HTML Transcription © F.Coakley , 2021
Up to the entry of the USA into the war the Americans looked after the interests of the German and Austro-Hungarian Governments - one of their duties was to inspect and report on the various internment camps - one such report is given here reformatted from the original typescript but otherwise unchanged. This report is extracted from a longer report by Mr Jackson reporting on visits to many places of internmen Original held at TNA in file FO 383/106 There was also a visit to Knockaloe on the same day.
At the Douglas camp, which I also visited on February 9, there were about 2400 prisoners. I was told that the same camp had held as many as 3000 summer visitors. Here most of the men lived in barracks similar to those at Knockaloe but larger, providing accomodation for 120 persons each, Some of the prisoners were still in tents, with wooden floors holding from one (captain) to seven persons. Several men told me that they remained in the tents from choice, and others said they preferred them because of their additional privacy I think that any one wished to do so, could have been transferred to a barracks, upon his request.
The "captains" had special rooms in the barracks, and there are also a number of rooms, called "Cubicles" in another building, holding one to five persons, who pay a moderate sum for their use. Some of these rooms were fitted up prettily and comfortably at the occupants' expence. One room had been arranged as a Catholic confessional, and others were used by men working at various trades.More was done here to provide occupation than in any other camp I visited.
The cantine was adequate. smoking was permitted, the water closets and urinals were sufficient although somewhat inaccessible at night, and the washing and bathing facilities were good, hot water being available at all times. The buildings are lighted by electricity and heated. There is a swimming-bath and special provision for washing and drying clothes. Large rooms were provided for recreation, when music and dancing are allowed, and in general the Commandant seemed to treat the prisoners as humanely as possible. Every one admitted that local conditions had improved.
As the exercise space is limited the prisoners are allowed to take walks(marches) under guard. Gymnastic apparatus had been ordered. Hospital arrangements appeared to be adequate.
In regard to the food there was still some complaint. A contract was given to the proprietor of the place when it was taken over by the authorities, and he was allowed to retain his own cooks (some of them women) and their manner of preparing the food did not seem to give general satisfaction. The Prisoners claim that it was necessary to supplement the regular food by purchases from the cantine. Good white and brown bread is provided. "Captains" were permitted to have beer.
Clothing is provided here as elsewhere, when necessary. The day I visited these
camps in the Isle of Man was rainy and dreary, but I can imagine the conditions
in the summer as being really attractive.
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| Any comments, errors or omissions gratefully received The
Editor HTML Transcription © F.Coakley , 2021 |
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