Work Camp  11089 GW

Location: Podlanig

Type of work: Stone Quarry

Man of Confidence: Pte G.W. Hayes, 3700

Number of Men: 30

Known to be present

The photographs below were sent by Peter Dykes, son of Ross Dykes.

Ross Dykes	Incitement to mutiny

Incitement to Mutiny

Judging by the Red Cross report below, the owner of the quarry was a difficult man to work for. According to the letter shown above, he wanted the POWs to work a 6½ to 7 day week. Not surprisingly, the POWs refused. It fell upon Ross Dykes, at that time the MOC, to convey this refusal to the German authorities, citing the fact that 'no Australian works on a Sunday'. The consequence of this was that he, Hec Vergona and Fred Killey were accused of incitement to mutiny and sent off to Stalag 18A for punishment. What happened next is unknown

Date of visit: 21st May 1943

General Description

This camp has never been visited before and upon arriving the Delegate of the Protecting Power was informed by the Man of Confidence that he had only just taken over from Bombardier J. Brook, POW Nr. 7102, previously Man of Confidence, who had desired to resign.

The camp itself is situated on the Gail river and the compound consists of one barrack only. The POW work in a stone quarry in 6 hour shifts. The work was said to be rather hard.

Interior arrangement

There are three sleeping rooms and a small revier is being planned. Lighting and heating are satisfactory. The kitchen is in another barrack outside the compound.

Bathing and washing facilities

The washing facilities are adequate but no hot showers are available. Baths can be taken in a wooden bath tub but the hot water boiler is rather small, giving only two baths at a time.

Toilet facilities

The toilet facilities are not satisfactory and the Delegate of the Protecting Power discussed the matter with the Accompanying Officer who gave orders for the latrines to be moved further away from the camp, which at the same time necessitates an extension of the grounds of the compound. This in any case is desired by the POWs, as in this way, a small playing field will be gained.

Food and Cooking

Food is taken with civilian workers and said to be good. Private food is cooked on a small stove in the sleeping quarters. The Man of Confodence says that a new range has been promised but so far not been installed.

Medical attention and sickness

There is an acknowledged sanitator in this camp. Sick prisoners go to see a civilian doctor at Hermagor (Dr. Seebacher) whom they describe as being very efficient. Dental treatment is less satisfactory, the civilian dentist at Hermagor being overworked so that the prisoners always have to wait a long time before receiving any treatment. The sanitator is able to go to Stalag every month for his medical supplies. As soon as the planned revier is completed he will be able to use it as his own room as well as the first aid dressing room.

Clothing

Not every man has two uniforms, but like other working camps in this district, this one will receive the required outfits in due course from Wolfsberg.

Laundry

The POWs wash their own laundry.

Money and Pay

The usual pay of 70 Pfgs. a day.

Canteen

There is no canteen at the camp but every weekend beer is on sale.

Religious activity

No padre has yet visited this camp but this will be remedied in the near future as soon as the respective arrangements at Stalag XVIII are completed.

Recreation and exercise

So far the prisoners have had very little exercise. The Delegate of the Protecting Power arranged with the Accompanying Officer that the POWs should be allowed to bathe in the nearby river after finishing work. As soon as the extension of the camp is completed, the POWs will have some space for outdoor games. There are plenty of books and games.

Mail

The mail is very slow. The previous Man of Confidence complains that he has not received any of the 32 private parcels sent to him from Australia.

Welfare work

In order.

Complaints

The Man of Confidence complains that the owner of the quarry enters their compound and interferes with their private camp life. However the Accompanying Officer gave strict orders to the Lagerfuehrer not to allow this again as the entry into POW camps is forbidden to all civilians.

General impression

The impression of this camp is not a good one. For some reason or other it is considered by the prisoners themselves as a light 'Straflager' as there are a number of POWs here who tried to escape but failed and this has caused some kind of irritation and a strained atmosphere among the men. Moreover the owner of the quarry is loath to do anything for the POWs unless the military authorities force him and then he only does the least possible.