Camp Reports – Werl

Report of Visit of Mr. DRESEL to Officers’ Detention Camp at WERL

Transcript from copy held at US National Archives.

Source Document: US National Archives Washington (NARA) ; RG 84 Records of Foreign Service Posts ; Diplomatic Posts – Great Britain – Volume 0763

There has been little change in conditions at this camp since the detailed report by Mr. Michaelson of May 19. 1915. and the same six officers were found there as then. Four of these were occupying single rooms, and the remaining two, younger men, a slightly larger room. All the rooms were sufficient in size, sunny and well ventilated. Walks under parole had begun, the parties being sufficiently large to allow each officer to go out twice a week. As yet it had not hem found practicable to arrange a space for a lawn tennis court, the surrounding areas being used almost exclusively for vegetable gardens, and the yard, giving opportunity for a round walk of not more than one hundred yards, is small and cramped. On bringing this matter to the attention of the authorities at Munster, it was promised to take steps at once to permit the officers to hire a court at some little distance, (which it is understood they are willing to do), and to take their temporary paroles, when they use it, as on walks.

As to food the reliance was principally on packages from England, the officers not finding the fare served in the camp to their taste, though it appears to be sufficient in quantity. The bathing arrangements, allowing of but one bath a week, are still not so satisfactory as might be wished.

There were no other complaints, and in the opinion of the officers the difficulties noted were at least partly compensated for by the great advantage of separate sleeping quarters.

The health of all British prisoners is excellent. Most of the officers spend much time in the study of languages and other

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other subjects, end there here been a number of theatrical performances in which the British have taken part.

The present visit was on March 20, 1916, and St Patrick’s day had recently been celebrated with some thoroughness.

March 29, 1916,

Ellis Loring Dresel

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