Work Camp 47 GW
Work Camp 47 GW |
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Location: Niklasdorf
Type of work: Paper Mill
Man of Confidence: Pte John Paull
Number of Men: 67
Forename |
Surname |
Rank |
Unit |
POW |
Comments |
| John Dennis | Berry | L/Cpl | RE | 1790 | Coventry; also 924/GW |
| Ralph L. | Brown | Gnr | RA | 6703 | Gateshead; Italy POW |
| Robert John (Bob) | Buchan | Pte | 2/1 Inf. Bn. | 3329 | Australia; also 11041/GW, 10084/GW |
| Francis (Porky) | Colbridge | Pte | RASC | 1027 | Hull; transf'd to Stalag 383 |
| Ernest | Darvill | Gnr | RA | 6841 | London |
| Lawrence | Hannan | Pte | Bk Watch | 6694 | |
| Albert Wesley (Snowy) | Hellyer | Pte | 2/5 Inf. Bn. | 3840 | also 11041/GW |
| David Walter | Hooker | Pte | R Sussex | 6949 | |
| William | Ion | L/Cpl | RE | 2043 | also 924/GW |
| Arthur Rollo | Jack | Pte | RASC | 6941 | |
| John A. | Paull | Pte | 2/11 Inf. Bn. | 3658 | MOC 5/43 |
| Reginald William | Russell | L/Cpl | Welch | 3295 | Swansea |
| F.H. | Tebb | Pte | RAOC | 1851 | MOC 12/43; also 924/GW |
| Peter | Trodden | Gnr | RA | 5795 | also 1107/L |
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| Taken in front of the Fire Station for the Mill. E. Darvill 4th from left, top row | |
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General Description
There have been a great many improvements in this camp. The men no longer live in the attic but have moved into new barracks; the compound at present comprises two barracks and a washhouse.
Interior arrangement
These are now satisfactory.
Bathing and washing facilities
Adequate.
Toilet facilities
In order.
Food and Cooking
The prisoners take their meals at a canteen belonging to the factory; they say that the food is not as good as it used to be. For the cooking of private food they are provided with small electric ranges but would welcome a large stove in the open. The matter was discussed with the Accompanying Officer who promised to see whether a stove could be built and roofed over.
Medical attention and sickness
The medical attention is in the hands of a German doctor as well as the British Medical Officer Capt. Gunther who comes over from Arbeits-Kommando No. 924/GW, if need arises. There is still a recognised Medical Orderly in this camp.
Clothing
Nearly all the men have two uniforms now but all the same, trousers are badly wanted. Also they stress the need of working overalls. When discussing this point with the Accompanying Officer, he ordered that everything should be done to procure them.
Laundry
The laundry is done by the firm and the prisoners are satisfied with this arrangement.
Money and Pay
In order.
Canteen
The prisoners can buy beer in the camp but have to go to Leoben for shopping though, as everywhere, there is practically nothing to be bought.
Religious activity
Capt. Ledgerwood from Wolfsberg pays regular visits to this camp.
Recreation and exercise
The men are able to play football fairly often; they have a small boxing ring, which can easily be transformed into a stage for theatrical shows, etc.
Mail
Mail arrives very regularly.
Welfare work
In order. The Man of Confidence asks for toothbrushes and towels from the YMCA.
Complaints
None
General impression
Good camp.
Man of Confidence: Pte F.H. Tebb
A new barrack has been added to this camp as the complement has increased by 41 men from Italian captivity. There are now 99 British prisoners of war. The Delegate proposed to have an additional room built for recreation purposes as the space within the barbed wire is insufficient and cannot be enlarged. application for the necessary material will be made to the firm and supported by the military authorities. some minor questions were amicably settled with the local authorities. Good camp.
