Diaries and documents of John Dominic Palandri - Part 21
Jan. 21st — Mass & Communion again to-day, the rest of the day being much as yesterday, except for
[*1*] our missing Bridge. John Heron is to be buried to-morrow and a small party is going from
amongst our lads, together with one of our officers from 119. Heard too that Barracks C & D are
being pushed ahead with at Teltow and that it should be possible to send 200 men back in 2-3 weeks.
Received a letter from cousin Silvio Piacentini (Castellanza, Varese), dated Dec. 17th, bringing Christmas
wishes from him, his family, and other relatives.
Jan. 22nd — Mass & Communion this morning, rest of day uneventful. I think it was
[*1*] to-day that I received a note from Stalag together with two copies of a receipt. form
which I was asked to fill in for the cap I received from the Red + soon after
my arrival at Staaken. I am almost sure I sent back the original receipt. forms, duly signed, but
they must have gone astray. John Heron was buried yestertoday, together with 8 of the R.A.F., who
lost their lives in the raid, Canucks, Kiwis, and English, one or two of the eight being unidentifiable.
50.odd Frenchmen are awaiting burial ex Marienfeld. I'm still thanking God for my own good
fortune, and for the good.fortune of the rest of us.
Jan. 23rd — No Mass this morning, nothing of interest.
Jan. 24th — Fr. Scarborough went off to 517 (Genshagen) to say Mass, so that, for us it was at
[*1*] (Sunday) 1530 hrs. Confession, Mass, & Communion, and a short game of Bridge in the
evening — played four rubbers and were 700.down, which squared us for our last
effort. Sent off the receipts which arrived on Friday. News of the war seems to be very much
improved, even the German papers admit that things are not going well. Our people from the
Western Desert entered Tripoli yesterday morning. I can imagine the feelings of any man whose lot
it was to have got as far as Agedabia on the first two attempts, and finally to have succeeded in reaching
the goal on the third. We have not been able to write home now for two weeks due to the
disorganisation caused by the raid
Jan. 25th — Mass & Communion again. It appears that repairs are going ahead rapidly on Barrack D
at Teltow, and also with Barrack C; one or both should be ready for occupation soon.
Had a game of basketball in the morning and finished up with a quite painful right
calf, besides being aware of a definite ache in the back — shades of January '38!! War news good.
Russians taking many prisoners in the Caucasus, which they have almost completely regained, and are closing
in on Rostov. Advancing on all fronts except the Don. Remains of German 6th Army surrounded in
Stalingrad, and apparently putting up a dickens of a good show.
Jan.26th — No Mass this morning. Quiet day — have had radiant heat & massage for the back
yesterday & to-day, and to-day for the calf also. Oberstabsarzt Pierson visited us to-day
genial as ever.
Jan. 27th — To-day I finished Fr. Martindale's book "What are Saints" and found it very good, impressed
me a lot. Fr. S. and I do an hour or so of Italian each day, and we're both improving.
Back & calf practically right again. "Yellow" air.raid warning this evening.
Mass & Communion
Jan. 28th — Mass & Communion, quiet day. Bridge interrupted ++ after lunch.
Jan. 29th — Mass & Communion. All quiet. A Swiss, representing the Protecting Power, and a
German major came here about things at 528 and interviewed S.M. Dobson, Stanway,
and myself, and all our points were brought up. It appears that lack of incoming mail
is due to a breakdown on the Spanish railways of some month's duration, which they're finding great difficulty
in making good. The major scotches the idea that Eric Cooper is coming back here, says that the rumour
had been heard at Stalag, but neither Stabsarzt Weicke nor the Stalag dental officer knew of any order for
his eventual return. It appears that Stanway has complained officially about medical orderly, Smith's refusal
to work for men in camp. He appears to be quite vindictive about it, and, I think, is outside his province in
butting in, but will get nowhere. Bridge this afternoon evening messed up by various interruptions
Jan. 30th — Mass & Communion. Big party day in Germany, Goering & Goebbels to speak over air at
1100 and 1600 hrs. On both occasions speeches were interrupted by air-raid warnings for
single planes over capital. The one in the afternoon, which broke up our bridge again, was
a cracker as the plane swept across the northern sky from west to east chased by A.A., then a little later,
across the east from N.E. to S.W. again chased by dozens of [[bursts?]]. The lads were out, cheering like hell,
and betting on whether he'd be hit, but most of the shots were miles behind and he eventually disappeared
after swinging across the southern sky. Fr. Scarborough is tickled pink. He's seen an R.A.F. plane in action
at last. It appears that another plane broke up a third speech at 0900 hrs, must be annoying for the
speakers. Conjecture as to whether they'll be over to-night. Had a few words with another M.O. yesterday
afternoon. Speaks same language as Father Goody.
Jan. 31st — Mass & Communion at 0830 to-day as Fr. Scarborough was billed to go to Dabendorf,
[*2*] (Sunday) which he did at about 1100 hrs. Had sick-parade at midday to allow the lads to see the
football match between 520 and 528. Not long before it started, Bill Hurst, whose day
here it was, and Eric Cooper arrived from Dabendorf and it was quite good to have a chat with them. I
was not with them for long, having to go out to see the match, and even so, I forgot to ask the location of
401's new camp, which Fr. S. wanted to know. We did learn, however, that they are somewhere near German
at Lager 428. The match was jolly good, played on a pitch half of which was a bog, and ended 2-2.
Received first letters to write for three weeks, one letter & one card, which I wrote respectively to Glad & the kids.
Fr. S. and I still do an hour or so of Italian daily.
Feb. 1st — Quiet enough, passed the day reffing a basket-ball match, doing some Italian, and
playing a few rubbers of bridge in the p.m. — Have been lucky enough at it, as S.M. Howland
and I usually manage to win by a few hundred. They're bound to run against us soon,
the cards, that is. Did my first hour's German for some months this morning — hope to keep it up.
Mass & Communion in the morning. Russians still advancing on most fronts, especially s-centre of Caucasus,
though still held at Stalingrad, and our chaps have taken [[Samara?]] near the Tunisian border. Germans have
advanced 8 miles in a panzer. drive in Tunisia in an attempt to open a way for Rommel. Considerable
fighting about [[G?]] where we claim success, and where the Japs claim to have sunk two battleships
and two cruisers for the loss of a few planes. — Eric is quite certain that he is to return here as
soon as we return to Teltow.
Feb. 2nd — Confession, Mass & Communion. Reffed another match in afternoon, did Italian,
and generally spent the day as any other day. Was organizing cases in M.I.Room
at about 1900 hrs. when a "yellow" alarm was given, then all the lights went out and the
528 lads were ordered into the shelter. Everyone was shoving about in the dark, when, suddenly, all the
lights came on again, windows and shutters, previously opened, were closed, outside camp-lights, xxxx
switched on, and everybody left wondering what it was all about. Sanitater unteroffizier told
me to-day that about 150 of our men and 2 med. orderlies are to return to Teltow at the end of the
week.
Feb. 3rd - 4th — Mass and Communion each morning, Oberstabsarzt Pierson visited us
[*2P*] to-day. On the 3rd there arrived two fag parcels for me at Teltow, & until
I go back there I shall not know from whom they are.
Feb. 5th — Spent most of the day in the city at Stalag and the Sanitaatspark, where the shed
used for packing orders has been burnt down. The Serb M.O. from down the road,
Neale, and I, made the trip, convoyed by the Sanitater Unteroffizier and went
into the cemetery attached to the Military Medical Academy where the famous dead of the German
army are buried - saw, amongst others the graves of Manfred von Richthofen, Udet and Mölders.
That of the first-named is covered by a large marble slab, with behind it, another large
rectangular slab with, carved on it, the single word "Richthofen" - very simple but very
impressive. Looked, without luck, for the grave of Werner Voss. The conductress on the home-bound
tram was a Danish girl, very cheery, quite young. Had no work at home. Mass in morning, Communion
Jimmy Ellis tells me the cigarette-parcels are of 200 & 400, the former probably from A.R.C.S..
Feb. 6th — Barracks C. & D. finished at Teltow, and about 260 of the lads shifted back
there. The place here seems deserted with no one sleeping in the passages. Played
Bridge most of the afternoon and the S.M. and I were right in back and won
by 3400. During the afternoon someone in the boiler-house, where the only cooking-stove is, kept
on yelling every ½ minute "M & V. burning!" and we laughed and said "Ha, ha, some poor
bugger is out of luck!" The cream of the joke was when the lad popped his head in on us and told
us it was ours! - Hewitt had been called away, but no damage was done. Mass and Communion
in morning, Italian & German in evening. News of the war is still good - Russkis doing well
and the lads in Africa are pushing on _ Had occasion to remonstrate with our Confidence Man on his
tendency to ride the high horse with others, and to butt in on medical matters.
Feb. 7th — Fr. Scarborough away this morning to Genzhagen to say Mass this morning, and shortly
after lunch he returned followed by Stevenson-Wright and the boxing-team from
517. First time I'd seen Stevo for a year and he hasn't changed much - a bit browned
off with things, but otherwise just the same. I was cheerfully "bum-swizzled" into Stevo's job of judge,
much to his glee, and had a ring-side seat at a jolly good show, some of the matches especially
being very good. One of the 520 lads at the end was an unfortunate enough to stop a stinger on the chin
when on his wrong foot, and, though probably out before he landed, whacked his head a beauty, and I think
may have finished up with a fractured skull. 520 won by the odd match. Went later for sick-parade to Teltow
and received a complaint from Dobson & Stanway re Sgt. Mackay's issuing (or not) of sugar & jam to-day. Why
must N.C.Os bicker and quarrel amongst themselves! Lost R.M.1.10 at Bridge.
Feb. 8th — Looked into yesterday's complaint and found very little in it. Stanway apparently pipped at
[*8*] being ticked off, and taking it out of someone he didn't like. Mass & Communion to-day.
Local sick-parade at mid-day and went down to Teltow at about 1700 hrs, after losing
a little at Bridge. Quite a bit to do at Teltow, more than here. More sidelights on inter N.C.O. bitterness
to-day. Hell, what a life! Wrote two letters to Glad, one to Mum & Dad, cards to Ines, In-laws, Ron,
Silvio Piacentini, and John Stefain. About time some of the incoming letters arrived, upset or no
upset in Spain.
Feb. 9th — Mass & Communion, usual sort of day, news at Teltow that S.M. Howland &
S.M. Makin, together with S.M. Jobson & S/Sgt. 'Hooky' Walker are to leave early in
morning, ? for IX A. Pity, S.M. Howland and I were working up a nice
bridge-combination, too. Gave them 50 fags each as a parting-gift - I can spare it these days.
I expected the first two to go, but Jobson, was a complete surprise, as he had been installed as Head-of Camp
& had not applied for a transfer. 'Hooky' Walker, too, was unexpected, as he had changed around quite
a lot lately that we thought he would stay for a while. Got S.M. Howland's address & gave
him mine
Feb. 10th — Usual sort of day after the S.M's had gone - Mass & Communion. Was called to
office to-night, found the Sanitater Unt. Off. sitting there, did not rise or greet me, asked
curtly how many were on Teltow's combined sick-list, and when told, shouted something
about there being too many, and that I would have to reduce them - I replied through Price, that I
would not x be spoken to like that by one of his rank and certainly would not discuss the matter with
him, and walked out. As I went he was shouting about Stabarzt Wiecke, and I only hope he
brings him down - I must take the starch out of him.
Feb. 11th — Mass & Communion. Quiet day. Still run sick parade (old cases) at 520 at
bout mid-day, Teltow parade in late afternoon, and, new cases at 520 in
evening. Found that Teltow Schreiber, stationed at 520, speaks fair Italian.
Still getting along with Fr. Scarborough at the Italian.
Feb. 12th — Letter from Dick Palandri he's a Sergeant now, but Lord knows where he is. He may
[*1 + 3P*] have put his address on the letter-flap, and what ever it was it was blacked out. Tells
me all his people are well, and to address a reply there as "the world is about the size
of a pea-nut now, and no idea what the next move wil be." Had pleasure in telling San. Unt. Off that
I wanted the Oberstabsarzt to see all my sick to refute the accusation against me of keeping them in without
reason. His suggestion that I should refer them to him was received as it deserved. He took Roy & Jack with
him to Sanitaats park to-day to get supplies for both Teltow & Grossbeeren camps. Three more parcels for me, one
of 500 fags, one of a 1000, and the largest full of tins, nature unascertained. War news good. Russians
advancing & threatening Rostov, fairly quiet in Africa, but progressing favourably in Solomons & N. Guinea.
Feb. 13th — No visit from Oberstabsarzt yet - supplies untouched as they have to be checked by San. Unt. Off.
Suggested to the Teltow Unt. Off. that a large room in Barrack A. be divided into two, one
part to be used as M.I. Room, the other as Sanitaters' room. Next to it should be the
Reiner, and finally my original room. That would very conveniently occupy one side of Bk. A., and
the Unt. Off. agreed without exception, saying that he must submit the proposals to the Feldwebel, and
principally, to the Lagerfuhrer, for approval.
Feb. 14th — Early Mass & Communion. Fr. Scarborough away to Res-Laz. 119 & Dabendorf, the
[*3*] latter of which was visited by the 520 Rugby Team as well. The match was unfinished
at 9-8 in favour of the home team. Visit to Teltow as usual. Rostov fell to-day to the
Russians with further successes between Charkov and [[Ovel?]]. Several heavy attacks lately on Lorient
& N. West Europe. Africa reasonably quiet, 8th Army still advancing gradually. Wrote letter and
card to Glad and card to Dick.
Feb. 15th — Confession, Mass, & Communion, another day like the rest. Russians going ahead,
Gerries pushed Yanks back 18 miles in central Tunisia. Very few of our men still
remaining here at Grossbeeren. Received a letter from Invalid Comforts Section
of the C.R.C. enquiring about , of whom I've never heard and who
I think is at 404.
Feb. 16th — Mass & Communion. Quiet day at Grossbeeren. At Teltow was visited by
Chief Confidence Man, S.M. Seward, and discussed at some length the question of
using excess invalid food supplies for relief of general foot shortage, and also
the question of attempting once again to have the handling of medical matters & medical supplies
in the hands of M.O's.. I pointed out to him that he was not justified in his recent action of issuing medical
i.e., invalid foods to Camp Confidence Man for general use without first asking the M.Os (there being no official
Senior M.O. of Stalag), and that had he sought this permission he would have received it with little difficulty, the
is to arrange at Stalag soon for both of us to interview Stabsarzt Wieckes on medical affairs, and, if no satisfaction
is obtainable, I shall report the position to the Swiss Legation on the ocassion of their next visit. - While at Teltow
was told that those of us remaining at 520 were to return to 528 to-morrow, morning, sick & med. staff, Kdo. in p.m.
Yanks advanced 6 miles on 50 miles front in Tunisia.
Feb. 17th — No Mass this morning, as things had to be got ready by 0430 hrs, - In Vain as it turned out, as
the Reichbahn's only available motor-truck broke down somewhere, which removed any hope
of transport for the sick. Eventually at about 1500 hrs., two hand-carts were produced, one
from each camp, my own and medical gear, and gear of most of Kdo 3 chaps was piled on, and away we
went, leaving behind Sgt. Jones, Pte Tocker, and five of the sick. I found on arrival that I was to
occupy the equivalent in B. Block of my old room in A, the M.I. Room was staying put, with the Reiner to be
in same room in B. Block as it was in A before. Was told that Reichbahn would not sanction subdivision
of large room for Sanitaters & M.I. Room, as that will eventually occupy our old M.I. and Reiner rooms, with
Sanitater probably in the room I occupy now.
Feb. 18th — Settling down again, though will not do so completely until we are settled in permanent
quarters. It appears that we are to have 1-200 men sent here from Dabendorf 404, which is to
be broken up. Oberstabsarzt came to-day and saw a few of the lads. News that Charkov has
fallen to Russians, that they've reached sea 100 miles west of Rostov, and that Germans have pushed Yanks back another
100 miles in C. Tunisia - ascribed to terrific dive-bombing which stopped Yank counter-attack on 16th and to
fact that Yanks are unseasoned. Lorient, St Nazaire, N.W. Europe, and Italy, all being bombed. I'm to
give the camp a shot of T.A.B. soon. Bags & bags of parcels coming in lately, though the food position is
bit tight. Most of parcels are cigarette-ones. It appears that our mail is to be flown to Germany from Lisbon and to
come no longer by air.
Feb. 19th— Our air-raid shelter is complete and a better one than at Grossbeeren 520. Had a long
sleep-in to-day. Barrack A going ahead, but will be a goodish time before completion, a week at
least. I'm to start T.A.B. injections to-morrow, and there's to be a heavy weeding-out here of
permanent light sick and non-workers and those likely to be frequently sick, and I have to check through
them all to-night. The San. Hauptfeldwebel came in to-day, told me, amongst other things, that Capt. Annan of
404 is probably going to Res-Laz 128, and that information from Stalag is to the effect that we shall be
allowed only one med. orderly for each 200 men. This proposition is far too small and the H. Feldwebel
is very much of the same opinion.
Feb. 20th — Big afternoon, did TAB injections for the whole camp, and, with a bit of
organisation got the whole camp through in 3 hrs - 400 men. Most of the
night spent in preparing list of men not fit for heavy work - they'll
be sent to non-working camp, some good lads going amongst them, too, sorry to lose them.
Feb. 21st — Lot of blankets missing since bomb-damage, and Lager-Fuhrer is trying to
[*1P 4*] make men pay for them, 250 blankets down. It appears obvious that the men
are not at fault, though the silly buggers have got down on a lot of hand-towels
etc., which they don't need, and for which they'll have to pay, so most of the morning was spent
in check-parades & searches - some funny business somewhere. Rest of the morning taken up by
a photographer who put the camp through in batches of 15 - I was in with Sanitaters & Dominions
chaps. Fr. Scarborough came in p.m. - Mass & Communion - and brought me a parcel containing
chess-set and two packs of cards, probably from John Stefain. Wrote letter to Glad, cards to
Mum & Dad, and to John. Weighed most of men in camp. Rumours that Kiev & Odessa have fallen!!!
Wrote to Stalag applying for Fr. Scarborough's transfer here.
Feb. 22nd — Spent considerable part of day preparing & finalising list of light-workers to
be presented for German M.O's consideration.
Feb. 23rd — Main item of importance was examination of light-workers for transfer from
camp. It was a farce. The M.O. was a young chap, two-pip Feldwebel, and
ran through 28 men in a matter of ten minutes which is fair comment on length
& thoroughness of examination. I had to persuade him to pass two men who were definite cases,
and two others, quite as clear-cut, he passed fit for work. I informed him that I would refer them
to the Oberstabsarzt on his next visit which may be to-morrow. Was told that I am to go to
Stalag in early a.m. - I think it will be to see Stabsarzt Wiecke with Seward re. medical
organisation. Barrack A practically complete.
Feb. 24th — Away early to Stalag, saw Zonderführer and made personal application for
[*1*] Fr. Scarborough's transfer, then on to the main business with Seward - we spoke
with a Hauptmann Stiller re medical supplies and internal organisation being
in hands of M.O's, and asked for meetings at least once a month. He agreed on all points, and I was
back in camp at 1130 in time to see Stabsarzt Wiecke, to whom I presented the two rejects of yesterday,
Ward and Hunt, chronic lumbago and chronic gastritis. He was sympathetic as always, and asked
me to send through X.Ray results as soon as available. Hope he'll get something done this time. He also
agreed with my suggestion that outside latrine should be closed or filled in. Busy collecting condemned
timber from Barrack-building to make odd bits of extra furniture. Received my first letter from Glad
for some months, dated Sept. 17th. Very cheery, kids pray for me every night, full of beans, Whooping contacts, &
they don't like Dorothy Champion & her injections. Nell improving - to do commercial course later. Over 7 stone
Feb. 25th — Shifted over to my room in Barrack A, Reiner also. Bunch of lads busy saving
bed-boards for prospects from 404, other blighters pinching them almost as fast as they're
made. Hewitt and I converting the room into a carpenter's shop with cupboard-making
etc. - certainly fills in the day. Enough Canadian Red+ parcels arrived yesterday almost to do two weeks.
Good, that! Tremendous activity around camp, almost everyone busy knocking together boxes, etc., from
discarded building-wood. Woodfine has taken over my old bunk, and Sgt. Jones & Hewitt are in with
him, the other three M. Orderlies being with Cpl. Lowe in the old M.I. Room in Barrack C - M.I. room
shifting to Barrack 4 in a.m.. Father Scarborough has made written application for transfer here, in accord
with Zonderführer's suggestion, which I handed on.
Feb. 26th — 60 men arrived from 404, Dabendorf, this afternoon, all in Barrack A, which will be
[*1P.*] occupied by them & any further batches. Enough Cypriots arrived to make a full room
with our own, and they're here in A also. Appear to be quite a number of permanent sick
amongst this crowd, and due to short notice, Annan was able to send me only sketchy notes. It's all a bit
complicated - why they should come here at all I don't know. Hewitt and I finished knocking together a
table cupboard for food, with sliding doors, and we're quite proud of our first effort. Sgt Stanway has
refused to give Sgt. Mackay new trousers for his old ones, in spite of holes in seat and prospective early shift.
Perhaps there may be something to be said on his side, perhaps! Received a B.M.J. from Stalag.
Feb. 27th — My room more like a carpenter's shop than ever. Hewitt put shelves in half of each
locker and Cooper, the tischler, together with Cordwell spent the afternoon in here
making my small kitchen-dining table and one easy-chair. They both look swell,
and the chair, first of a pair, should be just the thing when upholstered. On Wednesday 24th
Stabsarzt Wiecke, in answer to my question, said it would not be necessary to submit for German M.O.'s
approval any case I wished to send for consultation, and yet to-day the young M.O. of Tuesday came
in to check them over. I did not know what this proposed visit was for when told of it last night, so
most of the lads were not back from work - I'd have kept them in had I known. I passed about half
of them. I seem to have mislaid yesterday's B.M.J..
Feb. 28th — Sunday. Ran sick-parade early so that there would be no hitch to the visit
[*4*] of boxing-team and supporters to 520. Piped down to 520 (1230 hrs.) by
"Happett" Smith (A.L.S.H.) and saw a good contest, in which, 520's longer
training, greater experience, and, in my opinion, greater ability, gave them a victory 10-4, which
should have been 9-5, as I am convinced that one of our men, "Blondie" Naylor, had a clear-cut
win. Big proportion of K.O's. Padre Bill Hurst visited both 520 & 528, and reports from Neale and
Jimmy Ellis stated respectively that Bill and Eric Cooper, and Bill, Eric, & Annan would be
coming to 528 in morning with bulk of remainder of 404. Wrote letters in evening to Glad and
Mum & Dad, and cards to Ines & in-laws.
March 1st — Lorry and trailer blew in in mid-morning, complete with Hurst, Cooper, &
Annan, all three, plus a few sick & Sanitaters, and bags of stuff, including milk,
invalid-food, malt, and medical parcels, arm-chairs, writing-desk, and
dental gear. Quite a job getting it stowed, and our room looks like a second-hand shop at the
end. 96 men from 404 blew in later after delonsing and the bulk of them were housed in
our barrack, A. Quite a big family. Guardsman Cpl. Miles appears likely to go balder than ever
after his harassing to-day as Barrack-chef. Had a lovely night commencing at 2150 hrs. - air-raid alarm
went and everybody but Reiner-patients, me and three Med. Orderlies, went into shelters. Then, for about 2 hrs. the [[muck?]]
went up and down and Berlin got a plastering. Some seemed damned close - I felt "windy" at times, and a few things
came off shelves, otherwise O.K.. Some lovely fires all round horizon when we went to bed at 1 a.m. or thereabouts.
March 2nd — A dud incendiary was found outside cook-house door this morning, possibly dropped by one of
the several planes skipping about in the searchlights, and one of which the boys said came down in
flames. Rail, auto, and tram communications pretty much disorganised in the capital, and lads
coming in from work bring back stories of damage and casualties from all directions. The guard of Kdo. 3 who has
given the lads trouble in the past was stated to have been particularly unpleasant to-day. The lads, my guests, suggested
a rearrrangement of furniture, with the result that we have much more room now. The little "kitchen-table" and cabinet
are just the thing, seat 4 comfortably, and are great space-savers. Report that 428, Readman's camp, was hit last
night, with men killed - three numbers given, 6, 16, 60. report very insistent, and, unluckily, there may be
something in it.
March 3rd — The day started off much as usual, but took a dramatic turn early in the
[*4*] morning. A report came in that one of our men had been shot and killed on Kdo. 3,
and, unfortunately, it turned out to be true. It appears that the guard, mentioned
yesterday as having been 'tough', ordered a lad named Spencer to leave his job and join the other half of the
Kdo. and pushed him in that direction; Spencer apparently pushed him off and was about to go on with
his work when the guard shot him through the lower left chest or upper abdo and refused to allow anyone to
approach him. He died in under a half hour and was sent off with 2 of our lads in an ambulance to the
mortuary, where they had to manhandle him in without help - saw about a dozen RAF bodies there. Feeling pretty high
against us at present. Poor Spencer, he was a decent chap, and it appears to have been pretty cold-blooded. Letters from
A.I.F. Paymaster, London, Mr Troy & two from Ines, dated 1 Dec 42, 11 Jan 43, 21 Aug & 1st Sept 42, respectively.
March 4th — Two of the eye-witnesses, our lads, and the Gefrister concerned, went to Stalag for the enquiry and
came back later. Eric was informed that he had to go to 520 to-day and left at 600 hrs. Sorry
he's gone, jolly pleasant while the four of us were here together. Yesterday the Stabsfeldwebel pinched
the cupboard which I had originally 'borrowed' from the Casino and had put in the M.I. Room, and of course, apart from
kidding him a bit, I couldn't kick at all. Then to-day, when Eric left, and we went to replace one double bed
with my old single one I'd left in the passage, I found that the old blighter had 'won' that, too. It doesn't matter,
though, as when two of us are left, a double bed will give us more room in here. Most uncomfortable evening - Got together
with Sgts. Jones & Stanway, Capt Annan & S.M. Woodfine, told the story of Stanway's reporting to me the story that Jones
was dishonest, and asked him to help trace the source of the report. He chose to think he was being 'got at', more or less rejected
Jones' olive-branch, and even hinted that I distrusted him because I was getting control of medical affairs & stores. Queer
mentality and too damned suspicious of everyone's motives. More vindictive than pleasant. Poor impression on S.M. & Captain.
March 5th — Trouble threatened this morning when Kdo. 3 refused to go to work under the guard who did
the shooting two days ago. Feldwebel phoned Kompanie Hauptmann, who ordered him to give
men 5 mins. then turn out whole guard with M.Gs. No option, so they went & Stanway with
them - no trouble eventuated. Feldwebel in hell of a temper & things might have gone badly. Hauptmann came
down later, looked around, and talked to guard for two hours. Has not a good reputation. Six more orderlies
received recognition yesterday as protected personnel - have 13 & Sgt. Jones now, enough to staff place decently
and supply an orderly to some of large Kdos. "Stabbie' told us that there was no truth in report of deaths at
428 on night of 1st.
March 6th — Nothing much of note.
March 7th — Morning seemed pretty well filled, but, looking back on it now, three days later, I
[*4*] can't remember anything of note. Sick-parade was at 1 o'clock to give the lads a
chance to get on with football and Rugby in the afternoon. At 2 o'clock we made
a few enquiries about the unfortunate happening of last Wednesday and Fr. Scarborough came at a little
before three, but what with one thing and another, the hall was not as ready as it might have been.
Had Confession, Mass, & Communion, and came back to our room in time for a cup of tea with Bill Hurst
who had returned from his visit to 428 Zernsdorf and 119. In the evening I wrote a letter to Glad,
and cards to the A.I.F. Paymaster, U.K., and Mr Troy, and sent a full report of the Pay-Master's
information to the Editor of "Camp" for publication.
March 8th — Away early with Annan to Stalag, and saw, both coming & going, considerable evidence
[*2 + 1P*] of the damage done by the R.A.F. raid of 1st March. Met Fosy at Stalag and the three
of us had a long talk with Stabsarzt Wiecke and settled most of the details of
organisation & control of our own medical matters & supplies. Fosy is to be S.M.O. (British) of III D,
and Annan will probably go to 128. Came back to check over what medical supplies Annan had
brought from 404 and received a parcel from British Red + - 5 books, an old Saner Italian Grammar,
& Westely's Italian Dictionary, a Heath's French Grammar & Key, and a practical German courses by Back
& Thompson, which Bill H. says is good. Letters, too, from Zia Rosina (all well) of 25 Nov 42, and from Ron of
3rd Jan 43 - he sent off gloves & officer's cap after inquiring whether he was allowed to do so, and had been returned
a week later as contraband! Hell!! Must get him to send them to Auntie Millie for despatch through the Red +.
March 9th — The General didn't come! and that was after a feverish burst of activity
made the camp like a new pin in the morning in expectation of his visit.
The last couple of days has seen a lot of activity around the place with much
digging up of spare plots in preparation for the planting of vegetable seeds sent by the Red Cross.
March 10th — Helped Bill Hurst most of morning while he made a three shelf book "case" on
the wall, then had a game of basket-ball again after lunch. I say "again", because
my last, three or four days ago, [[?]] one of the muscles in my right calf, the
same slight injury I had at 520. A bit stiff again after to-day's game, too. The lads of 404 are
an energetic lot and seem to have had sports and entertainment well organised at Dabendorf. They've
infused new life in to this camp, and, under their influence, organisation is proceeding apace. At a
meeting of sports and entertainment committees to-night, the officers were asked to step in as future
chairmen, and give a hand. We're glad to have a try, and I hope I may of as much help as
Annan and Bill seem to have been at 404.
March 11th — Spent a lot of to-day shifting invalid food-, milk-, and medical-parcels across to
my own little store, and rearranging them afterwards.
March 12th — Very little of interest. The Pard made himself another easy chair, and, it's a really
streamlined job. The only thing wrong with it is that it suffers from duck's disease.
With all these chairs about I'll have to go into the upholstering business in earnest.
March 13th — Pard. and I "got stuck into" our plot of ground to-day, under Hewitt's expert supervision.
[*3 2P.*] I think we have one of the pick allotments as it's on the south side of the air-raid shelters
and gets good sun, and is reasonably protected from wind. Had an hour's work
flattening the football pitch at 3 p.m., and threw a Rugger ball about for another hour or so afterwards
Wrote a card to Glad, another to Mum & Dad, and a letter to Ron, in which I explained to him that he
may be able to get cap, gloves, etc., to me through Mr Troy & the Red Cross. Received to-day also a B.M.J.
and, from the students' Help people a batch of notes on a German course to be taken in conjunction with
lessons from "A New German Grammar" by John Keegan, which did not arrive. The report of the A.I.F. Paymaster's
letter which I sent to "Camp" was returned, to be sent in duplicate.
March 14th — Padre away early to do his Sunday round of Grossbeeren and Genshagen and at 10.30
we had a scratch Rugger match. It was quite good fun, but very scrappy, and "pulled" the
muscles in my left calf again, not badly, but enough to make it uncomfortable, and it's really
a pity what my ears and cheeks get like after being sandwiched between a couple of oscillating bottoms in the middle
of the back row. 520 came down in afternoon to play us football and Eric & Neale came with the Padre.
It was a good game, in which 520 were much better and deserved their win of 3-1. According to previous arrangement
with Stabsarzt Wiecke, I transferred 24 milk parcels to Capt Neale, who needed them, though our Unteroffizier
was a bit doubtful as to whether it should be allowed.
March 15th — Padre, Stanway, and one of the lads went to-day to the funeral of Sam Spencer and
eight R.A.F. who died on the raid of the 1st March. When he came back Bill told us
that all our permanent sick are still at Falkensee, fifty-odd in all, without M.O., or
orderlies, or food or medical supplies, altogether a bit of a mess, so later a went to Stabsfeldwebel with
request that he phone Stalag for permission to send to Falkensee Annan, an orderly, and supplies. He told
me then that he had seen Stabsarzt Wiecke in morning, and had learned that the Stabsarzt had passed over
30 of the sick as fit for work, and that all but six of the whole group were to return shortly either to 520 or
to 528!! Our own Unteroffizier returned from Stalag, too, where he was told that Stabsarzt Wiecke had no right to
order the distribution of milk parcels, and that, so far as Stalag (Hauptmann Stiller) was concerned, all medical
parcels, food, milk, or supplies, are still the concern of the Confidence-Man! What a bloody mes!!
March 16th — Nothing much of interest, except that, when I asked the Feldwebel for an Unteroffizier
to accompany me to the medical parcels room, he told me that I would soon be shifting
from this camp, not to Res. Laz 128, as Doc. Annan would probably go there, but to another
camp. Came as a bit of a blow because on no account do I want to leave this crowd. I know them all now
and am quite comfortable. I would not object so much if it meant a change with Stevenson-Wright at
517, as he is, very browned off and gets on well with neither Seward nor the Feldwebel.
Marks fourth birthday to-day. What a big lad he must be now.
March 17th — Swiss Red Cross Representative came to-day and everything was discussed with him that was
[*2*] of interest, especially the shooting of Sam Spencer, and repatriation of medical personnel, the
latter of which is still not on the cards. Received two letters from Glad to-day
dated Oct. 14th and Nov. 15th. First said John & Mark at kindergarten & David a hand full - found him in
bath behind her one day, and he fully dressed to go out. Second told of O'Halloran's stillborn 2nd son, and Joe
in army - Mark first at his school race for 3 yr. olds (the other boy fell over), and John second in his race in a
strong field. David, at moment of writing, was soaking wet under the hose. Glad rejoices in her slim figure
and I rejoice in her two letters - St Patrick's Day. Asked permission to go to Stalag to-morrow
to see Stabsarzt Wiecke, Feldwebel refused on grounds that I had no appointment.
March 18th — Nothing much of interest except that I asked the Stabsfeldwebel to phone Stalag
to make an appointment for me with Stabsarzt Wiecke to discuss the question of
my transfer from this camp. He came back with the information that an interview
was unnecessary, as I was not to be transferred. Glad that that cleared up, or, rather, I hope
it's cleared up. Busy making a chess-board with 2½" squares, large enough to take
the chessmen John sent to me.
March 19th — Red. letter day, received a letter from in-laws and three from Glad, written 14 Sept
[*4 1.P.*] 5th & 31st Oct, and 1st Dec. respectively. Mrs Boxshall's was very cheery, mill still going
but an "old men's depot", Ted's away in the A.I.F., and everybody is well - Nell now
7st. 2lbs., and much improved. In Glad's first letter the main points were that she has no maid, that Jack Costille
Brian Simpson, 'Chris' Thompson and others are Ps.O.W. in Japan and that Minc is buying the practice, that means
we can make fresh plans after the war, but I'm sorry in a way that we lose connection with the place we started in and
from which John & Mark were born. He's buying the house later - practice-price paying off mortgage - In the second out
with Byrons, who are having another baby, ? Busselton for X.Mass and John writing a few words. In third - Doris B.
is back after 9/12 away - Yank boy-friend - Launi O.K.. The Bladens' 4th child died of congenital heart, John is
sunburnt, and signed his name to letter. No whooping-cough for the lads. Grand to get these letters. Got three books of Spalteholz
March 20th — Locals are quite sure they're due for more air-raids & perhaps they're right. Nothing much
to report except that Bill Hurst has had a lovely Herpes Zoster of about 3-6th cervical
post. roots for past few days & he's far from happy. Annan played Rugger to-day and
finished with quite a bad back - can hardly move.
March 21st — Practically finished my chess-board, looking O.K too. Confession, Mass, & Communion this
[*3, 1.P*] afternoon, received John Keegan's "A New German Grammar" from Students' Help people
and wrote letter to Glad, and cards to Mum & Day & in-laws.
March 22nd — Quiet again. A Major expected to visit the place, and all the lads dashing about
like clucky hens - he didn't come, anyhow. Had to report two men to-night to the Germans.
Yesterday was monthly weighing-day, and three or four men refused to be weighed. This evening
they were ordered to the M.I. room, two weighed without any dinner, one refused to obey the order I gave him, and the
fourth refused to obey my order, given him by two medical orderlies, to attend the M.I. Room. The last two were
those I had to "book".
March 23rd — Heard to-day that sports-ground will be available every afternoon from
3.30 until 6.0 p.m. - good step forward. Heard also that a lot of bulk
had arrived a Grossbeeren siding for 517, 520, & 528, and Stanway, or his
henchmen, by some miracle produced a truck and had the stuff back here in quick time.
Jolly good work, and a crowd of chaps whizzed it into store at the double. A little over
an hour was left then of time in the store, but an issue was managed, a fairly good one, but
a number of ex-404 came in to me with Stanway, protested, then said they would do more about it.
Stanway resigned soon afterwards, I applied for and got permission to address the camp, told them what I
thought of those among them who make the Confidence-Man's job even more difficult that it already was,
and mentioned that I considered a minority of them bastards. Many agitating for Stanway's retention.
March 24th — Quiet enough day, brightened by the arrival of two letters from home, one from Glad
[*2*] and one from Mum & dad. Glad's was dated 2 Dec 41, therefore 15 months old, but
was quite interesting, especially about Mark who, when Glad corrected him, used reply that
he would "tell my Daddy on you!" Glad reported, too, that Cogans' had sold out. Dad & Mum's letter had
no date but was written towards end of last year with hopes of reaching me by Christmas. News was
general, houses & hotel still well occupied, paesani, including Capitani, well and employed, and Mr Paul recovered
from a serious heart attack. Meeting at 1900 hrs in Casino, I had to chase out the laggards from barracks in person
and reported one man for refusing to obey. Vote of confidence in Stanway carried by roughly 400 to 100, 30-odd not
knowing their mind well enough to be able to vote. Cypriots to leave camp on 26th Sgt. Smith had volunteered
to take on the job if motion had been lost - routine would have been to report Stanway's resignation to Stalag, have
it accepted, get permission to appoint a successor, and propose the new man for Stalag's approval.
March 25th — Stabsfeldwebel told us this morning that M.O.s in Stalag were all to be shifted soon from their present
positions, but did not know whether it was to be our intraStalag Shift or a change-over with
M.O.s of another Stalag. If it's to be a change in this Stalag only I shall apply for a shift to an
Offlag as I don't want to go back to hospital, and I don't fancy any other Camp as a substitute to this one. I shall
have to enquire of Stabsarzt Wiecke for particulars. If the men would only pull together, obey and help their N.C.Os,
stop suspicion, jealousies, squabbling, & selfishness, the Camp would be v. good. As it is, it is impossible to enforce
discipline amongst ourselves without recourse to punishment of offenders by Germans, which one is loth to do. The
only thing which will cure these chaps is about 3-6 months of strict British Army routine. Another example
- only one man (ex.404) volunteered to help Stanway, Jimmy, Jack Morris & Peter Keith to handle 600 food-parcels!
Went in and said goodbye to the Cypriots this evening, they leave in the morning.
March 26th — Cyps. away early this morning, had good game of basketball later on, and, in evening,
"Stabbie" told me that 8 of our 16 recognised Sanitaters had to be transferred out
of Stalag. Aussie Smith, of course, was one , four others volunteered, and Annan and
I picked three others, rotten job, but it had to be done. At least the authorities gave us the chance
to make our own arrangements. The list is to be in by midday to-morrow.
March 27th — Quiet enough day, main points were visit by Oberstabsarzt Pierson, & information that
the appointment with Stabsarzt Wiecke is at 1400 hrs. on Monday. By gosh I spoke
too soon! At 2200 hrs the sirens shrieked, and did we have fun!! Nothing happened for
about a quarter hour, and then the balloon went up and the sh-t came down. We all snuggled inside our
shelter, and, so far as I was concerned, I was convinced we were "for it". Hearing them coming down, the swoosh
and roar of the bombs, and the hiss of the incendiaries, I couldn't see how they could miss. However, after the
better part of two hours we were still all present & the barracks standing, though there were fires all around & a
couple of incendiaries were in the camp. Bits of a plane came down all about us, and our books came off the shelf
but we're O.K.. Annan & two orderlies were called out to attend to women & children, but they had been taken to
hospital before the lads got there. Got to bed between 0100 & 0200 hrs.. Whew!!
March 28th — Football matches on the outside pitch were sensibly cancelled by the Unteroffizier
[*7*] for fear of offending the civilians. He showed tact and was quite justified, as the
men in camp agree. Bill Hurst went along to take services at 520 and 517, and,
nearing the former, met its occupants loaded with personal belongings, making for 529, the near-by
ex-Serb camp - 520 had been flattened by a near-miss, luckily without casualties, and with very
little loss of gear. It shows the wisdom of Stalag's order that all gefangeners must keep ready-packed a
bag of necessary belongings in case of destruction of camps by fire, etc., bags to be taken in to shelters when
alarm sounds. Played vigorous basketball, and had a very good rough & ready first concert of
augmented 528. Welsh choir is excellent. Wrote two letter to Glad, one to Ines, cards to Mum & Dad, & Ron,
receipt to B.R.S.S. and Students' Help for parcels of March 8th and March 13th & 21st respectively.
Last night Bill Hurst beat me in the first game on my new chess-board. - Watches advance 1.hr. at midnight - Summer (time
March 29th — Checked parcels this morning, and left with Annan for Stalag at a little after
[*2*] 1130 hrs. Bill Hurst was with us on his way to Beisdorf and left us at Papestrasse. Plenty
of damage to houses on either side of the line, mainly in the Teltow area. Steve-Wright
was at Stalag when we arrived, and soon afterwards Readman & Fosy arrived, and we all went in to
Stabsarzt Wiecke and got down to business. The whole show took about two hours, and everything was discussed.
Main points of interest were - (1) Responsibility for and control of milk & medical parcels, etc., to be M.Os' pigeon completely
(2) Time for next X.Ray of men in lagers (chest) to be booked up by Stabsarzt (3) No truth in rumour of impending transfer of
M.Os. except Annan. (4) 2nd Dentist to come to Stalag. Saw more evidence of damage in Teltow on walk back from tram.
Letters from Glad, 25 Dec 42, in Busselton, all well, no news of Jack Throssell, Jack Costello a P.O.W. in Italy. Letter from
Red +, Geneva (in German) giving me address & P.O.W. No. of Nico - he's well.
March 30th — Out of bed at 0130 hrs. for air-raid alarm, pretty cold, too, and all-clear went at about
0330 hrs.. Plenty of searchlights, A.A., and planes overhead but luckily main scene of activity
was not around us this time. Saw as many as 4 planes in lights at one time, but all seemed to
get out of it nicely, except the last one, who was letting off a little smoke at intervals as he made away west.
I eventually got up at about 1500 hrs. and was still dead tired. Had a thick head all night, almost as though
I were recovering from a heavy session. Prepared for another visitation to-night, but nothing came of it.
March 31st — Touch of thick head all day. Hell of a wind this morning at about 0800 hrs. which
blew part of the roof of the Casino, but repairs were begun immediately. Gusty all
day with occasional spatters of rain. Stabsfeldwebel told us this afternoon that Eric Cooper
is coming up to-morrow or next day for three or four weeks - getting a room ready for use as his surgery.
Will be a complete family again in here. Started on Pitman's course of German with John Keegan's
"New German Grammar".
April 1st — April Fool's Day - the usual number of lads came in before lunch enquiring as to whether
I had sent for them. Spent most of morning repairing some minor damages to our
makeshift altar, and adding a stand at the back for the prayers. Had pretty good
game of Bridge after lunch with Bill Hurst against two of the lads, Jackson and Kidd. Very cold and
bleak again all day. Started collecting data for graph of percentage of sick in camp.
April 2nd — Had a letter from Mr Troy to-day telling me that he had enquired at
[*1*] Australia House re pay particulars, etc., and that they had been sent on. He hoped
I had received them, which I have, and sent me his and Mrs. Troy's best
wishes. Nothing else much of importance. Got my graph up on the M.I. Room wall to-day.
Looks O.K..
April 3rd — Eric C. arrived to-day, with two mechanics, and spent most of the afternoon
shaping bits of timber to make a framework for a small missal-stand
for Father Scarborough.
April 4th — Pard. Bill Hurst away early on his rounds, and we had a game of Rugger in
[*3*] the morning, most of camp probables against the rest, the won by the odd
goal right on time - 8-3. Good game and quite enjoyable. 517 came in
the afternoon with their boxing team and were done up nicely to the tune of 12-2. Not as good
as it might have been, as our lads seemed much better trained and most of wins were on Knock-out
and the losses should really have been stopped early on. Quite a gathering in our room - Fr Scarborough
Steve-Wright, Neil and the four of us and we had Mass (& Communion) afterwards. Wrote letter & card
to Glad, and card to Mum & Dad. "Yellow" alarm came through soon after we went to bed, and,
since no red could be received, as phone is out of action since last raid, we did not wait for sirens
but spent about ¼ hr. in shelters "just in case", jolly cold too. It was a false alarm.
April 5th — Spent quite a bit of time finishing off the missal-stand this afternoon and Annan
did the sick-parade for me. Good game of basket-ball this morning, too.
April 6th — Had the cracks in the missal-stand filled with plaster of Paris to-day, and painted
it brown to-night. When I go home, if it's at all possible, I shall have a little work-shop
for doing carpentry, and shall have the boys taught, too. It's a very pleasant
pastime, and jolly useful, too. Game of basketball this morning, put in an hour or so this afternoon
helping clear one of the dead-ball areas on the football-pitch, and had a run later. Annan is doing
this week's sick-parades, taking week-and-week about with me.
April 7th — Capt. Readman brought a few of his lads up to-day for dental treatment, and
[*2P*] arrived just a little after I had received two parcels, one containing a 1942 edition
of Gray's Anatomy and the other two tins of Capstan tobacco. The first was from the
B.R.C.S. and the second from the A.R.C.S.. They enabled me to give Ready my old set of Cunningham's
and the tobacco, as he needed both. The books were extra so far as I'm concerned, and he forms a
of a group of [['muckins'?]], and they're a bit short of smokes. Varnished the chess-board (all bar a bit
of the outside, and all the business-part of the missal-stand, and they look pretty well.
V. cold this morning, and snow started to fall during our midday basketball. A regular blizzard
blew up during the afternoon and the place was practically white by night. Brrr!!! Had good
game of Bridge this evening, same four as a week or so ago. Lost by a few hundred.
April 8th — Pretty cold last night in spite of four blankets. Up at 0700 hrs. to go to Sanitaatspark
[*3*] but Stabsfeldwebel stopped me, saying that his orders are to notify Stabsarzt Wiecke, who
is responsible for M.Os, of when we leave camp, and he had been unable to do so. I
resented the loss of those two hours sleep, blast it! Yesterday, for the first time since leaving 119 I had
my Reiner empty, but only till evening - one case went in. Oberstabsarzt Peirson came in, affable as
ever, and I received three letters, two from Mum & Dad, dated 8th & 23rd Sept, both very cheery and
very very welcome, giving me the addresses of cousin Piacentini in the Argentine and of [[Yesa?]], the other
from Zia Celestina, dated 18 Dec 42, not very cheery, poor soul, as she has a bad heart, and is alone
now, all the kids away, Maria in a housekeeping job in Milano with Nico in Bombay. Things not
v. pleasant down there either, though she has Ada's kids to keep her company. Zia Rosina O.K..
April 9th — Padre Bill went off early this morning and held a burial service over 21 British
airmen who were brought down in the last raid.
April 10th — Spent a lot of to-day with Bill & Hewitt pulling down the basket-ball posts, remodelling
the boards attaching new rings, and digging the posts in again. The pitch has been
made about a yard or more wider, so that the whole thing should give much better
sport.
April 11th — Got up pretty late, and waited for 517 to come along. They did in good time and
[*4*] a hundred strong. Jolly good match, in which our crowd had the better of things territorially
but which they lost, 6-3, all penalties. Dinner afterwards for team & officers, and a concert at
night, in which many barrack-rooms put on a Turn each. Quite good, too. Wrote letters to Glad and cousin
Luis Piacentini, and cards to Zia Celestina and Nico.
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