Stalag VIIIB

Camp Commander

Second in Command

German Physician

Security Officer

Accompanying Officer from OKW

Senior British Medical Officer

British Man of Confidence

: Oberst Thielebein

: Oberstlt. Eichberg

: Oberstabsarzt Dr. Mentzel

: Major Birkhoff

: Hauptm. Schade

: Major G.F. Eagle, SAMC.

: RSM F. Read

There has been no change in the lay-out of this camp since our last visit on September 14th, 1944. Upon arrival at this Stalag, the new camp commander, Oberst Thielebein, informed the Delegate that this Stalag is to become a lazaret for Russian POWs suffering with T.B. He had already received orders to move Stalag VIII B to the Gleiwitz area, however, since he had so far been unable to find any place in that area or in any other area, he was forced to remain here with his staff, keeping with him the man of confidence with their staff until such time that he could find other quarters. All other POWs would be sent to Stalag 344, Lamsdorf to make room for the Russian patients, who were supposed to arrive the following day. The Delegate protested against keeping British POWs in a T.B. lazaret for Russian POWs and the OKW will be requested to provide proper quarters for Stalag VIII B as soon as possible, which will be situated very near the coal mining district.

There is no more overcrowding at the main camp due to the fact that those POWs from the Invasion front had been sent to various working detachments.

There is some improvement to report with regard to the interior arrangements. The barracks had been fumigated and at present there seem to be no more bugs. There is also more tidiness in the rooms since they are no more overcrowded. However, the mixture of all the nationalities is still prevailing and conditions in general are very unsatisfactory.

The drainage in the washhouse has been blocked for the last six days and apparently only 2 taps are in working conditions. The camp commander mentioned that the drainage is being cleared and that repairs will be made to the other taps to get them in good working orders again

No change. The man of confidence reported that about half of the potatoes are being stolen when being delivered between the entrance gate and the cookhouse by the hungry Russian POWs. This is one of the many disadvantages resulting through the mixture of all the nationalities in this camp. The hot plate for the cooking of the Red Cross food in the barracks of the other nationalities (French, Belgian and Italians) has been closed down, so that the hot plate for the cooking of the Red Cross food in the British section is now used by all the nationalities, who receive Red Cross parcels.

This Stalag with its working detachments has been without Red Cross parcels for 5 weeks. On Christmas half of one Diet parcel (Invalid food parcel) has been issued to all the POWs in this region and since January 1st, 1945 there is again a regular issue of one parcel per man per week. Beginning with the week on January 21st, 1945 the issue will again be only half of one parcel per man per week, thus the present stock of Red Cross parcels will last for another 4 weeks.

There has been some improvement with regard to conditions at the lazaret. Shortly after out last visit, one of the rooms, which had been used for Russian patients had been fumigated and whitewashed and installed as an isolation ward for British patients. There is also a marked improvement with regard to grading for work of the POWs at the various working detachments. Although mine-doctors are at times still trying to re-grade the POWs for hard work, by strong protest it has always resulted that a military doctor had been consulted and his grading had been forced on the mine-doctor. Although this grading is now kept secret from the POW by a new order from the OKW, there has been little complaint in connection with grading.

The new lazaret at Sosnowitz has not yet been opened. According to the Senior British Officer conditions at the lazaret at Laurahütte are considered quite adequate due to the British sanitators, who maintain good cleanliness and receive good support from the German physicians. On the other hand conditions at lazaret Emanuelsegen seem to be very bad and a request to place some British sanitators there will be considered by the camp commander. The Delegate is visiting these two lazaret on January 20th, 1945. In spite of a complaint to the OKW, British sanitators still have to do guard duties at the gate leading from the main camp to the lazaret. The Delegate made another strong protest and the new camp commander promised to withdraw the British sanitators from this duty at once.

On the day of the visit there were 26 patients at the lazaret, one of them seriously ill with heart trouble. Major Eagle, the Senior British Officer assured the Delegate that everything is being done for this patient.

The understanding between the Senior British Officer and the German Stabsarzt has also improved.

The clothing and boot situation is indeed bad. No new supply has arrived for some time and there is practically none in stock. There is of course a great demand for clothing and especially for boots for the POWs working in the coal mines, even though they are issued with mining clothing and wooden shoes. Leather shoes or leather repair material is unobtainable now. In spite of this shortage of clothing, POWs have sold clothing and boots against food at the time, when they were without Red Cross parcels and the Man of Confidence is requesting his Government for permission to punish these men by not issuing them with Red Cross parcels, since they are again available. He is convinced that by this action he could stop the selling of Red Cross clothing and boots.

A new order from the OKW allowing British POWs only two sets of underwear and one pullover to be in possession of each POW, the remaining being kept in safekeeping. This order, however, has been cancelled again the day of the Delegate's visit to this Stalag, consequently all supplementary underwear and pullovers were issued again to the POWs.

Practically nil. Although cigarette-lighters have been allowed again, the Security Officer has not informed the man of confidence of it, neither has he issued the lighters, which are kept in safe-keeping. When taking this question up with the camp authorities, the Security Officer informed the Delegate, that the Germans were unable to supply the necessary fuel for those lighters and if the lighters would be issued, it would only lead to bartering with civilians, which of course, he could not permit. The Delegate, however, insisted, that the lighters should be given to the POWs, since the German authorities were unable to supply the POWs with matches and that it is very important, that the POWs working in the coal-mines should have some way of lighting their lamps. The camp commander promised to consider the question.

Major Hiddlestone informed the Delegate, that Pte Urbach, who died at Kattowitz hospital had been buried without military honors. When discussing the case with the German authorities, the camp commander expressed his regrets, explaining, that Pte Urbach was in a special German hospital for contagious diseases at Kattowitz and that no one there was aware, that POWs had to be buried with military honors. The burial had to take place very soon after death and the military authorities had been informed of this death only after the burial had taken place. The Delegate requested the camp commander, that all hospitals in this area should be informed, that POWs had to be buried with military honors to prevent any such happenings again, which he promised to do.

Theatrical performances have been allowed again soon after a protest had been made to the OKW last September, since it had only been an order by the commanding General of Wehrkreis VIII.

The theatre is again at the disposal of the British POWs and performances are going on as usual.

Letters arrive regularly again, though they are dropping off lately - only very few parcels have arrived the last few months. Outgoing mail in order. The privilege for sending Christmas messages through the Radio has not been made use of by the POWs.

A representative of the International Red Cross has visited this camp a fortnight ago.

Besides the above mentioned insufficiencies and complaints a few minor ones could be straightened out on the spot. However, the following were brought to the attention of the Delegate of the Protecting Power:

Death of Pte A. Tallis, POW No.1604: Pte Tallis at working detachment No. E 393 contracted pneumonia and pleurisy and since apparently no ambulance was available, he was taken in an open wagon drawn by a horse to the hospital at a distance of about 5 hours, where he died a few days later. Death of death: December 16th, 1944. A protest was lodged by the Delegate and the camp commander mentioned, that an ambulance is always at the disposal of POWs in very urgent cases. The camp commander was requested to inform all working detachments, that an ambulance should always be obtainable in such cases.

Civilian Internee Mills, POW No. 32706: Internee Mills is still at working detachment No. E 72 as POW, working in a coal mine in spite of the many requests made for his transfer to an Internee camp to the OKW. The camp commander informed the Delegate, that the Gestapo would not let Mills return to an Internee camp and insists, that he should be treated as prisoner of war. The case will again be taken up with the OKW.

The man of Confidence reported, that on working detachments, POWs who receive bigger rations according to their work, only receive normal rations on their free days. The camp commander promised to investigate and to rectify the error.

Working Detachment E 715, Auschwitz: The Man of Confidence reported, that some of the POWs have to carry rifles for the guards from town to the camp, which had been repaired. The Delegate objected and the camp commander promised to stop it at once.

The Man of Confidence asked the Delegate to report to his Government, that all the POWs at this Stalag and its working detachments are very much disappointed, that they have received no Christmas message from H.M. The King. The only message received from the Royal Family was sent by H.M. The Queen to the Medical Officers and was greatly appreciated.

The new camp commander, Oberst Thielebein, seems to have more power over his staff and consequently is running the camp. He has been endeavouring to bring upon better conditions and has promised to do so, as soon as he finds new quarters. He used to be Chief of the Police at Kattowitz.

For his 3 days visit to working detachments depending on this Stalag in the coal-mining district, the Delegate was informed by the camp commander, that he could only visit working detachments in the region of Gleiwitz and Kattowitz, as it was impossible to get into the Sosnowitz area due to the Russian advance towards Krakau. Moreover, the German Battalion commander, who is in charge of the working detachments in the Sosnowitz area would not be able to accompany the Delegate, since he had been detailed to other work, which was in no way connected with the POWs camp. However, upon a special request to visit working detachment No. E 715 Auschwitz, the camp commander granted this visit, which was set for January 20th.

On January 19th, 1945 the Delegate was informed by the accompanying Officer from the German High Command, Hauptm. Schade, that all prisoners of war of the working detachments in the Sosnowitz area, as well as those from Auschwitz had received orders to march westwards to Stalag 344, Lamsdorf due to the capture of Krakau by the Russian Army. Details of the condition of this march were unobtainable. On January 20th, 1945 the Delegate was supposed to visit the German Reserve-Lazarets Laurahütte and Emanuelsegen, where some of the British POWs were being treated. These two German Lazarets had been evacuated on January 18th, 1945 and it could not be found out whereto the patients had been transferred.

On January 22nd, 1945 the Delegate had been informed, that all POWs from Stalag VIII B, Teschen and the remaining working detachments in the Gleiwitz and Kattowitz area had received orders to march westwards to Stalag 344, Lamsdorf. This meaning, that all British prisoners of war of Stalag VIII B, Teschen and all those of the working detachments depending on this Stalag, totalling 13,725 POWs were marching towards Stalag 344, Lamsdorf. Conditions of this march were unobtainable and it could not be ascertained, whether the Medical Officers, Sanitators and the sick of the lazaret of Stalag VIII B, Teschen had been removed.

Since our last visit on September 15th 44 the camp has considerably increased in strength, the number of British Ps.o.W. in this camp amounts to-day to 286 men. A further barrack has been taken over offering sufficient accommodation for the new men. It is a brick-built barrack, formerly used by Ukrainians, which has been fumigated before taken-over by the British. There are several rooms with 20 to 24 men in each, sleeping in double tier wooden and iron beds, sufficient sitting accommodation but only a few cupboards. The heating is adequate, with small iron coal-stoves, the lighting generally not too good, the electric bulbs being only 25 to 40 Watt ones, of which there are usually 2 provided per room. In the same barrack there is also a small recreation-room with sitting space for about one hundred men. A small stage has been built by the men themselves.

Working conditions are more or less the same as described in our last report. There are now about 160 men on underground work, the remainder is employed on surface jobs and camp-work. One party of about 30 men is working on exceedingly long hours, being away from camp from 4.45 to 18.30. These men work on the mine's shunting yard, cleaning lines and points, loading and unloading trucks and various odd jobs. They have, however, 2 hours break in the above mentioned hours and the work itself cannot be considered as very hard. A protest was lodged by the Delegate with the Mine manager who promised attention. The men engaged on underground work have a general complaint about the poorness of the working kit supplied by the mine. No exchange of this clothing has been forthcoming for a period of over 12 months and this kit is now in a state in which it is almost unbearable. Many men already wear their battle-dress for work. The same position applies to the boots. Only wooden clogs have been issued these last months and many men state to be unable to walk and work in these clogs resulting in Ps.o.W. wearing their own or Red Cross boots to work unfortunately. The danger to the men's feet in wearing clogs was pointed out very sharply by the Delegate but the answer was that the sick rate has not increased. Only one Sunday out of three is given free of work.

The main-complaint on this commando, however, is still the food. As previously reported, the cooking is done by a communal kitchen for the whole of the mine working of foreign status. The M.o.C. reports of several differences between the rations given by the firm and those stated to be due to British Ps.o.W. by Stalag authorities. The men receive for instance 3591 grms of bread weekly whilst the Stalag ration-scale shows 3825 grms. The civilian i/c however stated that he is allowed to keep something back i.e. flour for use as soup-thickening; potatoes are supposed to be 4500 grms a week (raw) whilst the men receive 2800 grms in cooked state. Difference is stated to be loss through cooking and bad quality. It is obvious that those shortages cause a lot of trouble in the Kommando and everything could be arranged satisfactorily if the British had their own kitchen, a wish and request which was made already on the occasion of our last visit and which was at the time supported by the Delegate. Although the work's management has, in the meantime, received a recommendation to provide an own kitchen for the British Ps.o.W. by High German Authorities, the mine manager pointed out that there are still other British Kommandos in the neighbourhood which have no own kitchen and refused to have a special kitchen installed. The Delegate, however, insisted on the point and after about 2 hours tremendous arguments the mine-manager gave in. A kitchen for their own use will be installed in the British camp in one of the empty rooms in the new barrack.

Medical attention is now exclusively given by a German M.O. or the British M.O. Capt. J.G. Hughes RAMC from the neighbouring Kdo. E 22. The Kommando-Führer however has a slight tendency to overrule the decisions of these two doctors, but on the whole, the situation is reasonably good. Drug supply is said to be good. There are at present 3 medical orderlies on duty at this camp.

Besides the above mentioned points the following complaints were brought forward:

1) Fumigation of barrack-rooms and washing of blankets. Although a request to have this work done, was made by the Delegate on the occasion of our last visit nothing has been forthcoming. However, the mine-manager promised attention.

2) Soap issue. With the shortage of Red Cross parcels and with some of the parcels being without soap at all, the position has become somewhat strained. At the same time the German issue was cut down considerably, i.e. 50% (the same amount of soap has to last for December and January, and not only for one month). The mine-workers receive now 4 small tablets and one package of washpowder for this period, whilst surface worker have, as a rule, only one tablet and one package of washpowder. For every 6 days, or as it is at present days, out of work for sickness, etc. one tablet of soap is deducted. Upon discussing this point with the mine manager more leniency was promised.

3) Camp duties. Light sick men are supposed to do camp duties, i.e. cleaning of barracks and compound, heating etc. This work, however, is badly neglected as those men urgently need the little time they are allowed off work for their recovery. The Delegate was able to induce the mine manager to appoint i.e. pay two men for these duties.

4) Air-raid shelters. A part of the covered splinter-trenches is liable to cave in at any moment. The firm promised immediate attention.

5) State of boiler for preparing hot water. This boiler is slowly falling to pieces but the exchange or at least thorough repairing of this installation was promised.

As previous experienced all improvements promised take a frightfully long time before going carried out which is mostly due to the acute shortage of material and the time needed to have any application in this connection approved. With the approaching of the fighting zone to this part of the country there is a considerable unrest noticeable amongst the Ps.o.W., the guards and everybody else. Most of the men had already packed their kit although they had not been told to do so by the camp authorities, but everybody wants to be ready. The men are looking eagerly forward to the arrival of how they say, "old Joe" and hope that they will not be moved before. So far, the Guards Company Commander stated to have no orders for a removal of the British camps, under his command.

I. This is a new Kommando, formed by men taken prisoners on the invasion front, and has been opened at the end of September 1944, shortly after our visiting tour to this area. It is a coal mining Kommando. The camp consists of 4 large brick-built barracks of various sizes and shapes, too. One of the barracks, holds the cookhouse and store-rooms, cobblery and tailors shop, two barracks are divided into sleeping quarters with one hut holding the sick-bay with M.I. room on one end and the other a good sized canteen - and recreation room, the fourth hut offers some more sleeping quarters and holds at the same time the large wash and bathing installations. There is furthermore a large latrine hut and a coal shed within the mine enclosure but shut off by a strong barbed wire fence from the rest of the mine-premises. It had formerly been inhabited by Russian Ps.o.W.

II. There are at present 443 British Ps.o.W. of whom a large percentage are French speaking Canadians. Except for 2 or 3 men, they are all prisoners of war taken at the beginning of the Invasion. The men are engaged on coal-mining working on 3 different shifts of 8 hours. About 400 men are employed on underground work, 25 on surface work. Except for a part of 50 men, there was no complaint about the work nor its conditions. These men, however, state that they have to work in a very wet part of the mine, section D 7, where they almost get soaked with water which is pouring down. Upon remonstrances by the Delegate, the mine director informed him that this part of the mine will be closed because most of the civilian foremen had to join the "Volkssturm" and that only the best areas will be exploited now. For the rest of the men, conditions are stated to be reasonably good. On this Kommando, the men have 2 Sundays out of three free but the day preceding the free day, shifts of 12 hours are asked from the men.

III. As mentioned above, the sleeping and living-rooms are of various sizes and shapes. They are furnished with double-tier beds with strawsacks and two German blankets per man. Wardrobes and sitting accommodations with tables are insufficient in number. Heating and lighting adequate.

IV. The washing and bathing facilities are quite fair. There are a good number of taps with running cold water in the washhouse and next to it is a shower-room with 24 shower-sprays with hot water available the whole day. There are no baths at the mine and bathing is being done here. Two men are appointed boilermen, sufficient coal is available for heating the water.

V. Latrines are sufficient in number but rather primitive. The emptying of the latrine-dump has lately to be done by the men themselves as there is no more petrol available for the motor-pump.

VI. There is a well-equipped kitchen available, 4 British cooks i.c. Rations are issued according to scale but the vegetable ration is said to be very poor consisting only of swedes. The camp has been without Red Cross food parcels for 7 weeks but for the last and the present week parcels are issued at a rate of one per week. Half a parcel per man was available for X-mas.

VII. Capt. Saltz (1915) M.O. is in charge of medical attention at this Detachment. He is assisted by 5 recognized sanitators. There is a sickbay in camp with 36 beds, two rooms are reserved for contagious cases. There have lately been 24 cases of diphtheria, of a mild type, in this camp. All these men were sent to hospital, 10 of them have come back. In addition to these, a further 7 men are supposed to go to the hospital as they have been found out to be carriers, but they could not be admitted there as the hospital is being evacuated.

Accident cases are quickly taken care of by the mine and brought to hospital ambulance. Up to now there was only one bad accident following a fall of stone. Bellamy (83849) was trapped and had a fracture of the pelvis and a rupture of the urethra. He was immediately taken to the Staatshospital at Gleiwitz where he is said to receive very good treatment although his state is said to be rather critical. A blood transfusion produced only slight improvement. The accident happened on the 24/11/44.

Ordinary sick cases have first to pass the German M.O. before admittance is granted to any hospital. Drug supply from the Wehrmachts-Apotheke at Gleiwitz is stated to be quite good. Instruments for the medical examination for the British M.O. are however still missing. Some have been supplied by Stalag from Red Cross sources.

Dental treatment is organized although the men experience some difficulties in seeing this doctor. Guards Company Commander promised investigation.

The general state of health is said to be fairly good not considering this small epidemic of diphtheria. It is intended to have all the men vaccinated.

VIII. The clothing position is rather bad. Only one suit per man is available and this clothing is in most cases the clothing in which the men were captured in. A shipment of clothing is however expected to arrive any day now. Under-wear is available. Working kit and mine helmets have been provided by the firm but they are rapidly deteriorating. The same applies for the boot situation.

IX. Three men are appointed to do all the laundry for the men in camp. This arrangement working very satisfactorily.

XI. Beer is available as much as wanted, other canteen supplies are as everywhere rather poor.

XII. One of the men holds Church service every Sunday. The camp has once been visited by the R.C. priest and the Church of England padre from Stalag.

XIII. A sportfield is available for the camp but not used at present as the weather is too bad. The recreation hall offers facilities for plays and concerts, some books and indoor games, as well as musical instruments are available.

XIV. Mail is said to be better than expected, first private parcel from England arrived on the day of visit. Outgoing mail is in order.

XVI. Except for the points mentioned under their respective headings no further complaints were brought forward. A few minor matters were settled with the mine-manager who is a very reasonable and helpful man.

XVII. This Kommando must be considered as fairly good one and the Delegate gained a very fair impression of prevailing conditions.

Bad reports of conditions at this Kommando have reached the Chief M.o.C. in Stalag who requested the Delegate to pay again a visit to this camp, the last one having taken place in September 44.

The present strength of the Kommando is 597 British Ps.o.W. It has again gained in number and therefore the overcrowding has become acute again. Working hours and working conditions have, in general, remained the same as reported after our last visit. Complaints 1 to 4 of our last report dealing with working conditions have all been rectified, but new ones have crept up again. They are mostly individual cases:

1.) 2636 BANK was operated in Laurahutte hospital for rupture and discharged as fit for light work. In spite of that he was ordered on a bricklaying job where he had to lift large bricks (18 pounds). After reporting with the woman mine doctor he was ordered to another type of work which, however, was still too heavy resulting in a new rupture. As an excuse was given that there is no light work available in the mine. The Delegate suggested to form a special group for all such cases or that they will be employed in the camp until they are perfectly fit. Military authorities promised consideration.

14791 McDOUGALL who failed to pass the Mixed Medical Commission with heart disease and dermatitis was sent back to camp fit for light surface work. He was at first put on light work but now has been put on heavy work - lifting and transporting heavy machine parts. Although the mine authorities had been informed of his status, no change of work was given to McDougall. Guards Company Commander promised attention.

A third case is that of 11969 BURBRIDGE who was ordered by the mine doctor not to do any shovelling. Although his foreman was informed of the order, no attention was paid to it. Here again, the Guards Company Commander promised to have it stopped.

In general, doctor's requests for light work or a change of work are disregarded by the pit authorities.

2.) Abteilung 60 is a party of men who have to assist nearly every night in emptying sand from the sand train in one of the pits, and therefore their free time is broken into every night for one or two hours. The time, however, is compensated the same day. Although an improvement of this type of work is very unlikely, Guards Company Commander promised to do his best to improve conditions.

A number of other complaints have also been brought to the Delegate's knowledge. They are dealing with conditions inside the camp:

1.) Coal issue. The present coal issue which amounts to about 65 pounds per stove per day is considered to be kept open to some degree for ventilation. This must be considered as necessary as the rooms are overcrowded. With approximately 300 men issued with only one blanket, the heat in the barrack-rooms is inadequate especially in the early morning hours. Guards Company Commander promised investigation and application for a bigger coal issue.

2.) Blankets. As mentioned above 300 men are issued with only one blanket. Following existing German regulations this issue is considered to be sufficient if a plentiful supply of fuel is available. Corresponding with point No.1 this does not seem the case. Investigation was promised.

3.) Medical inspection by the woman mine doctor, Dr. Gosch. Although the actual medical examinations and prescriptions have improved lately, Dr. Gosch is now accompanied by her secretary, a young woman who assists at these medical examinations. With the men already not liking to be treated by the woman doctor they further object to the presence of this young woman. The Guards Company Commander promised to have it stopped.

4.) The quality of the food, the way of cooking it and the rations accorded to the men were further points to be discussed. In this case too, the Military authorities promised full investigation.

A number of minor points were straightened out to the conference with the Local Military authorities, the mine manager, Hr. Spaniel, excused himself from the conference.

The British civilian-internee A. Mills (32706) mentioned in our last report is still here. (See report on the base-camp.)

Conditions at this Kommando are really most unpleasant. There will never be some sort of co-operation from the side of the pit-authorities and for anything the military authorities are able to do for the Ps.o.W. something else is taken away or done to the men by the mine management. The Delegate decided to request from the competent authorities to have this Kommando dissolved.

The following 6 Men of Confidence, each representing a British Labour-Detachment of the neighbourhood came to Arb. Kdo. E 72 for the conference with the Delegate of the P.P.

This Kommando has almost the same complaints as Kommando E 72 as they are actually living within the same compound, the only difference being their employer which is in this case a saw-mill.

There are now 45 British Ps.o.W. and the Kommando must be considered as overcrowded; lack of fuel, quality of the food, lack of recreational facilities, interference by civilian authorities from Kdo. E 72 with the running of this camp, were the main-points objected to. There is furthermore the case of 10164 DORNEY who as a punishment was sent for 14 days to the mine and as he did his job quite well, was kept there. Upon the Delegate's request he was promised to be sent back to his old job. 5152 PATTERSON who is suffering from bad eye-sight should be moved to another Kommando as he is liable to be injured by the machines in the saw-mill. Will be considered.

With the discussion of Kdo. E 72 this Kommando will be moved too. Conditions here are the same as one the aforesaid camp.

The camp has been fully described in our last report dated Sept. 15th 1944. There are at present 290 British POWs. Work and working conditions are the same as reported before. Nothing in the way of improvements as suggested and requested on the occasion of our last visit has been carried out. Local authorities state it to be materially impossible.

1.) White-washing and fumigation of the whole camp. Fumigation was promised to be done the very next days, the white-washing will be done too, as soon as the necessary material is available.

2.) Exchange of blankets. This request was dismissed as being materially impossible.

3.) Approximately 80 men are without palliasses. During the summer the men had burnt them as they were full of bed-bugs and new ones are not available any more. The Guards Company Commander suggested to spread cardboards from the Red Cross parcels over the bed-boards, heap wood-wool over it and cover the whole thing with one of the blankets as a substitute for a mattress. The Delegate could not agree and asked for proper palliasses. Military authorities state to be unable to provide some.

4.) General condition of the barracks. The military authorities agree that they are bad but state that they are unable to do something through lack of material.

5.) Repair material for mining-boots is completely lacking. The Guards Company Commander promised to apply for some.

6.) Some minor points were straightened out with the Guards Company Commander who promised to see and urge again the civilian authorities that something will be done in the way of a general overhaul of the camp.

Although conditions are not very pleasant in this camp, the Man of Confidence reports of excellent spirits and good state of health amongst his comrades.

In the meantime the Kommando has slightly increased in strength numbering at present 547 British POWs. Work and working conditions have remained on the whole, the same, as on the occasion of our last visit.

1.) About 250 men are without palliasses. Following a change-over of the camp's complement, the departing men burnt their mattresses as they were bug-ridden, expecting that their arriving comrades would be issued with new ones. Unfortunately there were no new palliasses available any more and the new men have now to suffer for what the old prisoners did. Guards Battalion Commander promised consideration.

2.) One working party of about 10 men in Abteilung 7 which is a wet part need 4 to 5 pairs of Wellington boots to keep their feet dry. The Guards Battalion Commander knows of the case but these rubber-boots are apparently not available anymore. Anyhow he promised to do his best to provide the men with this foot-wear.

3.) Laundry arrangements. The men are still doing their own washing and no arrangements were found up to now. Here again competent authorities promised to endeavour to find a satisfactory solution.

4.) Hassan (10185) mentioned in our last report, is still here and still wants to join a Kommando with countrymen of his as he knows only very little English. Consideration was promised.

Dvr. G. Kettlewell, 2nd Amb. Car Coy RASC, Army No. T/62780 POW No. 5856 who needs his recognition as a member of the Protected Personnel under the Geneva Convention, and

Pte. Albert Cooke, Army No. 4394044, POW No.34995, a Regimental Stretcher-Bearer, who needs the same recognition. Swiss Legation Berlin will make the necessary steps.

The complaints put down in our last report on the Detachment have all been straightened out after our visit, except for point No.2.

The present strength of the Kommando amounts to 137 British POWs. Work and working conditions are the same, except that lately the men were ordered to do six hours per week in addition to the regular working hours in order to be off work every third Sunday. Guards Battalion Commander promised to have it stopped.

1.) Shortage of cleaning material. Brushes, brooms, clothes are urgently needed for a clean upkeep of the camp. Consideration was promised.

2.) 10 men are issued with only one blanket, as sufficient fuel for heating purposes is available, competent authorities state to be unable to do something about it.

3.) A Stalag order was received stating that whenever in a room a wireless set is found the whole complement of this room would be punished if the owner of the set could not be found out. The Guards Battalion Commander, however, assured the Delegate that this is not the case and that only the owner of the radio is liable to be punished. It is however expected of the POWs that they tell the local authorities whenever such a set is smuggled into the camp.

4.) The old question concerning the use of clogs and/or wooden sole shoes was risen again as the POWs consider the wear of these shoes as harmful to their feet. Unfortunately nothing can be done against this measure as soft material or leather is simply not available anymore.

5.) The use of sportsground, which is considered as being a privilege has again been stopped, because two of the men escaped round X-mas time. Guards Battalion Commander promised alleviation of the situation.

6.) A general complaint was lodged against the attitude of the Kdo-Führer who does nothing to protect the POWs against unreasonable demands from the mine-authorities. The Guards Battalion Commander promised an exchange.

Generally speaking the Kommando is not very pleasant. There are too many friction-points between the POWs on one side and the military and civilian authorities on the other. Materially speaking the camp is, however, a reasonably good one.

155 British POWs form this Kommando. They are working in a coalmine in 3 shifts on 8 hours each for the underground workers and one surface shift of 10 1/2 hours. So far only every 4th Sunday was given free to the men but the Guards Battalion Commander promised to have that immediately rectified as the British POWs are at least entitled to one Sunday out of three.

1.) Overcrowding of the camp. German military authorities agree to that but state to be unable to do something about it.

3.) The camp's tailor who has to do all the repairing and mending of the working-kits is badly in need of a sewing machine. The Guards Battalion Commander promised to do his best to have one provided.

Except for the above mentioned points, the Kommando is said to be in good order. The camp is self-cooking and no objections were made as to the quality and quantity of food. Medical attention is given by a German M.O. and Capt. Kooker, a British M.O. of a neighbouring Kommando visits the camp at least once every fortnight.

This Kommando with a strength of 414 British POWs, all of jewish origin, is working on a coal mine. Roughly about 170 men are engaged on underground work, the remainder on various surface jobs. The actual miners work 8 1/2 hrs per day in 3 shifts, surface workers do 12 hrs with 1 1/2 hrs break for the meals. Every third Sunday is given free.

The men had no complaints but requested a regrading of the whole camp as the last grading had been done about 2 years ago. This will be done.

The appointment of a barber for this and the neighbouring camps will be considered.

I. This camp consists of three large wooden sleeping- and living-barracks, a combined cook- and washhouse and a latrine hut. It is laid out near the Railway line from Gleiwitz to Kattowitz about 500 metres east of Bismarckhütte station. The compound is reasonably large and offers ample moving space and even a small sportsground. Good concrete air-raid splinter-trenches are provided within the enclosure.

II. At the moment the camp strength consists of 259 British POWs, seven men having escaped last night. The men were engaged on construction work and some of them in an electrician's work shop. They worked for 14 different contractors and the working hours were therefore quite different too. As, however, most of the work which has to be done is accord work, the majority of the men finish quite early, some as early as eleven o'clock in the morning. Conditions are in general quite fair. Every second Sunday is free. On the day of visit the POWs were not called out for work which was due to the military situation and most of the foremen having been called up for the Volkssturm.

III. The sleeping-rooms are crowded but not overcrowded, accommodating 18 to 22 men in each, still there is not enough room for all the men to sit down at the same time and only one to two cupboards are provided per room. There are, however, some shelves available with coat hangers underneath. All the rooms have good iron coal stoves and the fuel supply is reported to be adequate. Electric lights.

IV. Bathing- and washing facilities are adequate. Nine shower-sprays are provided and hot water is always available.

V. The latrine hut offers facilities for 14 men at the time but the men experience some difficulties in having the latrine-sump emptied. Disinfectant is available.

VI. The camp is self-cooking, 3 British cooks are in charge. There are 3 boilers and a reasonably large cooking range available. The men are on so-called "Halb-Schwererarbeiter" rations and they state that they are received according to scale. A complaint was lodged because the meat always consisted of horse meat without a change at all but plenty of bones with it. The Guards Company Commander promised to see that a change in the meat issue will take place. The Kommando was out of Red Cross food parcels for 5 weeks but is now back on the full issue.

VII. Medical attention by a German civilian doctor whom the POWs can see daily. Good treatment is reported. There are furthermore 3 medical orderlies on duty. A small revier is available with 8 single beds. The drug supply from the Germans is said to be adequate, instruments, however, were bought by the men themselves for an amount of 800 Rm. Seriously sick men are sent to the Res. Laz. Tost and/or Laurahütte. Dental treatment is given by an Ukrainian woman dentist, twice a week; seven men are allowed to go there. Fillings and extractions are being done only. An application to have the 27 men, who need either new dentures or have their old ones repaired, sent to Stalag will be considered.

VIII. Most of the men have two sets of uniforms and underwear. Boots are being repaired with rubber from old rubber-bands from the mines. 16 months ago 300 overalls were issued in the camp but with a change-over of the complement the old personnel took their kit along and the new men are now without these working suits. Only about 25 sets are left to the camp. The employers refuses to make a new issue and presented a bill to the camp amount to 1186 Rm 11 Rpfg for these lost articles. This amount was deducted from the men's pay.

IX. The laundry is done by the men themselves. Good installations are available.

X. Except for the above mentioned incident, pay is in order. It must be stated that the fault lays to a great deal with the POWs as the overalls were handed over to them for their administration. The only objection can be made to the fact that the men who are now in the camp had nothing to do with the loss and have now to pay for it.

XI. Canteen supplies are very poor, except for beer which is available as much as required. Matches and cigarettes are not for sale anymore, but some tobacco is available, cigarette-paper, however, is lacking.

XIII. Close to the camp is a German canteen hall which is available almost any time. Boxing matches, theatres, concerts and other performances, are staged there. Occasionally the town stadium is available for football matches, otherwise a ground close to the camp. Sports-kit, books and indoor games are available in good number.

XIV. Mail position is satisfactory as far as concerns letters. Parcels, however, are dropping. Outgoing mail in order.

XVII. This is now a very good camp since about 6 weeks ago a new Kommando-Führer has been appointed. this man was a POW in England during the last war.

Since our last visit on Sept. 16th 1944 to this camp, considerable improvements have been carried out. All the complaints brought forward have been straightened out and the Kommando must be considered as a reasonably good one.

Material improvements consisted in the finishing of the theatre-barrack which was, however, at once used for living quarters, to accommodate the men from another barrack into which the new cookhouse is going to be installed. As soon as the installation of the new kitchen will be finished, which is said to be in two or three days, the construction of another theatre-barrack will be started, foundations for this building have already been made and the material is at hand too. This new arrangement will be very satisfactory. The air-raid shelters are ready too. They consist of deep splinter-trenches with a solid concrete covering about 1 metre of ground on top. This trench offers just sufficient space for all the men in camp to be accommodated in, there are, however, no sitting facilities. The medical personnel and the patients from the Revier go to a cellar underneath a cookhouse which looks fairly adequate too.

The present complement of 601 British POWs are still working on the same kind of job, but there was a complaint from a particular working party who is employed in a stone-quarry. These men had been on this very heavy work for a considerable length of the time and requested a re-grading. This was done on January 11th 1945 but so far nothing has happened to the men who have passed this examination. Upon the Delegate's enquiry he was told that 24 men had been found unfit for the work and will be returned to Stalag the very next days. The same party complained about their employers' indifference in supplying anything in the way of working clothing and boots, not even repair material is given. Guards Company Commander promised investigation.

Medical attention is still excellently provided by the present British medical staff, Capt. McLeod and 7 sanitators. On the day of visit there were only 6 patients in the camp sick-bay, none of them seriously ill. 5533 McLennon mentioned in our last report is now at the Lazaret in Lamsdorf. Reports from the local hospitals, Laurahütte and especially Konigshütte are very favourable.

The clothing position would be good if not many men had sold some of their Red Cross clothing during the time when no Red Cross food parcels were available. The camp was out of parcels for 6 weeks.

Recreational facilities are still very poor. There is still no sportsground available but the Guards Company Commander stated that negotiations are going on and that there are good hopes for a satisfactory arrangements. Half of the new kitchen barrack is now being used for playing ping-pong where six tables are available. With the construction of the new recreation-hall matters will very much improve. During October a big festival was arranged for the benefit of the British Red Cross Society and the men were able to collect by various tournaments and competitions Rm.30'000 which will be forwarded through the usual channels.

The case of 4852 Bates, who escaped from this camp some time ago and was hiding away with some Poles of the neighbourhood, was subject to a protest by the Delegate. After recapturing he was put into solitary confinement for three weeks but was only allowed something like 6 washes and never any walks. When sent back to Stalag, Bates had to be de-loused first. The reason given for his bad treatment was that the cells are under the supervision of a German Non-Commissioned Officer who is running a Russian working-detachment nearby and apparently gave this British POW the same treatment as to the Russians. Bates is now awaiting court-martial for what was said to be in possession of weapons.

Otherwise the Kommando runs now quite smoothly and it is hoped that it will continue to do so. Materially speaking it is now quite good.

On the day of visit there were 219 British POWs working for the German State Railway at an average of 8 hrs per day. Every second or third Sunday is free except for one party of men who gets only one Sunday free per month. Guards Company Commander promised to rectify the matter.

Although the camp has somewhat increased in number since our last visit, the barrack used for theatres and other performances had been pulled down, as the Railway was in need of barracks. Nothing was given instead and of course the men are quite upset about it. Guards Battalion Commander has little hope to get this barrack back from the Railway.

Interior arrangements have remained more or less the same as on the occasion of our last visit. The ventilation problem was acute again. Although the men were allowed to have the shutters open during the night up to the end of October they must be closed now at 6 o'clock for the black-out and of course the air gets rather stuffy till morning. The question was again straightened out. The lights are rather poor. Two and in some cases three lamps are provided per room of 24 men, but these lamps, being of only 25 watts and the electric power being very weak, do not give sufficient light. Guards Battalion Commander promised to arrange for better lights.

Washing facilities are in bad repair. The majority of the taps do not work anymore and with the opening of the central-water-tap all the branch-taps continue to flow too. Whenever the hot water is on, this means a considerable waste of hot water. Camp authorities promised to have the necessary repairs done.

The latrines are continually overflowing for the last fortnight as nobody can be found to empty the big latrine sump. The Guards Battalion Commander, however, promised to have the situation immediately changed.

The clothing position as far as concerns Red Cross outfits is quite good. The firm, however, does not supply any working-clothing although some of the men are on very dirty and greasy jobs. The lack of boot repairing material was the source of another complaint. Military authorities promised to take the matter in hand.

Mail is said to be fairly good, but there are two men in camp whose cases need special attention:

He has been captured in 1941 and has during the whole of this time received only four letters, the last one dates 13.4.44. Next-of-King address is:

taken prisoner on 20.V.41, had for the time of his imprisonment only one private parcel and no news for the last six months - Next-of-Kin is:

Besides the complaints mentioned above no further ones were brought to the Delegate's knowledge. The question of ARP measures at the various working places will be a matter of the Guards Battalion Commander's special attention. Once the various insufficiencies will be straightened out, Kdo E 734 will become quite a pleasant camp.

There are at present 201 British POWs. Working and work conditions were the same as reported previously, but there was no work for the last 2 days as the factory has stopped production because of the military situation.

The men were, as expected still in their old camp with its many deficiencies as reported before. The new camp is now practically finished, the only work left to be done is the plumbing and the electrical installations.

There were no new complaints except about the question of paying the black-out arrangements of the camp. The amount of 121.80 Rm. had been charged to the camp, but upon the Delegate's request the Guards Battalion Commander promised to have this money refunded.

The behaviour of the Guards Company Commander who comes rather often to the camp and talks about politics and also accused at one time the Red Cross for smuggling weapons in the Red Cross food tins into the camp will be closely investigated by the Guards Battalion Commander.

Otherwise general conditions have remained stagnant. The POWs are very cheerful about the development of the military situation and everybody hopes to be home soon. The general state of health is reported to be very good.

I. The camp is laid out near the above named big works and consists of one large barrack containing the living and sleeping quarters and a separate cookhouse on the other side of the enclosure. In one corner of the compound is the latrine-hut. Very good air-raid shelters are provided.

II. There are 186 British POWs. 76 men work in two shifts of 8 hrs in the carbide-section, another 80 men in two shifts of 12 hrs with some unofficial breaks in the salt-ammoniac and gas department. The day shift works every second Sunday, while the night shift is off work every Sunday. The change of shift takes place every 6 days.

III. The barrack is divided into 6 sleeping rooms with roughly about 32 men in each, a Revier, a small Recreation-room and a room and office for the camp staff. In the center of the barrack is the washroom which also holds a cooking range for Red Cross food cooking purposes. The rooms are furnished with the usual wooden double-tier beds, some wardrobes, sitting accommodations. Heating and lighting is adequate. Two German blankets per man are provided.

VI. The camp is self-cooking, 3 men i/c. Rations are received according to scale, the only vegetables available are turnips. On the day of visit the last issue of Red Cross parcels, to last for two weeks, was made. A request for an oven in the cooking range in the kitchen will be considered.

VII. First aid treatment by two medical orderlies of whom Mitchell (91286) has no proof of his identity. Once a week the British M.O. from Kdo. E 746 visits the camp. The German M.O. can be seen daily. Dental treatment experiences some difficulties as the German dentist has been called away. There was a slight epidemic of measles in this Kommando, 5 men had been infected. The position of four men recommended by the German Stabsarzt for a change of Kommando has been straightened out by the Delegate. Drug supply had been very good except for the last 4 days.

VIII. Not every man has two uniforms but overalls for everybody are supplied by the firm, although some difficulties are experienced in having these garments exchanged when worn out. Boot repair material is very short. Camp authorities promised to find some.

XI. As usual, some beer, matches, one razor-blade and French cigarettes are monthly available.

XIII. A football-ground is available whenever wanted and a recreation-hall across the road, belonging to the firm, at least once a month. Ping-pong balls and cards are in camp.

XIV. Mail used to be quite good up to the last six weeks, parcels, however, are completely missing.

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

2.) Kdo-Führer orders men unable to walk (septic feet or sprained ankle) to go to the doctor by foot.

3.) Prohibition to put an English inscription on the cross of a British POW grave. This is said to be an OKW order and will be taken up with this body.

4.) Conditions at the main-bathhouse where the British and Ukrainians have to bath together. The Guards Battalion Commander promised full attention with regard to points 1.2 and 4.

XVII. Materially speaking this is a fairly good Kommando but the nature of work, with lots of gases and fumes, is not very much appreciated by the POWs. The spirit is therefore not too good.