Ill-treatment of POWs on march from Lamsdorf, Stalag 344, formerly Stalag VIII B

TNA Catalogue Ref: WO 309/1883
Context: Judge Advocate General's Office, British Army of the Rhine War Crimes Group (North West Europe) and predecessors: Registered Files (BAOR and other series)
Scope and content: Ill-treatment of prisoners of war on a forced march from Stalag 344 (formerly Stalag VIII B ), Lamsdorf, Poland to Gorlitz, Germany, January 1945
Covering dates: 1946 Jan 01 - 1946 Nov 30


TNA Catalogue Ref: WO 311/221
Context: Judge Advocate General's Office, Military Deputy's Department, and War Office, Directorates of Army Legal Services and Personal Services: War Crimes Files (MO/JAG/FS and other series)
Scope and content: Ill-treatment of POWs on march from Lamsdorf to Zeigerhein, Germany
Covering dates: 1945 June - 1946 Dec

My thanks to ADM199

 

A.A.G. Liaison (British)
℅ War Crimes Group
U.S. Army
APO 633 U.S. Army

Ill-treatment of prisoners of war on a forced march from Stalag 344 in January 1945

Accused: Hauptmann SCHREIBER and others.

Further to my minute of even reference dated the 10th ult, I should be glad to know whether Hauptmann Alwin SCHREIBER has now been interrogated and if so with what result.

Signed
MacDonald
Lieutenant-Colonel
for Military Deputy,
J.A.G.

Copy to: A(PS4) BAOR

 

SPRING GARDENS
COCKSPUR STREET
LONDON, SW1

10 October, 1946

MD/JAG/FS/22/126(1K)
CONFIDENTIAL
A.A.G. Liaison (British),
℅ War Crimes Branch,
U.S. Army
APO 633, U.S. ARMY


Ill-treatment of Prisoners of War on a Forced March from Stalag 344, Lamsdorf, to GORLITZ in January, 1945.

Accused:- Hauptmann SCHREIBER and others.

1. I have received information from C.R.O.W.C.A.S.S. (their reference CR 2001 dated 30 September, 1946,) that a Hauptmann Alwin SCHREIBER is in custody at PWE 15, CROUTOY-ATTICHY. This may be the wanted Hauptmann SCHREIBER in this case and I should be grateful if you would make inquiries through P.W.I.B., T.S.F.E.T.

2. I enclose herewith two copies of an affidavit by Captain Turner McLARDEY, which contains a description of Hauptmann SCHREIBER. On hearing from you that the SCHREIBER who has been located is the wanted man, arrangements will be made by this office for his transfer to the London District Cage for interrogation purposes.

Signed ?
Colonel,
for Military Deputy,
J.A.G.

 

MD/JAG/FS/22/122(5B )

IN THE MATTER OF THE ILL-TREATMENT OF PRISONERS OF WAR ON A FORCED MARCH FROM STALAG 344 LAMSDORF TO GOERLITZ IN JANUARY 1945.

BRITISH NATIONAL OFFICE CHARGE NO:

UNITED NATIONS WAR CRIMES COMMISSION REFERENCE:


AFFIDAVIT

I, Captain Turner McLardey (101989) ROYAL ARMY MEDICAL CORPS now stationed at the Militiary Hospital, Northfield, Birmingham, with permanent home address at 33 Weoley Hill, Birmingham, make oath and say as follows:-

1. I was captured at TOBRUK in 1942 and in due course was taken to Stalag VIIIB LAMSDORF which subsequently became known as Stalag 344.

2. In January 1945 the Germans decided to evacuate the Stalag due to he approach of the Russians. Accordingly on 22nd and 23rd January 1945 all prisoners able to march were evacuated in two parties. Each party was marched to GOERLITZ a distance of some 280 kilometres.

3. I proceeded with the second party which left on 23rd January and I arrived at GOERLITZ on 5th February. I have no complaints to make against those who were conducting the party with which I travelled. On my arrival at GOERLITZ I found there the remnants of the party who had left LAMSDORF the day before me.

4. In the course of my duties I examined many prisoners who had been members of the first party. All those whom I examined were emaciated and in a very distressed condition and suffering from starvation. I examined about 50 prisoners who were members of the first party and they were all in this starved and emaciated condition and in the 14 days of the march they had lost 2 to 3 stone in weight.

5. I spoke to a number of warrant officers and N.C.O.s who had been on the first march and they told me conditions had been very hard. Often men had to sleep without cover in the snow and food had been very scarce, apparently only a fraction of what those on the second day's march had been given. There had been gross neglect and lack of organisation in respect of the first march and the responsible person named was Hauptmann SCHULTZ who was in charge of the column.

6. The only officer on the first march was Captain Anthony STALLARD, ROYAL ARMY MEDICAL CORPS who was in a shocking condition when I met him at GOERLITZ. Accounts of the conditions of the first march were written out by Warrant Officer A. CURREY (407822) of the ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE and by Regimental Sergeant-Major GOODLIFFE. These accounts were handed in to the Man of Confidence at GOERLITZ Regimental Sergeant-Major ROSSOW or ROSSEAU. Hauptmann SCHULTZ was on the staff of Stalag 344. I am unable to describe him but I believe he was there in the capacity of Abwehr Officer.

7. On 10th February 1945 about 3,000 prisoners commenced a march from Stalag VIIIA at GOERLITZ to MELLINGEN where we arrived on 2nd March 1945. About 1,100 then proceeded from MELLINGEN to Stalag IXA at ZIEGENHAIN where we arrived on 13th March 1945 having covered a distance of some 570 kilometres.

8. Conditions on these marches were terrible. Starvation conditions prevailed, night quarters were grossly overcrowded and there was poor organisation. I examined many prisoners during the march and most of them at the end and great numbers were seriously ill. They were suffering from the effects of starvation and dysentery. I know of 12 cases of men who died from starvation. A feature of the march was the brutality and ill-treatment of some of the sick prisoners at the hands of the guards. I have myself seen prisoners struck with rifle butts and ill-treated and I have had to stitch resulting wounds. There were two cases of prisoners who were shot, one of whom died. I do not know who was responsible for these shootings.

9. The worst guards responsible for the ill-treatment were Unteroffizier BERGER and Stabsgefreiter HERTWIG. BERGER was aged about 38040, height about 5' 11", weight about 12 stone, had fair close-cropped hair, a colourless complexion, a round face, broad shoulders and well built. He was one of the guards from Stalag VIIIA.

10. HERTWIG was a Stabsgefreiter aged about 35, 5' 8" in height, weighed about 10 stone, of medium build, had a thin sallow face, dark hair. He was also on the staff of Stalag VIIIA.

11. The officer in charge of the march from GOERLITZ onwards was a Hauptmann SCHREIBER. He had been the Abwehr Officer at Stalag VIIIA. He was aged about 45, was about 5' 7" in height, weighed about 9 stone, had dark hair with blue eyes, thin face and pointed features. He was slightly round shouldered and of medium build. He may have lived at GOERLITZ. He always wore breeches riding boots and spurs. I repeatedly protested to him about the conditions and he would lead me to suppose some action would be taken but in fact no action was ever taken.

12. I left Stalag IXA with a party of prisoners to march East on 29th March 1945 and was eventually liberated by the Americans on 4th April 1945.

Signed T. McLARDEY

SWORN by the above-named TURNER McLARDEY at 6 Spring Gardens in the County of London this 24th day of August 1945
Before me,

Signed G. BARRATT,
Major Legal Staff
Judge Advocate General's Office, London

 

Tele : WIESBADEN Mil 7251 Ext 119.

Subject : War Crimes - Hauptmann SCHREIBER

BAOR/30/335/3/A(L)

16 October 1946

Deputy Theatre Judge Advocate's Office,
War Crimes Group, APO 633, U.S.F.E.T.

Attention : Extradition Sub Section


1. A Hauptmann SCHREIBER who was Intelligence Officer at Stalag VIII A took part in a march of Prisoners of War after the evacuation of Stalag 344 to Western Germany in January 1945 is wanted by my Government.

2. According to CROWCASS there is a Helmut SCHREIBER at present at C.I.E. 74 LUDWIGSBURG and a Hauptmann Alwin SCHREIBER is a P.W.E. 15 CROUTOY-ATTICHY.

3. It would be appreciated if you would ascertain if either of these is the wanted man.


Signed ?
Lieutenant-Colonel
AAG Liaison (British)



c/o War Crimes Group US Army
APO 633
US Army

 

SPRING GARDENS
COCKSPUR STREET
LONDON, SW1

10 October, 1946

MD/JAG/FS/22/126(1E)
CONFIDENTIAL
A.A.G. Liaison (British),
℅ War Crimes Branch,
U.S. Army
APO 633, U.S. ARMY


WAR CRIMES
Accused:- Hauptmann SCHREIBER and others.

1. Information has been received from CROWCASS that one Helmut SCHREIBER is at present held at C.I.C. 74 Ludwigsburg, and that one Hauptman Alwin SCHREIBER is at present held at P.W.E. 15 CROUTOY-ATTICHY.

2. May arrangements pleas be made to ascertain whether either of the above-named are identical with one Hauptmann SCHREIBER who was an Intelligence Officer at Stalag VIII A, and who took part in a march of prisoners of war after the evacuation from Stalag 344 to Western Germany in January 1945.


Signed ?
Colonel,
for Military Deputy,
J.A.G.


Copy to:
A(PS4) BAOR
DJAG BAOR

 

000.5 EXT (90-53)
Extradition of Alleged War Criminals
APP/DMG

24 January 1946

JA WCB

TPM
USFET
(Main)
APO 757

24 January 1946

1. Reference is made to letter, Headquarters, US Forces European Theatre, file AG 000.5 GAP-AGO, subject: ' Delivery to Other United Nations and Italy of Persons Accused of War Crimes and of Witnesses and Evidence Required in the Trial of War Crimes', dated 13 September 1945.

2. Under the provisions of the letter referred to in the preceding paragraph, it is requested that the alleged war criminal, SCHREIBER, Alwin, Hauptmann, 31G 2445222, PWE No. 15 COURTOY, France, be delivered to London District Cage.

3. In this connection, it is requested that such transportation as may be necessary to effect prompt delivery of SCHREIBER be furnished by you.

4. A report of action taken is requested.


C.B. MICKELNAIT
Colonel JAGD
Deputy Theatre Judge Advocate



Wiesbaden 7251 Ext 114

 

Ref. No. MD/JAG/FS/22/126(3B )
MD/JAG/FS/22/46(3B )
MD/JAG/FS/22/122(3B )

GERMAN/ITALIAN WAR CRIMES

1. ORIGIN OF CASE: Q. Form

2. ALLEGED CRIME: Ill-treatment and Ill-treatment causing death

3. AGAINST WHOM COMMITTED: Prisoners of War

4. PLACE: On marches Lamsdorf - Gorlitz - Mellingen - Ziegenhain.

5 DATE OF OFFENCE: January to March 1945

6. VICTIM(S), NATIONALITY: Unnamed British and Allied Prisoners of War

7. NAMES OF PERPETRATORS, WITH UNITS AND RANKS: See Report attached hereto, Paragraph 8.

8. BRIEF FACTS OF THE CASE: In January 1945 the Germans evacuated Stalag 344. Some thousands of Prisoners were taken in several columns from Lamsdorf to Ziegehain Mulhausen and Frankfurt-am-Main via Gorlitz. They suffered very severely from the conditions, weather, lack of food, medical supplies and attention, and were often brutally ill-treated. Many died.

9. REGISTERED WITH U.N.W.C.C.; Yes - Care No. UK - G/B 194 & 195

10. NAMES OF WITNESSES: See Report attached hereto, Paragraph 11.

11. RESULT OR DISPOSAL: This case is described fully in the annexed report. Evidence is complete, but no accused is in custody.


Signed ?
Major
23 May 1946

 

MD/JAG/FS/22/126(3B )
MD/JAG/FS/22/46(3B )
MD/JAG/FS/22/122(3B )


United Nations War Crimes Commission Case No. UK-G/B/ 194 and 195.

Report on the Ill-treatment of Prisoners of War resulting from Forced Marches on the Evacuation of Stalag 344, Lamsdorf.


1. In January 1945, the Germans decided to evacuate Stalag 344, LAMSDORF, due to the approach of the Russians. Accordingly, on 22 and 23 January 1945, all prisoners able to march, running into several thousands, were evacuated in two parties. Each party was marched to GORLITZZ, a distance of some 280 kilometres. The parties arrived at GORLITZ on February 3rd and 5th respectively 1945.

2. The wintry conditions and forced nature of the march inevitably made it severe, but there is evidence that those Germans who conducted the second party behaved reasonably well. The evidence suggest, however, that the first party suffered a good deal more and were pushed beyond endurance point. Fifty prisoners of the first party who were examined were in a starved and emaciated condition and in 14 days of the march had lost 2 to 3 stone in weight. This evidence of gross neglect and lack of organisation in respect to the first march, the responsible person in charge of this column was a Hauptmann SCHULTZ, who was on the staff of Stalag 344, possibly as Abwehr Officer.

3. Conditions at Stalag VIII A, GORLITZ, were very severe, all amenities being lacking. On 10 February, 1945, about 3,000 prisoners commenced a march from GORLITZ to MELLINGEN, where they arrived about 2 March, 1945. Apparently there was a division here of the column into there separate parties. About 1,100 proceeded from MELLINGEN to Stalag IX A at ZIEGENHAIN, where they arrived on 13 March, 1945, having covered a distance of 570 kilometres. The second party, consisting of some 1,000 men, proceeded to Stalag IX C at MUHLHAUSEN, and the third group, consisting of about 500 men, proceeded to FRANKFURT-AM-MAIN, destination probably Stalag IX B at BAD ORB. The party which were bound for Stalag IX C comprised mostly sick men.

4. With respect to the initial march from LAMSDORF to GORLITZ there is evidence (affidavit of Private J. NOEL) that the prisoners suffered immensely from the cold under the conditions and were ill-treated by the German guards.

5. The greater part of the available evidence deals with the march from GORLITZ to MELLINGEN. With respect to the three columns which set out from MELLINGEN, there is more available evidence of the conditions on the march from MELLINGEN to ZIEGENHAIN than with respect to the other two marches.

6. Taking the march from GORLITZ to ZIEGENHAIN as a whole, there is evidence of intolerable forced marches, appalling conditions, frost bite, inadequate rations and accommodation, malnutrition, lack of medical attention and facilities, and brutal ill-treatment by the guards. Men died from sickness due to exposure and malnutrition and there is evidence of the shooting of a Corporal PEAT. With respect to the column which marched to FRANKFURT-AM-MAIN (Stalag IX B, BAD ORB ), precisely the same terrible conditions and ill-treatment occurred. (See report of R.S.M. HARFORD in U.N.W.C.C. Case UK-G/B 194). In some cases where it was recognised that sick prisoners were too ill to proceed, they were put on board a train to complete their journey, where the conditions and ill-treatment were again of the worst.

7. When the march began again from GORLITZ, it seems that most of the guards were Hilfsposten and Volksturm and few regular Wehrmacht soldiers accompanied the column.

8. There is, unfortunately, little evidence to identify responsible persons. The following Germans, however, have been named:-

Hauptmann SCHULTZ (above mentioned) was in charge of the first column from LAMSDORF to GORLITZ.

An Unteroffizier BURGER and a Stabsgefreiter HERTWIG - accused of brutal ill-treatment - were on the march from GORLITZ to ZIEGENHAIN.

The officer in charge of the march from GORLITZ to MELLINGEN and, probably, thence to ZIEGENHAIN was a Hauptman SCHREIBER. He is frequently named for being responsible for conditions and ill-treatment which he expressly ordered.

There are also named, the Burgermeister of STEUDNITZ and Kreisleiter MULLER of JENA, THURINGEN. At STEUNDNITZ, between GORLITZ and MELLINGEN, some 35 British and American prisoners in a barn were found by No. 896768, Bombardier C.G. YOUNG. Three Americans were dead and two died in YOUNG's presence. These sick prisoners had been left in the charge of the Burgermeister.

Two Germans, an Oberleutnant TRANKEL and Feldwebel KUNSCH, are named by a Warrant Officer H. WHEELAND for ill-treatment on the latter part of the march between MELLINGEN and ZIEGENHAIN.

At SIEBLEBEN near GOTHA, a member of the Volksturm shot and killed Corporal PEAT (See Q Form of No. 970255, Warrant Officer WHEELAN).

Other Germans named as being on the march from GORLITZ to MELLINGEN are a Captain NEUROFF and Unteroffizier DERRING (See Q Form of Captain R.E.R. TATTERSALL, R.A.M.C.).

9. It may be worth noting that the Volkstrurm responsive for much of the ill-treatment mostly came from GORLITZ.

10. A large number of Q Forms have been completed by prisoners who were on these marches. Unfortunately, the majority have been unable to name any responsible Germans. Affidavits have been taken from a Captain MOLARDY who marched from LAMSDORF to ZIEGENHAIN via GORLITZ and MELLINGEN, which affidavit contains the best evidence so far obtained. From a Private SHARP whose evidence is chiefly on the march from LAMSDORF to GORLITZ. A Private NOEL who gives similar evidence. A Lance-Corporal JESSUP, Canadian, who deposes to conditions between GORLITZ and LAMSDORF and thereafter. And a R.S.M. PRINCE who speaks to the conditions on the march from LAMSDORF to GORLITZ and GORLITZ to ZIEGENHAIN.

11. Below is a short summary of the Q Forms which have been forwarded.

(a) No. 5334, Bombardier A.H. KIRK, U.D.F., who gives the route from LAMSDORF to GORLITZ and describes conditions on this march.

( b ) No. 2585239, Sergeant J.S. COX, MIDDLESEX YEOMANRY, who marched from GORLITZ to ZIEGENHAIN. Briefly describes the conditions.

(c ) D/JX 263002, C/Sgn. A.E.T. COTTER. Speaks to the conditions between LAMSDORF and GORLITZ.

(d) No. 554634, Corporal F. MINNS, KING'S OWN HUSSARS. Gives similar evidence.

(e) T/95657, Driver C. MONTAIGUE, ROYAL ARMY SERVICE CORPS. Marched from LAMSDORF to ZIEGENHAIN. Speaks to conditions and brutal ill-treatment.

(f) No. 1141319, W/O G.J.E. HEXTELL, ROYAL AIR FORCE. Marched from LAMSDORF to ZIEGENHAIN. Speaks to conditions, brutal ill-treatment and cites Hauptmann SCHREIBER.

(g) No. 2928525, Private I.E. DUNN, BEDFORDSHIRE and HERTFORDSHIRE REGIMENT. Marched from LAMSDORF to ZIEGENHAIN. Was beaten himself. He dressed the wounds of a man who had been shot. Was present at the death of another who had been shot.

(h) No. 1059761, W/O G. MARTIN, ROYAL AIR FORCE. Marched from LAMSDORF to ZIEGENHAIN. Speaks to bad conditions, ill-treatment and cites Hauptman SCHREIBER.

(i) No. 339068, W/O J.F. PERRING, ROYAL AIR FORCE. General evidence.

(j) No. 578097, W/O F.G. STAPLETON, ROYAL AIR FORCE. General evidence. Cites SCHRIEIBER.

(k) No. 896768, Bombardier G.G. YOUNG, ROYAL ARTILLERY. Was on a march from GORLITZ to MELLINGEN, thereafter to DUDERSTADT. Cites Burgermeister of STEUDNITZ and Kreisleiter MULLER.

(l) No. 405038, Corporal J. DAVIES, KING'S DRAGOON GUARDS. Marched rom GORLITZ to Stalag IX C. Cites SCHREIBER.

(m) No. 970255, W/O H. WHEELAN. Marched from GORLITZ to ZIEGENHAIN. Particularly cites SCHREIBER. Speaks to the shooting of Corporal PEAT. Also cites an Oberleutnant TRANKEL and and Feldwebel KUNSCH.

(n) Captain P.E.R. TATERSALL, ROYAL ARMY MEDICAL CORPS. GORLITZ to MELLINGEN. Speaks to bad conditions. Cites Captain NEUHOFF and Unteroffizier DERRING.

(o) N. 9190, Flight Serjeant M.R. CAMPBELL, ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE. On march from GORLITZ to ZIEGENHAIN. Speaks to bad conditions, beatings and floggings.

(p ) No. 7586987, Quartermaster-Sergeant R.J.V. CARTER, ROYAL ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERS. On march from GORLITZ to ZIEGENHAIN. General evidence.

(q) No. 1187890, W/O G.F. FARMER. Marched from GORLITZ to ZIEGENHAIN. General evidence.

(r ) NX 142X W. McKIBBINS. On march from GORLITZ to ZIEGENHAIN. General conditions and brutal ill-treatment. Cites Hauptmann SCHREIBER.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RELATING TO "Q" FORM NO. 296 COMPLETED BY

No. T/95657
Rank: Driver
Name: MONTAIGUE, C.
Regiment or Corps: ROYAL ARMY SERVICE CORPS


Further information is required as to the march from LAMSDORF to ZIEGERHAIN, January 1945

PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS AS FULLY AS POSSIBLE.
THE COMPLETION OF THIS FORM WILL IN NO WAY DELAY YOUR DEMOBILISATION.


(1) To which camp did you belong when your march started? Give its location and number if possible.
Stalag 344. LAMSDORF.

(2) Where exactly did your march being and end, and on which dates?
The march began on 22nd January 1945 from LAMSDORF. We arrived at GORLITS on 10th February. Had a couple of days rest then carried on to ZIEGENHAIN (Stammlager IX A) arriving approximately 22nd March 1945.

(3) If your march was part of a bigger evacuation march, can you say where the march originally started and where it eventually finished?
-

(4) Were parties from other camps assembled with your own party before departure? If so, can you identify these other camps?
Many small working parties were brought in to Stalag 344 just before the start of the march.

(5) Please give the names of any places through or near which you remember passing on the march, together with dates if possible.
From GORLITZ to ZIEGENHAIN we passed throughout REICHENBACK, WEISBURG, BEAUTZON, KAMENZ, KONIGBRUCK, KAKREUTH, MIESSEN, LOMMATZSCH, DOPELN, LEISNIG, BORNA, WORTHWITZ, ZEITZ, SERBA, JENA, HOHSTED, MELLINGER, BUSSLEBEN, SIEBLEBEN, MECHERSTAT, EISONACH, OBERSUHL (2 days here rest; with no food at all). HONEBACH, HERSFELD, OBERAULA, ZIEGENHAIN.

(6) Were you joined by any other parties en route? if so, can you say where they joined you and to which camps they belonged?
En route were split into parties. N.C.O.s forming separate column. I do not know where we split up, or where the other columns went to.

(7) Were any of the columns diverted from the main body en route? If so, do you know the destination of such parties?
-

(8) I s there anything you now wish to add to the report made in your "Q" Form as to this march? Any further information you may have as to the identity of Germans responsible for the crimes you have reported, will be of particular value.
I do not know identity of the Guards on the march. At GORLITZ the soldier guards were relieved by civilian Volksturm, residents of GORLITZ. They gave us worse treatment than the German soldiers.


Signed C. MONTAIGUE
Date: 31 August 1945

 

FORM "Q"
WAR CRIMES
(Information supplied by ex-Prisoners of War)

Number: 9190
Rank: F/Sgt
Name: CAMPBELL
Initials: M.R.
Unit/Ship: R.A.A.F.
Date and Place of Capture: 7th April 1941, DERNA
Home Address: 194 6' Heas Road, Coburg, Melborne, Australia.


DATE, CAMP OR PLACE
Tuesday 6th March 1945, On march from GORLITZ to ZEIGERHAIN, STELTFELD

PARTICULARS OF THE CRIMINAL ACT OR VIOLATION
During this march the guards took complete control and acted without the sanction of the officer in charge. The Serjeant referred to was forcing the "sick" column into already overcrowded barns and with great ferocity and violence crashed his revolver butt on the heads of 4 men who were sent reeling away. They had approached too near the Polish farm hands, but this was done in ignorance. The extent of injuries received not known.

NAMES, WHERE KNOWN, DESCRIPTION, RANK, APPOINTMENT, UNIT, ETC. OF ENEMY PERSONNEL CONCERNED AND ANY OTHER DETAIL TO FIX THEIR IDENTITY.
Serjeant in charge of march. Tall, full-faced, always wearing glasses, 6 ft.

Very much in evidence throughout the march, leading most of the time. His name was known by many men. His guards very much afraid of him.

NAMES OF OTHER WITNESSES
Witnessed by hundred of men - prisoners.


DATE, CAMP OR PLACE
22.2.45

PARTICULARS OF THE CRIMINAL ACT OR VIOLATION
I myself was the victim of German brutality. WHile climbing down a ladder from a barn where we slept the night, a guard who was hurrying the men along lashed out at me with a heavy stick, knocking me senseless to the ground by a blow over the head. He followed up with kicking, punching and further blows with his stick until I was carried away by other men.

NAMES, WHERE KNOWN, DESCRIPTION, RANK, APPOINTMENT, UNIT, ETC. OF ENEMY PERSONNEL CONCERNED AND ANY OTHER DETAIL TO FIX THEIR IDENTITY.
-

NAMES OF OTHER WITNESSES
W.O. G. ELLIOTT
W.O. W. SHEER

ROYAL AIR FORCE


Signed M.R. CAMPBELL

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RELATING TO "Q" FORM NO. 318 COMPLETED BY

No. 7586987
Rank: A.Q.M.S
Name: CARTER, R.J.V.
Regiment or Corps: ROYAL ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERS


Further information is required as to the march from GORLITZ to ZIEGERHAIN, 20th February - 2nd March 1945

PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS AS FULLY AS POSSIBLE.
THE COMPLETION OF THIS FORM WILL IN NO WAY DELAY YOUR DEMOBILISATION.


(1) To which camp did you belong when your march started? Give its location and number if possible.
LAMSDORF, Upper Silesia. Stalag 344..

(2) Where exactly did your march being and end, and on which dates?
From LAMSDORF on 20th January 1945 to ZIEGENHAIN reaching there approximately 17th March 1945.

(3) If your march was part of a bigger evacuation march, can you say where the march originally started and where it eventually finished?
LAMSDORF

(4) Were parties from other camps assembled with your own party before departure? If so, can you identify these other camps?
No.

(5) Please give the names of any places through or near which you remember passing on the march, together with dates if possible.
GORLITZ, FRANKENSTEIN, LEIPZIG, ERFURT, BAD LAUSTE
Further particulars of places and date could be obtained from Pilot W.O. I R.B. MUNDAY and C.P.O. E.R.A. FOX, ROYAL NAVY - both from Stalag 344.

(6) Were you joined by any other parties en route? if so, can you say where they joined you and to which camps they belonged?
Joined by British Prisoners of War from BRESLAV, LUFT III.

(7) Were any of the columns diverted from the main body en route? If so, do you know the destination of such parties?
Yes, column split in three, ZIEGENHAIN, BAD ORB, FRANKFURT.

(8) Is there anything you now wish to add to the report made in your "Q" Form as to this march? Any further information you may have as to the identity of Germans responsible for the crimes you have reported, will be of particular value.
Volksturm, responsible for the ill-treatment of the sick and shooting Prisoners of War trying to obtain food (turnips etc) from the wayside fields (as per previous report) were all formed from the town of GORLITZ.

Signed R.J.V. CARTER, A.Q.M.S.
Date: 10 August 1945

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RELATING TO "Q" FORM NO. 476 COMPLETED BY

No. 1187890
Rank: W.O
Name: FARMER, G.F.
Regiment or Corps: ROYAL AIR FORCE


Further information is required as to the march from GORLITZ to ZIEGENHAIN.

PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS AS FULLY AS POSSIBLE.
THE COMPLETION OF THIS FORM WILL IN NO WAY DELAY YOUR DEMOBILISATION.


(1) To which camp did you belong when your march started? Give its location and number if possible.
Stalag 344 LAMSDORF, OBER SILESIA.

(2) Where exactly did your march being and end, and on which dates?
LAMSDORF to GORLITZ January 22nd arrived GORLITZ 1st February. Left GORLITZ 16th February arrived ZIEGENHAIN 15th March (approx).

(3) If your march was part of a bigger evacuation march, can you say where the march originally started and where it eventually finished?
I was with the FIRST ARMY to leave LAMSDORF which included compounds I, II, III, IV, V on 22nd and I understand other compounds left the following day.

(4) Were parties from other camps assembled with your own party before departure? If so, can you identify these other camps?
No other camps assembled.

(5) Please give the names of any places through or near which you remember passing on the march, together with dates if possible.
STRALEIN, FRANKENSTEIN, MERTZDORF, JAUR, GORLITZ, BAUTZEN, KAMENZ, MEISSON, ALTENBURG, GERA, WEIMAR, JENA, ERFURT, GOTHA, EISENBURG, EISENACH, HERSFELDT, MEININGEN.
I cannot give definite dates of above.

(6) Were you joined by any other parties en route? if so, can you say where they joined you and to which camps they belonged?
I was in charge of 47 sick at MERTZDORF and on leaving this place was joined by 4 sick men from a working party who had travelled from Sugar Beet factory at RATIBOR.

(7) Were any of the columns diverted from the main body en route? If so, do you know the destination of such parties?
Detailed for ZIEGENHAIN with which I myself travelled, 500 to BAD ORB (near FRANKFURT-AM-MAIN) and approximately 800 to Stalag IV B.

(8) Is there anything you now wish to add to the report made in your "Q" Form as to this march? Any further information you may have as to the identity of Germans responsible for the crimes you have reported, will be of particular value.
[The right-hand margin of the image has been partially obscured.]
I kept a complete log of the march from ?
to about the district of HERSFELDT, when I ?
bag etc complete with log but I'm sure
W/O BADCOCK who was with me on this march
has still the complete data of the route, rations
issued etc, and maybe names of Germans implicated.

Signed: W/O FARMER, G.F.
Date: 10th August 1945

 

FORM "Q"
WAR CRIMES
(Information supplied by ex-Prisoners of War)

Number: NX 1426
Rank: -
Name: McKIBBINS
Initials: WALTER
Unit/Ship: -
Date and Place of Capture: -
Home Address: -


DATE, CAMP OR PLACE
On march from GORLITZ to ZIEGENHAIN, February 10th to March 12th

PARTICULARS OF THE CRIMINAL ACT OR VIOLATION
Systematic brutality by guards towards Prisoners of War by beating with rifle butts, bayonets, fists and feet. Occurred every day and for no reason except to apparently satisfy sadistic impulses.

Food extremely scarce and men forced to eat potato peelings, cabbage stalks and other refuse from roadside rubbish heaps.

Beaten with bayonet and kicked by guards for looking at one of them.

No facility for washing or keeping oneself clean, to attempt to obtain water on the march resulted in blows with rifle butts or kicking.

NAMES, WHERE KNOWN, DESCRIPTION, RANK, APPOINTMENT, UNIT, ETC. OF ENEMY PERSONNEL CONCERNED AND ANY OTHER DETAIL TO FIX THEIR IDENTITY.
This column was under charge of Hauptman SCHREIBER, the guards members of the Wehrmacht Hilfe Unit.

One outstanding member and noted for brutality was a Gefreiter with a scarred face, slim build, small.

NAMES OF OTHER WITNESSES
T.S.M. MEGGINSON
P.S.M. FOOTE
Q.M.S. CURRIE,
any man who took part in the march can verify these statements.

 

IN THE MATTER OF THE ILL-TREATMENT OF PRISONERS OF WAR ON THE MARCH FROM STALAG 344 TO STALAG IX C AT SALZA, NEAR LEIPZIG, GERMANY.

British National Office Charge No.:

United Nations War Crimes Commission Reference:


AFFIDAVIT

I, No. 792882 Private J. NOEL, 12 Training Battalion ROYAL ARMY SERVICE CORPS, with permanent home address at 261 Westrow Drive, Barking, Essex, MAKE OATH AND SAY AS FOLLOWS:

1. I was taken prisoner at GAZALA on 27th May 1942, and after passing through a number of camps I was taken to Stalag 344 on the 17th October 1943.

2. In January 1945 Stalag 344 was evacuated owing to the approach of the Russians. The prisoners were marched out in batches of 2,000 at a time. The Camp Commandant organised the evacuation and appointed an officer with staff to accompany each party of prisoners.

3. The weather conditions made marching most difficult. The temperature was well below zero, the roads were covered in ice and it snowed for much of the time. The prisoners at the commencement of the march were in a poor state of health. Many of the prisoners were in too weak a state to keep up the pace demanded, and the guards then cut away their equipment, including their food, and forced them to continue to march. We travelled about 35 kilometres the first day. Many of the men dropped out from weakness. We were put up the first night in two open barns which could not accommodate all the party with the result that about 500 had to sleep outside in the snow. The next morning many of the men were suffering from this exposure particularly from frostbite. My own feet were severely frostbitten. The only food we had to last us for four days was a loaf of bread and a quantity of margarine per man. Some of us had Red Cross parcels but the contents were frozen and uneatable.

4. On the second day the party, less about 200 who were too ill to move, marched off again. The severe weather conditions still existed and there was a blizzard on this day. As a result of these conditions and their suffering from frostbite many of the prisoners had difficulty in marching at all. Many prisoners therefore dropped behind. There was a party of six guards at the rear of the column and any prisoner who dropped behind was forced on by these guards with blows from rifle butts. I myself had very badly frostbitten feet and found great difficulty in marching. I was repeatedly struck by these guards, who used their rifle butts, and I was knocked down several times. We covered 28 kilometres that day and arrived at a place near PRIEBOURNE. That night we were accommodated in closed barns. Many of the men were in a week condition, no food was issued, and we were not permitted to heat coffee in our Red Cross parcels. The next morning we were given a loaf of berate but this was subsequently taken away. Except for the initial issue on leaving the camp we received no issue of food from the Germans for eleven days. When the contents of our Red Cross parcels had been consumed the only food that we had was what we were able to beg from villagers and to obtain by bartering our equipment.

5. The same conditions obtained on the march during the third day. Many of the men were unable to march but were forced on with rifle butts. Again on this day I was struck with a rifle butt by the rear guards. We were marched 25 kilometres and the late arrivals at the end of the journey found no accommodation for them, and 200 of us had to sleep …

[No further pages]

 

UNITED NATIONS WAR CRIMES COMMISSION
UNITED KINGDOM CHARGES AGAINST GERMAN WAR CRIMINALS
CASE No: UK-G/B 194


- PAGE 1 -


NAME OF ACCUSED, HIS RANK AND UNIT, OR OFFICIAL POSITION (Not to be translated)
(1) Field Marshall Wilhelm KEITEL, Chief of Staff.
(2) S.S. General BERGER, Inspector General of Prisoners of War Camps.
(3) The Commandant of Stalag VIII A at GORLITZ from on or about February 3rd - February 10th 1945.
(4) Two Officers of the Rank of Captain and one of the rank of Lieutenant who were in charge of a party of about 4,000 British prisoners of war and 1,000 Russian prisoners of war on the march from Stalag VIII A aforesaid to Eisenach, where the party was divided.
(5) The same Officers or other the Officers or non-commissioned officers in charge of the party which was destined for FRANKFURT.
(6) The Officer or guard who fired the shot which killed Corporal PETT on March 4th near EISENACH or ERFURT.

DATE AND PLACE OF COMMISSION OF ALLEGED CRIME
Fro 10th February to 9th March 1945 on the road from GORLITZ to EISENACH and thence to GERSTUNGEN.

NUMBER AND DESCRIPTION OF CRIME IN WAR CRIMES LIST
REFERENCES TO RELEVANT PROVISIONS OF NATIONAL LAW

No.i. Murder.
No.XXIX. Ill-treatment of prisoners of war.

Breach of the laws and usages of war and in particular Articles 2, 10, 11 and 64 of the Geneva Convention relating to the Treatment of prisoners of war and Article 1 of the Geneva Convention for the amelioration of the condition of sick and wounded.

Assault and Murder.

SHORT STATEMENT OF FACTS.
Something in the neighbourhood of 4,000 British prisoners of war and 1,000 Russian prisoners of war were transferred from Stalag 344 at LAMSDORF to Stalag VIII A at GORLITZ, arriving at GORLITZ February 3rd 1945. They spent a week under very bad conditions at Stalag VIII A.

From February 10th to March 6th they were marched to EISENACH where the party split up. The conditions of this march and of the further stages, at least as regards one party destined for FRANKFURT, were appalling. Food and water were insufficient throughout, accommodation was inadequate and, particularly in the later stages, the guards were brutal in the extreme, beating, firing upon and setting dogs on the exhausted and starving men. Corporal PETT was shot dead.


TRANSMITTED BY: TREASURY SOLICITOR

 

UNITED NATIONS WAR CRIMES COMMISSION
UNITED KINGDOM CHARGES AGAINST GERMAN WAR CRIMINALS
CASE No: UK-G/B 194

- PAGE 2 -

PARTICULARS OF ALLEGED CRIME
According to a statement made by Reg. Sergt. Major R.E. HARFORD to Mr. A KADLER of the Protecting Power, between 1,000 and 4,000 men left Stalag 344 on January 23rd and marched to Gorlitz which they reached on February 3rd and 5th, and were installed in Russian barracks, infested with vermin. The march from LAMSDORF to GORLITZ was not too hard, the men being rested and well fed and having with them their own guards, whom they know and who helped them on the road. At GORLITZ, however, no water for washing either their persons or their clothes was made available, and rations began to get short.

On February 10th they left GORLITZ this time under Hilfsposten (assistant guards) and Volksturm- men, under the command of two captains and a lieutenant of the regular army. The distance marched on the next stage which may be said to have terminated at EISENBURG somewhere about February 20th varied from a minimum of 7 to a maximum of 38 kilos per day. At EISENBURG a two days rest was allowed. Accommodation at this stage was often inadequate, and uniformly so, the average ration being 1/4 of a loaf of bread plus 1/8 of a tine of meat or some cheese per man, with some coffee or soup in the morning and evening. Water was often short, and when civilians offered it to the men the guards frequently stopped them.

After EISENBURG the party proceeded to the neighbourhood of EISENACH, where on March 6th it split into three parts, that in which R.S.M. HARFORD found himself making ultimately for the area of FRANKFURT-AM-MAIN. This stage was the worst as food was limited to one packet of Knackebrot (biscuits) per day with a little cheese. Men were falling down all along the road, while the guards tried to drive them on with their rifle butts and bayonets, and by setting their dogs on them. Small offences agains the marching rules were punished with the greatest severity, men being tied up in the open for several hours. Men running into the fields to collect fruit or vegetables were fired upon and Corporal PETT was shot dead while stealing potatoes in this way.

At GERSTUNGEN on March 9th HARFORD and 133 other men were passed as unfit and sent by train to MEININGEN, where Mr. KADLER saw them. Mr. KADLER himself adds that practically all the men were utterly exhausted and many suffering from dysentery, chest complications and other diseases attributable to their hardships. Of these sick 3 were dangerously ill and another 8 seriously so.

 

UNITED NATIONS WAR CRIMES COMMISSION
UNITED KINGDOM CHARGES AGAINST GERMAN WAR CRIMINALS
CASE No: UK-G/B 194

- PAGE 3 -

PARTICULARS OF EVIDENCE IN SUPPORT

A copy of the Report by the Protecting Power is attached.

A the moment R.S.M. R.E. HARFORD P.W. No. 15171 and a British Medical Officer name MacLEOD are the only witnesses known by name, but it is to be supposed that many others will be available.

The conclusion has been formed that despite differences the account of the march from Stalag 344, which forms the basis of the charge next following, refers to the march which is the basis of the present charge as far as the neighbourhood of EISENACH.

If this inference is correct the statement of W/O. No. 407823 A.M. CURRIE, A.I.F., P/W. No. 24808 to a representative of the Protecting Power will be available in this case as to events up to the neighbourhood of EISENBACH. This is the more important part of the case since it includes the murder of Corporal PETT.

It is unfortunate that there was no opportunity to contact this witness and obtain an affidavit from him prior to his return to AUSTRALIA.

It is to be noted that in the following case the shooting is said to have been of No. 4612192 Private Harold PEAT, P/Q No. 55400 on March 4th at SIEBLEBEN (?SEEBERGEN between ERFURT and EISENACH) which is presumably a more detail and more correct spelling of the name and of the statement of the rank of the man murdered, reported as Corporal PETT, in the neighbourhood of EISENACH on March 4th. A copy of his statement is attached.

Some corroboration may be derived from the records of Private PEAT in the War Office.

 

KW 2/4 - 1

R.A. BEAUMONT Esq.,
Reconstruction Department

No. 1630

His Majesty's Minister at Berne present his compliments to His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and has the honour to transmit to him the under-mentioned documents.

British Legation,
Berne.

12th April, 1946.



Reference to previous correspondence:
Bern desp. No. 1604 of 11.4.45
No. 1629 of 12.4.45

Description of Enclosure

NAME AND DATE
From Federal Political Department, 11.4.45

SUBJECT
Report on transfer of group of P.O.W.s from Stalag 344 LAMSDORF to West GERMANY.

 

CONFIDENTIAL

No. 719

BRITISH

SPECIAL REPORT
on marching conditions of a group of British POWs from their former camp, Stalag 344 LAMSDORF, to their new destination in the West of GERMANY.


When visiting on March 10th 1945 the two Reserve-Lazarets Ober-Massfeld and Meiningen in Wehrkreis IX, the undersigned Delegate of the Protecting Power found at Ober-Massfeld two, and at Meiningen 113 British POWs unable to continue under the prevailing conditions their march to new camps in the West of GERMANY. All these men arrived only the night before the visit to the above-mentioned Lazarets at these hospitals and were by majority in such a state that they old not be interviewed. The Leader of this group, P.S.M. R.E. HARFORD, POW No. 15171, reported to the Delegate the following facts:

"We left Stalag 344 LAMSDORF on January 23rd 1945 in various groups of 1,000 to 4,000 men in the direction of GORLITZ arriving there on February 3rd and 5th 1945. These initial stages were quite bearable, party because the German rations which we received were supplemented by Red Cross food of which we received one parcel on departure and partly because we were well rested and in good condition when we left LAMSDORF. We had our guards from LAMSDORF with us which we knew and which did help us in many ways. Our stay at Stalag VIII A GORLITZ was most unpleasant being accommodated in former Russian barracks which were infested with vermin, living on German rations without Red Cross assistance. From the day of arrival until the 10th of February 1945 when we left, we had no hot bath or shower and no opportunity to wash our clothing. On the 10th our group of 3,000 to 4,000 POWs including 1,000 Russians left GORLITZ without being told as to where we go. We left the Russians, which were much weaker than we, soon behind, this time being guarded by Hilfsposten, Volksturm- men and only a few real soldiers, there were, however, two Captains and a Lieutenant with us. The marching stages varied between 7 and 30 km per day, on one particular day we marched 38 km and arrived at 1 o'clock in the morning in a village where we were most inadequately housed in a church. The usual ration per day was about 1/4 loaf of bread with 1/8 of a tin of meat or some cheese. In the morning we sometimes received some German coffee without milk or sugar and in the evening some thin soup which was sometimes better when stayed over night at barracks. Water for drinking and washing was in general extremely short and there were days when we received nothing to drink at all. On various occasions when civilians offered us water to drink the guards prevented them to do so and it seemed to us that the officers which were accompanying us were particularly severe about it. On February the 17th 1945 we were hurried across the River ELBE at MEISSEN and continued our march for several days until EISENBERG where we stayed two days. After that we had to continued our march and food supplies became more and more difficult. Last Tuesday, March the 6th, the party was divided into 3 groups, we were then in the neighbourhood of EISENACH. The first group of 1,100 men was then told that they were due for Stalag IX A ZIEGENHAIN, the second group of about 1,000 men for Stalag IX C/Z MULHAUSEN and the last one of about 500 men for FRANKFURT am MAIN (probably Stalag IX B BAD ORB ). The last four days on the march were for the FRANKFURT group of which we were members a nightmare. The only food we received was one package of biscuits (Knackebrot) and some cheese per day but there was an interval of 36 hours without any food at all. Many of my comrades fell down exhausted but the Germans made watchdogs go after these sick men sometimes without result and pushed and struck us with the butt of their rifles and with bayonets. Most of us were in a state of exhaustion and starvation, many suffered from dysentery, bronchitis and other chest complications. Although several of us were marked by the German doctor as unfit to continue the march, we were forced to go by our sentries. I, myself, saw comrades kneeling down and begging the Germans with folded hands to let them behind and rest but these pleas were ignored. On March 9th 1945 I felt unable to continue together with a large group of 113 men, we were passed by a German doctor and our British Medical Officer McLEOD who was with us since GORLITZ who, however, had very little to say and were sent by train from GESTUNGEN to MEININGEN where we arrived at 1 o'clock in the morning, on March the 10th 1945. The treatment which we experienced for the whole length of our captivity. Small offences against the marching rule were tried by a field-court which punished men by having their hands tied up and bound to a tree or pole for several hours in the open. Men were threatened to be shot for stealing food, i.e. potatoes, sugar beets or carrots from the fields, Corporal PETT (Details as to No. and Christian name unknown) was shot dead on March 4th 1945 near EISENBACK or ERFURT whilst stealing potatoes."

After the interview, the Delegate discussed the general state of health of these men with the Senior British Medical Officer of the Res. Laz. MEININGEN where most of these men are. This British Medical Officer states that he fears that several of the men who are suffering from severe dysentery, chest complications and other diseases might not survive this ordeal. There is hardly any strength in the men at all. Eleven of the whole group of 113 men at MEININGEN are seriously ill of which 3 dangerously, 19 poorly and the rest show bad signs of general starvation. Exactly 54 men of this group suffer from dysentery.

Signed A.A. KADLER.