12

Aid for French Noles on Red Cross Packaging Prisoners Red Cross Center No.1 at Phila­ another told how the in Canadian .Cooperation delphia completed its transfer in made Christmas mince April to newly leased premises at mince meat from corned The Canadian Red Cross has read­ 23rd and Chestnl!.t Streets and has raisins, apples from over a OF WAR BULLETIN ily agreed to cooperate with the been producing p~ckages at the new wall, and a crust made from American Red Cross in a clothing location since April 10. The present izcd biscuit and 01 published by the American National Red Cross for the Relatives of American Prisoners of War and Civilian Internees program for French prisoners of war Philadelphia plant has a floor space Red Cross packages. In in German camps, whose number ex­ of about 60,000 square feet, which is standard food packages, ceeds 800,000. Practically all of them double the size of the previous plant. York Center during March are in urgent need of clothing. Philadelphia produced its three mil­ invalid food packages and Major General B. W . Browne, As­ lionth package in April. medical kits. sistant National Commissioner of the Center No. 2 at Chicago appro­ The Honor Roll of Centef Canadian R ed Cross, has been desig­ at St. Louis now includes y nated to handle this matter on behalf priately celebrated its first birthday One Year Old HELl on March 8, nearly 400 workers at­ mately five hundred names of the Canadian Red Cross; and the teer workers who are Canadian Army, on the initiative of tending the occasion. Work con­ tinued throughout the day, however, . prisoners of war. Each A year ago the first number of and as promptly as the information uable cooperation of the Russian gov­ General Browne, has made availa.ble and n,841 packages were turned out. the volunteers has five PR ISO NERS OF WAR BULLETIN was is­ could be gathered from responsible ernment, an expeditious mail chan­ a large amount of clothing '1. nd Service pins were presented by the s~ r vice. Six young women lued for the relatives of American ~ources . The aim throughout has nel to American prisoners in the Far shoes for this joint operation. T he packaging center chairman to the larly work in a St. Lou rrisoners of war and civilian in­ been accurately to inform, help, and East has been .opened about first shipment went forward from ten women volunteers who had com­ plandrom midnight to 8 a. ternees. At that time Mr. Norman advise the families , at home, and which the families have been prompt- Philadelphia to Marseille t his pleted 288 hours or more during the promptly for the morning H. Davis, Chairman of the American not simply to console or comfort 1y informed. Through reports, ar­ month, and will be distributed in the ,year. One volunteer headed the list shift, which begins at 9 a. Red Cross, in an introductory state­ them. ticles, and photographs they also camps under the supervision of the ment set forth the purpose of the know of the Red Cross fleet which lnternational Committee of the Red with 829 hours. From time to time the BULLETIN A number of repatriates who re­ new publication. It would serve, he has also served to publicize impor­ shuttles the Atlantic, and they have Cross. (Continued from page ilid, "to give information, consistent the assurance that we will not rest Count Henri d'Ornano is now in turned in March on the Gripsholm tant governmental rulings concern­ from civilian internment camps in of the International with war conditions, about American ing the sending of cables, letters, until a similar fleet carries relief Washington charged by the French the Red Cross, indica rrisoners of war and the methods for supplies over the Pacific. Committee of National Liberation Germany have visited Packaging and packages to American prisoners medical care is being providing aid and comfort to them." with looking after the interests of Center No.3 at New York and were of war. It has faithfully and succinct­ able to give the workers at the cen­ American sick and The issues of the BULLETIN which ly attempted to report the various Keeping Relief Channels Open French prisoners of war. In addition held in Germany or in to clothing, large purchases of stand­ ter vivid pictures of life in German have since come regularl y each steps taken by the United States Of all the manifold activities of trolled countries. These month from the press !:Lave tried government through the Protecting ard food packages, medicine kits, and camps 'and of the importance of food the Red Cross during war, none is been substantiated by faithfull y to achieve the original pur­ Power, and the American Red Cross comfort articles have been made, packages to prisoners of .~ar and pElrhaps so complex and yet so im­ civilian internees. One VISItor de­ of seriously wounded rose as set forth by the Chairman. through the International Commit­ through the American Red Cross, the armed forces who have portant as relief to prisoners of war. for French prisoners in German scribed how every scrap of material The first .number, for instance, had tee of t.he Red Cross, to implement Important it is too that the relatives patriated to this country. 31 its principal feature a concise sum­ the ArtIcles of the 1929 Geneva Pris­ camps. in the packages was made use of, and of these prisoners be reassured about oners of War Convention which mary of the rights of prisoners of this relief and made aware of the war. Other articles from time to goyern the treatment of military pnsoners. many intricate problems facing the time have given helpful advice to Red Cross in keeping open channels . fue next of kin and detailed infor­ mation on what they could do, Our Prisoners in the Far East of co~mu?ication and supply to those 111 pnson camps overseas. through the sending of supplemen­ tary packages and special parcels of It is a matter for profound regret In the months that lie ahead, there­ lxioks and tobacco, to alleviate the that the American Red Cross, in co­ fore, when the total number of moral and physical distress of their operation with other interested agen­ prisoners ' will undoubtedly increase CIes, has so far been only partially ~ved ones. with each new step along the road successful in persuading the Japanese leading to our country's final and Factual Reports on Camp Condi­ government to conform to the rules laid down in the Geneva Conven­ most certain victory, there will be tions tion. But this vital matter will not much for PRISONERS OF WAR BUL­ Prisoners of War Bulletin LE;TIN to do. Guided by the experi­ BOther outstanding features of the be allowed to drop. Readers of the ence of the past twelve months, I am May 1944 ~LL~TI N have been the pages of in- BULLETIN have been kept informed Published by esttng quotations from personal of all the efforts unceasingly made sure its editors will continue in the to send relief to American and Al­ future to publish with accrued The American National Red Cross written by servicemen and held in European and Far lied prisoners held in the Far East. sagacity the information and guid­ Washington 13, D. C. camps and the columns of They also know that the British Com­ ance to those for whom the publi­ ~7 and answers where some monwealth and American Red Cross cation was founded one year ago­ soci:ties are striving, through diplo­ the relatives of our American pris"'on­ Return Postage Guaranteed problems and rulings wor­ the anxious next of kin have matIC and Red Cross channels, to ers of war and civilian internees. solved or clarified for them. cpen a route along which relief sup­ RICHARD F. ALLEN note~,. and ' detailed reports plies may be allowed to pass freely. Serials Ac qUis ition condItIOn of camps in Europe With the active support of the Vice Chairman The UniverSity of Te Far East containing Ameri- Air Transport Command of the Insular and Foreign Operations Austin 12 Texas xas Library have been published regularly United States Army and the i,nval- A merican Red Cross

Postnlaster-H addressee h as removed and new ad­ dress is known, notify sender on FORM 3547, poslage for which is guaranteed. VOL.2,B d ______------' ,__ , ------~ ERS OF WAR BULLETIN 3 German Camp Notes American Prisoners of War at Stalag III B, Stalag 344 (VIII B) Stalag Luft I The German rations per man for one month, as cabled, were: A camp note in the Since the publication of the note o[ PRISONERS OF WAR Furstenberg/Oder on Stalag Luft I in PRISONERS OF WAR Bread ______21 lbs, 6 oz. stated that the designation of BULLETIN for April, word has been Meat or fish __ ___ 2 Ibs. 4 oz. VIII B at Lamsdorf had received that all the Americans in Fats ______1 lb. 15 oz. changed to Stalag- 344. pictures were taken on February 28-29, 1944, by a Delegate of the International Committee of the Red Cross) this camp are Air Force officers. Some Cheese ______9 oz. Later advices from of them were transferred to Germany Tea ______2 oz. ported that the former S from Italian camps. Most of the Sugar ______1 lb. 9 oz. &t Lamsdorf has been American noncommissioned airmen Marmalade ______12 oz. two camps, one being S formerly at Luft I have been Potatoes ______33 lbs. Lamsdorf and the other a transferred. Clothing, food packages, cigarettes, smaller VIII B at Tesche There are :RAF as well as Ameri· invalid. parcels, and other relief sup­ was on the former can airmen at Luft 1. At the end plies were reaching the camp in large slovak frontier. of last January the senior American amounts from Red Cross stocks in The new Stalag VIII B, officer was Major W. P. Todd, with Switzerland. The work detachments cording to latest reports, Major M. S. Dillingham as his as­ were receiving their relief supplies many British prisoners of sistant. RAF noncommissioned air­ from the base camp. ___ _ only a few AmericansJ_

DISTRIBUTION OF FAR EAST COMMUNICATION WITH. Stalag Luft III NEW MAPS SUPPLIES EUROPE T he present issue of Prisoners Additional Reports of War Bulletin contains a more Possibility of Delays A Repatriate's Report T.he distributiDn reports on re­ up-to-date and precise map than With the increase of aerial ac­ the one published last September lief shipments to prisoners of war . The 'article below on, life at Stalag Luft III has been furnished to PRISONERS OF WAR Housing and civilian internees in the Far tivity over Europe, and the likeli­ BULLETIN by Lieut. Louis S. Means of Whittier, Calif" who was repatriated on the Grips­ The barracks at Luft III showing the location of camps in hood that military operations bDth holm in March. Lieut. Means reached Sta/ag Luft III on January 20, 1944, aftet· a stay Europe housing American prison­ East, which were summarized in the 60 tD 80 men each, and ha on sea and on land will SDon spread, a/three months in a na'lJal hospital at Cuxha'lJen, ten days at the Dulag Luft transit camp ers of war and civilian internees. May issue of PRISONERS OF "'vV AR BUL­ partitioned off in mDre or less the possibility should be foreseen of for airmen 1ICar Ft'ankfurt on the Main and five months in Reserve Lazaret Obermassfeld. A new Far Eastern map will be UTIN, have since been amplified by He $pent about one month at Luft Ill. shift fashion intD groups of further cables frDm the InternatiDnal delays in communications between or ten men. These men published in July. American prisoners .of war in Europe of their German captors water. Per­ The aim in the present map has CDmmittee of the Red Cross. Food Packages together, taking turns ond their families in the United sonal parcels from home might in­ been to list all camps and hospitals The supplies consigned tD Shang­ ous jobs of coDking, wash States. The weekly issue of Red Cross clude sDda or baking powder (to (lazarets) in Europe having five hai have been delivered to the prison­ etc. There are appf()xi'mStalags have. not been Yang chow, Weihsien, and Peking. evenings. At pres.ent, 1. As soon as possible after capture, camp has American, Canadian, and sh, wn scparattly, as they form The shipment tD the war prisoners' English food packages on hand, and Clothing are being divided into camp, where the needs are greater prisoners of war shall be evacu­ the Germans supplying the part of the Stalag. ated to depots sufficiently removed usually these are alternated from For technical reasons, it was not than in the civilian internee camps, week to week, allowing the boys a According to the Geneva Conven­ rials and .our men the labDr. included 6,000 special 13-pDund food from the fighting zone for them tiDn, uniforms cannot be confiscated. Sanitary facilities are quite feasible to include the camp in to be out of danger. little change as the packages vary Bulgaria where a few American packages, 121 cases .of medical sup­ This has been adhered to. fairly well with well-built latrines, w somew hat. There is further an oc­ airmenareheld,and the camps and plies, 1,160 sets .of clothing, 1,200 2. Prisoners shall not be unneces­ by the Germans, though any equip­ and so fDrth: The bar .of casional "bulk issue" of different hospitals in northern Italy have overcoats, 1,200 pairs of shoes, 900 sarily exposed to danger while things purchased on the South ment that is the property of the weekly fDDd package, plus cDmfDrt sets, 15 cases .of shoe repair awaiting evacuation from a fight­ Army Air Force, such as flying bDOtS, not been shown because the un­ American, Turkish, and New Zea· man ratiDn, is adequate for materials, and ·5 cases .of religiDus ing zone. coveralls, e. Iffiay be taken. Both sonal use and the washing derstanding here is that the seve:t;al land markets, and invalid comfort hundred American prisoners of materials supplied by the National at Dulag Luft and Luft III adequate HDt shDwers are allowed Catholic Welfare Conference. 3. No prisoner may at any time be packages for those who might be war who in recent months have sent to an area where he would ill or need a special diet. When I supplies of regular GI clothing are .once ' a week, and the hospita1111ii1 Canadian Red Cross supplies fDr been reported in camps and mili­ be exposed to the fire of the fight­ left, the camp had a four months' now on hand and are issued by our tubs that may be used HDng Kong, which were held for a tary hospitals in northern Italy ing zone, nor be employed to reserve of food packages, and it was supply officers as needed: shoes, un­ wounded or disabled men. time in Yokohama awaiting shipping were in transit to Germany. At render, by his presence, certain said that over a million packages derclothing (both light and heavy) , dail y "sick call" and m space, have now been delivered tD the end of March 1944 a number points or areas immune fTOm were held in Geneva with more ar­ shirts, pants, overcoats, gloves, and ties are quite good. prisoners .of war and civilian camps so fDrth. SDme toilet articles are dentists with excellent e (exceeding 100) of wounded, bombardment. riving all the tim~. American airmen were reported there. Details .of further deliveries tD also issued upon entering camp. I take care of the dental needs Seed parcels are also sent out by in hospitals in various _French, camps in Japan and Formosa have The convention further provides don't think it's necessary to send even tD the extent of making the Red Cross, and gardens planted Belgian, and Netherlands towns, alsD been received. that the HDlding PDwer shall repDrt dress uniforms from home unless partial dental plates. III the spring yield some good vege­ changes of address and changes of specifically asked fDr by the boys. but the custom is to move tables later on. The diet is evident­ Camp Organization (Continued from page 2) status fDr prisoners .of war. Insignia, hDwever, are . in' demand. wounded prisoners of war to ly adequate because ,you couldn't lazarets or Stalags in Germany as Res. Laz. Rottenmunster-Rottweil Besides the German issue .of tWD The camp is divided ND efforts are being spared tD find a bunch of healthier lads in an soon as they are sufficiently recov­ (StalagVB) blankets, each man receives either main cDmpounds, tWD keep the mails and relief supplies American army camp. Some of the ered to travel. a gDDd warm Red CrDss blanket or tWD British, each of w Although there were no British Dr mDving promptly, but families will amateur chefs in camp can turn approximately 800 There are also American airmen American prisoners of war in Sta- realize that transportation is sub­ out dishes that make even the/mouths regular army blanket. las t January. \tVe have interned in neutral European . lag V B at the time .of the latest re­ ject to the exigencies of war, and manding officers, block countries (Switzerland, etc.), but port (February 29, 1944), Lazaret that the service may deteriDrate as etc., and everything is as they are not prisoners of war RDttenmunster, which depenCs ®n the tempD .of hDstilities rises. In much the same lines as an their camp locations have not been this Stalqg, houses British and anticipatiDn of possible interrup­ army camp. CDmplaints, q shown. American prisoners. \tVhen last vis­ tiDns, the American Red CrDss has and SD fDrth are made first Prisoners of War Bulletin will ited by a Delegate .of the Interna­ already built up large reserves .of .own seniDr officers (the camp endeavor to keep the relatives of tiDnal CDmmittee: (on NDvember relief supplies in Switzerland and men), WhD in turn American prisoners currently in­ 29, 1943) the lazaret contained 34 at mDst .of the camps. them to the German formed of the opening of new American patients and abDut 100 officer. All men must meet c?mps, cha~ges in camp designa­ British. Private Harry Hass (No. (rDll-call) twice daily. The tIOns, locatIOns, and so forth, so 30178) was the American spokes· CABLES TO THE FAR EAST which comprises about 10 that the map can be kept up-to­ man. Effective immediately, charges for all, is IDeated in a date . . The men were lodged in a large cables to American prisoners of war and abDu t a half mile from the building which was formerly an civilian,. internees held by Japan have The Red Cross News been reduced to a flat rate of $6.00, plus -Sagan. The winter has been asylum. They had metal beds and tax of 10 per cent. ly mild, SD there have been CDpies .of the May issue of The each man had 3 blankets. There were Each cable message may contain ten and little sickness in camp. Red Cross News, the mDnthly pub­ .[ British dDctors at the lazaret. TWD­ words of text exclusive of the mllnes of the addressee and sender as well as other Many. peDple wish tD h~at.ion which gDes tD camps con­ thirds .of the patients were surgical identifying data. As has been previously repatriatiDn takes place. tammg American prisDners .of war, cases, the remaining .one-third con­ announ!;ed, one cablegram may be sent ical board visits every have been furnished to Red Cross sisting of medical and associated to: any American nathlhaI held by Japan · many tWD or three' Chapters . thrDughout the United cases. A CathDlic priest of French during the year 1944. ' Additional cable­ will see any prisoner who States. nationality was in charge of all the grams may be sent only in the eTent of emergency. pu t before them. If you are Relatives and friends of Ameri­ patients. Discipline was repDrted to Information regarding cable service to , Reserve Lazaret, Obermassfeld, dependent on Stalag IX C at Bad Sulza in central fDr repatriation through can prisoners desiring to see a copy be very good, with "excellent re­ the Far East may be obtained from Red Germany. A delegate of the International Committee of the Red Cross, who visited tD lations" .between the German dDC­ Cross chapters. Obermassfeld in Marek 1944, reported by cable that the lazaret contained nearly 200 sickness, Dr because .of the are requested cbnsult their- local sick or wounded American prisoners of war (including 120 officers) and over 300 British. (Continued Chapter. . tors an~ the prisoner-doctors. SONER OF WAR AND C CAMPS IN + INDEX

PRISONER OF WAR CAMPS

Camp Map Designation Square DULAG LUFT D4 DULAG NORD B5 MILAG-MARLAG NORD B5 OFLAG V A E5 OFLAG 64 (XXIB) C9 SIKLOS G9 STALAG II B B9 III B B7 III C C8 IV B D7 IV D D7 VB F4 VI G D4 N VII A F6 A VIII A D8 VIII C D7 IX C C6 XII F E4 XIII C E5 XVII B (252) F8 XVIII A G7 XX A C9 221 G8 0Cracow 317 (XVIII C) F6 344 (VIII B) E9 0Lwow STALAG LUFT I B7 o III D8 VI All F TIMIS H12 R A N C CIVILIAN INTERNEE CAMPS 1 ILAG BIBERACH F6 j • ' ,,"- ~ . ./~ --.-"""'L.. FRONTSTALAG 122 (COMPIEGNE) D2 ./ 0Cernauti ILAG VII (LA UFEN) G6 " LlEBENAU F5 TlTTMONING F6 ".. BERN MILAG-MARLAG N ORD B5 'Geneva . 1 VITTEL E3 Lyon d),..- --) SWI T Z~E R LA o ". .r \, //'( HOSPITALS (LAZARETS) (---- -"'- ./ \ .1' LAZ. XIII D E6 104 C7 ----~------_+------w_--~------+ BAD SODEN E5 ,.I X B (BREMERVORDE) B5 ',,- ' 0Mila FREISING F6 A ROTTENMUNSTER F4 "" N STADTRODA D5 a M A RES. LAZ. II A F8 T A " " VI C B4 L EBELSBACH E5 OBERMASSFELD C6 XA A6 VAL DE GRACE E2 ______-i ______~ ______~~n. , :~. ~"~-O-F--VV-A__ R__ B_U_L_t_E_T_.J _N______~------~ ___

Toyko No. I Det. Camp We are constructing a park near August 27,1943 allowing people to come by and STALAG LUFT III I also study and read: This is believe it or not, one boy has RELIEF SUPPLIES AT (Received at Highland Park, Ill., (Conti nued from page 4) letter I have been permitted to times because his fiancee March 23) Since April 10, 1943, we have VLADIVOSTOK Dear Mom and Dad: so! Every item was in perfect As has already been widely re­ special medical care, you are given a Foritish Red Cross food parcels, and I have found some paint I have written two letters and one card, sugar and cocoa, together with tins ported on the basis of broadcasts certificate stating your condition and and I sure appreciate this chance to write over our rooms. Doing little must then await the next exchange beef and vegetables. The food overwhelming feeling of from Tokyo, the Japanese govern­ anoth~r. I hope you are not wanting for ,,·elcome. Now that it is all of prisoners between the belligerents. anythmg, and that this will soon be over impotency of prisoners. ment, through Switzerland, the rumors that more parcels may and philosophy will for- I am sure the first two American ex­ Dear Folks: so that we can resume our Sunday drives us and possibly our mail. The Protecting Power, has advised the that you took such pleasure in. I am in good changes were successful, and we may At last I am permitted to is ab0l!t over, and it is getting dry the permitted Hst of United States government that it healt~ and am being treated very well under hope for more in the future. and I understand we will Keep m good health and spirits, t;' ne,xt-of-kin parcels. The Red Cross, is prepared to send a Japanese ves­ write often and regularly. the CIrcumstances. I am in a hospital at for a happy reunion. atready made arrangements present being treated for dysentery. Don't be standard food packages a smart sel to Vladivostok to pick up relief Recreation have probably anticipated all pepper and ' satt mixed.) about home, pictures, friends, alarmed. I am only a carrier and will come supplies for prisoners of war and Recreational facilities are quite out o. k. I will limit this letter to Stalag VI J civilian internees. These supplies, good in camp. There is a large foot­ through the war fine. After January 22, 1944 which were shipped last fall on ball field, several baseball and soft­ Manila, Philippines April ninth (1942) I got Dear <:a~~~~ved at ;\mbridge, Pa., --r'.""_ .. ,h p,- , Russian vessels from a West Coast ball diamonds, basketball courts, and about two months, then (Undated) a short promenade-a beauti­ My dearest Friend: It's been almost one year now tacks of dysentery. Since a few days I depart for another port to Vladivostok, comprise a half-mile perimeter track. Equip­ worn one pair of pants, one set pines, however, I have made a As we have got the privilege of sending a is better for me, but I would large quantities of food packages, ment for these sports, which are wear, and a couple of pairs of cuvery and ' am in the best of letter t<;> any par~ ?f the world, I seize the op­ leave the fine comrades I have medicines, clothing and comfort among the favorite pastimes of the stay in Manchuria has been portumty of wntmg to my best friend and can imagine my condition when I thing, and the state of my clothes language here is a composite articles. boys, weather permitting, has been that I will always look back his be!oved family. I am sure you have been , aild affords us many now. I can't imagine why people the wint~r (1942-43) we were • worrymg about· me during a full year, so pay today, so can buy a few The United States government' supplied mainly by the YMCA. heavy woolen underwear, big coats, I am glad to tell you that I am well and you that we received things received the Japanese proposal, Although they have a good library; and fur-lined shoes which kept oUt the cold bave been since the beginning of the war. don't. It makes me mad to think which contained certain condi­ Look parcels from home are always very well. My duties here have cpnsisted of I, too, have been worrying about you people" six months before I can see an this letter. It is really disilleartenin.g. tions that were being given prompt well received. taking care of ca,m p details and m{intenance. but the only thing I could do was to pray Almighty God to keep you all safe. There (The sharp increase in and careful study at the time this Classes are offered in a wide va­ All in all, my day is fairly well taken up. American aviators assigned They furnish us with copies of the Japan are a whole lot of things I would like to during 1943 no doubt Stalag II B issue of Prisoners of War Bulletin riety of subjects, usually instructed Times and Japan 'Weekly, print d in Eng­ ask you, but I don't know whether vou can write to me. Greetings to Archbishop and gigi~f:::g rJit~t~t~~~ds;ro1!w!~~~~ December 26, 1943 went to press. Ly one of our officers who is profi-. liel] 1 There are also about 100 books we cient along a certain line. Some men l::d ught along so that, so far, we ave man­ Ollr numerous mutual friends. With best g'e;:;.b~~'1~sro~eC;;e~~~i~a\n Ocl;obe".... ,v ,ea at Philadelphia, Pa., March 29) aged to have a little to read. Also about wishes for Christmas and the New Year. delayed through traffic PAY DEDUCTIONS are also taking prescribed college three months ago our camp received 1,000 Your devoted friend, by military operations, but courses through London University. (Signed) Michael J. O'Doherty, trom this camp indicate that it It has been announced that it will yen from the Vatican with whicll we were stock~d with relief supplies, aIlowed to purchase musical inh ruments, Archbishop of Manila. ctothmg.) be the policy of the VVar Depart­ Mail and Parcels (The above letter was received on Decem­ and have since had several inter9 ting pro­ ber 18, 1943, by the fiscal agent-now resid­ ment 'that no payments made by the Many people wonder at the long grams. As far as finance goes, each officer ing i'0 BHtmore, N . C.-of the Roman Detaining Power to American pris­ delay of mail both to and from Ger­ I'as been given an allowance ea ~h montb Cathottc. Archdwcese of M~nHa. Although since we have been in Manchu1 a. I can ?"ot a pTtsoner of war, Archb,shop O'Doherty My Darling: oners of war while in captivity shall many. Basically, th~ reason is much 's none the tess a prisoner of the Japanese.) certainly assure you that being ill a prison I acted just like a small boy at be charged by the United States the same as usually holds true in camp gives ample time for thinking of when I received my first parcel against their pay and allowances. the army- all too frequent changes Taiwan (Formosa) wonderful! I felt as if you were home, both in the past and preserl t, and in Stalag III B This applies to enlisted men as well in address. Once a man reaches his contemplating the future. I' August 2S, 1943 me and that I had just had a (Received at Sierra Madre, Calif., April 5) February 13, 1944 permanent camp and his mail starts, (An unusual number of [etters and cards with you. Everything you sent at Roanoke, Va., April 11) as to officer-prisoners. The statement from American prisoners of war lat Camp Dear Mother: right and I am so glad you had not made on page 7 of the April issue of it comes through quite well there­ Hoten have reached us during recent months. On August 16, 1943, I received a radio Most of them appear to have co e on the the long list of things I asked for about. three weeks since I last PPJSONERS OF VV AR BULLETIN, under after. Personal parcels are now com­ Gripsholm.) from Margaret saying "All well Love." Was glad to get this first news from home. I am I don't need any of them at the pre'Senlt'lIlnlere is still 'no news of which I can the heading -"Service Pay and Credits ing through very well. All Air Force You knew my weakness when than that I am in good spirits, 1 in good health and c ~mfortably housed. Tokyo Hq. Camp per, etc. And the bubble bath IS getting plenty to eat, and think- [or Prisoners of VVar," accordingly INters, no matter where the camp, Septembe ~ IS, 1943 tantly. The boys here are a stands corrected. are censored at Luft III and should (Received at Tylertown, Miss., March IS) and our treatment is very con­ The statement also made reference clrry that address first of all. The Dear Mother and Family: I happy to say that I still have Agai~ I am all<;>wed to write. 0 1) August to deductions for allowances. Deduc­ Germans have a staff of 60 censors pictures of friends back home 'working daily on this mail and are 3 I receIved a radIOgram from you. ~ eedless over a period of time before my tIons for family allowances apply to say, it m'ade me very happy, as that was I hope you will send more. This ('nly to the family allowances of en­ still swamped and probably several my first word from you since Nbvember an unusually mild winter here in listed men. There are no family al­ weeks behind on the flood of mail 1941. Unfortunately, the message Ihad no for which we are all thankful, lowances for officers. and parcels that keep coming in. date, but I am satisfied it was fairlIY recent barracks are pretty warm, be- as it was addressed to me at Shinagawa. My Next-of-kin parcels (which should be MAIL FROM THE FAR EAST outlook on life has brightened a gqod deal was captured in Itaty addressed direct to the camp where since I now have definite proof that you He was in a camp near The Japanese government early in th.e man is held) are opened right know I'm alive and well. Many of ~e men was then sent to Statag he wrote from Stalag April informed the Swiss Legation in before the recipient in the camp, in this camp haven't heard' from hoine, nor camp I received new do they have any assurance that their loved I badty needed, and a Tokyo of its. decision to forward, via ;md if anything is confiscated a re­ ones know they are safe. My time iis com­ and on January 17 he wrote Siberia, prisoner of war and civilian ceipt is given him at that time. from Stalag III B.) pletely occupied by mail sorting, and by my internee mail addressed to persons It's getting hard now to advise duties as Camp Me~~~cer. \ Oflag 64 in the United States. This decision people just what to send and what February 4, 1944 also applies to mail addressed to the boys need in personal parcels. Camp Fukuoka Leona: (Undated. Received at Chicako, Ill., going along fine these days. We had Japanese nationals living in the I have already named a few things Mat ch 12) at the "Bloody Gut" saloon United States. that might be sent. Other things Dearest Family: I with gambling, ersatz beer, . Readers have already been in­ that might come in handy are sew­ Everything is fine. I am in good shape and belleof the beer hall (Lily formed that mail from the United ing kits (with small scissors), toilet feeling well. Don't worry. Give my love to in . a precarious evening all, and pray for me_ I songs appropriate to a States to prisoners of war and civil­ paper, playing cards, old favorites (The writer of the above tetter, who was are adept at make-believe i:m internees held by Japan is now in toilet articles, nail clippers, games, captured on Wake Istand, was tran$terred from Shanghai to Fukuoka. On a ca~d re- . But, Broadway, look out being flown by the United States insignia, sporting equipment, and hit town! Another lad from my ~;~fngDf~m::;. ¥h!':~s 1~rw;g~~ : tb ~te~~ Roommates at Stalag Luft III. Left to right. Lt. A. A. Wiench, Army to Teheran, the capital of above all plenty of pictures and Lt: D. J. BrOl'x, N. Y. C.; Lt. J. A. Bartlett, Oak Park, Ill.; Lt. R. W. ba.ttl.ing, arrived recently. Dog­ ~aher! mIssmg a lot of fun and excite- Iran, whence it moves on through photographs of the folks back home. ~~i%~efo~~~ ~t~~:t~~~ ~e~~~~w~r bOl~ ~a;~~ ::~~~ec:.ol's, MUIn.; Lt. R . E. Maxw,lI, Columbia, Mo.; and Lt. J. H. Fulmer, ceived from American prisoners at Fuku oka.) walks have been fine and Soviet Russia for delivery to the I think the fellows worry more about .J apanese authorities. you than they do about themselves. \ ERS OF WAR BULLETIN 11 10 word that I am in Japan as I have your cable addressed to me at Shinagawa. It was Directions for one of the outstanding events that have hap­ Next-of-Kin Parcels pened to me. We h ave changed camps and Knitted Articles for Equipment - Yarn - 72 oz. are at a new one at Omori. New buildings Crochet hook-size 6. much better. As you can see by the en­ Parcels leaving the United States Suggestion No. 2 is an afghan closed picture, I am still in excellent health." Each square measures exactly 6 On the back of the photograph this officer­ during the present s~mmer and ear~y (see cut). 6 inches. prisoner wrote, besides his name and present fall for American pnsoners of war m clmp address: "Taken at Shinagawa POW Code-ch-chain Germany might include knitted ar­ dc-double crochet Camp in May 1943." ticles that will be warm and useful ss-slip stitch Mr. C. J. Geisman, 6 Ramona Avenue, San next winter. For two or three months, Be sure that the last row of Francisco 3, California, received a card from therefore, PRISONERS OF WAR BUL­ is the same color. his son in Philippine Prison Camp No. 2 LETIN will publish suggestions for \vhich contained the sentence "See ~hat Dona extra wearing apparel that would no and Vic are O. K." This message, Mr. Geis­ man writes, was not intended for him. If doubt be welcomed by the men. First round-Ch 3, 2 dc into any relatives recognize the names, they are into ring, ch 1. 3 dc into requested to communicate with Mr. Suggestion No. I is a knitted cap into ring, ss into first chain Geisman. to join, giving 4 sections of 3 (see cut). 4 spaces of ch 1 between. European Second round-Ch 3, 2 dc into From Stalag Luft III, dated November 9, ch 1; 3 dc in same space, ch 1943: "Sometimes when I fed frisky I walk second space, ch 1; 3 dc in American camp staff at Middle Compound, Stalag Luft Ill. This picture, sent to around and see how our camp theater is ch 1. 3 dc in third space, rile by Col. Delmar T. Spivey, senior Ame"ican officer at Luft III, was taken ill coming along. It's nearly ready for the roof­ same space, ch 1. 3 de in 1944. as soon as the walls are up. Our camp paper 1; 3 dc in same space and ss got a rival today. There's nothing like com­ of 3. petition. So now they're slinging mud at each other. The new rag is called The Third round-Ch 3, 2 dc into Shaft. Its policy is in exposing 'rackets' be­ ch 1; 3 dc in same space, to l,icved to .be behind The Circuit." ch 1." 3 dc in next space, ch 1 Prisoners frequently ask their next space, ch 1, 3 dc in same Far Eastern you in a long time. We have had a quiet An American flyer captured in August peat from" around the summer here, and the weather has been fine. 1942 while serving with the RAF, wrote of kin to send an extra blanket. An April 3, 194~, a mother in ?orman, I happened to see a fellow here from home row with 55. received a WIre from her son m Camp from Stalag 344 (formerly VIII B) on De­ ordinary blanket is too large for a the other day. His name is Crocker and he cember 19, last, to his family in Omaha, Fourth round-Ch 3, 2 dc into ' Mukden, sending love to his home lives on East Third Street (Rome, Georgia). next-of-kin parcel, but an afghan ones. The only previous commu- Nebraska: "Use my money for whatever you ch 1, 3 dc in same space, ch It was good to see someone from home." wish and enjoy life to the utmost. Look the fills this need and at the same time from this American pris­ The mother who received this letter wrote next space, ch 1. 3 dc in next were a card on October 21" situation squarely in the face. I will be here provides an opportunity to include 3 dc in next space, ch 1; 3 that the date of it had been changed, and for . probably another two years. You must one on March 21, 1944, which ' that it might have been August 25, instead something bright and cheerful. It space, ch 1. Repeat from .. in good health and happy. The not postpone everything 'until my return.' of October 25. Carryon your activities as if I were there. can be sent in installments. square joining as before. giving us very good treatment. and don't worry about me. I'm putting on a cabaret dance for Christ­ Continue in this way, adding 3 all again soon." From No. 5 Del. Camp, Tokyo, dated mas in the theater, and will be M. C. Keep An afghan needs 96 squares. each new hole between the September 26, 1943: "I am getting along sending gags." Crochet these squares in advance and lions until square measures 6 letter from a "Wake Island fz.irly well, but am anxious to get home. fill the available corners in the box. yarn. written from Dispatch Camp No. Have been here nearly a year. The climate From Stalag Luft III, dated February 5: is fairly mild. I have my time in now, and ''I'm in another compound [presumably Sew some of them together and use Area, Kawasaki, received at Forest If the directions given in late March 1943 stated: am ready to retire when I get back." the newall-American South Compound them as packing material around not sufficiently clear, your in Japan. I am well, apd 'hope -Ed.] with Pinson, BarnweJl, and several the other articles. By receiving sev­ I hope to be home and see "Have your letters of Jan. 26 and Feb. 28, Primary classmates. This place is much bet­ This cap could be used outdoors chapter will always be glad " T his was the fifth communica­ and Gracious' radio," wrote an American ter organized-everyone getting packages, eral each time, the prisoner before lieut. commander from Camp Zentsuji on plenty of cigarettes, and-biggest improve­ at work or recreation; indoors for you. from this prisoner, who was midwinter should have enough from Shanghai to Kawasaki. August 28,1943. The cable had been sent in ment-all 6, 8, lO-men rooms in all bar­ cold nights. The directions below June 1943. This officer was captured from racks. Couldn't have moved if brother-in­ are simple and have been approved squares to complete an afghan. It the U. S. S. Houston, and was in Tokyo law Pinson hadn't cooperated. We have a by the American Red Cross. will be a simple job for him to sew Camp No.2 before going to Zentsuji. srove in each room with plenty of coal, them together. Use warm and gay CARTONS and inside washroom with basins, mirrors, Directions for Making Six cards have been received at Philadel­ and running water_ Here Appel (twice Equipment-Yarn-4 oz. 4/8 sweater yarn colors for the centers-reds, purples, The American Red phia, Pennsylvania, from an American doc­ daily roll-call) is held inside, if the weather (khaki only). Needles-4 double-pointed blues, yellows, and greens. Remem­ making arrangements to tor-prisoner at Philippine Military Camp is at all ,bad." ~ needles No.3. Gauge-6 stitches to the ber your grandmother's patchwork No.4. He was serving at the Fort Mills inch, 8 rows to the inch . . chapters throughout the Hospital when Corregidor fell. On a card From Oflag 64, dated February 20, 1944: quilt. Let the outline or edge of with carton containers of received December 16, 1943, he said: "Am "Yesterday I got my first letter addressed Cast on 140 stitches and proceed as follows: each square be a darker shade, thus well fed, clothed, and acting in official to this camp. Although this was my first 1st row: Knit 1 Purl 1 size and strength for making it the background color of capacity. Have salary and can buy." He mail for a month, a number of the men 2nd row: Purl 1 Knit 1 parcels. asked that certain of his funds be sent to in our group [presumably American offi­ Repeat these two rows twice, making a thE: afghan. It will take a certain the American, British, and Canadian Red cers transferred from Italy to Germany­ cure and distribute Cross societies, which made his family feel Ed.] have been receiving mail direct for total of 6 rows. Put stitches on three Write the prisoner about it and needles, 46 stitches on the first two, and ers to chapters all over that some help must have reached the men some time. Likewise, some of them have at Camp No.4. received packages from home already­ 48 on the third. Knit 1, Purl 1 in rounds tell him how, from time to time, he try. However, the for 12 inches. will receive a batch of squares. one of three cards received in Decem­ mailed in late November and December." should have these from an American prisoner of war "Looking forward to Mother's spaghetti Knit plain without ribbing for 1 inch. '!\Then the squares are sewed to­ for the July 10 label. Military Prison Camp No. 1, dinners; but please, no chop suey," wrote an From Timis, Rumania, dated January gether, with i2 squares in length and and grateful for your American prisoner of war on an undated 16, 1944: "Well, I've finally received your Break thread, leaving about 12 inches, and Meanwhile, next of card from Philippine Military Prison Camp letters of October 21. I received my first draw thread through all stitches. Gather 8 in width, he will have a complete the assurance that the AprJ~, ~~~~~ referred to was dis· No.2 which was received at Detroit, Michi­ letters on January 5. For Christmas we as tightly as possible, then sew firmly to­ blanket. Censorship in New Y gan, on December 10, last. had a splendid dinner: steak, fried po­ gether to entirely close op~ning and ma~e tokyo No. IDet. Camp, dated Oc· tatoes, etc. The Rumanian Red Cross sent a plaited effect, first sew:ng together .Ill repack ordinarily A large darning needle, and some t 1943: "I am well and hope you and Early in April a mother in San Antonio, us cookies, candy, and cigarettes. We had one direction and then III the OpposIte in strong co:nt'liners of the background yarn for joining t~t ar~ the same. I am glad for this Texas, received a letter from her son at a tree, too, and the house was decorated direction, etc. the American Red Tokyo Hq. Camp, dated September 8, 1943, with evergreen. Last week ~e received uni· the squares together should be in­ Press with a damp cloth and warm iron. &0111 ;~~o~~~s ~~a~~~,itn~e!~d 1~~~ reading: "At last I know you have received forms from Geneva; regular army issue." Sew together strip at border. duded in one of the parcels. 12

CHICAGO PACKAGING CENTER FORMS FOR AIR MAIL f R ed Cross Food Packaging Center Air mail letter sheets for corresponding No.2 at Chicago discontinued opera­ with American prisoners of war are now ayailable through United States Post Of­ tions on April 22, last, after having fices. A supply of these forms (No. Ill, W . man prison camps is in produced 2,935,622 standard pack­ D., P. M. G .) has been sent to the large following translation of ages for prisoners of war. This ex- / city post offices, but postmasters at smaller words may be helpful cellent result, achieved in just over offices may obtain them by requisition + through their Central Accounting Office. ients of these . thirteen months of operation, was , These new forms may be used for writ­ ABSENDER: Sender RISONERS OF WAR obtained through the wholehearted ing to prisoners of war held in the Far J!:ast VOR- UND ZUNAME: Fi BU L L$ r I~ name cooperation of the women volunteers. as well as in Europe, but their use is not by the American National Red Cross for the Relatives of American Prisoners of War and The closing of the center was dic­ compulsory. When used, a six cent air mail GEFANGENENNUMMER: stamp must be affixed. Individuals shoUld number tated, in part, by the fact that the not attempt to obtain the forms from any­ LAGER - BEZEICHNUNG: lease on the building at 349 West nation one but post office officials; they will not WASHINGTON, D. C. OD-tario street had expired and the be available f rom the Red Cross nor from M.-STAMMLAGER: Prison JULY 1944 owners of the property desired to se­ the Provost Marshal General's Office. enlisted men. The authorized Detailed instructions on the use of the for M.-STAMMLAGER is ST cure a long-term lease. Furthermore, new air mail forms have 'been sent to the OFFIZIERSLAGER: the efficiency of all the plants had next of kin of all American prisoners of . increased to the point where suffi­ war by the Provost Marshal General, who Reports from Camps In Germany cient standard food packages to . strongly urges their use because they fa­ meet current needs were being pro­ cilitate censorship and are easy to handle. Ordinary post·free letter mail for prison: Stalag Luft I duced in the Philadelphia, ,, New ers in Europe and the Far East m ay still by a Delegate of the International letics were impossible because of York, and St. Louis centers. be used, and, in the case of Far Eastern The senior American officer at Committee, and his report stated lack of space. The camp was prisoners, such mail will still be flown by All who. are interested in this Luft I, when the camp was that the camp contained, besides the equipped with air raid shelters. the United States Army to Teheran, the American prisoners, about 2,400 phase of Red Cross activity may rest capital of Iran. Whether the new form by a Delegate of the Interna­ The men received German "regu­ assured that there is, and will con­ No. Ill, or ordinary post-free letter mail Committee of the Red Cross British privates and noncoms. The lation rations." There was a three tinue to. be, an ample supply of food (whiclJ goes by air to Teheran), is used for March 9, last, was Golonel Byer­ men on work detachments were em­ communicating with prisoners in the Far weeks' supply of Canadian and packages so that shipments to prison­ USAAF. The senior British rep­ ployed mostly in salt mining, but American Red Cross food packages East, Japanese regulations as to number there is no. record that American ers of war in areas open to relief op­ of words, the addressing of envelopes, etc., ' was Wing Commander on hand, and the authorities nad erations will proceed as scheduled. should continue to be carefully observed. prisDners have been assigned to this the head physician, Lieut. work. consented to a three months' reserve Hankey, RAMC. being accumulated. The Delegate reported that the FUNDS FOR AID IN THE PHILIPPINES the time of the visit Luft I was The German auth()rilties men in the base camp slept in triple­ Stalag XVII B (252) Another step in the continuing efforts; thrDugh all pDssible chan­ complained to the of enlargement and trans­ decker wooden bunks, and that The nu~ber of American prison­ nels, to get relief supplies to American prisoners of war and civilian Committee of the R ed into an Oflag (officers' the transfer of noncom- -tables and chairs were lacking. The ers of war at Stalag XVII B (which is internees in the Philippine Islands, was annDunced toward the end discovery of "escape report further stated that the kitch­ of May by the State Department. The latest step is the sending of airmen to Stalag Luft VI. , also known by the designation No.. cealed in gramophone ens were clean, that there were suffi­ 252 had increased to slightly Dver United States government funds, in the amount Df $25,000 monthly, in next-of-kin parcels American strength at Luft I reported to exceed 2,800 at the cient wash basins, toilets, and show­ 4,000 by the end of May. Nearly to the neutral representative of War Prisoners' Aid Df the Y.M.C.A. While it was not ers, and a good infirmary containing stationed in the Philippines. The Japanese authorities have given of May. all of them were noncommissioned leged that any escape 32 beds with straw mattresses. An­ airmen. At that time, S/ Sgt. Ken­ permission for the IDcal purchase of relief supplies, up to $25,000 a been found in nex German authorities planned glican and Catholic chaplains held month, for delivery to prisoner of war and civilian internment camps, about 1,000 men in tents in neth J. Kurtenbach was the Ameri- from the United States, services regularly, but outdoDr ath- (Continued on page 10) the announcement stated. l:e too strongly urged according to the Delegate's This $25,000 ill in addition to. monthly remittances of official funds person preparing a and preparations were being which are being transmitted regularly, through the Protecting Power American prisoner for an eventual strength of (Switzerland), to the executive committees of civilian internment the instructions re Allied airmen-prisoners at camps in the Philippines. fice of the ProvDst I. The ola camp, at the time Delegate's visit in March, had (8 of which were new) double-decker wooden bunks, mattresses, and two German Prisoners of War Bulletin for each prisoner. Hygienic June 1944 were reported to be good; as nDW seems to be the case in Published by German camps, there was a The American National Red CrDss Df kitchen and table uten­

Washington 13, D. C. '