Camp Reports – Westphalian Working Camps and Lazarets.

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

Report of Visits by Mr. Dresel to Westphalian Working Camps and Lazarets.

1)   The camp at Sickingmühle is a three storey brick building containing 251prisoners, 43 of whom are British, These last are all housed in a long, narrow rWestphalian Working Camps and Lazarets.oom, containing two tiers of wooden bedsteads and 54 prisoners in all, Lance Corporal Cassidy, Luke of Cornwall Light Infantry, being in charge. The space in the sleeping barracks is sufficient, and the ventilation good. The wash house, under the charge of a British private, is satisfactory. Baths, for which the men go to some little distance, are given once a fortnight. The men labour exclusively in the fields, and most of them were seen at work, which is not unduly severe. The hours are from 7 to 6, with one hour out for dinner. Outside of the usual objections to the food, and some delay, perhaps due to the local railroad, in delivery of parcels, a matter of which immediate investigation was promised, the only complaint related to the want of any exercise ground. The few yards around the building are not sufficient for football or other games, and application was made for an extension of the grounds, which, it was stated, would, if possible, be arranged.

2)   At Marl, out of 274 prisoners quartered in one large room of a one storey brick building built for a dance hall, 54 were found to be British. The accommodations were sufficient, wooden bed frames being arranged in two tiers, and all British were together. The Lance Corporal, charged with supervision duty stated that the treatment and general conditions were very good. Here, as at the camp last described, there is no recreation ground, the building being situated in the midst of

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a thickly settled village. This was reported to headquarters, and an investigation was promised. It ls however, the view of the authorities that, where the men are at work in the fields all day, the necessity for exercise Is not so urgent as in other cases.

A Corporal and a Lance Corporal were again found, as they stated, unwillingly, at work in the fields here with a detachment comprising about one half of the prisoners, and their case has also been taken up with the Department at Münster. The hours of work are ten, exclusive of an hour for dinner, and the pay is 30 pfennigs a day. There was some complaint that the men returning from work were obliged to do light tasks about the camp, such as peeling potatoes, and a suggestion that such work should be performed by a special squad not on duty in the fields was promised attention. There were no other complaints, except the usual one as to the rations.

3)   The working camp at Hervest Dorsten was reported on in October, 1915. following a visit by Mr. Osborne. Out of 765 prisoners, 159 are British, but only 18 of these were found in camp at the time of the visit, the rest being detached for field duty. Four sergeants, occupying an excellent separate room, were spoken with and reported steady improvement in conditions, and considerate treatment on the part of the officers. The especial feature of this camp is the housing of prisoners, six to eight in a room, in small modern two storey cottsges. Many have iron bedsteads, and the sleeping accommodations are excellent# The numbers in the camp have been reduced, and no overcrowding is to be observed. The only complaint, outside of the food, for which there is the customary reliance on packages from home, related to some insufficiency in regard to arrangements for washing clothes, and as to this improvements were promised by the Kommandant.

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4) At a comfortable and attractive military hospital, in Dorsten, surrounded by a good sized garden and in charge of a religious fraternity, Privates Roche Royal Munster Fusilier, Ford, Hampshire, and Pirie, Gordon Highlanders, were seen. They wore quartered in a good sized, well aired room, of which one Frenchmen was the only other occupant. None of the cases was very serious, the first named was convalescent, and the others improving. All spoke with great appreciation of the treatment and food. They had exhausted their reading matter, consisting of the first volume of a two-volume edition of Macaulay’s History, and one or two novels.

 

5) At the working camp at Dorsten, also reported on in October, 25 British were on the books out of a total of 150 prisoners. The Quarters, consisting of one room, about 50 feet by 32 and about 20 feet high, in which the whole 150 sleep, appear overcrowded, and the little cramped yard, surrounded by piggeries and rabbit hutches belonging to adjoining proprietors, is quite insufficient for exercise.

The canteen is also inadequate. Complaints of the men relating to delay in receiving parcels, an unusual number of rollcalls on Sunday, and the absence of sugar in the canteen, were promised attention. The men were seen at reasonably easy work in the fields, and the names of two corporals who, according to their statements, had not volunteered, were reported with a view to their immediate release from labour.

On account of unsatisfactory conditions at this camp, it was suggested to the Münster Department that the British here might well be removed to Hervest Dorsten or elsewhere, and there is reason to believe that this will be done.

 

6) At Langendreer an industrial establishment, containing 151 British out of a total of  351 prisoners, was inspected. &e quarters of all prisoners consist of three barrracks

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Inside the works, grouped about an irregular yard, narrowing at each end, and at its largest dimensions about one hundred yards long, and forty yard a wide • On one wide of this yard are two one storey brick barracks, on the other a third barrack, at the further end of which is a latrine. The surrounding buildings out off any view towards the outside. The general atmosphere is depressing, and the dinginess and grime usually found in iron and coke works exists. In one of the barracks 60 British were found, in another 80, and in the third, used principally by the men on night shifts, about 10. The first two of these are distinctly overcrowded, and the air Is bad. In the second, containing 80 British besides other nationalities, only small panes in the large vaulted windows can be opened, and the ventilation is very unsatisfactory, as little pure air appears to come in even through these openings. It was, however, stated that in summer there is ventilation through the roof.

About half the men are employed in eight hour shifts in getting out coal and tramming it in wagons. In addition, there are two double shifts in one week, and every shift has one Sunday off in three weeks. The remainder of the men work in the cokeries connected with three separate shafts. In these last the average amount of work in ten hours a day, task work of drawing and shifting 21 or 24 ovens in the different cokeries being prescribed. The pay is on the average 1 Mark a day, and out of this necessaries, such as underclothes, (outside clothes are furnished), socks and soap are purchased. The canteen is small, and the prices somewhat higher than usual, but a new canteen is being built, and improvement is promised. For each package received a charge of % pfennigs is made.

The latrine, which is primitive, but, does not appear to be especially objectionable, adjoins the smallest of the three barracks, and there was some complaint as to the odor.

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There was also complaint about mice, the existence of which, in the barracks was not denied by the non-commissioned officer in charge.

Thee is complaint on the part of the employers that the British are surly, and unwilling to work. On the other hand, the men are discontented and somewhat depressed, and a number do not look in good shape as a result of their detention of nearly twelve months in this camp. Very few cases of serious illness appear, however, to exist. There is considerable effort to escape work by reporting to the doctor without sufficient reason, as the men themselves admit, the ground given being that they wish the opportunity of taking the two mile walk to his office; and it is stated by those in charge of the camp that the proportion of British reporting themselves as unfit is 12%, as against 1% for the French..

A strikingly good feature of this camp is the shower baths, which are taken every day in large tiled bath rooms, in a part of the plant apart from the prisoners. sleeping quarters. There is now no complaint as to the general treatment, the non-commissioned officer in charge being spoken of, and appearing, as efficient and considerate.

Aside from the unsatisfactory living quarters, the serious defects in this camp are the lack of fresh air and sunshine, and the want of sufficient space for exercise and recreation. The yard is too small for football, but on the day of the visit the men were trying to get some amusement at of a small ball of loose hemp or string.

It is fair to add that on the part of the Münster Inspection Department appreciation is being shown of the objections to this camp. Plans have been submitted for a new barrack in which all British are to be quartered, and which will have & not unattractive view outside. Work is to

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be (Started at once, and it is stated that the building will be completed in six weeks at the outside. The barrack now containing 60 men will he converted into a dining room, and the overcrowding (due, as is said, to the employers continually sending for more prisoners without providing additional accommodation for them) will he materially relieved. It Is also stated, that an endeavour will he made to secure a playground for the men outside the works, in case their behaviour is in the meantime satisfactory.

 

7) A striking contrast to the last described camp was afforded by that next visited at Mengede. Unfortunately, out of 1052 prisoners here, only 15 were found to be British. Their living quarters are in a large three storey stucco building, eight years old, resembling a hotel in appearance. excellently lighted and heated, with a garden of considerable size in front and an exercising ground, where football is played, in the rear.

In three good sized rooms on the top floor the British were quartered alone, in divisions of four, four and five. Two tiers of iron beds in each room leave the greater part of the floor space free. The room in which the five slept is larger and better than many officers. rooms containing the same number observed elsewhere, and the ventilation in all rooms is excellent. There is a very spacious dining hall with large windows, which seats all the prisoners in two sittings. The latrines are convenient and modem in arrangement. The customary objection to the food, which is prepared by women cooks in a large, clean kitchen in the basement, did not seem altogether justified. Meat is served five times a week, and in addition, sausage. Or, if preferred, honey or marmalade, for breakfast. The soup, which had just been cooked for supper, was tried, and found palatable.

 

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The work, (10 hours a day), in connection with a cokery, consists in making the coke ‘bricks, shifting them about, charging them on wagons, etc., etc., and is according to the men’s statements, reasonable. The pay is 80 pfennigs a day. The management provides both outside clothes and under clothes, and the canteen is well stocked. Here was seen for the first time the hock which, according to a regulation just in effect throughout Germany, is to be placed on sale three times a week in all prisoners canteens. Beer, containing a moderate amount of alcohol, (about 5%). had also reached the camp and was to be sold under similar conditions.

L:      Daily baths are provided at the works.

Two minor complaints regarding delay in returning from the main camp at Münster, overcoats sent to be marked, and books forwarded to be censored, were promised immediate attention. One corporal was found working here, whose case was at his request reported with a view to releasing him from labour.

All the above camps were visited on April 6, 1916, without previous announcement except the last, where for purposes of convenience a half hour’s telephone notice was given, and in all sufficient opportunity was given to speak privately with the prisoners.

8) Two large industrial establishments under the same ownership as Sterkrade and Osterfeld were visited on April 7,1916. Of these the first (8) out of a total of 468, contains 29 British, many of whom belong to the 8th. Battalion of the Durham Regiment. One Lance Corporal of the 7th. Cameron Highlanders was, at my request, and at his wish, reported for release from labour. Six of the Durham Regiment had been schoolteachers, and on reporting this to the Münster department, it was promised that their case should be taken up with a view to putting them on agricultural or other work elsewhere. None of the British at this camp work under ground. Seven work in a smithy, twelve

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In the electric plant, three, including two Canadians, in a large wood yard, where the conditions were especially good, and the remainder in odd yard Jobs, including loading and unloading steel rails. An inspection was made of the work, of the nature of which there were no specific complaints, but it was said to be rather hard. The hours are from 6 till 5.30. one and one half hours for meals, and the wages 80 pfennigs to one mark. The food is not relished, but the soup is eaten at midday; otherwise the reliance is on packages from home.

The sleeping accommodations in a large attic, containing two tiers of iron bedsteads, where the British hare monopolized the places nest to the windows and are able to control the ventilation, are sufficient. The latrines are not objectionable, and there is provision for daily baths. The canteen is fairly well stocked. Outside clothes are provided by the employers, but underclothes and soap have to be bought.

There is no satisfactory place for exercise, though the grounds are extensive, but the prisoners are now taken out on walks every Sunday in the woods and elsewhere, where they do not come into contact with the inhabitants.

On the whole the conditions at this camp seem satisfactory, I and there were no complaints of importance.

9) The second establishment has on its books 466 prisoners, including 42 British. Of these one is in the hospital at Dortmund, which will be visited later, 5 Lance Corporals, all Canadians, were found here, and at their request their names I were given to the authorities for release from work.

The British are quartered together and alone, on the fourth floor of a former schoolhouse. The space and ventilation are ample, and there are long tables for meals and facilities for

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cooking. The beds, in two tiers, have Iron frames. The latrines are good, and there are dally shower baths in large bath rooms, which, I was told, can accommodate 5000 men at once. There is an excellent playground, on which the men were having a lively game of football at the time of the visit.

The nature of the work, which is varied, was Inspected with some thoroughness. The yard work, including carpentering, labour in the electrical shop, etc., on which about half the men are employed, comprises 64 hours at least every other week, and is the less heavy, there being a ten-hour day on five days, and a six-hour day till noon on Saturday. Complaint was made of the additional eight hours, viz. from Saturday night at ten till Sunday morning at six, during which the men are obliged to work once in two weeks and sometimes once a week, on the ground that their Sunday was spoiled thereby. In reply to this the directors of the works promised me that more labourers should be obtained, which would make it possible to have Saturday night work only once in three weeks.

The other half of the British, who are employed in the “Ash Canal”, in stoking, handling coal wagons, carrying cement, etc., have an eight-hour day in three shifts. Though this work is the harder, they appear to prefer it on account of the shorter hours.

The wages are 1 mark a day, out of which underclothes, socks and soap have to be purchased. The canteen is reasonably well provided with the usual articles of food, toilet requisites, etc.

A ground of complaint was the rough behaviour towards, and abuse of, the prisoners, amounting in some cases to personal violence, on the part of one of the civilian foremen. At my request this was investigated on the spot, and found to be justified. The director of the works took the man to task at once, and a reprimand was also given to the sergeant in charge.

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for not reporting the facts at once.

There were no other especial complaints, and this camp also produces a favourable impression.

10) A small camp at Hörde was visited on April 8th, 1916. This is established in the centre of the town, in a two storey house of moderate size, joining houses at either end, and containing a little interior yard on which the prisoners quarters open. Out of 250 prisoners here 18 are British. Of these 11 are quartered on the ground floor, in a room of about 18 feet square designed for twenty prisoners. The remainder, (divided 3, 3 and 1), scattered in rooms containing 16, 16 and 14 prisoners, of whom the majority are French, prefer to be apart rather than with the other 11. The rooms, especially the last three, seem overcrowded, and the ventilation is not of the best. One of the windows of the room on the ground floor is directly above a not overclean latrine, and there was complaint of the bad odor. There is a separate dining room of moderate size and cleanliness, and a stove at which prisoners can cook their own supplies. No opportunity whatever for exercise exists, and there is no outside view. A walking party of prisoners was taken out some two months ago, but on account of the attitude of the populace the experiment was not repeated. The canteen is small, and makes an inadequate impression. No sugar or substitute therefor is sold there at present, but it was stated that this would shortly be remedied.

The latrines (one in the court yard, and one in the house) are primitive, drains not yet having been put into this quarter of the tom, and at the time of the visit were not overclean, though it was stated that they were emptied and cleaned every day. Daily baths are taken at the works, which were not visited.

The British came here on December 23, 1915, from Sennelager III, in company with about 25 others. These last refused to work and have now been sent to the camp at Münster II, and

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an investigation into the ease is proceeding. The labour consists of various kinds of machine work, handling iron girders, leading and unloading iron bars.. eta. None of it i» underground, there is the usual ten-hour day, with a night and day shift. One corporal here did not wish to be discharged from work, but two lance corporals made application for release therefrom, which was transmitted to the military authorities. There was no definite complaint of the nature of the work, but as usual, statements that the food was unpalatable. Meat is served four times a week. Packages were being received with due regularity.

Following the visit of this camp, a short call was made at adjoining camp where prisoners employed at the same works, of nationalities other than British, were detained. Here there is a good sized playground, the barracks are in the open, and general conditions appear much better. It is believed that the urgent request made following my visit, to the effect that the British should be at once transferred to this second camp, will shortly be adopted. In the meantime, orders have been given to put a vent pipe into the inside latrine, and to furnish careful measurements of the sleeping rooms, with a view to ascertaining whether they are smaller than the prescribed limit.

In case of these last three camps, visits without previous announcement by telephone were found impracticable, but it is improbable that any changes were made in consequence of the notification. In each case the prisoners were freely spoken with in private.

(signed) Ellis Loring Dresel

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