Work Camp  11006 GW

Location: Zedlach

Type of work: Road construction

Man of Confidence: Spr George Scott, 2642

Number of Men: 39 (31 English, 8 Australian, 3 New Zealand)

Known to be present

Xmas, 1942	11006/GW Work Party	Group inc. Carne, McCosker, Berry
Fred Carne		McCosker & Mackenzie
	Group inc. McCosker & Faulkner	1944
	Winter Sports
	Boxing Day, 1944

Date of visit: 20 May 1943

General Description

This camp is situated on a mountain slope over the Isel valley in the Eastern Tyrol (about 1400 metres above sea level). The view from the camp over the valley is magnificent, the climate is very healthy. The prisoners of war have an entire chalet to themselves and therefore plenty of room. They also have their own garden where vegetables and flowers are grown and one of the prisoners even owns a number of rabbits.

Interior arrangement

Heating and lighting arrangements are good but the prisoners of war would welcome a spare supply of electric bulbs as they are now using their last ones. The delegate of the Protecting Power will ask the Chief Man of Confidence at Wolfsberg to see to this.

Bathing and washing facilities

There is a wash-room with a boiler.

Toilet facilities

These are adequate, but at present there is no lime to hand. However, a supply has already been ordered.

Food and Cooking

The food was stated to be good. There is a large stove for private cooking and as the prisoners of war cultivate their own garden there should be no lack of fresh vegetables.

Medical attention and sickness

There is a sick parade every evening. If need arises Dr. Schwieger comes up from Matrei, otherwise the prisoners of war go down to see him at the village. He is said to be very efficient. There is no acknowledged sanitator at this camp, but one of the prisoners of war gives first aid (he is a member of the Order of Saint John's). He asks for a supply of iodine as well as T.C.P. or some other disinfectant. This wish will be transmitted to the Red Cross by the Protecting Power. The prisoners state that up to now there have been no serious cases of illness but should there be any in the future the almost complete absence of any means of transport to the next town is causing anxiety. However, the Accompanying Officer explained that this applies to the civil population as well and is, of course, a disadvantage common to all mountain regions.

As far as dental treatment is concerned the prisoners of war had no complaint except that so far they had to pay their own bills. The Accompanying Officer promised to look into the matter. The dentist at the village was said to be doing excellent work.

Clothing

The prisoners of war have already sent an application to Wolfsberg for a second uniform as at present they have only one. They also need boots, especially sizes 5, 6, 7, 8. This wish will be transmitted to the Chief Man of Confidence at Wolfsberg by the Delegate of the Protecting Power.

Laundry

Laundry used to be sent out for washing, mending and ironing but this has been stopped some time ago. One of the men, a professional, is now allowed three days off weekly for washing and ironing. This arrangement suits the prisoners of war, but as their comrade is unable to mend, they would like the woman, who previously did this job, to take it on again. The Accompanying Officer promised to find out why she had stopped and whether through the respective unit (Kompanie) this arrangement could continue.

Money and Pay

There is no complaint. The prisoners of war are paid weekly (70 Rpfg. a day). The Delegate informed the prisoners of war that they can deposit their earnings with the Pay Master at Stalag XVIIIA, as they are not allowed to keep more than RM 30 in their possession.

Canteen

There is no canteen but the prisoners of war are able to buy beer. They are asking for toilet paper and razor blades and were told to write to Stalag XVIIIA for these.

Religious activity

So far they have had no visit yet but as soon as the new arrangements at Stalag XVIIIA/Z are completed no doubt a padre will shortly visit the camp.

Recreation and exercise

The prisoners of war state that they get plenty of exercise. Till spring they were able to play football on a nearby field; during winter they enjoyed all kinds of winter sports. Usually they are taken for walks on Sunday afternoons.

Mail

Mail is being sent up from the village every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The English mail is fairly regular now, but the Australian and New Zealand mail leaves much to be desired.

Welfare work

Nothing to report.

Complaints

The only serious complaint concerned the non-arrival of civilian parcels addressed to various prisoners of war who received the respective dispatch notices from Stalag XVIIIA but no parcels. The Accompanying Officer will personally investigate this matter.

General impression

This is a very good camp. The prisoners of war state that they are very happy here and that their state of health and mind is excellent.