REPORT OF A FORCED MARCH MADE BY OCCUPANTS
OF STALAG LUFT 7. GERMANY.
On January 17th 1945 at approximately 11 a.m. we received notice of one hour in which to pack our kit and be ready to leave the camp by marching. At the same time we were informed by Ober Feldwebel Frank that for every one man who fell out of the column on the march, five men would be shot. This order was never given in writing.
The start was postponed until 3.30 a.m. on Jan 19th. During the interval 68 sick men were evacuated to the civilian Slag at Kreigberg, and, we believe were later taken to Stalag 344 at Lansdorf.
Each man was provided with two and a half days marching rations, before leaving. When the march began on Jan 19th no transport was provided for any sick who might have fallen out on the march, and the only medical equipment carried, was that carried by the M.O. and three sanitators on their backs.
DETAILS OF MARCH.
Jan 19th. Left Bankau and marched to Winterfeld, a distance of 28 Km’s. This was done under extremely trying weather conditions and severe cold. The only accommodation at Winterfeld was small barns.
Jan 20th. Marched from Winterfeld to Karlsruhe arriving at 10 a.m. We set off at 5 a.m. and marched a distance of 12 Kms. At Karlsruhe, we were housed in an abandoned brick factory. Here for the first time we were provided with 2 field kitchens with which to cook for 1,550 men. Each kitchen was actually capable of cooking food for 200 men. The M.O. was also provided with a horse and cart for transport of the sick. The cart was big enough to hold 6 sitting cases. Half a cup of coffee (ersatz) per man was provided and after a rest period of 11 hours we were again ordered to move. The Camp Leader and the M.O. protested against further marching until the men were adequately rested and fed. We were told by the German Abwehr Officer that it was an order, and must be complied with. The same night we left Karlsruhe and marched to Schonfeld, arriving at 9 a.m. on Jan 21st, covering a distance of 42 Kms. The conditions during the night were extreme, the temperature being -13 degrees centigrade. The M.O.’s wagon was filled after the first 5 Kms, and from then onwards men were being picked up on the road sides in a collapsed and frozen state, and it was only by sheer will power that they were able to finish the march. After crossing the River Oder, a distance of 34 Kms, from Karlsruhe. We were told that we would be accommodated, and that no move would be made for 2 days.
Jan 21st. At Schonfeld we were accommodated in the cow sheds and barns of a farm. A room was provided at Lassen for the sick. Rations issued were about 100 grams of biscuits per man, and half a cup of coffee.
Jan 22nd. At 3 a.m. orders were given by the Germans to prepare to march off at once. It was dark and there was some delay in getting the men out from their sleeping quarters, because they could not find their baggage. The guards were thereupon marched into the quarters and discharged their firearms. The column was marching again by 5 a.m. 23 men, it was ascertained at this stage, were lost, and their whereabouts are unknown. They may have been left behind asleep, or they may have escaped. Also 31 men were evacuated (we believe) to Lamsdorf, but nothing further has been heard of them. We marched to Jenkwitz, a distance of 24 Kms and were housed at a farm in barns. Here we were issued with a total of 114 kms of fat, 46 tins of meat barley, and peas. Soup was issued, the ration being about a quarter of a litre per man. No bread was issued.
Jan 23rd. Left Jenkwitz at 8 a.m. and marched to Wassen. 20 kms.
Jan 24th. We were rested a day at Wassen, sleeping in barns. The revier was in a cowshed. 31 sick were evacuated to Sagan. 400 loaves of bread issued.
Jan 25th. Left Wassen at 4 a.m. for Heidersdorf and covered 30 Kms.
Jan 26th. Spent the day at Heidersdorf. Issued with 600 loaves of bread, to last for two days.
Jan 27th. Left Heidersdorf and marched 19 kms to Pfaffendorf, where we arrived at night.
Jan 28th. Left Pfaffendorf for Standorf at 5 a.m. and marched a distance of 21 Kms. Issued with 24 cartons knackebrot, 150 kgms oats, 45 kgms margarine and 50 kgms of sugar. 22 sick were evacuated at Schweidnitz, and eventually reached Sagan.
Jan 29th. Left Standorf at 6 p.m. and marched to Peterwitz a distance of 22 kms, where we arrived at 4 a.m. the following day. This march was carried out in darkness under extreme conditions. With a blizzard blowing the whole time. The men arrived at Peterwitz in an utterly exhausted condition. Before leaving Standorf we were promised that we would have to march no further as transport would be supplied at Peterwitz. 104 kgms of meat were issued, 1 sack of salt, 25 kgms of coffee, and 100 kgms barley.
Jan 30th. At Peterwitz, 30 men from Stalag 344, who had been left without guards joined our column. 296 loaves of bread were issued, 50 kgms oats and 35.5 kgms of margarine.
Jan 31st. We spent this day at Peterwitz. We were told we would have to march to Goldberg before we got transport. 300 kgms of oats were issued, 50 kgms coffee and 40 Kgms of margarine.
Feb 1st. Marched from Peterwitz to Pransvitz, a distance of 12 Kms. We remained at Pransvitz form Feb 1st to the 5th. On Feb 1st we were issued with 680 loaves of bread and 37.5 Kgms of margarine. On Feb 3rd we were issued with 112.5 kgms of margarine, 250 loaves, 100 kgms sugar, 200 Kgms of flour and 150 kgms barley. On Feb 4th the issue was 250 loaves.
At night on Feb 4th the German Commandant (Oberst Leutenant Behr) visited the farm and read out an order from O.K.W. to the effect that 5 men were to be released, and would be liberated at the first opportunity. The reason for this we could not understand.
Feb 5th. Before leaving we were issued with 500 loaves of bread, 95 kgms of margarine and 530 tins of meat. We were marched from Pransvitz to Goldberg a distance of 8 kms. On arrival at Goldberg we were put into cattle trucks 55 men to a truck. By this time there were numerous cases of dysentery and facilities for men to attend to personal hygiene were inadequate. The majority had no water on the train for two days. When men were allowed out of the trucks to relieve themselves, the guards ordered them back inside again, and we had to be continually getting permission for them to be allowed out. We were on the train from the morning of the 5th Feb to the morning of the 8th Feb. Before commencing this journey we were issued with 1/3 of a loaf to last for 2 days.
The total distance marched was 240 kms.
SUMMARY
As a result of the march and the deplorable conditions, the morale of the men is extremely low. They are suffering from an extreme degree of malnutrition, and, at present, an outbreak of dysentery. There are numerous cases of frostbite, and other minor ailments. They are quite unfit for any further moving. Food and better conditions are urgently required. We left Bankau with no Red X supplies, and throughout the march all rations were short issued. The most outstanding being bread. Which amounts to 2,924 loaves.
There is a map of the route taken on the last page.
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