PRISONERS OF WAR

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 31, 6 February 1943, Page 6

PRISONERS OF WAR

CONDITION IN CAMPS KHAKI GARMENTS ONLY (P.A.) WELLINGTON, this day. Cabled advice received by the Prisoners of War Inquiry Office states that there are over 1100 officers and privates in camp P.G. 47, which now has a small new concrete barracks and vegetables gardens. * The dormitories for the troops have bunks in two tiers and there are 40 men to a room. There are weekly hot showers and full conveniences." A civilian dentist calls twice weekly and the medical care is of an excellent standard. Parcels arrive regularly, but the report states that medical and invalid parcels are required, and that shoes are not in a good state owing to lack of leather for repairs. The report regarding military hospital 201 in Italy states that it houses over 300 sick and wounded, with five British medical officers and a chaplain. The medical officers are allowed to practice under an Italian medical director. The food is described as abundant, well-cooked and varied. Fish and meat are served daily, and all ranks receive wine. Cabled advice has been received that only khaki-coloured pullovers are now allowed prisoners of war in Italy, and it is also strongly recommended that all scarves, mufflers, gloves and helmets for prisoners in Italian camps should be of khaki wool, but that grey socks will probably be allowed. The Prisoners of War Inquiry Office headquarters on receipt of this advice immediately cabled Geneva requesting that representations be made to the Italian authorities to ensure that parcels already on the way, which include knitted comforts other than khaki, be delivered. The report confirms that prisoners of war whose addresses were formerly Stalag XVIII.D should not be addressed to Stalag XVIIIB. The inquiry office receives a number of inquiries regarding the sending of army hats to prisoners, and a cable iust to hand states that the authorities are doubtful as to the advisability of sending New Zealand hats owing to the liability of their being made unservicebale by creasing when sent in parcels.