Report on Alexandra Palace, October/December 1917

Introduction

Following the USA entering the war on the side of the British & French in May 1917, the Swiss Legation looked after German interests, and the Swedish Legation those of Austria-Hungary, Turkey and Bulgaria. Both Legations made visits of inspection to the various civilian and military internment camps - the following is one such report, made by Col W. Unander, the representative of the Swedish Legation over two visits in October and December 1917 - they paid special attention to the Austro-Hungarian prisoners.

After the closure of Stratford Camp it was also used as a transit camp for those awaiting repatriation - once the Dutch Ferry services re-opened in late 1918 about 10,000 transited through the camp until it closed about the end of May 1919 - those still remaining in the camp were those appealing against forced deportation and were transferred to the re-opened tented civilian camp at Frith Hill (retaining their Alexandra Camp numbers) until decisions were made, though after considerable protests it appeared that those unable to tolerate this were moved to Belmont Hospital and observant Jews moved to Islington Camp.

Text

Report on the visits of inspection to the place of internment for Austrian, Hungarian Turkish and Bulgarian Civilians at Alexandra Palace London, 17th & 18th October, 20th & 23rd December 1917.

The last visit by representatives of the American Enbassy undertaken in the month of April 1917. Since May 1917 the camp has been visited by representatives of the Swedish Legation.

Exhibits

A. Ground Plan of Alexandra Palace.
B. Dietary for Alexandra Palace, Army Council Instructions of 5th October 1917.
C. Regulations of parcels for Prisoners of War
D. Navy and Army Canteen Board Official List of prices for P.O.W. camps December 1917
E. Wages for the week from 30th Sept until 6th Ocy 1917, inclusive of C. Battalion
F. Dietary for Fulhan Military Hospital.
G. List of Austrian and Hungarians of 51 years of age and over and of 46 to 51 years of age

 

1 SITUATION AND SIZE.

Alexandra Palace is situated on Muswell Hill, 6 miles north of Charing Cross in the Wood-Green district.

The Palace was, before the war, the property of a company and used for entertainments of a popular character, such as concerts, plays, cinema, skating rink, water-chute rowing on the lake etc. The camp was opened in May 1915, being before this used as a home fer the Belgian refugees. The camp is surrounded by vast pleasure-grounds, including a race-course. The position is very healthy and the view from the Palace down to town is very fine. Considerable parts of the grounds are not at the disposal of the Prisoners, only the highest portion, a small part, is used for the camp.

A part of the southern grass slope is fenced in with barbed wire and divided into four exercise and one garden compound. The previously existing garden walks on this slope are, so far as fenced in, available for walking exercise to the prisoners of war. Outside this wire fence a certain space of ground has in 1917 been converted into potatoe fields etc. by the interned civilians for their own use.

The small western terrace is reserved a promemenade for the hospital patients, and the forecourt of the eastern terrace for general purposes such as the reception of visitors etc.

The grounds are fairly well kept, principally by the interned and the general impression of the grounds and buildings is favourable.

Alexandra Palace is considered the best non-paying camp in England. It is reserved to men married to British born wives but also a certain number of other men are interned there.

Alexandra Palace is reached by train (G.N.Ry) from Moorgate Street and King's Cross, or (N.L.Ry) from Broad Street via Finsbury Park, also (G.E.Ry) from Liverpool St. via Hackney Downs and Seven Sisters Road Stations, to Palace Gates. Further there are trams and buses within easy reach from the Palace.

2. MILITARY STAFF

The former Commandant Lieut-Colonel Frowd-Walker, died at the beginning of 1917, is now replaced for the whole camp by Commandant Lieut. Colonel Luscombe, former Commmandant of the Stratford Camp,

Sub-Commanant Major Mott Adjutant Lieut. Martin,
Censors (interpreters) Lieut. Minister (Senior) C Battalion
Censors (interpreters) Lieut. Marley A. Battalion
Censors (interpreters) Lieut. Nugent B. Battalion
Censors (interpreters) Lieut. Harris, attends to Correspondence

The number of officers attached to the camp varies according to the strength of the garrison, which is composed of a guard originally about 6 to 700 men.

The number of soldiers has been greatly reduced in 1916 and at present consists of hardly more than one-third of that in previous years. The sentries inside the camp have beon withdrawn in 1916 and a little earlier from the promenade and exercise grounds.

All sentries are now outside the barbed wire fence

In the censors' offices 3 or 4 civilian prisoners of war are enployed as clerks.

The direct military supervision rests with one Sergeant and his three or four provosts per battalion. The 3 Sergeants are under a staff sergeant-major, & non-commissioned officer, who forms the third links with the "Staff Office" (British Civilian clerks) and through this office, with the Commandant.

3. NUMBER OF PRISONERS AND NATIONIALITIES

The average number of prisoners of war interned at Alexandra Palace has been 3000, but the 20th December the total was 2946 men. The different nationalities are represented in different battalions as follows:

	Austrian & Hungarian	Ottomans	Bulgars	Germans	Others	Total
A	99	1	-	768	-	868
B	107	4	1	944	1	1057
C	153	-	-	866	2	1021
Total	339	5	1	2578	3	2949

Occassionally men of other nationalities are interned such as Argentines, Peruvians, Brazilians, Dutchmen, Belgians etc. but usually the men are of German extraction. The proportion of Austrians and Hungarians represent about 12 per cent and at least 66 per cent are Germans.

4. ADMINISTRATION - DIVISION OF UNITS.

As regards the Administration Alexandra Palace is under the War-Office. The camp is divided into three Battalions A., B. and C, a battalion, about 1000 men, is divided into companies, about 100 men. "A" battalion is divided into 9 Companies. "B" into 13, "C" into 11.

Each battalion has its own administration and organisation. The men elect themselves:
1 Battalion leader; red arm badge.
1 Battalion Secretary.
1 Company leader, Captain; blue arm badge.

The companies are subdivided into "korporalschaften" of about 25 men corresponding to the dining arrangenent. The "corporals" or "mess leaders" used to wear white badges and their duties are principally to look after matters of minor importance and arrangements about meals.

The administration of units is almost left in the hands of the prisoners, the battalion leaders represent the men before the Commandant, the captains before the censor, the mess-leader before the captains. The election of the battalion leaders and captains require the approval of the Commandant, but this is only a fomality.

The leader of the battalion is the trustworthyt person in the Camp and all these leaders are responsible for the welfare of the interned men, sometimes a very difficult task. These gentlemen settle all affairs of minor importance directly, and if of greater importance the matter is decided by a meeting of the leaders, which takes place either weekly or fortnightly.

The direct administration of the "C" Battalion is done by the following persons:

And that of the "A" and "B" Battalions is run on the same lines.

5. HOUSING AND SIMILAR MATTERS

Alexandra Palace is a big glass-roofed building consisting of a middle-tract, in which is the large Hall with the organ and two side wings of vast proportions (vide exhibit A.).

The principal entrance to the building with adjoining corridors is used for the Commandants "orderly room", administration, guard-room and several visiting rooms for the friends of the prisoners of war.

The former Bazaar Department is used as A-Battalion as follows:-"A" Battalion Large Room 731 Beds. Corridor Room 110 Beds; Workshop - Cabinet Makers etc. 40. Tailors etc. 40.

The north and south entrances are both leading to the great central hall 71,410 [sq] ft. deep used as follows:- "B" Battalion Large Room 1037 Beds. Small Room 20 Beds. Workshop: - Cabinet Makers etc. 84, Tailors etc. 44.

The west wing with the open court 52,790 [sq] ft deep is used as follows: - "C" Battalion.

Lower Floor		Upper Floor
Room 1	76 Beds	Room 1	45 Beds
Room 2	12  "	Room 2	26  "
Room 3	9  "	Room 3	15  "
Room 4	88  "	Room 4	15  "
Room 5	18  "	Room 5	5  "
		Room 6	258  "
		Room 7	10  "

Recreation Room. Cabinet Makers etc. 16. Tailors etc. 17
Barbers 8 (one in each shop) No, 1 Workshop 24 Cabinet Makers etc. No. 2 Worksop 20 Cabinet Makers etc.

Rink 409 Beds.
Tailor shop 8; Rink Workshop 24; Shoemakers Workshop 6; Bookbinders Workshop 3; Orchestra 45

The west entrance with the former conservatory. lecture and reading room is used as a Hospital

There were complaints of rain penetrating the defective glass-roof and the bad and unhealthy smell arising from the floor. The building was not kept in good condition. but many smaller improvenents have been gradually made

The battalion halls have a very high ceiling and as seen by the above-mentioned dimensions, there is more than sufficient air space.

The big halls are partly heated by gas and coke stoves, but they are considered rather draughty and cold.

The Companies have dormitories and each Company is responsiblee for cleaning then. Each Prisoner is responsible for his sleeping accommodation, consisting of a bed of boards, a straw mattress, a pillow, four blankets in Winter and three in Summer.

Each battalion has a dining hall, proportional to the battalion. It is arranged into sections. A certain number of men, with the corporal represent the section.

There is a general laundry, property of the three battalions and is managed by the prisoners themselves. The cost of installation has been partly repaid within a year.

The present profits from each battalion, about £2.10.0. to £3.0.0. goes monthly to the fund of each battalion

6. SANITARY ARRANGEMENTS

Every battalion has one or more washrooms with long tin-sheet covered benches, having a water-gutter running the full length. There are 60 to 70 water taps and just enough tin water basins for the use of 1000 men. Only cold water is provided here.

In each Battalion there are about 14 shower bathe with earthenware basins about 8" deep. Hot and cold water is provided here, the hot water supply is however poorly managed. For the laundry, there is a wash-house with about 40 basins (tin) and a larger and deeper earthenware basin available in each Battalion. This wash-house is connected with a drying room, heated with gas radiators. Hot and cold water is provided . A cake of soap is served out to each man per week.

The lavatories are about 20 per Battalion and are flushed automatically. The water closets are flushed from separate cisterns and cleaned with a Cardbolic solution every day by the scavengers (prisoners), who also see to the wash-houses and baths. A full-sized bath tub and a "Turkish bath cabinet" have been installed (from prisoners' funds) in "C" Battalion, and are open to all against payment: - 2d., 4d., and 1/- respectively. The shower baths and Turkish baths are well frequented. Prisoners who cannot afford to pay, or those who are ill, are admitted free of charge.

There is also a laundry installed (from prisoners' funds) where men, not doing their laundry themselves, can have it attended to at a price according to a tariff (about usual London prices).

CLEANING AND PUBLIC WORK.

For the cleaning and public work permanent men are employed, who are paid by each Battalion, Beyond the usual pay, the so-called sanitary workmen draw an allowance from the camp authorities, which is usually taken from the canteen fund (see 1ist of permanent workmen)

Special work which has occasionally to done by the Battalions, such as re-filling straw mattresses, carting, carpentry, plumbing etc., wages for which are paid out per hour by each Battalion fund.

7. HOSPITAL

The hospital is established in the old time "Palmhouse". It comprises three wards A and B with about 75 beds and two wards for infectious diseases with 10 beds. The hospital is administered by Captain Dove, senior medical officer of the camp. The doctor calls every morning at 9.30 and usually once more during the day. The medical officer (M.O.) attends to accidents, the N.C.O. dresses small wounds and there are 8 R.A.M.C. men and three orderlies in attendance at the hospital. One prisoner of war, a captain, is responsible for certain administrative details.

Operations and severe cases are sent to Fulham and Dartford Military hospital (vide sheet)

The sanitary arrangements of the hospital seem to be satisfactory. There is one disinfecting plant and one special kitchen. The spring mattress beds have disinfected blankets and the straw could, if required, be renewed every week,

The general health of the prisoners in camp is fairly good.

The average of illness was at the time - of my visit 50 in-patients and 50 men attended the Hospital as out-patients. Three deaths occurred this year, 1917. The diet in the hospital is a little better than in the battalions, small quantities of milk and some eggs are provided for the patients.

The English dentist attends twice a week. The German one sees cases daily from 10-12, 1-2 p.m. and 5.15-7.30 p.m. in the camp.

8. FOOD, CANTEENS, PERSONAL EQUIPMENT ETC.

FOOD.

Exhibit 3. shows the scale of rations for the prisoners of war at Alexandra Palace at the time of my visits,

As a rule the prisoners have breakfast, consisting of porridge and tea. Dinner consisting of the usual rations. Tea with 1 oz. of cheese or jam.

The prisoners consider the bread allowance, 5 oz. per day and the reduced daily allowance of 1 oz. of rice, not sufficient, also the quality of the other rations is considered poor. I hope the British authorities will see their way to increase the food allowances as much as the shortage of food at present in England will allow.

In the "C" Battalion the administration is as follows: To improve the food the prisoners themselves have formed a special Kitchen administration in each battalion. This administration is done by representatives of the companies, and one out of each battalion is elected as supervisor of the kitchen.

LIST OF STAFF "C" KITCHEN

The kitchen department has great difficulties to overcome, and the proper arrangement of rations is an extremely difficult task, also to make these rations tasteful.

The administration makes a little money by the sale of such things as fish. eggs, coffee and minerals. which money goes partly to cover the wages of Cooks, porters and the kitchen attendants. But what remains is used, sometimes, to get a little better food. the kitchen account is shown in the camp, and for the purpose of control and advice the kitchen administration has a weekly Meeting.

The Meeting 30th August 1917 of the Captains and Mess-leaders of "C" Battalion shows how the distribution of the Government Rations has to be dealt with in order to secure the most advantageous feeding of the Prisoners.

OATMEAL FOR PORIDGE

The ration is 2 oz. per day. The Kitchen Department distributes these rations for breakfast and afternoon tea which means 1½ ozs. for breakfast and ½ oz for tea, or in the case of rice 3 ozs daily are allowed, which means 1 oz. for soup, 2 ozs for pudding on meatless days, or 2 ozs for afternoon tea.

Whatever happens the total weight of the Government Ration is handed out every day.

Some exceptions may happen, for instance, if ½ oz. of is kept back for Sunday afternoon's tea. The following table serves as an explanation:

	Rations as ordered oz.	In reality received oz.	For next day's distribution oz.
Salt Meat	6	6	6
Tea	3/8	3/8	3/8
Cheese	1	1	1
Margarine	1	1	1
Sugar	1	1	1
Jam	1	1	1
Rice	3	3	3
Oatmeal	2	2	1½ == 1oz Soup 2oz Afternoon Tea;½oz Sunday Tea
Lentils	2	2	2
Cabbage	4	-	-
Bread	9	9	9 (now reduced to 5ozs)
Salt	½	½	½
Potatoes	4	8	8 (4oz which ought to have been distributed yesterday were delived by the stores afterwards)
Milk	-	-	-
	347/8 oz	347/8 oz	347/8 oz

One can see from this table that, with the exception of the Bread, which is now 5 oz. per man, the Government rations as regards weight are actually handed out.

At present the three battalions together spend about £60.0.0 per week out of their private funds for the improvement of meals. Another £40.0.0 are paid out weekly for wages, cooking, attendance, cleaning etc.

Thanks to the kitchen administration, and the funds collected amongst themselves, together with the parcels sent, and brought by relatives, the prisoners may be considered averagely well-nourished, taking into consideration the general shortage of food.

FOOD PARCELS

Regulations for food parcels vide Exhibit "C" The value of the food parcels coming in is very considerable. The goods permitted to be brought to the camp are restricted. The prisoners complain that many articles procurable outside the camp are forbidden, (such as potatoes, eggs, goods containing flour, sugar, meat. unsweetened milk etc.) and ask for a modification of the regulations for food parcels.

CANTEEN

Exhibit D shows the Navy and Army Canteen Board, Official list of prices for Prisoners of War December 1917.

In the canteen,cheese, margarine, butter, fresh milk sometimes, eggs etc. can be bought. The Canteens do not stock potatoes, tinned fish, sardines etc. As the prices are rather high, very little is within reach of the destitute. The prisoners ask to have the canteens handed over to their own control and management, as has been done lately at the Isle of Man.

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT

The equipment of each prisoner consists of knife, fork and spoon, one plate, one pint-size tin-basin (enamelled) and three towels. His sleeping accommodation consists of three boards, placed upon two supports, about 8" high; the boards are covered with a palliasse filled with straw,a ditto head-cushion, and three (in winter four) blankets. Clothing and underwear are supplied (and debited to each man at very high prices). They are not always easily obtained although the system concerning such articles, is better now than it used to be.

9. ROUTINE OF PRISONERS' DAILY LIFE.

The interned have to get up in summer at 6 o'clock, in Winter at 7 o'clock.

"Roll call" takes place twice daily at 8.30 in the mornings and 5 o'clock in the evenings. The Prisoners then pass two and two before an Officer, assisted by the Sergeant, and one of the Captains, who is himself a prisoner of war.

From 7.30 tc 8.30 Breakfast is taken, like all meals, in two groups.
12.30 Dinner.
5. p.m. Tea

Apart from meals and the roll-calls, the men are obliged to spend at least two hours in the open-air if not raining. They can remain out, weather permitting the whole day and occupy themselves as they please.

The general request of the interned civilians is to have only one roll-call per day.

10. CONDITIONS OF INTERNMENT.

Camp life and the separation from their families are cruelly felt by the prisoners. The enforced living of so many men together is not beneficial to the nervous system, The prisoners especially complain that it is impossible for them to concentrate their thoughts upon some work or study, to fill up, in some way, these long hours.

In B. Battalion at Alexandra Palace, where one large hall is used as a Dormitory, Dining Hall, Workroom etc. it is quite impossible to find a quiet corner for some brain work and some of the men feel this very much, and it would be highly desirable if the British Authorities could make some concessions in this respect.

The more trustworthy men might perhaps be allowed a day off occasionally to spend with their families. Visiting facilities for the friends and relatives have been given.

Since Christmas 1916 the visiting time has been extended to two hours, and the prisoners and their friends are during this time allowed to move about within a certain area. Before this time the visits were limited to a quarter of an hour. During the visiting hours the supervision is done by the Committee and Captains of the camp, only a few sergeants for the sake of order being on duty. Each married man has the right to see his wife and children once a week, and by special permission from the Commandant one other visitor for business purposes.

One visit a week only is allowed. Soldiers, sons of interned men, are allowed to visit their fathers on visiting days, and this visit is permitted in addition to the other visits.

11. RELIGIOUS SERVICES.

Protestant and Roman Catholic services are held every Sunday, also occasionally a special service by Pastor Goehling or Father Meyer. The Salvation Army is sending their officers to the camp. A Y.M.C.A. hut was opened at Xmas 1917, and will be used for religions services and many other purposes. The visiting permits for all German pastors have been withdrawn.

12. DISTRIBUTING OF MAILS AND PARCELS

Inland letters and parcels are now delivered regularly without undue delay.

Foreign letters however, take a long time. Compratively few Foreign Parcels are sent to this camp. Parcels from Austria-Hungary are scarcely ever received. The foreign mail arrives here, as in other camps, for obvious and unavoidable reasons, irregularly and much delayed.

After the letters have been censored and handed over to the representative, the delivery takes place daily at 12 noon. Each Company leader personally receives the letters for his company. The letters are usually handed out at dinner. Two days of the week are fixed for the civil prisoners for writing their letters viz, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Extra letters cannot be written, except with special permission from the Commandant. Letters written on other days than those fixed are kept back by the censor until the next.

The Parcel Office is a general one for all the Battalions. The parcels undergo the same censorship as the letters, but besides the censor in the Parcel Office the soldier on duty opens the parcel in the presence of the receiver. The representatives of the battalions are always present when parcels are delivered and control them. Parcels that are brought by a visitor are also censored and delivered afterwards.

MONEY MATTERS .

Each battalion has two funds. The battalion fund and a special kitchen fund, as already mentioned.

The Income of the Battalion fund is derived from the sale of evening papers, the voluntary donations of receivers of parcels, deduction from barbers' and tailors' remuneration together with the amount received from a few Prisoners, who have the privilege of having a small room for themselves at a weekly tax of 6d. A special source of income is also derived from the Skittle ground, billiard tables and the profit made by the cinema. The receipts from this latter source go to the three battalions, out of which the employees of the battalion and the workmen, who have minor duties to fulfil, are paid.

13. LABOUR AND MISCELLANEOUS OCCUPATION.

The war having continued for a very long time, many interned are in great distress, their savings are exhausted, therefore a great many of the prisoners are obliged to work. The battalions have formed an employment bureau. Unfortunately these bureaus cannot find cccupations for each individual requiring such. The Austro-Hungarian Government grant of 10/- per month, which will be given to the destitute from the beginning of 1918, although only a small sum, is nevertheless considered a great help, and is gratefully An average of 5% of the Austrian and Hungarian prisoners are working outside the camp.

Austrians and Hungarians working outside
10 men laying out grounds
2 men working in Nurseries
1 man working on Coal Fatigue
3 men working on Airsheds.
total 16

In every battalion there are some prisoners permanently employed for small waces for work inside the camp for the "C" pattalion, as follows:-

LIST OF PEOPLE PARMAMNTLY ENGAGED FOR THE "C" BATTALION

Name	Occupation	1	2
Seifert	Outdoor work	3/-	3/-
Schlarb	"	3/-	3/-
Schmitz	Lavatory attendant	2/-	2/-
Klein	"	2/-	2/-
Belau	Messenger	2/-	3/-
Steeckle	Fireman	2/-	3/-
Schwenk	Cleans first floor	2/-	3/-
Blattner	Lavatory	2/-	3/-
Richards	Dustman & Waste carrier	2/-	3/-
Schneider	"	2/-	3/-
Techl	Cleans Verandahs	2/-	2/-
Graetz	Lavatory attendant	2/-	2/-
Hoffmann	"	2/-	2/-
Paer	Dustman & Waste carrier	2/-	2/-
Helling	"	2/-	3/-
Sauer	Italian Gardener	2/-	2/6
Sahn	Foreman		3/-

N.B. Col. 1 means increase out of the fund of the Canteen. Col. 2 wages paid by the Battalion.All are weekly payments.

Every prisoner is supposed to do certain work in the internment camp, such as keeping his own cubicle clean and tidy. However, if he is unable to do so another fellow prisoner can do it for him.

A great number of men do such work as gardening, field work, work for Alexandra Palace Trust. A hut is under construction. Dye stuffs are manufactured within the camp. Watch makers are working for private firms and a few men for other trades. A further number of men work for private concerns in the workshops, such as tailors, bootmakers, shirtakers, laundrymen etc., others are making frames, toys, boxes, carving bones, building toy ships and so on as a pastime.

Altogether about 15% to 20% of the men earn a small amount

A certain number of these goods are sold through the Art & Handicraft Committee, to visitors in the Eastern Hall and to a few friends outside. The average daily takings amount to about £2.0.0.

School classes exist upon various subjects, languages, science, Literature &c. They are not too well frequented and the rooms available are rather inadequate and unsuitable. The new Y.M.C.A, hut may perhaps improve that.

A rather popular feature is Mr. Rocker's weekly lectures on Literature and history, which are often attended by the British officers attached to Alexandra Palace.

14. AMUSEMENTS AND SPORTS

The weekly concerts of the concert union, established two years ago are very well attended. I had the pleasure of attending the concert on the 23rd December 1917 given in the big concert hall which holds 2,000 people. The Prisoners Orchestra consist of 45 to 75 professional musicians, These first class concerts, perhaps at present the best in London, give much pleasure and recreation to all the interned men. The conductor of the Orchestra, Mr. Wuest, came from the Hippodome in London.

There are two Cinema performances weekly, which are very popular and therefore very much patronised, The representatives of the three battalions take great pains to provide a varied and good programme. The profit, as already mentioned, goes to the different funds of the battalions.

The first theatre performances of "Bunte-Abende" in 1917 was a great success; and the theatre union hopes to give a new play every fortnight. These performances are a great pleasure to many of the men, because they help them to pass away the sad long hours of their internment. Those who are unable to pay, get free admission for these theatre evenings.

Three Skittle Alleys have been built by the prisoners and are fairly well patronised in Sumner.

Sports and Games

The Tennis, Football and Hockey clubs have a good number of members, and all these games are often played, and they help to keep up the health of the men.

Route marches within the grounds were introduced, but the men soon wearied of the monotony -

Cards, Lotto, a little chess and draughts are played by the hour, no gambling ie allowed.

15. COMMITTEES AND ORGANISATIONS OF PRISONERS

There are a good many and they may be grouped as follows:-

(A) for general purposes: - Central Committee, for general internal questions, members: the Chairman of all Committees.
Kitchen Comnittees: in each battalion (elected).
Bau Komite building the Y.M.C.A, hut
Schul komite.
Besuchs Komite

(B) Representative. - Prisoners of War Committee (German, elected,for Swiss Legation.)
Committee of interned Austro-Hungarian Civilians (elected, for Swedish Legation.

(C) Benevolent. Dr Markel's Committee, for distributing gifts of underwear, medical appliances, games etc. for giving help and advice to men and families etc. etc. The most important organization for direct benefits.
Art and Handicraft Committee, for providing tools, materials etc. to the men (also partly for gifts) and disposing of articles made in this Camp.
Oestrr. Ungar. Hilfskomite.

(D) Amusements :
Koncertverein.
Theaterverein
Kino Verwaltung
Tennis Club
Football Clubs.
Turnverein.

Relief Committes and Charity Organizations - The only regular source of income for these is a special Billiard table, which is the property of the Committees. Private donations, which formerly augmented the funds at the appeal of the Relief Committee have decreased with the length of the war.
Dr Markel's Committee -This Committee is a private one, founded by Dr. Markel. Relief is only given to really destitute prisoners and their sependente. As the number of prisoners of war (wounded soldiers) have increased, it can easily be understood that as the Committee has to consider these wounded men first, little money is left for Alexandra Palace, but, in spite of this, a good deal has been done by the Markel Committee for tis camp.

Ordinary money matters are dealt with through the camp bank. Relief payments are made through a Benevolent Committee consisting of 3 men: 1 Austrian, and 2 Germans(elected by the Captains) from funds belonging to all the men of each battalion. Distribution of funds for Austrians and Hungarians is in the hands of the Austro-Hungarian Relief Commitee. Destitute cases are submitted to the Legation, and the Commandant of the Camp intervenes on behalf of specially necessitous cases in order whenever possible, to ensure improvement.

Austrians and Hungarians are represented in the three battalions as follows -

AUSTRO-HUNGARIAN COMMITTEE

A	B	C
6559 J. Englander 6070 H. L. Trinks. 8662 E. Wonderlich	5547 R. Frank. 6065 Josef Kieswetter	4665 Joh. Franovich (Chairman) 5544 R. Heitler 8373 M. Steiner

16. DARTFORD MILITARY HOSPITAL

Dartford on the Thames, between London and Gravesend is 18 miles from Charing Cross. The position is healthy and the surrounding view very fine.

Dartford is a Military Hospital for British Soldiers but civiian prisoners are sent there from the different internment camps in England when seriously ill or for operations.

At the time of my visit, 13th October 1917, the number of prisoner of war of Austrian, Hungarian, Turkish and Bulgarian nationality was as follows:

	Austrian Hungarian		Turkish	Bulgarian	Total
Dartford Military Hospital	Military 1 Naval Officer	Civilian 13	Civilian 1	-	15

The Commandant of Dartford Military Hospital is Lieutenant Colonel R. P. Bond.

The prisoners of war have the same comfort as the British soldiers, and I had the impression that the hospital is well managed.

The ordinary diet given to the civilian prisoners of war in the civilian ward, No. 42, was the same diet as the British soldier has, but without any extras, On certain days, such extras as pudding, eggs etc are supplemented to the ordinary diet of the prisoners, when ordered by the head surgeon, the divional officer or the officer in charge.

17. FULHAM MILITARY HOSPITAL

At the beginning of November 1917 the prisoner patients in Dartford Military hospital were sent to Fulham, German wounded soldiers who had been there previously had been removed to the Belmont Convalescent Hospital.

I visited Fulham Military Hospital, Hammersmith, London on the 3rd December 1917. It has accommodation for 1200 patients. The Commandant and officer in charge is Lieutenant-Colonel C.T. Parsons R.A.M.C. The number of prisoners of war in this hospital, at the time of my visit, was 31,out of which only 7 were Austrians, the rest German. Three wards are reserved for the civilian prisoners.

The dietary in force for the prisoners of war (vide exhibit F). Most of the cases brought to this hospital are serious. Shortly after my visit the prisoners of war were moved to another ward in charge of a sister, where they have more comfort and receive greater care. The Prisoners of War wrote to me that they had some extras at Christmas such as plum pudding, tea and cakes.

18. COMPLAINTS, SUGGESTIONS AND REMARKS.

Besides the complaints already mentioned, the Austrian and Hungarian prisoners of war complained that they do not enjoy reciprocity in treatment. They know how magnanimously the British were and are treated in the Dual Monarchy, where they are free to move about and can pursue their business in the ordinary pre-war course. Nearly all the Austrian and Hungarians prisoners of war in Alexandra Palace are married to British born or Allied born wives. All these men feel very embittered that after three years imprisonment the British Government has not made any concessions to alleviate the hardships of internnent.

The age limit for repatriation ought in my opinion to be 45 years, and not 51 (Exhibit G. shows Austrians and Hungarians 51 years of age and over, and of 45- 51 years of age) as under present agreements.

The Present System of Release

Agricultural work does not seem satisfactory. Only a certain number of men are able to undertake such work and in most cases the work is too hard for them after three years internment and the wages paid are insufficient to keep themselves or to contribute towards the maintenance of their families. Business men and professional men have no chance whatever of being released. Those latter prisoners consider it could only fair that some means should be found whereby on being released, they might resume their former occupation, with a fair pay or salary, sufficient to allow married men to help their wives and families. Further a man, once released, should not be compelled to go back to camp immediately he is ill and has to give up his work, or directly he loses his employment.

Prisoners of war should not be used for ammunition work or as lately for working on aeroplane sheds, collapsible covers, which latter work is done outside the wire fence.

19 SUMMARY.

Alexandra Palace is considered the best non-paying camp in England. I have not spoken in this report of punishments, as there are hardly any, also a very few disciplinary punishments, which are for trifling offences. To be transferred from Alexandra Palace to the Isle of Man as punishment is very cruel, not only for the prisoners themselves but also for the wives and families.

Prisoners returning from Farm work, which was too hard for them, protest strongly against being then transferred to the Isle of Man, without investigation being made as to why they had to give up the work.

This report would not be complete if I did not mention the good relationship which appeared to exist, not only in Alexandra Palace but also in Dartford and Fulham Military Hosptal between the Commandants, officers in charge, etc. and prisoners. I noticed specially the kindly interest and treatment the British hospital authorities took in the suffering prisoners of war.

I also desire to express due thanks to the British Authorities for the great courtesy and hospitality which was shown to me during this visit and everything was done to facilitate my difficult task.

London January 7th 1918

[20.] EXHIBITS

 

 

 

Exhibit G

AUSTRIANS & HUNGARIANS OF 51 YEARS OF AGE & OVER

AUSTRIANS & HUNGARIANS OF 45-51 YEARS OF AGE

9043 Brazzafolli Francois repatriated 9.1.18 10165 Bodnar Peter repatriated 13.12.17 11845 Grohmann Alfred repatriated 13.12.17 11380 von Kljave Rud. Karl repatriated 13.12.17 13446 Vavruska Alois repatriated 13.12.17 13522 Garran Nikolas repatriated 13.12,17 13608 Laios Josef

3392 Baler Rudolf, son in the British Army. 5618 Fuchs Karl 5722 Oma Josef 6559 Englaender Isidore 9095 Feichtlbauer Georg 10809 Rosengarten Lazarus 10919 Leitner Anton 11206 Brdiczka William British born wife. 11544 Mandel Victor, son in the British Army. 11545 Golwig Hugo 12304 Aricz Demetrius 12463 Herzl Heinrich 12556 Murika John 12639 Zalasiewicz Stanislaus 12690 Frohnhaeuser P. son in the British Army 12708 Komaromy Jos. v. Zolt. - repatriated 13.12.17 12711 Porges Paul - repatriated 13.12.17 12723 Procyk Semko.

 

References

TNA FO 383/106 - contains reports on many camps based on visits in the early part of 1915

TNA FO 383/469 - contains the above report

Any comments, errors or omissions gratefully received The Editor Text + Transcription © F.Coakley , 2022