Work Camp  10925 GW

Location: Leisach

Type of work: Not known

Man of Confidence: Dvr J Cummings, 2610 

Number of Men: 23

Known to be present

Date of visit: 20 May 1943

General Description

There are three wooden barracks well situated in the Drau valley in Eastern Tyrol. The surroundings are rather pleasant and the climate is healthy. The three barracks are being used as follows: sleeping quarters in the first one, day-room in the second and kitchen, washroom and showers in the third one.

Interior arrangement

Lighting is not by electricity but by carbide lamps and appears to be adequate. In this connection the POWs wished to know at what time lights should be out at night.

Bathing and washing facilities

These are adequate, cold showers being available at any time.

Toilet facilities

Satisfactory.

Food and Cooking

The food is cooked by a civilian woman with the assistance of two orderlies. The men complain that she often burns their food. There is a stove in the day-room for the cooking of Red Cross food of which there is an adequate supply.

Medical attention and sickness

The medical attention is in the hands of a civilian doctor in Lienz, Dr Fuchs, whom they can see any day. If any sick prisoners remain in the camp they are looked after by Sgt Major Holt (Camp Senior). There is a good stock of medical supplies.

For dental treatment, such as extractions and fillings, the prisoners go to Dr Haar in Lienz. He charges for any treatment given. This will be brought to the knowledge of the Stabartz (Staff Doctor) in Stalag XVIIIA who will put the matter straight as only aesthetic work has to be paid for by the POWs while extractions and fillings are free.

Clothing

Not every man is in possession of two uniforms yet, but the Man of confidence was informed by the Delegate of the Protecting Power that gradually all camps were being supplied with the required outfits by the Main Stalag at Wolfsberg.

Laundry

The prisoners do their own washing.

Money and Pay

In order.

Canteen

There is no canteen but the Kommandofuhrer goes to Lienz for errands.

Religious activity

So far no padre has yet visited this camp. It is hoped that a padre from Stalag XVIIIA/Z will be able to pay it a visit in the near future.

Recreation and exercise

The prisoners used to be able to play football but this was suddenly stopped by the Camp Commander who informed the men that football was forbidden. Also one of the men used to train himself for running being assisted by one of the guards who followed him on a bicycle, but this too has been stopped now. The Accompanying Officer informed that all sport outside the camp compounds has been forbidden for British POWs. However he said that an order was in preparation which was going to better this situation.

The men ask whether they could go swimming in a lake about 3km away. This will be arranged.

Mail

There were no special complaints about mail arrivals but it was pointed out that two or three private parcels had not arrived. However the Kommandofuhrer has already complained to the Post Office about it. The Man of Confidence states that cases of pilfering are rare.

Welfare work

In order.

Complaints

There are two prisoners who urgently request overalls for their work. The firm will be urged to issue them for the mechanic shop and the smithy.

General impression

This is a good camp: the understanding between the prisoners and the Kommandofuhrer is excellent.