 men.

IV. The men wash in the washhouse with a large number of taps with running cold water available. Hot showers daily at the mine.

VI. The food is cooked by Polish women in the kitchen which forms part of the guards-barrack and is situated outside the barbed wire. No complaints. Red Cross food parcels at hand up to the end of November.

VII. There is a nice Revier in camp and Capt. Saltz is in charge, assisted by 6 medical orderlies. 12 single beds with bed-linen are provided and general conditions in the Revier are satisfactory. On the day of visit, 6 men were treated there (3 malaria relapses and 3 for accidents.) The average number of sick reporting on parade was up to a few weeks ago about 10% and has lately dropped down to 9%. The drug supply is stated to be reasonable but there are however quite a number of things not available any more. General state of health is reported to be quite good.

VIII. The clothing position is said to be satisfactory. Working clothing is provided by the mines but the men dislike the wooden sole shoes which are issued by the firm.

X. Pay is reported to be very irregular. There are some men who have not received any pay for 2 to 3 months. This was straightened out.

XI. Beer, matches, razor-blades and tooth-paste are available in limited quantity at the canteen.

XII. The padre is visiting the camp at regular intervals. He is expected next Sunday.

XVI. There are quite a number of complaints, mostly in connection with the work:

1) 3 to 4 men are working in a wet place and no rubber-boots issued to them. Will be given.

2) Some parties which are loading little coal-trolleys are forced into dangerous places of the mine to clear the coal after the blasting, whilst civilians refused to go into these places. This was confirmed by the Kommando-Führer and will be stopped.

3) Many men being threatened by their foremen for not doing the work which is required. Will be examined by the Battalion Commander.

4) On one occasion the surface workers had to work in the rain whilst the civilians took shelter. Promises were given that it should not happen any more.

5) The shower-room at the mine is said to be much too small, the showers in bad repair and the changing-room in a disgraceful state. Here again the Battalion Commander promised to see that the necessary repairs will be made and that the place will be regularly cleaned.

6) Large parts of the mine are said to be dangerous. This was again confirmed by the local authorities but it was pointed out that the situation is closely watched by a State Control Board.

7) One of the sentries i/c of the working parties was reported to hit the men with his pistol for minor offences or just retorting and that he punished men by keeping them on work for two shifts. (17 hrs.) The prisoners state that he was given authority to do so by the Guards Company Commander. The Battalion Commander promised full investigation and if necessary removal of this man.

8) Two working parties (Abteilung 4 & 5) are now for several weeks on the same early morning shift and would like a change, the same as their comrades have. This will be considered.

9) A civilian (liaison-man between mine and camp) is very often entering the camp, interfering with orders given by Kommando-Führer and giving orders himself. He attended, on several occasions the sick-parade and tried to influence the mine-doctor as to whether a man is fit for work or not. He was advised to keep out of the camp or when entering, only accompanied by the Kommando-Führer and only allowed admittance if there was something to inspect about the up-keep of the barracks, etc.

XVII. Materially speaking the camp is fairly good. Once the above mentioned complaints will be straightened out and no new ones will turn up the detachment may be called a satisfactory one.

This Kommando has been visited on our last tour in June this year and as there were quite a number of things to be checked again, a visit was made this time as well.

Fortunately general conditions have improved and only very few complaints were brought forward.

There are now 309 British POWs of whom 70 men work underground in three shifts of 8 3/4 hrs. No complaints with regard to work were expressed. This may be partly due to the fact that the mine has at present stopped with the mining and only repairs and re-organisation work are being done.

Medical attention is well in the hands of Capt. Owell who was able, with the help of the German Medical Officer, to push the mine-doctor out of any competencies with regard to the POWs' attention. The British doctor decides now solely whether a man is fit for work or not, a position which is of course most satisfactory. The Revier is still very well running and the Delegate asked the firm's manager to provide bed-linen which was promptly granted. There are no difficulties any more when a man wants to see a dentist. As to drug supply, Capt. Owell states it being reasonable.

There was a complaint about the food. Apparently only horse-flesh is issued the last two months and the men would like to have a change once again. A shortage of green vegetables was also reported. The manager promised to do his best in getting a better and more varied supply.

The biggest complaint was about the lack of a sportsground. Due to this defence trench digging which is going on in this part of the country, the former sportsground was cut by such a trench in two and no other ground is available. The Battalion promised to see whether any other arrangement could be made but there is little hope as all the remaining fields are either pastures or gardens.

Another complaint was about the kit of some 150 new-comers from Stalag XXI D Posen. This kit was left in the train as it was closed up in a special waggon and the prisoners had no opportunity to get their things. The case will be taken up at Lamsdorf where all this kit went to.

On the whole this Kommando may be called a reasonably good one. The men show very high spirits and enjoy good physical health.

I. The camp is laid out on a flat ground on the outskirts of the village Bory about 20 minutes walk from the mine where the men work. All the men work underground in the mine in three shifts of 8 3/4 hrs. Every second Sunday is free. The camp consists of three large barracks divided into several rooms of various sizes for 20 to 32 men. The rooms are a bit crowded. A special latrine house is within the compound.

II. 165 British POWs form the camp's complement. It is intended to increase the number of men and have the barrack which is at present taken up by the guards enclosed within the barbed wire in order to make more accommodation for the men. In doing so, the kitchen which is at present run by Polish women, will then come into the compound and be run by the British themselves.

III. The sleeping and living quarters are furnished with double tier beds, one cupboard to share between two men, stools and tables. One room is without any cupboards and some of the men there (new-comers) have only one blanket from the Germans. There is electric light and the stoves are generally in a good state, except for two which will be repaired.

IV. Washing is done in the washhouse which is attached to the barracks. Satisfactory. How showers daily at the mine. The bathhouse there is reported to be too small and badly ventilated. Battalion Commander promised investigation.

VI. The cooking is at present done by Polish women. It is said to be satisfactory and the rations are daily checked. 7 weeks supply of Red Cross parcels at hand. Facilities for the preparing of Red Cross food stuff are rather limited as there is only one fairly large stove available. Once the stoves in the rooms will be heated, the situation will be satisfactory.

VII. There are two sanitators i/c and a British Medical Officer visits the camp twice a week usually the morning after the civilian mine doctor visited the camp in the evening. In doing so he is able to watch the situation and sees that nobody who is really unfit for work and might be marked fit for work by the German doctor, has to go down in the mine. Continuous conflict between the two doctors is reported as the German doctor is impressed by the number of men reporting sick and does not allow more than about 10% of the camp's strength on the sick list. On the other hand it must be said that there are quite a number of men who try to pretend being sick in order to have a day off work reducing so the chances of the men who really are not fit for work. Dental treatment is organised and the drug supply from the German side is said to be fair.

VIII. The clothing position as far as concerns British uniforms and boots is satisfactory. The firm issues only overalls and no proper mine clothing. These overalls are said to be inadequate and not warm enough. The main complaint was about the lack of rubber boots. About 20% of the men work in a wet part of the mine and in wearing only wooden sole shoes, the prisoners are very soon soaked through as the water is also dripping down from the ceiling. Battalion commander promised to see that protective clothing and rubber boots will be issued.

IX. The washing is done by Polish women. Up to now, the pit-clothing was washed by the men themselves. The Battalion commander will take the necessary steps in order to have the washing done by the mine.

X. The pay question is most unsatisfactory. When the Camp Leader lately went to Stalag to check up the men's credits, he found out that no money was paid in by the firm although the firm had orders to do so as the prisoners did not draw their full pay. This was of course rather a hard blow for many men who have been working for up to 3 1/2 years - The matter will be fully investigated by Stalag authorities and promise was given that all the men will receive their back-pay.

XIII. Outdoor-recreation is satisfactory. Football, cricket, base-ball, etc. is played. No recreation room yet, but will be available with the taking over of the present guards-barrack. Indoor games and musical instruments are at hand.

XIV. Mail from England is reported to be very slow. Parcels do not come through at present. Outgoing mail in order.

XVI. Besides the points mentioned under their respective headings, the following requests were expressed:

1) More liberal supply of Brooms and brushes. Apparently there are none available and in the meantime the men will have to help themselves with brooms made of birch-tree twigs. The Kommando-Führer was ordered to supply such twigs.

My telegram No.3014 (of 9th September, 1944). Information received 38 British prisoners killed 20th August, 1944, in air raid at work detachment dependent on Stalag 8B.

Request enquiry into incident report whether work camp dangerously situated and whether adequate air raid precautions available.

Report on Stalag VIIIB visited 14th September states present mixture nationalities creates many inadequacies general conditions deteriorated camp infested with bugs and fleas majority British prefer sleep outside owing vermin fumigation apparently ineffective. Stalag area now contains 13305 British increase due transfer about 500 men from Stalag XXID which has been evacuated and a few hundred prisoners from Western front latter sent two detachments where unallowed mix with prisoners captured previously. Base camp containing approximately 1000, overcrowded by about 250. Newcomers accommodated theatreroom sleeping on sacks filled woodwool on stone floor. Medical attention improved on whole. New security officer forbids British M.O.S. and sanitators visit Stalag and other Lazarets SBMO also unallowed visit Lazarets and Kommandos. Lazaret isolation ward subject strong complaint by delegate as some separated from hospital latrine by thin partition, diphtheria case recently admitted this ward without knowledge of SBMO. No consideration paid British M.O.S. recommendation regarding selection medical orderlies for detachments, stretcher bearers sent to attend serious surgical cases while train medical personnel unemployed at Stalag. Order issued that medical personnel must do guard duty at gate between camp and Lazaret to prevent unauthorised persons entering, failure to prevent this entails appearance before military court though 100 yards from gate large hole in wiring allows any prisoner access, matter will be taken up with O.K.W. New Lazaret will be opened as Sossnowitz in middle mining area with British staff replacing ill-famed Reslaz Laurahutte which will be closed. Present storerooms in town for Red Cross articles insecure damp and too small. Many articles confiscated by Gestapo from prisoners leaving Stalag XXID 500 men lost kitbags on journey. New order states only working prisoners allowed purchase cigarettes from canteen N.C.O.S. and D.U.S. must rely on Red Cross supply which owing new Geneva regulations and total lack private parcels allows 25 cigarettes weekly, matter will be discussed with O.K.W. Splinter trenches at base camp very unsatisfactory too small partly caved in O.K.W. will be approached.

From Berne telegram 4879 it is clear that conditions in Stalag VIII B are most unsatisfactory.

While there is a marked deterioration on all sides the following points calls for particular complaint:-

(4) The state of the camp lazaret with the isolation ward only separated from the camp latrine by a thin partition.

(5) Lack of attention to the recommendations of the British Medical Officer with regard to medical orderlies employed in work detachments. This is inexcusable and results in British prisoners of war being denied available medical attention.

The Swiss, we see, have already made representations to the German authorities on some points including the inadequate and dilapidated air raid shelters. Will you now thank them for what they have already done, and at the same time ask them to renew their complaints and press for immediate action concerning the above-mentioned defects.

Following is substance of report on detachments Stalag VIII B visited 15th to 18th September.

E.22 Gleiwitz 296 prisoners mining work 8¾ hours daily, nearly every Sunday free, insufficient sitting accommodation, poor quality blankets.

E719 Gleiwitz 188 prisoners mining work 8¾ hours, surface 10½ hours daily, Sundays recently free.

E72 Beuthen 557 prisoners including civilian internee A. Mills previously interned Italy, Swiss will make application for transfer to civilian camp, conditions improved since last visit though woman doctor still interferes. 23 men on surface have only every fourth Sunday free, will be stopped, men on repair squad often liable double shifts when urgent repairs necessary without food or drink for considerable time one man being kept 23 hours without break. Delegate protested strongly Kommandofuehrer prevents prisoners exercise, splinter trenches inadequate.

E209 Bobrek 146 prisoners, complaints mentioned in last report still outstanding though latrines improved, pay books and other documents confiscated by order O.K.W., mine in which men work considered dangerous though no serious accidents so far.

E727 314 prisoners, constructional work electric power plant 10½ hours daily, Saturday afternoon and Sunday usually free.

E51 Klausberg 501 prisoners mine work except 70 8½ hours daily, every third Sunday free.

E757 Morgenroth 128 prisoners all Greek except 4 Cypriots transferred from Udetfeld where loading bombs now mine work 9 hours daily, every second Sunday free.

E724 Schwientochlowitz 154 prisoners majority South Africans recently only every fourth Sunday free.

E746 Koenigshutte 594 British, little done to complete accommodation, no proper sports ground, air raid shelters still unfinished.

E535 Millowitz 657 prisoners majority New Zealanders mining 8 hours, surface 10½ hours daily under normal conditions, every third Sunday free, auxiliary sentries threaten men on work with pistols, men with minor injuries left unreasonably long time in mine before medical attention given.

E579 Modrow 625 prisoners majority South Africans mining 8¾ hours, surface 10 hours daily, every second Sunday free, some parties made to go into dangerous area of mine to clear coal after blasting while civilians refuse this work, large part of mine said to be dangerous.

E702 Klimintow 309 prisoners 70 of whom underground 8¾ hours daily, no sports ground.

E563 Bory 165 prisoners mining work 8¾ hours daily, every second Sunday free, not very pleasant detachment.

Their note B.52.Gbr.(1) St. VIII B NL/Da of 19th October, 1944 transmitting the report No.578 on Stalag VIIIB Teschen. The Federal Political Department Foreign Interests Division has the honour to inform His Majesty's Legation.

The Delegate of the Swiss Legation at Berlin who visited camps in Wehrkreis VIII ascertained that the Commandant of this Wehrkreis has forbidden prisoners of war to organise theatrical performances so as not to create an inequality with the German civilian population, who are no longer able to go to a theatre as for the most part, the German theatres are shut.

A delegate of the Swiss Legation on speaking with the Commander of the prisoners of war on this question, learnt that the High Command of the German Army by no means envisaged the closing of theatres for prisoners of war and that he had drawn up a report on the order given by the Commandant of Wehrkreis VIII.