Letter FROM Germany  |
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Miscellaneous
Letters Concerning |
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Letter FROM Germany |
| Presented here is a selection of correspondence from and to the Camp Atterbury Internment Camp. Approximately 100 such documents were made available, but only those of interest are shown. In addition, in most cases, those documents detailing names of prisoners are not included. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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HEADQUARTERS 15 June 1944 Subject: Request for
transfer of Prisoner of War 1. It is requested that Prisoner of War, Leo #######, 5WG-150, be transferred to an Anti-Nazi prisoner of war camp. 2. This soldier was born in Italy of Italian parents and served in the Italian Army in 1936. He was inducted into the German Army when the latter occupied the northern part of Italy. He was transferred to this camp from Camp Breckinridge, Kentucky, 12 June 1944, and has been spotted by a number of his previous enemies. His life has been threatened on several occasions. He is addressed by the name of "The Italian" by the German prisoners of war. 3. At present we have this man confined away from the other prisoners of war awaiting transfer to another camp. J. L. Gammel HEADQUARTERS 19 July 1944 Subject: German Navy Prisoners of War To: Provost Marshal
General|, Washington 25, D. C. 1. On 6 July 1944, all German prisoners of war in this camp who had been members of the German Navy were transferred to Camp McCain, Mississippi. 2. On 14 July 1944, this camp received 225 German prisoners of war from the Theater of Operations, one of whom was a member of the German Navy when captured. 3. Information is requested relative to the disposition of this man. For the Commanding
Officer: SECRET HEADQUARTERS 23 August
1944 1. Two prisoners of war in this camp are now in confinement to protect them from possible injury or death at the hands of other German Prisoners of War. Their names and cases as stated are as follows: a. Soldat ####, ######, 5WG-14174. This man if French. He was forced into a labor battalion, and worked in Czechoslovakia for two years. He was then forced into the German Army, where his height and physique were responsible for his assignment to the Elite Guard. After various assignments he was sent to Ansie, and posted as an observer. He surrendered to the first American patrol he saw. Later he willingly told intelligence officers all that he knew about military installations in Europe. He states that he would like to join the Fighting Free French. Upon being brought to this camp, he emphatically stated in the presence of German Prisoners of War that he would not go into the stockade with Germans because they would kill him. His subsequent actions have tended to substantiate these statements, and supporting statements by an American Medical Officer and the Camp Chaplain are attached hereto. b. Soldat ######, ####, 5Wg-14299. This man is a Czech who was forced to work in mines in Silesia for three years, then was imprisoned for one month. He was forced to choose between more drastic punishment and service in the German Army/ He choose the Army, and states that German soldiers killed his mother when she resisted his going. In this camp he has refused to speak to Germans or associate with them, and one night he was cowardly attacked in his sleep and severely beaten. 2. It is requested that these men be transferred to appropriate camps. For the Commanding Officer: Harley N. Beery SECRET OFFICE OF NEUROPSYCHIATRY
SECTION Subject: Transfer of
Subject named PW to Anti-Nazi Group 1. Pvt. ###### ######, Prisoner of War, now a patient in the NP Section is suffering from nervous symptoms of recent duration. Psychiatric study of this prisoner of war reveals that he has developed anxiety symptoms because he has been threatened by the other prisoners of war for expressing anti-Nazi views. This prisoner of war is Alsatian-born and served only three months in the German Army against his will before he was captured. 2. Recommend that subject named prisoner of war #### be transferred to another prisoner of war group which is anti-Nazi, for medical reasons. Herman Selinski SECRET The Case of ####, ######, POW 56967 ###, #####, born La Wantzenau, Alsace, April 1, 1920. A plumber and locksmith by trade. He was forced into a labor battalion on Jan. 28, 1943 and sent to Bruex, Checko-Slovakia to work in a synthetic gasoline refinery. He worked on the average of 60 hours a week; sometimes he worked 24 hours without rest. On Nov. 27, 1943, he was given his choice of entering the German Army or going to a concentration camp. He knew from cases in his town that those going there lasted about six months - being either killed or brutally (murdered) by the personnel in those camps. He choose the Army. On account of his height and good health he was chosen for the SS (Elite Corps) and sent to Checko-Slovakia for basic training. On being questioned as to why he was sent so far for training, when Germany would be nearer, he replied that the induction centers in Germany for he Elite Corps were for those who voluntarily enlisted; others were sent to places outside Germany. He was 3 weeks in Prague for basic training. Then went to Italy. Remained one day there and then sent to Jugo-Slavia to continue training. Three weeks there but the Partisans under Tito made it so hot for them, they were withdrawn and sent to Italy again. This time to Lucca. He was here three weeks to finish his training an then went to Anzio. He was here 13 days' ten days in reserve and three days at a front line observation post. His job was to see if any attacks were being attempted by the Allies. There was one other German soldier with him in that post. At 10:30 p.m. on the night of Feb. 27, 1944 he saw five American soldiers approaching in a line along a road which passed an arm's length from his fox-hole. He could have killed them. In fact one of the soldiers, the firs one, stumbled over his rifle, which was in position over the rim of the foxhole, and didn't realize what it was in the dark. Robert moved purposefully so that he could be noticed by the second American soldier, who leveled his rifle and ordered him to come out and surrender. He awoke his companion and both surrendered. After his first interrogation, about ten days later, an Alsacian officer in the French Army came to the concentration point to question the soldiers who were captured. ####### knew he was from his native region. The officer wanted him to join the Free French and he agreed. He said, "You should come to Naples where the English and Americans are in control; there to be freed and enter the repair department of the Free French Army". Instead he was flown to Algiers, then Gibraltar, then England. Arriving in England, he was put with other Alsacians in barracks, six of them together. He was shown maps of the place in Checko-Slovakia and was asked to tell all he knew. Since he was only a worker he couldn't tell more than what referred to his own work there. An English Captain said to him: "I have received something. I'll see you later. You will go to another camp and speak with French officers." He was sent to another camp (the five other Alsacians, who were in German Army, not SS, were received into the Free French and sent back to the barracks to visit him and were in uniform). As was said above, he was sent to another camp, but there were no French officers there. He was put on board a boat and came to American shores with other PWs. On board, the Germans threatened him with death by being thrown overboard. He stayed out of the way. Once they tried to throw him down a companion way so he kept to his cabin for the whole trip. A Hollander, likewise impressed into the German Army and made to serve in the Army, taken prisoner and on board the same boat, slashed his wrists in an attempt at suicide because he feared the treatment he would receive from the German prisoners. Since his arrival here at Camp Atterbury, he has been in confinement for his own security and at his own request. Psychologically, the confinement is working on #### ######. The frustration of his efforts to stay out of German Servitude, the promise of service in the Free French Forces, the disappointment because of his rejection owing to his being found in the SS of the German Army (against his will) and his close confinement here are all working on his mind so that he is in a state of nervousness. He seems truthful, having given all details with names and dates, whether they forked for or against him. The suspicion of disloyalty to the Allied cause (because he was found in the SS is only a suspicion.) His lack of reserve in telling his story, the short time he was in the SS, his surrender without necessity at least counterbalance this suspicion. From the layman's standpoint, something should be done to release #### ###### fro these unfortunate surroundings - and done soon - else a crack-up is going to result. (Statement written by the Camp Chaplain) HEADQUARTERS
ARMY SERVICE FORCES Subject:
Transfer of German Prisoner of War 1. This office has received a request from German Prisoner of War, Mikolaus ########, 31G-2138, presently interned at Prisoner of War Camp, Camp Maxey, Texas, asking that his brother, German prisoner of war, Alphons ##########, 5WG-164, presently interned at Prisoner of War Camp, Camp Atterbury, Indiana, be transferred to Prisoner of War Camp, Camp Maxey, Texas. 2. Because of the close relationship of these prisoners of war, this office approved the request for transfer of German prisoner of war, Alphons #########, 5WG-164, to Prisoner of War Camp, Camp Maxey, Texas, provided this transfer can be accomplished without cost to the United States Government including transportation and meals for the guard personnel. 3. The Commanding General, Eight Service Command, has been requested to communicate with your office in order to complete the necessary arrangements to effect this transfer. 4. Guard personnel required to accomplish this transfer will be furnished by the Eight Service Command. 5. It is requested that German prisoner of war, Alphons #######, 5WG-164, his personal effects and records, be released tot he custody of the Commanding General, Eighth Service Command, in accordance with plans that will be made between your office and the Commanding General, Eighth Service Command. For the Provost Marshal General: Howard W.
Smith, Jr. SECRET 14 November 1944 1. There is confined at this Prisoner of War Camp, 102 German Prisoners of War who were born and educated in Russia. 2. This Camp has at present a total strength of 4,205 Pro-Nazi German Prisoners of War (excepting the Russians). 3. It is urgently recommended that the 102 Russians be transferred to a camp where either nationalities other than German, or Anti0Nazi Germans are confined. 4. Whereas the Russians are excellent workers and have given no trouble, their life int he stockade is that of an isolationist, as neither the Germans or Russians associate with each other socially. As the war progresses favorably for the United States and Russia, this line of demarcation has grown deeper. 5. It is believed that it would be for the best interest of the service to segregate the Russians form the Pro-Nazi Germans of this Camp and send them to a Prisoner of War Camp such as mentioned in Paragraph 3. J. L. Gammel SECRET HEADQUARTERS 6 December 1944 Subject: Transfer of German
Prisoners of War 1. Several German Prisoners of War now interned at this camp have close relatives who are Prisoners of War interned at other camps in the United States, and have requested that they be joined by transfer. Information is requested relative to the policy toward such requests, particularly as to whether the transfers are recommended in general, or made at the discretion of camps concerned, or generally disapproved. 2. If transfers of this type are recommended, information is requested relative to the procedure to be followed by this camp in initiating these transfers. For the Commanding Officer: Harley N. Beery SPMGA
(88) 253.91 To: Commanding General 1. Present policy permits the transfer of German prisoners of war when the relationship of brother and brother or half-brother, or father and son exists, provided: a. The transfer can be accomplished without cost to the United States Government including transportation and meals for the guard personnel. b. The prisoners of war, if noncommissioned officers, are cooperative in all respects, 2. Transfers of this nature cannot be charged against future earnings of any prisoner of war. However, withdrawal of trust funds for this purpose may be accomplished under Section VIII, Prisoner of War Circular No. 7, dated 9 November 1943. 3. For operational reasons, all transfers of this nature require the approval of this office. For the Provost Marshal
General HEADQUARTERS Subject: Transfer of
Disabled German Prisoners of War 1. There are 51 German PWs in this camp who have been disabled by illness or injury to such an extent that they are incapable of doing a full days work. Authority is requested to transfer these men from this work camp to a camp designated to accommodate such personnel. 2. In addition, there are 28 German PWs in this camp who have been examined for repatriation, found ineligible for repatriation at this time, and ordered held for further treatment and later examination. Information is requested relative to the possibility of transferring these men form this camp, where full use of labor is a primary interest, to a camp where labor is secondary and the care, treatment and possible repatriation of prisoners of war is a matter of routine. For the Commanding Officer SPMGO (27) 253.91 Army Service Forces,
PMGO, Washington 25, D. C., 1. It is requested that you transfer, under guard, as soon as practicable, the twenty-eight (28) German prisoners of war referred to in paragraph two of basic communication, their personal effects and records, to the custody of the Commanding General, Fourth Service Command, at Prisoner of War General Hospital No. 2, Camp Forrest, Tennessee 2. The Commanding General, Fourth Service Command, has been informed of this transfer and it is requested that you inform him, in advance, the approximate date and time of arrival of these prisoners of war at destination. 3. It is requested further that this office be informed names, ranks and serial numbers of prisoners of war transferred and date of completed transfer. For the Provost Marshal General Howard W. Smith, Jr. ARMY SERVICE FORCES 1 February 1945 Subject: Potential
Replacements for Units Allied with United Nations, Control Approval
Symbol MGA-58. 1. In accordance with paragraph three (3) of WD, AGO secret letter, File SPX 383.6 (22 Nov 44) OB-S-SPMGA, 28 November 1944. Subject: "Screening of German Prisoners of War of Polish, French, Czechoslovakian, Belgian and Luxembourg Origin," roster for the following camp covering subject Potential Replacements, Control Approval Symbol MGA-58, is attached" Prisoner of War Camp, Camp Atterbury 2. Negative reports for this period are submitted from the following named camps: Prisoner of War Camp,
Fort Knox, Kentucky For the Commanding General: D. M. McLeod SECRET - IMMEDIATE ACTION SPMGO (27) 383.6 21 August 1945 Subject: Screening of German Prisoners
of War of Polish Origin 1. Records in the Office of the Provost Marshal General indicate that German prisoner of war of Polish origin, Robert Baumann, 81G-271360, is presently interned at Prisoner of War Camp, Camp Atterbury, Indiana. 2. It is requested that the above-named prisoner of war be included in the screening program presently being conducted in accordance with secret letter SPX 383.6 (22 Nov 44) OB-S-SPMGA, 28 November 1944, subject, "Screening of German Prisoners of War of Polish, French, Czechoslovakian, Belgian and Luxembourg Origin." BY COMMAND OF LIEUTENANT GENERAL LUTES Clifford S. Urwiller SECRET - IMMEDIATE
ACTION SPMGO (50) 255.91 IMMEDIATE ACTION Subject: Transfer of German Prisoners
of War 1. This will confirm telephone conversation between Colonel McLeod, your headquarters, and Lieutenant Ferris, Office of the Provost Marshal General, concerning the transfer of four hundred (400) German able-bodied prisoners of war. The prisoners of war to be transferred may either be enlisted men or non-commissioned officers who have signed for unrestricted labor for the duration of their captivity. 2. The Commanding General, Fourth Service Command, has been requested to transfer, under guard, the four hundred (400) prisoners of war referred to above, their personal effects and records, from that service command, to your custody at Prisoner of War Camp, Camp Atterbury, Indiana. 3. This transfer is to be completed on or before 5 September 1945. 4. Direct communication is authorized in order that you may communicate with the Commanding General, Fourth Service Command, concerning the details of this transfer. 5. It is requested that, upon arrival of these prisoners of war at destination, you accept custody from the Commanding General, Fourth Service Command, and intern them at Prisoner of War Camp, Camp Atterbury, Indiana. BY COMMAND OF GENERAL SOMERVELL: A. FG. Tollefson ARMY SERVICE FORCES 9 October 1945 Subject: Transfer of German Prisoners
of War 1. The following named German Prisoners of war (Escapees) now in custody of the chief of police, Bloomington, Indiana, have been transferred to your command per telephonic instructions received from Headquarters, 3rd SvC, Baltimore, Md: Eichhorn,
Rolf
A-850808 Uffz. 2. All records pertaining to these prisoners eill be sent to your headquarters and all clothing and equipment belonging to these prisoners will be turned in at this station and credit will be given on their WD AGO Form No. 32. 3. Personal effects of these prisoners will be shipped by express COD and it is requested tht the prisoners pay this cost by a trust fund withdrawal or turn in canteen coupons at their new station. 4. Request this station be notified as to name and address of the prisoner of war camp these prisoners of war are transferred to in order that the personal effects may be shipped to them. James L. Wilson SPVID 253.91 (9 Oct 45) 1. The prisoners of war named herein, Rolf Eichhorm, A-850808 and Rolf Richter, A-858661, are being transferred to prisoner of war camp, Camp Atterbury, Indiana, pursuant to your TWX 090226Z. 2. Information is requested as to whether the procedure mentioned in paragraph 3 of basic communication is authorized. D. M. McLeod ARMY SERVICE FORCES 30 October 1945 Subject: Citizenship of German
Prisoners of War 1. Since the defeat of Germany there has been a continuing tendency on the part of the individual German Prisoners of War to claim citizenship other than German. The claims can neither be proved or disproved at this camp, and since the status of these men may be a delicate problem between the nations involved, it is believed expedient to report the cases as they arise for disposition. 2. Accordingly, a statement by the German Camp Leader, which lists men who claim Swiss citizenship, is attached hereto. 3. Instructions regarding disposition are requested. Harley M. Berry 22 October 1945 SUBJECT: Prisoners of War Claiming
Swiss Citizenship The following is a roster of Prisoners of War at this station claiming Swiss Citizenship or Swiss origin:
/s/ Willi Axmann PW Cp Atterbury Dt. #2 To: Commanding Officer I hereby report to the American Headquarters that I was born in Russia and that I am not of German nationality. I did not report this fact until this date in a kind of self-defense, as I know that, on my return to Russia, I would "disappear", as my father did in 1937, i.e., I would be executed for having been a German officer. I disapprove of the totalitarian system of the Soviets. I wish to inform the American Authority about this fact and about my intention to acquire the American citizenship. SPMGO (50) 383.6 To: CG, Fifth SvC, Columbus 18, Ohio 1. Reference is made to paragraph three of basic communication. 2. The Combined Chiefs of Staff recently decided that the neutrals who served in the German Army will be treated as Germans. Therefore, the prisoners of war named in enclosure one are hereafter to be considered German Prisoners of War, and it is suggested that an appropriate notation to that effect be entered in the 201 file of each prisoner concerned. BY COMMAND OF GENERAL SOMERVELL |