Prisoners of war bulletin Vol. 1 #6 November 1943

12

VOL. 1,

Mail for Far East

A cable received from the In-
ternational Red Cross Committee,
Geneva, late in August trans-
mitted new mail regulations by the
Japanese government for prison-
ers of war held by Japan, to take
effect "after the present communi-
cation has been received."

The most specific regulation
now advised is that letters must
not be more than 25 words in
length. The request made pre-
viously that letters be typewritten
or printed is now established as a
regulation, with the printing to
be "in capital letters clearly leg-
ible." Letters not complying with
these regulations, or those which
are not correctly addressed, it is
stated, will not be forwarded by
the Japanese military authorities.
An endeavor will be made to have
the Japanese government liberal-
ize this ruling, but it should be
observed pending further instruc-
tions.

The cable also stresses that "let-
ters to prisoners of war must con-
tain only personal or family news,
and that they must positively not
contain any military or political
information or opinions."

Mail to civilian internees held
in Japan or "overseas Japanese
territories" is not restricted to 25
words in length, and it is not ex-
plicitly required that such mail be
typewritten or written in capital
letters.

^xJUrndtA, pwnL ,£sJtJtsiAA,

From an American gunner cap-
tured at Corregidor and now in
Philippine Military Prison Camp No.
1: "I am uninjured and in fair health.
See that all my friends are informed
that I am O.K."

A British prisoner, writing from
Oflag IX A/H, said: "We are all
very up to date in news as some
Americans have arrived here from
Tunisia. Another 100 arrived today
-very good chaps, very cheerful, full
of admiration for our Navy and the
8 th Army,"

From Oflag XXI B, Germany, a
prisoner writes: "I spent this after-
noon scrubbing out the church, and
certainly feel glad now that it's so
small."

A wounded American prisoner
wrote (on July 3, 1943) from the
military hospital at Naples, Italy:
"I'm still in the hospital and getting
along swell. It won't be long before
I will be out of the cast. Hope every-

thing is O. K. at home, a:
anxiously awaiting news fro:
Most of my time is spent r(
playing cards, chess, etc., so tl
are flying by. We received a
from the Red Cross which
nice."

From an American aviator at
Luft III, Germany: "I am fi
keeping pretty busy. I had i
ture taken the other day and
them should be sent to you.
you haven't already sent me a
clothes, you don't have to. Th
Cross gave me . . . Some of t
get food parcels from the
Don't think I'm going j
though. ... I was on four con
and three islands within six
Not bad, huh? Hope all are fir

Also from Stalag Luft III an
ican sergeant writes: "Arriv(
by parachute. All my crew an
Thompson, Franklin, and
others are with me. Tell Jo
wish anybody 'luck' any more.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

The names and addresses of the nearest relatives of American prisoners
war and civilian internees, to whom this Bulletin is sent, were furnished to
Red Cross by the Prisoners of War Information Bureau of the Provost Marsl
General's Office. To enable us to keep the mailing list up to date, we must rely
our readers to advise us of any change of address. Please inform your Red Cn
chapter whenever you change your address and, in doing so, give the prisone
name; his serial or service number; the name of the country in which he is he
as well as the camp address (if known); and the name, and new and old address of
next of kin. In the case of civilian internees, please give the name of the internee-
country and camp (if known) in which he or she is held; and the name and 'ni
and old address of the next of kin.

Prisoners of War Bulletin

Published by

The American National Red Cross
Washington 13, D. C.

Sec. 562 P. L.

U. S. POSTAd
PAID

Washington, D
Permit No. 84

Return Postage Guaranteed

Librarian

University of feacas Library

Austin Texas

Postmaster — If addressee has removed and new
address is known, notify sender on FORM 3547,
postage for which is guaranteed.

/V

0'^^

$

a:

^

3"f

+

THE UNIVERSITY
OF TEXAS

NOV 2 2 1943

THE LIBRARY

RISONERS OF WAR BULLETIN

lished by the American National Red Cross for the Relatives of American Prisoners of War and Civilian Internees

1, NO. 6

WASHINGTON, D. C.

NOVEMBER 1943

Prisoner of War Camps in Japan — Osaka

There is now a substantial number
prisoner of war camps on the
ipanese mainland (the island of
onshu) adjacent to the northern
ores o£ the Inland Sea. Nine of
tese are designated as Camp Osaka,
ter the principal camp which is in
le large industrial city of that name.
he other eight, which are divisional
imps, are situated in, or near, towns
ong the coast west of Osaka; but
ley all have the common address,
amp Osaka.

At the time of an International
ed Cross Committee Delegate's
sit in March 1943, there were sev-
al hundred Americans in the prin-
pal camp and at two divisional
imps in Kobe and Hirohata, which
near Himeji. These men, mostly
oncommissioned officers and en-
ted men, came from the Philip-
nes and the Zentsuji Camp. The
rst arrivals reached Camp Osaka in
le fall of 1942, shortly after the
raps were opened. Lately, increas-
g numbers are reported to have
rived from Zentsuji, Shanghai, and
le Philippine Islands, so that the
'tal number of Americans there in
wgust appeared to exceed 1,000.
ritish and Dutch prisoners make
P the population of the six other
^visional camps. While new arrivals
[ Osaka from Shanghai, the Philip-
'iies, and Zentsuji have been nu-
merous in recent months, reports
\ve also been received of American
risoners— mainly officers— being sent
*ck to Zentsuji from Osaka. It might
"nferred from this that the en-
^fpd men transferred back to Zent-
^ji were unsuited for the labor
'quired of them at Osaka.
^11 the camps are of new construc-
'"ii except the Kobe divisional

By John Cotton

camp. They are enclosed with plank
boards about 10 feet high. Wooden
barracks are standardized with minor
deviations in interior arrangements.
Double-decker bunks stretch the
entire length of the barracks, with
lower bunks 16 inches above the
ground. Rice straw mattresses are
used over a layer of straw in the
bunks. Each prisoner has a pillow
and five thin blankets. Officers' quar-
ters are somewhat better, separate
cubicles being allotted to them. The
camps are reported to be clean, tidy,
and free from vermin. They are elec-
trically lighted and so'me stoves pro-
vided heat during last January and
February.

The food, prepared by army cooks
among the prisoners, consists of

bread, rice, barley, fish, vegetables,
potatoes, some fruit, salt, sugar, a
small amount of meat, and some
margarine from time to time. Sick
prisoners receive some milk. Al-
though the nutritive value of the
food is said to be 3,000 calories a
day, the prisoners reported to the
International Red Cross Committee
Delegate in March that the majority
were still losing weight.

Canteens are operated, but, as in
all Japanese camps, the articles avail-
able for purchase are strictly limited.
Prisoners are able to purchase only
a small number of cigarettes to sup-
plement their monthly ration of
from 150 to 200. Canteens sell sweets,
but each prisoner may purchase only
(Continued on page 10)

Gripsholm Transfer Completed at Mormagao

The Japanese exchange ship, Tela Mam, left Mormagao in
Portuguese India on October 21 carrying the entire cargo of relief
supplies, as well as 3,403 bags of next-of-kin packages and mail
which had been transferred from the Gripsholm for prisoners of
war and civilian internees in the Far East.

The Gripsholm left Mormagao on October 22 with repatriated
Americans and 445 tons of supplies for Japanese war prisoners
and internees in United Nations countries. She is scheduled to
reach New York on December 2. Also on board are five Ameri-
can Red Gross nurses and a Red Gross worker, who are helping
to take care of the returning civilians. Gonsiderable quantities
of warm clothing, magazines, children's games, and other supplies
were sent out on the Gripsholm in order to care for the needs of
the returning civilians.

VOL. 1,

Notes on Prison Camps

Shanghai

The prisoner of war camp at
Shanghai has been visited several
times by Mr. E. Egle, International
Red Cross Committee Delegate sta-
tioned in Shanghai. His latest report
received states that "generally speak-
ing, the camp was in the same condi-
tion as on my previous visit, and had
indeed on many points been im-
proved. I have every reason to be-
lieve that the same satisfactory condi-
tions will continue to* exist." The
new location of the camp is a little
nearer to Shanghai, at some distance
from the Kiangwan-Tazang road. It
can be reached from Shanghai in
about ly^ hours.

At the time of the above visit, the
prisoners were receiving a reasonable
amount of beef a day, with chicken
as an occasional substitute. Fresh
eggs were also served in limited
amount, the camp's farm having an
increasing number of chickens which
were then producing about 120 eggs a
day. In regard to eggs, preference was
given to sick prisoners and to those
who, for other reasons, needed spe-
cial food.

The prisoners were allowed to re-
ceive 10 yen (about $2.40 at the pre-
war rate) per man per month, which
is enough to buy at the canteen addi-
tional items such as cigarettes and
milk. Funds sent to Mr. Egle through
the I.R.C.C., to which reference has
been made in previous issues of this
Bulletin, are used for the purchase
in Shanghai of food, soap, toilet ar-
ticles, and miscellaneous supplies
which are delivered to the camp for
the prisoners' use. Many families in
the United States have received dur-
ing recent months, and sent to us for
publication, letters from American
prisoners in Shanghai describing last
year's Christmas festivities which
were made possible by the arrival of
Red Cross parcels and the purchase
of supplies locally.

The prisoners in this camp, in-
cluding those from the United States
Marine Corps, appeared to be suffi-
ciently supplied with clothing, foot-
wear, and blankets— mainly from
Japanese stocks— so that the sizes
were "somewhat small." New mod-
ern dental equipment had recently
been installed, and the report added
that "an officer of the USMC is said
to be an exceptionally good dentist
and he was delighted at having all
this equipment and supplies."

Captain Frank C. Tharin, USMC,
writing from Barracks No. 2 at
Shanghai Camp to his family here
about a year ago, stated:

The routine of the camp is to
arise at 6 a.m., when we are in-
spected. At 8 all except the officers
and the sick go out and work on
the farm that has been started
here. At 11:30 the men come in
from the farm for lunch. From
1:30 to 3:30 p.m. more farm work
is done. From 3:30 time is used as
the men please in sports, laundry
washing, etc. Night inspection is
at 10:30 and taps at 11:00. I have
a room with Dr. Kahn of the First
Defense Battalion and all the
Wake Island officers are in the
same barracks. Major Devereux,
Frueler, Kahn and I quite often
play bridge in the evening. We get
three meals a day, sleep on straw
mattresses on a platform, and have
mosquito netting for protection at
night. The Japanese are treating
us as well, I am sure, as any of
their prisoners, and taking into
consideration the difference in
standards, as well as I expect the
Japanese internees are treated in
the U.S. I am in the best of health,
but looking forward to getting
home and having lots of milk and
fruit, which are lacking around
here.

It was learned late in Sej
that the number of prisoners
at this camp had been redi
transfers to Osaka.

Stalag VII A

A Delegate of the inter
Red Cross Committee visite
VII A in July and found it wa
used partly as a transit
American prisoners of wa
Americans there at that tim
bered over 800 noncommis

officers and enhsted men, of; =d Cross Committee Dele

nearly 500 were noncommi
flyers. The aviators .were hoi
two large rooms with triple
beds. The prisoners at Stalag
had permission to write two
and two postal cards per we
up to mid-July, the report s;
Americans there had receive
mail.

Compared with other
camps where American priso
substantial number are held,
tions at Stalag VII A, at the
this visit, could hardly be de
as satisfactory; but insofar
conditions could be impro\
sending in clothing, food
and other supplies from stock:
able in Switzerland, steps
promptly taken to fill the d
cies. Working detachments
ing on Stalag VII A, and to
about 250 American prisoner
assigned, were reported to be
under better conditions tha

jSONERS OF WAR BULLETIN

u at the base camp. They
re engaged in unloading
; 1 r o a d cars, and, al-
g^igh the work was de-
jbed as "hard," the men
je receiving regulation
y and the additional ra-
ps prescribed for those
gaged in heavy work.

Stalag Luft III

fhe senior American of-

gj. at Stalag Luft III, at

time of a recent report

Aq by an International

[g to Geneva, was Colonel

C. Goodrich, USAAF.
jlag Luft III is divided
to four camps— Northern,
uthern. Eastern and
iddle. The Northern
mp, recently completed,
itained about 500 Amer-
ms. The Southern Camp

still under construction
dnot yet occupied. Camp
ddle, where there were
Lir Americans, was used
incipally for those unfit
r service.

Lodgings in the North-
nCamp, the report stated,
excellent — 11 large
nracks, each one housing
jproximately 80 m e n,
divided into small
)oms for 6 to 8 officers.
here were barracks for a
leater, kitchen, and administration.
he report further stated that there
IS an excellent dental office, and the
isoners received pay regularly, that

letic activities and classes were
ell organized, and that discipline
IS severe because of attempts to
scape.

Oflag 64

American officers, mostly captured
^ the North African Campaign early

MAIL FOR FLYERS

Recent cable advices from

I Geneva state that all mail for cap-
•^"H'cl American and British air-
"I'^n in German hands, regardless
of the camp where they are held,
'^ fensored at Stalag Luft III, and
Mm be addressed there. The
"wmljor of the camp where the
, I ■oilmen are actually held, if it is
f j Jther than Stalag Luft III, should
•^f -ddditd in brackets.
J^ext-of-kin parcels, however,
P'lould continue to be addressed
actual camps.
Under Japanese escort, the Shanghai Delegate of the International Red Cross Cotnf^**
visits prisoner of war camps.

First cartoon from Lieut. Leonard E. Hamaker after arrival at

Stalag Luft HI. A second Hamaker cartoon, "Saturday Night

Blues," will appear in our December issue.

in 1943 and sent to Oflag VII B, Oflag
IX A/H, Oflag IX A/Z, and other
German camps were transferred dur-
ing spring and summer of this year
to Oflag 64— formerly known as Oflag
XXI B. Several weeks elapsed before
news of these transfers reached the
United States, and, as stocks of
American Red Cross food packages,
clothing, comfort articles, and to-
bacco were not available at Oflag 64,
supplies were promptly ordered to
the camp, from the Geneva ware-
houses. Because of disrupted trans-
portation and other wartime difficul-
ties these supplies were delayed in
their journey across Germany, and
complaints were received by some
relatives here of insufficient clothing
and food at Oflag 64. The American
spokesman at this camp, however, re-
cently reported the arrival of the sup-
plies from Geneva; and, as was an-
nounced in our October issue, many
American officers at Oflag 64, pend-
ing arrival of these supplies, had
been fitted out with RAF uniforms
from British Red Cross stocks in this
same camp.

Stalag V B

The main camp at Stalag
V B, situated in the moun-
tainous district of southern
Germany, was visited last
May by a Delegate of the
International Red Cross
Committee. It is a large
camp, housing, at the time
of the visit, nearly 20,000
prisoners, comprising sever-
al nationalities, of whom
about 500 were recently ar-
rived American noncom-
missioned officers and en-
listed men. The Americans
occupied two special bar-
racks with "excellent hy-
gfenic installations," the
report stated. It was expect-
ed, however, that these
American prisoners would
shortly be transferred, and
a late report received by
cable states that they are be-
ing moved from Stalag V B
to Stalag II B, in eastern
Germany.

The American com-
pound at Stalag V B was re-
ported to be well stocked
with Red Gross parcels,
with an American spokes-
man ( Sergeant George
Cook) in charge of their
distribution. Pending ar-
rival of clothing supplies
from Geneva, the German
authorities were stated to have
equipped the men with underwear,
pullovers, overcoats, and, where
needed, uniforms. The prisoners
have facilities for the preparation of
food from their own packages, and
coal is provided them for this pur-
pose. They also have their own army
cooks. General conditions at Stalag
V B were reported to be good and
discipline strict.

Greeting Cards

United States censorship regula-
tions do not permit the embellished
type of Christmas, birthday, and
similar greeting cards to leave this
country in prisoner of war mail.
The reason for this is that the Ger-
man and Japanese censors will not
allow them to reach prisoners of war
or civilian internees. A simple greet-
ing card without embellishment,
however, would be accepted by the
United States censorship, and, inso-
far as Germany is concerned, would
probably be delivered.

VOL. 1,

PRISONERS OF WAR BULLETIN

BooL SuqqsAJtiDnA.

By Florence Haxton Bullock

"■'Men Can Go Through Anything — If They
Can Have Boohs To Read ..."

(These reviews were written for the
Prisoners of War Bulletin by a
book reviewer for the "New York
Herald-Tribune." They do not con-
stitute an indorsement on the part of
the American Red Cross of any book
mentioned.)

Prisoners of war, waiting wearily
for the glad day of liberation, need
books—for amusement, for study, and
as a reminder of the America they
love.

The books you send them must be
brand new, must be packed and
mailed by booksellers or publishers.
You must not handle or mark them,
or put in cards or other enclosures.
The outside of the package must
carry the bookseller's name and ad-
dress and a copy of; the following:

I certify that this person, a prisoner
of war, to whom this package is ad-
dressed, is known by me, and to be
at this address.

1 have mailed no parcel of books
to him in 30 days.
I acknowledge this to be true and
correct.
(Signature of sender)

The address on the package must
give rankj name, serial number,
camp, and location.

No postage is necessary.

One 5 lb. package of books may be
sent to each United States prisoner
in Europe every month. Allow 14 lb.
for packaging, 4i/2 lbs. for books. The
weights given here are approximate.

What Books to Send

This list of" suggested books has
been compiled with the help of or-
ganizations experienced in working
with prisoners of war. These are
books the men want. We believe they
have a good chance of going smoothly
through to the camps.

Reprints are featured because they
cost less, weigh less, their worth has
been proved by tiip.e, and they are
less likely to contain censorable mat-
ter than the more recent books. Re-
member, it's not what you send, but
what gets through that counts!

The Forest and the Fort is the new
best seller by Hervey Allen, the au-
thor of Anthony Adverse. It's about
Indians, frontiersmen, and a big hero
called Salathiel. A humdinger of an

historical adventure novel by a man
who knows how to write them. (Far-
rar and Rinehart, New York; 1 lb.;
12.50)

The Valley of Decision by Marcia
Davenport is the story of Pittsburgh
steel, and of a leading family. Love,
steel, de luxe family life, and the rise
of the labor movement combine to
make this big novel an intensely in-
teresting American saga. (Charles
Scribner's Sons, New York; l3^ lb.;
$3)

The Robe by Lloyd C. Douglas is
a reverently thrilling story of the
crucifixion and after. The romantic
young hero is an aristocratic Roman
who embraces the new, cruelly perse-
cuted religion. (Houghton Mifflin
Co., Boston; 1 lb.; $2.75) Other
popular books by Douglas in modern
settings (all were best sellers) : The
Magnificent Obsession (Pocket Books,
Inc., New York; 14 lb.; 25c) and The
Green Light (Grosset and'Dunlap,
New York; 1 lb.; $2.50)

Two very funny, very popular new
books tell of American middle-class
family life: Chicken Every Sunday by
Rosemary Taylor, the merry tale of
life as it was lived with Mother's
boarders in Tucson, Arizona (Whit-
tlesea House, New York; 1 lb.; $2.75)
and Roughly Speaking by Louise
Randall Pierson, the gay autobiog-
raphy of an irrepressible gal born to
purple and fine linen, who was
shortly wearing homespun and over-
alls -and liking it.

The Best of Damon Runyan is a
Pocket Book collection of the writer's
always very masculine, very lively
short stories of the Main Stem.
(Pocket Books, Inc., New York; 14
lb.; 25c)

Jack London's Call of the Wild
(Grosset and Dunlap, New York; 1
lb.; 85c) is the finest dog story of all
time. William McFee's Casuals of
the Sea (Garden City Pub. Inc., New
York; s^ lb.; 95c) is much liked by
men. And Mutiny on the Bounty by
Nordhoff and Hall (Triangle Books,
New York; 14 lb.; 25c) -well, if he
hasn't read that one, don't fail to in-
clude it in your first monthly packet!

Hold Autumn in Your Hand by
George Sessions Perry (Sun Dial
Press, New York; 3^ lb.; $1) tells the
memorable story of a strong, almost
illiterate young man's fight to get a
foothold on the Texas land and bring
up his little family to better things.
I?i Time of Harvest (Macmillan,
New York; 1 lb.; $2.50) by John L.
Sinclair does somewhat the same
thing for the Tod McClungs, "nest-

ers" in the rich New Mexi<
lands.

Other attractive farm ai
novels are The Able McLaug^
Margaret Wilson (GrOsset ar
lap, New York; 34 lb.; 50c)
remember rightly, in Minnesc
Phil Stong's good Iowa farmJ
State Fair (Grosset and Dunlal
York; 34 lb.; 50c)

The chap who isn't a greatl
but enjoys a good, fast-moving|
doors tale will thank you fl
novel by Zane Grey: The Las\
Plainsmen, The Last Trail, Sj
the Border, or for Rex Beach'i
ing Gold, an exciting novel of |
fields, and James- Oliver Cur
River's End. (All Grosset and
lap. New York; 34 lb.; 50c)

For the Literary-Mind

Penguin Book of Sonnets
guin Books, New York; 14 lb.'
The Pocket Book of Verse
Books, Inc., New York; i/^ \h.
250 English and American i
from Chaucer to Carl Sand
and the late Stephen Vincent
narrative poem Western Star
and Rinehart, New York; 3/^ 1
are all good choices for men v
joy poetry.

Isak Dinesen's Winter's T
current best seller, is an er 1
ingly written series of delical
lovely short stories by a great I
writer. (Random House, New
1 lb.; $2.50)

For Men Who Like Mystei

Will Cuppy, who picks
views the mysteries for the Nei
Herald-Tribune comments al
lows:

"These are ones I seemed to
All are $2 except when I say |
and they all weigh about 1 lb."

Murder Down Under, by Art
W. Upheld. Australian popular
thor, same setting. (Crime C
Doubleday, Doran and Co.,
York)

Shudders, by Anthony Abbot
all-out thriller, can be taken asf
or in dead earnest. (Farrar a.ndp
hart, New York)

She Died a Lady, by Carter
son. A very popular author
fairly funny detective. (Morrow,''
New York)

Laura, by Vera Caspary (|2
Billed as a "psychothriller," wh0.
that is. Lots of love. (Houghton
flin Co., Boston)

Next-of-Kin Parcels on the Gripsholm

By Archie W. Johnston

d;Ki

When the mail carried to the Far
East on the diplomatic exchange ship
Gripsholm is distributed, more than
3,000 United States prisoners of war
and civilian internees held by the
Japanese will receive next-of-kin
parcels prepared by the American
Red Grosser: For several months the
Red Cross lias been authorized to act
as next of kin for the very limited
number of United States prisoners
of war in Europe who have no one
officially listed. Consequently, when
an opportunity arose for transporting
supplies to the Far East, the Red
Cross, in cooperation with the War
Department, arranged to extend this
service to our prisoners held by the
Japanese. Included also were the
prisoners whose next of kin, for one
reason or another, had insufficient
time to prepare their parcels.

On the basis of the information at
first available, plans were made to
obtain, for shipment on the Grips-
holm, 830 men's parcels, 296 wo-
men's, and 49 children's, but before
the operation was completed the
number of prisoners of war and civil-
ian internees to whom the Red Cross
was asked by the War Department to
send next-of-kin parcels rose to 2,892
—which was the number actually
loaded on the Gripsholm before she
sailed from Jersey City on September
2. Each of these parcels contained:

4 handkerchiefs

3 hand towels
1 wash cloth

1 comb

12 safety pins

4 cakes of soap

2 toothbrushes

1 4-oz. container of tooth powder

1 chess, checker, and Chinese

checker set

2 pencils
1/^ lb. cheese

14 lb. malted milk
1 lb. prunes
1 lb. raisins
100 army formula vitamin tablets.

In addition, the men's parcels con-
tained:

1 polo shirt

2 prs. socks

1 steel mirror

4 packages of double-edged razor

blades
1 shaving brush
1 stick of shaving cream

1 deck of playing cards
while the women's parcels included:

cleansing tissues

1 steel mirror

1 sewing kit

3 dozen sanitary tampons

1 deck playing cards
14 lb. bouillon cubes

3 packages of dehydrated soup.
To the children's parcels were added:

1 polo shirt

1 set of crayons

14 lb. bouillon cubes

2 packages of chewing gum

3 packages dehydrated soup
child's garment,

selected from Red Cross stocks after
consideration of the age and sex of
the child to whom the parcel was to
be addressed.

The North Atlantic Area Office of
the Red Cross, situated in New York
City, made available all members of
its staff to help in any way possible in
the preparation of the parcels, and a
representative of Prisoner of War
Relief at national headquarters went,
there to supervise the operation.
With the willing and helpful co-
operation of all concerned, including
the Office of Censorship, the War De-
partment, and the Post Office Depart-
ment, the Red Cross was able to com-
plete the work on time, and even to
include in the 2,892 "adopted" pris-
oners and internees several hundred
previously unreported prisoners of
war in the Philippines whose names
were obtained by the War Depart-
ment only a few days before the load-
ing began.

Plane Transportation also Used

After the Gripsholm had started
her voyage, the War Department ob-
tained additional names to whom
next-of-kin parcels should be sent.
More parcels were accordingly pre-
pared on the promise by the War De-
partment that they would be trans-
ported by air to Rio de Janeiro and
Montevideo for loading on the Grips-
holm when she arrived at those ports.
The War Department then provided
the necessary planes, and included
in these last-minute air shipments

were 280 Red Cross next-of-kin par-
cels, approximately 6,500 lbs. of letter
mail and family next-of-kin parcels
which reached the New York Post
Office after the voyage had begun. In
this way all the parcels for Americans
in the Far East made up by the Red
Cross and those which reached the
New York Post Office up to Septem-
ber 16 caught up with the Gripsholm.

Japanese R. C. Actively Interested

We have been advised by the In-
ternational Red Cross Committee
that Prince Shimadzu, Vice President
of the Japanese Red Cross, journeyed
to Singapore on the Teia Maru, the
Japanese vessel which brought Amer-
ican repatriates to Mormagao. Dur-
ing his trip Prince Shimadzu dis-
cussed various pending Red Cross
problems concerning distribution of
Red Cross relief cargoes, with I.R.
C.C. Delegates at Shanghai and
Hong Kong, and with the Japanese
military authorities at Saigon, Ma-
nila, and Singapore. This informa-
tion is encouraging, since '" indicates
the active interest of L ;: Japanese
Red Cross in effecting a prompt dis-
tribution of the l^ge relief cargo
sent on the Gripmolm which will be
carried to Japanese territory by the
Teia Maru on its return voyage from
Mormagao.

Prisoners of War Bulletin in-
vites reprinting of its articles in
whole or in part. Its contents are
not copyrighted.

Camp Life Souvenir

The War Prisoners Aid of the
YMCA has recently sent to the camps
a notebook entitled "War-Time Log"
in sufficient number so that one can
be distributed to every American f*^
prisoner of war and civilian internee |
in Europe. The "log" has a stout
binding and contains several hun- \
dred pages of blank notepaper of
good quality. A note enclosed tells
the prisoners that it is a "special
remembrance from the folks at
home," and that it is "intended to *
be kept as a permanent souvenir of
the present unpleasantness."

In it the prisoner can keep a regu-
lar diary, write stories, make sketches
or caricatures, write poetry, or even
put on paper for later use letters that
could not be mailed now. Many other
possible uses are suggested, all with
the primary object of the "log" serv-
ing as a visible link between the pris-
oner and the people at home.

^..11^ (

7

THE VOYAGE OF THE GRIPSHOLM

for exchange of civilians and shipment of
relief supplies to prisoners in the Far East

[

WHAT THE GRIPSHOLM CARRIED

Food parcels {13 lbs. each) 140,000 Men's heavy coveralls 9;

Drugs and medicines, cases 2,571 Men's shirts H,.

Surgical instruments and dressings, cases 260 Men's trousers, pairs 2,

First aid kits 648 Men's pajamas and underwear, pieces 33,

Multavitamins, bottles 1/830 Women's and children's clothing, pieces 2?/

Toilet and comfort articles, items 282,254 Socks and stockings, pairs 29,

Soap, lbs 28,598 Sweaters 10;

Mosquito netting, yds 7,000 Shoes, pairs 29,

Blankets 10,220 Shoe repair kits (with leather;

Bed sheets 5,000 Sewing kits 32,

Men's overcoats (for northern camps) 3,770 Cotton and woolen material, yds 15

Miscellaneous items including: Y.M.C.A. recreational equipment, cigarettes, tobacco

and pipes; caps, gloves, and handkerchiefs; towels, pencils, and shoe laces.

The Gripshoim also carried a cargo of 12,000 cubic feet of Canadian Red Cross relief suppliy

■i^

VOL. 1, NO. RmicnNERS _QF WAR BULLETIN

(The following letters have been
urnished to the American Red Cross
ly relatives. All prisoner of war mail
s censored by the Detaining Power.)

Stalag Luft III

July 2, 1943
This has to be a joint letter be-
;ause we are allowed to write only
hree letters a month, but can receive
my amount, so hope you will all
vrite. I was shot down over France
)n May 29. Consider myself lucky to
lave escaped injury— only had a sore
aw and leg from the parachute
ump, but all right now. Had some
pretty exciting experiences after my
rapture— can tell you a iktle. Was
laken to Paris, then to our prisoner of
war camp. There are only RAF and
JSAAF officers here and quite a col-
lection too. Six of us Americans are
[iving in an RAF block and the Eng-
lish have been fine to us. Thank God
for the Red Cross— don't know what
we'd do without their food parcels.
Never realized I would be on the re-
ceiving end of that dollar R. C. sub-
5cription, which will be a lot more
when I go home again. Time goes
fairly fast; am kept busy reading. I
was elected chief cook for this room
so it's my job to ration the food and
prepare meals. We have church every
Sunday and the English take turns
preaching— ritual is Church of Eng-
land. Had quite a week-end in Lon-
don in early May— saw the sights-
stayed at the Savoy and we all went
to Westminster Abbey Sunday morn-
ing. Bvit there is no place like home.
If I could only sneak up on the 1 3th
floor for a chocolate sundae! Wish
you could send some dried fruit. My
•sincere regards to you all and don't
forget to write.

Zentsuji War Prison Camp, Japan

November 2, 1942
This is the second time that I've
had a chance to write, and this letter,
the same as the first, must be consid-
ered as being for all of you and
Libby. There has just arrived here in
camp a shipment of Red Cross ma-
terials for prisoners of war. So you
can now feel sure that the Red Cross
is on its toes doing its job. About the
time I made the record for broadcast,
the recording people made records of
one of our Sunday night musical pro-
grams. The officers and men here
have programs every Sunday which
are really good. It's surprising the
amount of talent you find in a crowd

of a little over three hundred men. So
you can see that we do get a little fun
out of life after all. My time during
the day is spent in studying Spanish
and in reviewing French and short-
hand. And I've managed to improve
my bridge game a little. I hope that
all of you are well and working. I'm
still in good health and, as I've said
before, there is no need to worry
about me. (As we have previously
pointed out, Zentsuji is among the
best of the Japanese camps. Ed.)

Oflag 21 B

(now Oflag 64 )
June 30, 1943
I believe it is again time to write
you although I have received no mail
from home yet. I wish I would get
some word as I am quite worried
about you folks. My only desire is
that nothing happens to you while
I'm incarcerated as I shall be abso-
lutely helpless to be of any assistance.
There is no need for anybody to
worry about me as I am treated as
well as could be expected. All the
U. S. officers are together and aside
from squabbles over that extra piece
of bread, we get along together fine.
We were fortunate in being placed
with British officers for a short time
and made many friends among them,
as well as learning a great deal about
"Kriegie" life from them. At this
camp we have established quite a li-
brary and I have been made librar-
ian, a very pleasant job. I am learn-
ing to appreciate good books and
most important how to take care of
them. The British gave us all the
books we have now, and we hope
more will be sent. Our books, mostly
fiction, number about 700 now and
there are at least that many more to
be censored. The Germans provide
us with a public address system and
we can listen to German news and
music. I like their music very much,
not only the classic but the modern
which is reminiscent of Victor Her-
bert and some like our own (Irving
Berlin, Cole Porter, etc.) . Write.

Zentsuji War Prison Camp

January 23, 1943
This is my first opportunity of
writing, other than my radio message
in February 1942 and printed card
after arrival at (censored) . I was ac-
tive in the organization of the 121st
Regiment and in the defense of the
Mountain Province. We had several
encounters with the Japanese but
were forced in May to evacuate Bon-
toc for the higher mountain region
in Ifugao territory. With the earlier

fall of Bataan and Corregidor, orders
were issued by General Wainwright
to cease all hostilities and for the im-
mediate surrender of the forces of
the Mountain Province under Colo '
nel Horan and of General Sharp in
Mindanao. Our surrender was ef-
fected on June 3rd at Talubin near
Bontoc, and consequent internment
in Luzon Prison Camps. Most of my
thoughts are with you folks and I am
anxious for the time when I shall be
back with you.

P. G. 21, Italy

May 1, 1943
Spring is here in full force. Night-
ingales sing outside the window all
night long and olive trees are bright
green. Even the canary in the bunga-
low across the court feels the spirit
and sings in the small hours of the
morning. I'd give all the canaries and
all the nightingales in Italy to hear
one Texas mockingbird outside my
own window back home. We're get-
ting American Red Cross parcels
now and they are excellent. We get
one a week and if they continue at
that rate I will be well satisfied. My
health and spirits are good. Here is
how I occupy my time: During the
day I go to lectures which include
French and English History, Military
History, Literature and Political Eco-
nomics, also Philosophy. Among my
instructors are a number from New
York, a Professor of the Calcutta
University and a teacher from a Scot-
tish University. My philosophy
teacher was a double first at Oxford,
which means he graduated with hon-
ors in two different schools. One
night a week I go to the camp theater
to see a play. Other nights I study,
read or play poker. For exercise I
walk up and down a long drive. On
sunny days I sit outside and read. If
you send me books I'd like antholo-
gies of world prose and poetry and
also of modern prose and poetry, also
any other long books you'd think I
might like. Regina and Westy could
pick those I'd be interested in. Are
you keeping yourself busy and
happy? If you are, then I won't feel
unhappy here.

Stalag VII A

March 10, 1943
Are these letters reaching you? As
yet I have received no letters from
the outside but I expect some any
day now as the Canadian who wrote
some of my letters to you received 6
letters a few days ago. Life is getting
somewhat monotonous. We still play
(Continued on page 12}

QCESTIONS AI\D ANSWERS

jyly son is a prisoner of war in the
vjiilippines and we have heard
nothing from him since his cap-
ture. Do you have a full list of the
names of prisoners there, and
j(;/iy don't you publish reports on
Philippine camps,' the same as
^,oi( have on camps in Taiivan
and Tokyo?

Many prisoners known to have
been captured in the Philippines
have still to be reported by the
Japanese government to the Cen-
tral Agency at Geneva. Capture
cards have recently been received-
here in considerable number
from prisoners of war held by
Tapan, some of whom had not
been previously reported to the
Central Agency. All the efforts
made by the International Red
Cross Committee to obtain com-
plete lists of prisoners held by
Japan have so far beeii unsuccess-
ful.

The reports received and sum-
marized from time to time in this
Bulletin, on camps in Japan,
Formosa (Taiwan) , and occu-
pied China, have been based on
visits by Delegates of the Inter-
national Red Cross Committee
md other responsible authorities
ivho have had access to the camps
reported on. Thus far» however,
the Japanese government has not
permitted the appointment of
I. R. C. C. Delegates in the Phil-
ippine Islands, nor visits to the
camps by any other neutral au-

horities.
Efforts are being continuously

nade to secure the appointment

if [. R. C. C. Delegates to the
i'liilippines.

• ^f\ son has written that he is in
"The Philippine Military Prison
Cmnjj No. 1 ." Can you give me
tlic location of this camp?

I

• Our reports show that this camp
i"; about 100 miles north of Ma-
nila, 4 miles east of Cabanatuan,
in the province of Nueva Ecija,
on the island of Luzon. On the
map published in the August
number of Prisoners of War
Bulletin, it should appear about

half-way between Baguio and
O'Donnell, but slighdy east.

Q. My brother toas shot down
over enemy territory in Europe
and was seen to land by para-
chute. We suppose he is a pris-
oner, but no official notice has
been sent us yet. What are the
possibilities of getting in touch
with himf

A. Your brother's next of kin would
receive official notice of his cap-
ture as soon as the War Depart-
ment received the necessary in-
formation from the International
Red Cross Committee at Geneva.
There is no way of writing to him
until you have his camp address,
which should reach you with the
first or second official notice.

Q. May my son in active service
write to his brother who is a
prisoner of war? If so, may he say
what service and branch he is iri,
and give his rank and service ad-
dress for an answer from the
prison camp?

A. A man in active service may write
to relatives or friends in prison
camps, but if he is outside the
continental United States, his let-
ters should not be sent to the
prisoner direct, but to some rela-
tive or friend in this country to be
readdressed to the prison camp. If
the serviceman is still in the
United States, he may mail his let-
ter direct but it should carry his
home address— not his service ad-
dress—for return address, and it
should not be mailed in an Army
Post Office. In either case, there
should be no mention in the let-
ter of the service address nor even
of the fact that he is in service.
This is required by our own
military censorship.

Q_. I notice in the August issue of the
Bulletin, on the list of contents
of the medicine kit, that no quin-
ine is included. Does this same kit
go to the Far East? If so, is
quinine sent in some other way?

A. Quinine is not included in the
medicine kit because it should be
used onlv on advice of a doctor.

Medicines for the Far East thus
far have been sent in bulk, and
quinine was included in both
Gripsholm shipments. It has also
been purchased in the Far East
with funds sent from this countrv
for prisoner of war relief.

Q. One of my best friends is a naval
officer, now in a Japanese prison
camp. His family gave me his ad-
dress, but they don'} know
whether anyone but the family
may write to him. Can you tell me
whether he would be permitted
to receive a letter from me?

A. There are no restrictions on the
letters that may be delivered to a
prisoner of war, provided they
meet the censorship requirements
of the outgoing and incoming
countries, and that they are cor-
rectly addressed.

Q. We have had only one letter from^
our son who is a prisoner of war
in Germany. This letter was
dated April 16, 1943, and reached
us in June. Do you know why we
have not heard from him since?

A. There may be any one of several
reasons why your son's letters
have not reached you lately. The
first advice of capture is usually
given some special handling, so
that the family will know
promptly that he is safe. It might
have been mailed from a transit
camp, and his transfer to a more
permanent camp, and possible as-
signment to a working detach-
ment, might make it inconven-
ient for him to write again for
several weeks. In wartime mail
trains or boats are subject to long
delays, or they may even be lost
occasionally.

Q. Why do you publish so many let-
ters from Stalag Luft III, instead
of having some from all the
camps?

A. We try to use letters that are of
general interest and contain some
description of camp life. Prob-
ably the main reason we have had
so many more from Stalag Luft
III than from other camps is that
more Americans have been there
for some length of time. It was
one of the first camps to which
American airmen were sent. Some
of our men have now been there
for two years or more, so they
doubtless know better what the
people at home want to hear.

10

VOL. 1.

Si

pi

la
dc
St;
to
in
If
flo
yo
Srir
foi

Ze

ha(
the
ere
Lil
can
ter]
car
is
tim
the
one
gra:
hav
are
am(

PRISONER OF WAR CAMPS IN
JAPAN-OSAKA

(Continued from page 1)
a few cents' worth each month. The
Delegate, however, reports that this
ration of sweets is greater than that
of Japanese soldiers. A few toilet
articles, stationery, and sports ar-
ticles also aix on sale at local prices.
Clothing and footwear, at the time
of the visit, w^ere being provided by
the Japanese army. At the principal
camp in Osaka there is a shoe repair
shop with fonr cobblers, and there is
also one sewing machine available
for repairing of clothes.

Toilet and bathing facilities ap-
pear to be primitive but adequate.
Open washstands are used with run-
ning water. Japanese-style latrines
are separated from the camp. In the
principal camp there are 36 cold
water faucets, 24 showers, and 2
baths. Cold showers may be taken
regularly; hot baths are permitted
once or twice a week.

The report on health conditions
reveals a considerable amount of sick-
ness, but the indications are that that
situation is improving. Four Japa-
nese army surgeons, two civilian doc-
tors, and medical orderlies visit the
camps two or three times a week and
there is a prisoner surgeon in each
camp. Since dental facilities are not
provided in the camps, when per-
mitted, prisoners are obliged to visit
civilian dentists in the nearby towns.
Each camp has a good infirmary
with heating provided by braziers.
All serious cases of illness are treated
in adjacent military hospitals. How-
ever, a statement that the chief army
surgeon at Camp Osaka had re-
quested vitamin tablets and medi-
cines such as sulfapyridine, calcium,
bismuth, aspirin, dressings, and gauze
for mouth and nose masks suggests
that the doctors are probably work-
ing under handicaps.

Religious activities in the camps
appear to be limited, but visits by
outside missionaries are said to be
encouraged.

Privates and noncommissioned of-
ficers are required to work with pay
ranging from 10 to 35 sen ($.025 to
|.09) a day. The men are working in
shipyards, ironworks, oil factories,
and as stevedores and dock workers.
Including the journey to and from
work, the men work eight hours a
day, six days a week, with Sundays
free. Working conditions are said to
be fair.

Recreational activities consist of
some outdoor sports such as football

and deck tennis. Some camps have
ping-pong sets. Reading matter is
scanty. English editions of Japanese
daily papers are delivered to the
camps, but with much delay. The
Delegate reported that at the time
of his visit playing cards had Ijeen
temporarily removed as a result of
reported gambling in Taiwan camps.
The Delegate said officers were al-
lowed to send 5 letters a year, non-
coms 4, and privates 3. A few prison-
ers had received mail and packages.
All camps had received some Red
Cross parcels, while prisoners from
Hong Kong and Singapore reported
receiving Red Cross parcels at their
former camps.

Camp Locations

The principal camp is located
near the Osaka docks and covers an
area of almost one acre. Buildings
occupy a litde less than one-half the
area. In addition, prisoners are per-
mitted to use an adjoining play-
ground for sports.

The Delegate reports a small li-
brary including a Bible and weekly

ADDITIONS TO MAILING
LIST

Many relatives of Americans
presumed to have been captured
this year in North Africa and
Europe have asked, directly or
through Red Cross chapters, to be
sent the Prisoners of War Bul-
letin. In every case, in order
to avoid delay, we have added
their names immediately to our
Red Cross mailing list and have
also sent them the back numbers
of the publication. However, the
names of all U. S. servicemen re-
ported as captured in African and
European operations have been,
or will be, added to the War De-
partment's list of prisoners of war,
and this is the list used for mail-
ing copies of the Bulletin to
the next of kin of prisoners held
in Europe. It is therefore probable
that many names now appear on
both the Red Cross and the War
Department mailing lists, with
the result that next of kin are re-
ceiving two copies of each issue.
It would accordingly be appre-
ciated if relatives receiving two
copies would notify national head-
quarters, American Red Cross,
preferably through their local
chapter, so that duplication can
be avoided.

editions of local newspapers,
prisoners are anxious for morej
and also for more recreations
ties. One British prisoned
plained that leisure hours were^
up by mustering and mendiiu^'.
Capture cards have recently
received here from prisons'
Yodogawa Bunsho and Umed|
sho. "Bunsho" is the Japanese
for Branch. "Yodogawa'"
name of a district adjoining tl
of the same name flowing tt
Osaka, and "Umeda" is the n^
a district near the Osaka railrc
tion. It is not clear whether
two camps should be conside
part of the principal camp at
or whether they are separate c^

Kobe Divisional Camj

The Kobe divisional cam[
uated in a four-story brick bul
formerly a warehouse, in ihf
ness district of Kobe (one of Ja
largest seaports) a few miles \ves|
Osaka. The total camp area
than one-half an acre, mostly
pied by the camp building.-
ever, an adjacent municipj '
tion ground is available for the [
oners' use.

At this camp the men compi|
of a lack of underwear. A
were sick at the time of the]
gate's visit, mostly with diet-de
cy diseases, stomach disorder
fluenza, and pneumonia.

Hirohata Divisional Cai

.RlSON

ERS OF WAR BULLETIN

.^,

Ameru-an ....,.„. at Stalag Luft ILL The wooden shoes worn by these flyers were

iZed by the German authorities. Many prisoners are said to prefer wooden to leather

shoes for winter wear.

American veterans

^xiAodJu ^m. i^sdhhA.

and the Red Cross is doing a good
job in helping us boys."

From Zentsuji War Prison Camp,
an American officer wrote in Feb-
ruary: "Our forces surrendered in
Bataan, you remember, in April 1942,
and we remained in the Philippines
quite a while before coming here,
and feel that here health conditions
will be better."

From Stalag VII A: "Do not be-
lieve a lot of things you hear about
prison camps. They treat us well.
Anything you want to know about,
go to the Red Cross. We get a food
parcel every week from them. Please
send me some packed meat. I get
plenty of starchy food." ^

{The Red Cross parcels and cloth-
ing delivered to American prisoners
of war are paid for by the branch of
the Service to which they belong. Ed.)

From an American aviator in a
German camp: "To date I have re-
ceived 50 letters from you, all com-
ing through. Even the large studio
photos you sent arrived. I know of
only one other prisoner here who has
received large photos."

The Hirohata
camp is situated

divisional
about five
froni Himeji, a city of 62,000 pi
located 34 miles northwest of
The camp is near the Inland Si
dry alluvial ground, surrounde
fertile fields. The total camp ai
about one-half acre, most of ^
is covered by six wooden fram(
racks

The Delegate reported the 1
ings were well ventilated with

From Stalag III B: "I don't want
u to worry as I am well treated and
t enough to eat. We have plenty of
m to exercise in and for playing
mes; but it will be the happiest
ay when I get my first letter from
u. I pray every night that this will
e over soon."

ing available in the evening
tions appear to be better in this

is larger and the canteen is
supplied. Also walks in the co
are permitted on Sundays. By
large, it seems that this camp
others situated in country distrii
better than camps located in or
large industrial cities

'camps" in industrial areas
to be merely barracks or buil
used for housing prisoners of
rather than encampments. Ed.)

From an American fighter pilot in
lag Luft III, dated June 9: "As our
ening meal has appeared before
le since I decided to write this letter,
11 tell you what we have had to-
Corned beef, fried potatoes
d pudding. This is an average eve-
ng meal based on the contents of
ed Cross parcels. For lunch we gen-
ally have 'Reich Soup' made from
liydrated turnips, beans, or peas.

than at the others. The food si ^^ breakfast we have bread and cof

So while we have enough for the
esent, we will some day appreciate
^ and eggs, or hamburger and
°sh vegetables. I am studying phil-

phy, as well as German. Now I am
ading Lin Yutang's The Impor-
^ce of Living. This is an important

(Note: Many of the Jap bject for indefinitely confined

isoners of war."

prom Osaka Prison Camp No. 1,
Kd March 4, 1943: "We have been

permitted to write an 80-word letter,
so don't be disappointed. I have re-
ceived one letter from you and one
from Ed which were very much ap-
preciated. 1 am in good health and
am working. 1 am looking forward
when the war will be over so I can
see you all again."

From Stalag -VII A: "I was cap-
tured in Tunisia on February 17.
Since that time I have endured many
things seemingly impossible. My
treatment here is very good; food is
fairly plentiful; the scenery is nice,

CAN OPENERS

Letters from American prisoners of
war to their families occasionally ask
for can openers to be included in
next-of-kin packages. Every fourth
package now being made up in the
Red Cross Packaging Centers at Phil-
adelphia, New York, Chicago, and St.
Louis contains a small can opener so
that in due course a regular and
ample supply will be reaching the
European camps. Can openers were
also included in the special Far East
food packages shipped on the present
voyage of the Gripsholm.

From Shanghai War Prisoners'
Camp (Barracks 4, Section 5) : "Your
letter was most welcome. As far as I
am able to ascertain we are being
held as prisoners of war and not eli-
gible for repatriation. Therefore,
with a lot of luck, I'll see you some-
time after the war's end. We have
received packages from both the
American and Canadian Red Cross
which have helped our physical con-
dition considerably. If ppssible, en-
close photos when you write."

An American prisoner (serving
with the British Eighth Army) who
was exchanged by the Italians, and is
again on active duty with the Field
Ambulance Service after being fitted
with a wooden leg in Cairo, wrote to
his mother from Egypt: "The Red
Cross is doing splendid work here
with clubs and canteens. Hats off to
them on all counts. I dare say 50
percent of all long-term prisoners
will come back due to them alone.
Food, medical equipment, clothing,
morale and supervision are tops."

(This prisoner brought out from
Italy the names and addresses of 300
men who loere in the same camp with
him. He sent the list to his mother
ivho has since written a note of good
cheer to each of the 300 families.)

VOL.

Receipt of Mail

Many readers are keenly interested
in the length of time it takes for let-
ters from prisoners of war to reach
their families in the United States,
and the suggestion has been made
that, whenever a prisoner of war let-
ter is sent for use in this Bulletin,
the recipient should note on it the
date of receipt. If the dispatch and
arrival dates are giyen, we shall be
glad to show them for the benefit of
readers in general.

Cartons for Next-of-Kin
Parcels

As German and Japanese censor-
ship regulations do not permit
printed matter of any kind to be
included in next-of-kin parcels, it
is preferable not to use a carton
container with printing on it— such
as are generally obtainable at the
local grocery store. From time to
time some ten-cent stores carry plain
cartons of suitable size, and it is
safer to use one without any print-
ing on it. Experienced packers rec-
ommend a stout cloth wrapping
around the carton inside the outer
paper cover to which the label is
glued. The cloth cover should be ar-
ranged so it can be easily removed
and retied by the censors. One label
should be on the outside and one on
the inside of the package. It cannot
be too strongly emphasized that next-
of-kin parcels have a long and ardu-
ous road to travel and are subject to

LETTERS

(Continued from page 8)
cards a good deal. Last week I started
to play table tennis. So you see I am
getting healthier right along. I am
envious of the men that play basket-
ball and football but my hands are
too tender for that yet. Last week the
boys put on a horse race on the foot-
fall field, using dice and wooden
horses. I placed bets on three win-
ners and my roommate had two win-
ners. It was an enjoyable day. We
even had a bar at the race track. But
I don't like the German beer as well
as what we have in the States. My
regards to all. Write often as all we
live for is the mail.

(This officer was severely burned
in a crash when his plane loas brought
down over Greece. Ed.)

Stalag III B

April 18, 1943
I am feeling fine and hope you and

very rough handling, so they should
be well packed and correctly ad-
dressed.

the rest of the family are the|
am also out of the hospital
in Germany. From the timei
been here it is better than It
please take note of my new ,
and use that address insteadj
other one. The American Re«
is doing a swell job for us pr
here. We are getting a pac
foodstuffs a week, also gettii
clothing and toilet articles,
predate it very much. Anywa
predate it, and I am not so|
giving them money every tii
collected when we were in the!

Shanghai War Prisoners

January 3,

I have received four letters

of which all were certainly

dated. They were written i:

and June of 1942. I also receMo"^^ "^ '^^^ ^"^ Europe a

+

THE UNIVERSITY
OF TEXAS

JAN 1 2 1944
THELIBRARV

3f

KISONERS OF WAR BULLETIN

by the American National Red Cross for the Relatives of American Prisoners of War and Civilian Internees

WASHINGTON, D. C.

DECEMBER 1943

Christmas Cheer for War Prisoners

letter from D. L. and Bonnie
only permitted to write one
this time so tell them hello foi
am in best of health so do not
about me. I will write every (
I get

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

The names and addresses of the nearest relatives of American prisoners
war and civilian internees, to whom this Bulletin is sent, were furnished to
Red Cross by the Prisoners of War Information Bureau of the Provost Mars'
General's Office. To enable us to keep the mailing list up to date, we must rely*
our readers to advise us of any change of address. Please inform your Red Cr
chapter whenever you change your address and, in doing so, give the prison,
name; his serial or service number; the name of the country in which he is he
as well as the camp address (if known); and the name, and new and old address of
next of kin. In the case of civilian internees, please give the name of the internee;
country and camp (if known) in which he or she is held; and the name and r
and old address of the next of kin.

Prisoners of War Bulletin

NOVEMBER, 1943

Published by

The American National Red Cross

Washington 13, D. C.

reparations had to start last
]jg in order to bring American

Sec. 562 P. L. &
U. S. POSTAG# the contents in

PAID

Washington,. 4XX ^ traditional red

Permit Noi"'84

Return Postage Guaranteed

m

Postmaster — If addressee has removed and new
address is known, notify sender on FORM 3547,
postage for which is guaranteed.

Serials Acquisition

dcr hom home that the thoughts
eir families would be with them
Christmas. This was necessary so
there would be no doubt of
special packages reaching the
ps before December 25. Pri-
es were granted the American
Cross for many articles before
could even be ordered. Then
purchasing department had to
ch out places where they could
Mught, and obtain the special
ainers in which they were to be
ped.

he supplies in
course were
hased and as-
led at the New
Packaging Ccn-
There, women
iteers d u r i
lot sumiuer davs

chiefs, and a game or puzzle (the lat-
ter supplied by the Junior Red
Cross).

A gL'nf!-)us margin for prisoners
newly captured during North Afri-
can operations was added to the
number of parcels provided for those
already reported, and early in Sep-
tember some 10,000 of these special
Christmas packages for American
prisoners in Europe, given by the
United States government, were
shipped from Philadelphia direct to
Marseille,- France.

It was impossible to make up
special packages for all those United
Nations prisoners to whom food par-

Eon s decorated

P"een Christmas
'^^ Each package
'fis, in addition
^rtain standard
the following
fruit cake, fruit
candled fruits
^te, hard candy,
^te, assorted
^^s, Christmas
^es, handker-

Ten thousand of these special packages were shipped to Europe for
distribution to American prisoners at Christmas.

eels are regularly shipped through
the American Red Cross, but the
Christmas design used an the Ameri-
can package was carried on all par-
cels intended for distribution to
other United Nations prisoners in
December.

Prisoners in the Far East, of
course, were not overlooked in the
Christmas thoughts. Although it was
physically impossible, because of ad-
vancing the sailing date of the dip-
lomatic exchange ship, Gripsholm,
to use cartons with the special
Christmas design, the 140,000 food
packages sent to the Far East were
specially made up
to meet excep-
tional requirements.
These Gripsholm sup-
plies, which were
transferred to a Japa-
nese ship at Mor-
magao under Inter-
national Red Cross
Committee supervi-
sion, were unloaded
during November at
the designated points
in the Far East. As-
suming no undue de-
lays have occurred,
there has thus been
ample time for the
food, clothing, medi-
cines, and other sup-
plies to reach the men
in the Far East
camps by Christmas.