HTML Transcription © F.Coakley , 2019
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 26 page typescript but otherwise unchanged - Original held at TNA in file FO 383/262. This visit was requested in a series of complaints re the Camps. See the follow-ups and subsequent report.
LONDON, January 8 1916
Sir,
We have the honor to submit the following Report of our visits on the 17th,
18th. 19th and 20th ultimo [December 1915] to the camps for prisoners of war
at
Unaccompanied by any officer we visited on December 17trh and 18th each of
the twenty-three compounds end the outlying buildings; the 19th and 20th we
spent in personal interviews with the committees appointed at our request from
each of twenty-two compounds to put before us their wishes and suggestions.
In the twenty-third compound (No.7, Camp IV) , containing only 177 boys, the
spokesman was the adult prisoner in charge.
During our tour through. the camps on the 17th -18th, each compound committee, consisting as a rule of four Germans and two Austrians or Hungarians, met us at the gate of the compound and accompanied us on our inspection. We then had occasion to converse freely in English or German with a good many of the interned. But owing to their large numbers we could not speak to every inquirer. Individual inquiries or complaints were therefore presented to us by the compound committees, each of whom we again met on the 19th - 20th. Our talks with them were entirely private and took place in one of the staff rooms put at our disposal by the Commandant.
We personally inspected at least two huts it every compound and went into the kitchens, latrines, drying-rooms, etc., as well as into the four camp hospitals, the isolation hospital and the cells where we spoke to each of the seven confined prisoners.
The rapid creation in the Isle of Man of such a town as the Knockaloe Camps, with a population of nearly 24,000, has raised many problems in housing, feeding, drainage, etc. That of the Prisoners' food, which was most prominent during Mr. Lowry's visit in June last (see his report of July 12, 1915 ), and those of sewer drainage and water-supply, chiefly discussed at Mr. Littlefield's visit in September (see his report of October 12, 1915), have now been satisfactorily settled. In other points, such as surface drainage, construction of paths and building of lavatories, further improvements are still being made.
The Central Authorities and those of the Insular Government, as well as the Commandant, have welcomed expressions of opinion by representatives of the Embassy, and since our recent visit the Chairman of the Home Office Committee has informed us that the fresh suggestions presented by us are receiving prompt consideration.
The camps having now grown to what may be regarded as their ultimate size, a few facts as to present conditions will first be given to supplement previous reports. We shall then briefly describe the wants of the prisoners and the main features observed during our recent visit.
General Sir Henry Mackinnon, K. C. B. , K. C. V. O. , Comnanding-in-Chief,
Western Command.
Lieut-Colonel J. M. Carpendale, Commandant.
Major H. Graham-Taylor, Asst. Commandant.
Major A. B. R. Kaye. . . . . . . Camp I
Major H. W. Fife-Scott . . . . . Camp II
Major J. Q. Dickson, D.S.O. . . Camp III
Major A Nodin . . . . Camp IV
|
|
|
|
| Camp I |
5749
|
| Camp II |
4644
|
| Camp III |
4846
|
| Camp IV |
6148
|
| Total in the 4 camps |
21387
|
1. Kitchen Committee.
2. Industrial Committee.
3. Educational Committee
4. Prisoners' Aid Society
L Freiherr von Reitzenstein, Chairman
Austrian representative: Dr. jur. Max Kulka,
5. The Head Captains of the 6 compounds, with a Chairman (7 in all), act both
as "Markel Committee" (i.e. Prisoners of War
Relief Agency) and as "Lowry Committee" (i.e. for the American
Embassy, German Division [named after Mr Lowry i/c of German Division of American
Embassy]). The Chairman of this Committee is Mr. von der Recke.
6. Austro-Hungarian Relief Committee,
Dr. phil. Karl Kottas, Chairman.
1. Kitchen Committee.
2. Industrial Committee.
3. Benevolent Society.
4. Prisoners' Aid Society
Mr. E. Anverseen, Secretary.,
5. "Lowry" and "Markel" Committee.
6. Austro-Hungarian Relief Committee.
7. Sports Committee.
8. Dramatic Coiruaittee.
9. Choral Society.
1. Kitchen Committee.
2. Industrial Committee
3. Educational committee
4. Prisoners' Aid Society
Mr W Bursch, secretary.
5. "Lowry" and "Markel" Committee.
6. Austro-Hungarian Relief Committee.
7. Entertainment Committee.
8. Dramatic Committee.
9. Sports Committee.
There is a single Central Camp Committee, of which Mr. Theodor Kroll, late
Manager of The Ritz. Hotel, London, is Chairman. With it are affiliated all
the following Commiittees of the seven compounds of this camp;
1. Kitchen committee
2. Industrial Committee.
3. School Committee.
4. Prisoners' Aid Society.
5. "Lowry" and "Markel" Committees.
6. Austro-Hungarian Relief Committee..
7. Entertainment Committee.
8. Library Committee.
9. Sports Committee.
In every compound the five wooden barracks (200' x 30' each contain two huts, each of which measures (200' x 16') The pair of huts, together holding 200 men, is covered by a single roof. With the exception of of Compound 4, prisoners of war sleep in tiers of bunks. In Compound 4, as in the other three camps, bed boards stand on the floor. Each man has a straw paillasse with three blankets and an extra one if recommended by Medical officer. Each barrack is heated by two by coal stoves, and more stoves were being installed. There is in each of the 6 compounds sleeping; accommodation for 1000 men.
In every compound ten large and two small War office pattern wooden huts stand
in pairs side by side.
Each large but gives accommodation for 90 prisoners and each small one for 60,
giving a total in each compound for 1020 prisoners of war.
Moveable bed-boards have been issued to all the men (except to the few who have
their own stretcher beds), also paillasses stuffed with straw and three blankets
per head. Extra blankets are supplied on medical certificate to old men, invalids
and men from hot countries.
Prisoners of war suffering from such complaints rheumatism or malaria have their
bed-boards raised some 15 inches from the floor in addition to being supplied
with an extra blanket.
Tables and one chair per man are provided for the huts.
Each 90-ft hut, holding 90 men, is partitioned into 3 sections, each holding
30 Men, and in each of these sections there was on December 20 or was shortly
to be installed one coal stove.
About 1,000 men can be accommodated in each compound. Huts, bed-boards, paillasses and stoves are as in Ca:mp II.
In the Hospital of this camp, known as the Main Hospital, are treated the more
serious surgical and medical cases from all the camps.
The buildings consist of four wooden blocks with an annex of Kitchen and Lavatories.
Three of the blocks are used as wards and accommodate 20 patients each. The
fourth block is divided up into Waiting Room, Consulting Room, Dispensary, Dispenser's
Room and a room for attendants. Each ward is heated by a slow combustion stove.
The staff consists of
2 Medical Officers (one resident and one visiting, )
7 Male Attendants (dispenser, orderlies, etc.)
As in all the hospitals at Knockaloe, the requisite male attendants are recruited
from among the prisoners of war.
60 in patients - or in emergency 66 - can be accommodated. On December 18 there
were 48 patients under treatment.
This camp Hospital and those of camps III and IV are intended for cases of
a chronic nature and for minor ailments. More serious cases are transferred
from Camps II, III, and IV to the Main Hospital Camp I.
The arrangements and staff are as in Camp I. on December 19, the day of our
visit, there were 51 in-patients.
There are two hospitals in this camp: (1) A Camp Hospital, similar to that
of Camp II: on December 18 it contained 34 in-patients:
(2) An Isolation Hospital for all the camps, situated with its own staff in
a separate wired enclosure and containing cases of venereal, tuberculous and
other troubles. There were 54 patients but no cases of notifiable infectious
diseases. The tuberculosis patients sleep on board verandas open to the north-east,
which in the Isle of Man is the most sheltered exposure.
The Camp Hospital buildings and staff are as in Camp II. One of the three wards is used as a recreation and dining room, but can be made to accommodate patients at a moments' notice.
There were about 40 in-patients; the exact number on December 19 we omitted to note.
Out-patients are examined and treated during certain daily visiting hours at
each of the four camp hospitals. The average numbers are 700 to 900 per week
- that is about 100-130 per day - at each dispensary.
There is a separate hospital for members of the staff and of the guard.
The Hospital at Douglas receives special cases and surgical cases requiring
serious operations. Cases of mental disease are sent to the Asylum on the Island
or to one on the mainland.
There is a large Kitchen (60' x 30') in each compound, with ten 30-gallon caldrons and one kitchen range. Benches and meat-blocks are provided. Each kitchen is fitted with washing up enamel earthenware sinks, and water is laid on and connected to main drainage. A potato room is provided at one end of the kitchen with concrete floor and fall for washing purposes and connected to drainage.
The Kitchen Staff is composed of 1 chef and 15 Cooks all of whom receive wages, the catering arrangements being managed by the Committee elected by the compound. Each compound sends in rotation two representatives to draw the rations from the Government Agent. Horse-drawn carts are provided. To the exact Government allowance is added for each compound 1 bag of flour per diem and 1 box of onions per week. Kitchen staffs in order to use up this extra flour are permitted to cook at night. But if the compound prefers to use the extra daily bag of flour for purchase of other kinds of food, the Camp Authorities buy it back from the Kitchen Committee at the fixed rate of £2 per bag. Variety in condiments, etc., is thus made possible.
A Government Mess-Agent is responsible for the correct issue of rations (official copy herewith). The Medical Officer is responsible for the daily inspection of meat issues.
The Latrine in each compound consists of a pair of concrete troughs 50 feet
long with wooden seats separated by wooden partitions. There is a roof over
each trough and between them runs an un-roofed cement flooring. A few latrines
have wooden screens at each end. Water is always kept in the troughs, which
are flushed out twice daily. The ventilation is excellent. Sanitary paper is
provided.
The Urinals are each 50 ft. long with concrete floor and are plentifully flushed
with water.
Chloride of lime is used freely in both latrines and urinals
A Wash-house (50' x 14') with shower-baths hot and cold spigots and concrete
flooring stands in each compound, also a Drying-room (60' a 14' ) containing
a stove.
A Lavatory (40' x 10' ) is now in course of erection in each compound.. Four
are complete in Camp IV and are fitted with 46 portable enamelled bowls with
trough at back of bench for emptying and connected to drain. The floor is of
concrete with moveable wooden gratings.
The Drain is now in the water-borne system, as explained in Mr. Littlefield's
report of October 12, where this matter and the water supply are fully dealt
with.
Both the disposal of sewerage and the water supply are now entirely satisfactory.
Prisoners who work at the septic tanks each receive one shilling per diem.
1. Religious: Every Sunday there are a Protestant and a Roman Catholic service.
The former usually conducted by the Reverend Pastor
R. Hartmann and the latter by the Reverend Father Crookall. Pastor Hartmann
reports that in connection with the general festivities on December 24, he gave
a short address in each compound, and on Sunday, December 26, he held a Bible-class
as well as the usual service. on December 25 special Christmas morning services
were held by the Lord Bishop of Sodor and Man for the Protestants, and by the
Reverend Father Crookall for the Catholics.
2. Educational: In every compound lessons are given in about 15 different subjects
so far as is feasible with existing facilities.
3. Paid employment: In Bakery, Joinery, Quarter-master's Stores, Caterer's
Stores, Canteen Stores or Septic Tanks; on the Kitchen Staffs, as Hospital Orderlies,
or Wash-house attendants: in Sleeper laying, Mailbag making, Clothing; Repairs,
Boot repairs.
4. Private Industry: Wood-carving and inlaying, lacemaking, building of model
boats and engines, painting, medallion making, furniture making.
The number of men who are doing some work ornamental or artistic is constantly
on the increase. In Camp I, being the oldest camp, such work is more flourishing
than in the other three. A successful exhibition of the work from Camp I was
held there on October 4 -10, 1915.
Mr. Clark, on behalf of the "Emergency Committee for the Relief of Destitute
Germans, Austrians and Hungarians", is agent for the sale of the camp products
and assists in the adequate supply of tools and materials. He was paying during
our stay one of his many visits to Knockaloe and informed us that the artistic
output from the four camps shows an encouraging growth.
The large recreation field is open to each compound as a rule twice a week,
alternately in morning and afternoon. The men are taken thither by an escort
and allowed to remain about two hours. During this time they can take exercise
by walking about the field or taking part in some field sport. During the winter
months the attendance has, of course, greatly fallen off, and much: of the exercise
has to be taken indoors. For this purpose clubs have been established for gymnastics
(parallel and horizontal bars), Swedish drill, boxing and athletics.
The Hall in each compound (150' x 30') is not used for meals, as the men prefer
to have these at their several hut tables. It is now in every compound being
converted by partitions into School (28'6" x 30'0"), Recreation Hall
(78'0" x 30'0'') and Workshop (43'6" x 30'0") .
There are in every Camp music, choirs, lectures and theatricals. An excellent
orchestra. is connected with the theatre in Camp I and concerts there are frequent.
Lectures on different topics are held from time to time and a library is open
in every Camp.
The number of interned who have died in the four camps up to December 31, 1915,
is 28.
Under rules in force in the Isle of Man an inquest is
held in each case, with a view to placing the Cause of each death on public
record. Burials have hitherto taken place in the Peel Cemetery [this
appears to be a mis-understanding - all who died in the camps were buried in
the adjacent Kirk Patrick church yard, those who died at Noble's Hospital were
buried in Douglas Borough Cemetery]
It has been suggested that a separate cemetery for prisoners of war be established
on ground within easy reach of the camps, and we are informed that steps are
being taken to carry this suggestion into effect.
The numerous petitions submitted to us through the several Compound Committees
were either individual or collective. Individual grievances, such as delay in
repatriation, loss of property, etc., are being dealt with by the Embassy and
do not fall within the scope of this Report. The collective petitions, however,
all bearing on conditions affecting` the compounds, were fully discussed in
our personal interviews with the Compound Committees. A tabulation of the points
shows that they all raised practically the same questions, partly structural
and partly administrative .
As to these questions the facts observed by us may be summarised as follows
: -
The huts of the older Camp I differ in construction from those of the newer
Camps II, III & IV.
The walls of the huts in Camp I are built of vertical match boards. Their smooth
outer surface is coated with tar, and while not entirely weather-proof, they
have kept out rain much better than those of the huts in the three other camps.
In Camps II, III & IV the hut walls are made of thin horizontal boards,
creocoted but not tarred, each board overlapping the one below. Many of these
walls are not weather-proof. In every hut that we visited - that is in about
40 out of the total of 204 huts in Camps II, III & IV - we saw many places
where lateral, and especially end, walls were black with damp or grey with mould.,
and many spots at which the rain had blown in during the stormy weather preceding
our visit.
We noticed in the huts luggage, boots, and clothing entirely covered with mildew,
and the cotton covers of the paillasses on which prisoners sleep were in many
instances damp. We were informed by the Insular authorities that the atmosphere
of the Isle of Man during the winter months is permeated with salt. This no
doubt accounted for a portion of the mould observed, but to a considerable extent
it must have been caused by the rain which has been blown in under the doors
and also through the window-joints and other defects in the buildings.
The roofs of all huts are made of boards covered with tarred felting, but while
those of Camp I appear to be tight, the roofs in Camps II, III & IV leak
in many places.
The huts of all four camps are arranged in parallel and contiguous pairs, In
Camp I, as in the Douglas Camp, each pair is covered by a single roof, whereas
in Camps II, III & IV each hut has its own separate roof, and there is an
air-space of 2 to 3 inches between the inner walls of adjacent huts. This renders
the huts of Camps II, III & IV colder and less dry than those of Camp I,
As a remedy for the cold and dampness two more stoves far each 90-f t hut were ordered by the camp authorities about November 15, thus furnishing one stove to 30 men instead of one to 90. These extra stoves had at the time of our visit been delivered but not all yet installed. In Camp II, Compounds 1, 2 and 3, we saw only one stove in each 90-ft hut. In a few huts we saw the two new extra stoves but without stovepipes. Wherever extra stoves were installed the huts had become drier as well as warmer, but these stoves had not cured the wetness, renewed with every fresh storm, which we noticed inside the walls and the roofing of the huts in Camps II, III & IV.
We have since out visit been informed that additional stoves are now fitted
throughout the Camps.
In Camp I, Compounds 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, the sleeping accommodation consists of
bunks built against the wall, as on a ship, three tiers against the inner, and
two tiers against the outer wall of each hut. In Camp I, Compound 4 and in all
compounds of Camps II, III & IV, moveable beds of flat boards raised 3 inches
from the floor by transverse strips of wood at head and foot, are now supplied
to every hut. In some cases the beds were installed a short time before our
visit.
The paillasses are of the usual type. In a good many compounds the prisoners
complained that the straw filing of paillasses had not for several months been
renewed.
Three blankets are now allowed to each prisoner, except in special cases when
a fourth is granted under Medical certificate. In all compounds a fourth blanket
for every man is urgently requested by the prisoners, who state that the huts
are cold
On all four days of our visit, except one day of frosty wind, almost the entire six-acre area of every compound was covered with mud and rain water. In several compounds the canteen (e. g. in Camp II , Compound I) , the pay booth and other buildings could only be reached by a walk more or less long through deep mud. In the corridors, about 15 feet wide between the pairs of huts there seemed to be much foot traffic, but in few cases did we see any kind of hard path. The existing paths consist of sleepers laid side by side or end to end. We saw neither gravel nor crushed stone. In many compounds two lines of parallel sleepers each about 9 inches wide, are separated by a strip of soft mud 10 to 12 inches wide. Such sleepers being slippery with mud on either on either side is to be avoided. The prisoners said. that falls and sprains had bean caused by slipping off such paths. Much mud was seen on the floors of huts and on the boots and clothes of the prisoners.
We are informed that 5 miles of sleeper roads have been laid at Knockaloe, but much of this consists of main roads outside the compounds.
The latrines have narrow roofs over each of the two rows of seats facing one
another, but no roof over central passage between the rows, and in most cases
no screens at each end. These are subjects of general complaint, the prisoners
stating that in windy weather the rain swirls through the passage and wets both
rows of seats;. Should this central roof be put in they ask that wind screens
at each end be also erected and that a light be placed in each latrine. These
are now all without light.
In the case also of the urinals which are now unroofed, a roof is requested
by the prisoners.
The room for drying clothes in each compound measures 14 ft. by 50, and contains a stove. In Camp I, compound 4, the drying room was not in working order and its stove was lying outside in the mud. We saw few clothes hanging in such rooms, but many on wires stretched in the compound, and many in the living huts. The prisoners stated that their reason for drying clothes in the huts was the inadequacy of the drying-rooms in point of heating and of space, and the fact that drying in the open air was slow and difficult in the wet wintry weather.
The wash-house in each compound contains both shower-baths and spigots, but the prisoners alleged that the number of these was insufficient for the thousand inmates of a compound. In Camp I Compound 4, there were four cold and no hot water shower-baths. The usual supply is of 6 shower-baths (3 hot and 3 cold), and of 4 or 5 spigots, but in Camp II, Compound 4, there appeared to be only 2 spigots in use.
An additional lavatory with 46 enamelled basins was being built in each compound,
and these when finished should in remove the present complaint as to the lack
of utensils for washing.
There were allowed 18 buckets to each hut containing 90 men, that is one bucket
to 5 men. These were said by the prisoners to be insufficient for the purposes
to which they were applied, namely the washing of floors, dishes and persons,
besides having to serve as fire-buckets.
The prisoners asked that wooden grids be placed on the cement floors of the
wash houses, which are often covered with water, as we observed in those where
a number of men were washing. We understand the grids have been ordered. The
prisoners stated that the older men cannot use the shower-baths, and it was
suggested that a moveable tub 4 or 5 feet long be placed in each wash-house
for the use of such older prisoners.
The canteen-booth and pay-box of each compound stand just outside the barbed
wire enclosure, and have their windows opening into the compound. This places
them in most compounds far from the huts, in some cases 30 yards or more from
the nearest hut. Beyond a
small projecting hood there is no shelter for persons standing in front of the
windows, and the prisoners stated that on a rainy day it _is impossible to draw
money, to receive parcels or to buy articles at the canteen without getting
wet.
They made a similar complaint respecting the exposure to the weather of persons
waiting to see the doctor.
A general. complaint made to us by the prisoners is that the articles stocked
and listed by the canteen are often not obtainable.
This is said particularly to apply to condensed milk, matches and the cheaper
brands of tobacco and cigarettes. We verified the last complaint at the canteens
of two compounds.
In almost every compound we heard complaints as to the difficulty of obtaining
boots, clogs and underclothing. It was said by the prisoners that in some cases
six weeks or more elapse before applications are dealt with. We saw several
men wearing boots in a delapidated condition, who said they were unable to obtain
new ones. but whether they were in fact entitled as destitutes to be supplied
by the camp authorities we could not verify.
The prisoners also complain of having to give up old articles of wearing apparel
when they receive new ones. They stated for instance that boots too brocken
for use out of doors could still serve in the huts and they would like to be
permitted to retain such articles.
As to the issues of clothing to the four Camps, from October 30 to December
15, 1915, the following data were supplied to us by the Commandant.
Underpants 900
Shirts 3818.
Socks , prs, 5751.
Cardigan Jackets 12.
Coats 1368.
Caps 51.
Clogs, prs : 2383
Overcoats 377
Trousers 1617
Braces 360.
Total number of articles issued Oct. 30 - Dec.15 169637 ,
The sub-commandant Camp IV stated that in this same period 3577 articles had been given out and. that 2125 applications were under consideration by him on December 16.
In Camp III during the same period 2585 articles have been issued and 629 applications
ere till pending.
The delay in issuing such articles appears to be due to the care with which
each application is considered.
In none of the five hospitals at Knockaloe did we find sheets or pillow-cases.
The patients lay on stuffed mattresses and iron bedsteads, but had no bed linen.
In each hospital there are :3 closets but no no urinals and a bathroom but no
bath. 'There is no tap or sink for washing pans or bottles used by the sick.
In the closets the woodwork being unpainted presented a soiled appearance. The
waiting-room in all the hospitals has space for not more thn 12 or 15 people,
and the prisoners stated that many persons waiting to see the doctor now have
to wait outside in the open air .
There is no washing room for the patients' Clothing, and no room to dry their
washing . In the Isolation hospital on the hillside tuberculosis patients irn
the verandas complained of exposure to the north-east winds.
We saw glazed sash waiting to be placed in the front of these verandas and were
informed this protection would soon be put in place.
The diet of the tuberculosis patients in these wards was said to be the same
as that of the other prisoners.
A general complain as to the printed dietary (see copy above) was that the
ration of Haricot Beans or Rice is never supplied. Cabbage or turnips are given
twice weekly, but no beans or rice. The prisoners understand the Beans-or-Rice
ration to be additional, while the camp authorities regard it as alternative
to the Cabbage-or-Turnip ration. Which of these views is correct vie are not
in a position to determine.
As to the quality of the food supplied there is practically no complaint. It
is cooked by the Kitchen Committee chosen by the men in each compound. The bread,
white and brown, is baked in one large bakery which serves all the four camps.
The kitchens of Camps III II I and IV are better lighted than those of Camp
I and in the latter it was suggested that two windows be put in, such as now
exist in Camps II,III and IV.
In a few kitchens (e.g. in those of Camp I Compounds I and 3), we saw defective
caldrons or ovens, and in others (e.g. in Camp I Compound 3), the cooks complained
that they could not cook properly with only 6 caldrons. In most of the kitchens,
where 10 caldrons and a small range are supplied, the equipment appeared to
be entirely satisfactory.
In view of the wet and windy weather prevalent in winter in the Isle of Man,
the state, on December 17 - 20, of the huts and of the ground within the compounds
at Knockaloe did not seem to be satisfactory. As soon as this was represented
to the authorities they promised to better these conditions and have promptly
taken measures with that object.
They have also given sympathetic attention to the other points above mentioned.
One of the principal architects of H.M. Office of Works has been instructed
to proceed forthwith to Isle of Man in order to advise as to the best manner
of remedying the existing defects and of making paths, as well as to carry out
many of the alterations suggested in this Report
We have expressed to the Commandant and his assistants, to the Secretary of
the Insular Government and to the other authorities concerned, our appreciation
of their friendly and helpful attitude, by which our work in connection with
this Report has been considerately lightened
We have the honor to be Sir your obedient Servants
Leland H Littlefield
W. H. Buckler
|
|
||
|
|
|
see German Government's response |
|
|
||
| Any comments, errors or omissions gratefully received The
Editor HTML Transcription © F.Coakley , 2019 |
||