Work Camp 10084 GW

Date of visit: 19th May, 1943

Location: Lassach

Type of work: not known

Man of Confidence: Warrant Officer R.E. Jordan, POW no. 7423

(My POW reference book has R.E. Jordan, HQ 6th Div. AASC (Australia) as being in Stalag 357 at the end of the war. Maybe he got a transfer?)

Number of Men: 40

Known to be present

March, 1942

Thanks to Eddy Good, son of E.E. Good and Alina McDonald, daughter of Allan Vaughan for the photos.

(Eddy would like to hear from anyone who has any further information about this Work Camp. He can be contacted by e-mail.)

General Description
Upon arrival, the Delegate of the Protecting Power was informed by the Man of Confidence that this camp would be closed down on Thursday, May 20^th, 1943 and the POWs transferred to a new camp at Mallnitz, a small holiday resort a few miles further up the valley. The interior arrangements of this new camp were said to be satisfactory, and the POWs look forward to changing.

The present camp is pleasantly situated with fine views of the mountains.

Medical attention and sickness
The medical attention was said to be very bad. It appears that one man for instance was ill in bed 10 days before the doctor called, furthermore the POWs have had to pay for their medicaments. They also state that their dental attention is unsatisfactory. When discussing these points with the Accompanying Officer he proposed to put this matter to the Chefarzt (Senior Doctor) himself.

Clothing
The Man of Confidence states that all the men have only one uniform and badly need another one. The Delegate of the Protecting Power will convey their demand to the Chief Man of Confidence at Wolfsberg who, in any case, at present is dealing with the clothing problem for all the work camps of Stalag XVIIIA.

Laundry
Half of the laundry is being done by the POWs themselves and the other half is sent out.

Money and Pay
The pay is 70 Pfgs. A day and the men themselves fill out the pay-roll for the firm for which they work.

Canteen
There is no canteen and nothing has been received from Stalag either.

Religious activity
It has been arranged that the padre from Spittal will visit the new camp.

Recreation and exercise
No entry.

Recreation and Exercise

Mail
The mail is said to be very slow.

Welfare work
In order

Complaints
There were several complaints which the POWs put forward.

1. They complain about the food and say that the firm is to blame for it as the handling of the ration cards appears to be very casual and not always in the interests of the POWs. They are very satisfied with the civilian woman who cooks for them but there is not much she can do with the rations she receives. The Delegate of the Protecting Power discussed this with the Accompanying Officer who proposed to watch the firm closely so as to justify any steps he might take in aid of the POWs.

2. The Man of Confidence states that on several occasions private parcels by ordinary mail have been tampered with and that mostly cigarettes and chocolate are missing. The Accompanying Officer ordered an investigation by the Postal Office.

3. Often the POWs return wet through from their work but find there is not enough heating material at the camp enabling them to dry their clothes. It was arranged that more wood shall be at their disposal in the new camp.

General impression
Though an inspection of this camp was superficial the Delegate of the Protecting Power gained not too good an impression, not so much as far as the camp itself is concerned but rather the treatment of the POWs by the firm. However it remains to be seen whether conditions in the new camp improve.

Date of visit: 7th September, 1943

Location: Mallnitz

Type of work: Not known

Man of Confidence: WO R.E. Jordan

Number of Men: 44

General Description
This new camp lies near the railway station of Mallnitz. It consists of one big barrack containing three sleeping rooms and a second barrack at right angles containing a big washroom and a store-room for Red Cross parcels.

Interior arrangement
Double tier beds in normally occupied sleeping rooms containing also tables and benches. The light is adequate; heating also.

Bathing and washing facilities
Adequate.

Toilet facilities
Adequate.

Food and Cooking
The food is good. Red Cross food can be cooked in the barracks.

Medical attention and sickness
Medical attention is given by a civilian doctor in Mallnitz. The general state of health is very good. Medical supply adequate. Dental treatment in Spittal. There is one recognised medical orderly in this camp.

Clothing
In progress.

Laundry
Part of the washing can be done outside, the rest is done by the men in camp.

Money and Pay
Correct.

Canteen
Very poor.

Religious activity
In order.

Recreation and exercise
A little sports ground attaining to the camp can be used for football.

Mail
Fairly good but slow.

Welfare work
In order.

Complaints
Some misunderstanding about the work hours had met with discontent amongst the British POWs. This matter, however, was straightened out.

General impression
This camp is fairly good and in spite of the pretty hard work the men keep their good spirit and courage.

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