TRANSLATION
S/RMt/MS   United States of America
INTERNATIONAL RED CROSS COMMITTEE
GENEVA
CAMP ATTERBURY

Visited on August 29, 1943 by Mr. Schnyder

Location:

Camp Atterbury is located a distance of three miles from Edinburg, Indiana, near an American Army Camp.  It is spread over a beautiful plain which is surrounded by small wooded hills.  The camp was built in December last and the grounds have already been beautified by planting grass and flowers and trees have been set out.  However, it has been occupied only since April.  The camp is divided into three sectors, all of which are occupied by Italian soldiers.

Strength:

On the day of this visit, the strength was 2,744 privates and two sergeants.

The Spokesman is: Tavoni Cav. Napoleone (sergeant).  He is assisted by the other sergeant, Onesto Marclle.  Both get along very well with the Camp Commander.

Buildings:

The buildings are hutments of the type which is standard in American Army camps.  They are of a green shade, which imparts an agreeable appearance to the camp.  The hutments used as quarters by the prisoners contain approximately 40 beds.  Each bed has two blankets and one pillow.  The liveableness of the quarters is perfect due to good ventilation, direct daylight and electricity.  On hutment in each sector is for showers, toilets and washstands.  All of the latter are very clean and well taken care of.  Running hot and cold water is available to the prisoners.  Each sector also has a canteen, an infirmary for mild cases, a kitchen, a dining-hall, etc.

Hospital:

The hospital is located in a wing of the American military hospital and the fittings are of the most modern and comfortable type.  The patient wears the same kind of pajamas and bathrobes.  On the day of the visit, there were 73 patients.  The most serious case was that of a man with an amputated leg.  The other cases involved malaria, poisoning and appendicitis.  Several prisoners have asked to be examined by the Mixed Medical Commission.

Kitchen:

The kitchen and the dining-hall are installed in the same hutment and are separated by a counter (buffet) where the prisoners serve themselves.  In the kitchen, there is quite a large refrigerator as well as all the modern implements and utensils.  The prisoners make the bread themselves.  The dining-hall tables are long and very wide and the prisoners have plenty of room.  The representative of the International Red Cross Committee ate with the spokesman and he was thus able to note that the meals were both good and abundant: chicken, potatoes, salad, eggs, compote and cake, coffee and lemonade.

Food:

The menu given above shows that the food is of the best.  The prisoners are very pleased with it.  There is no complaint in regards thereto.

Laundry:

The equipment for laundering has been installed in the hutment where the showers are and several large washtubs have been placed at the disposal of the prisoners.  They have all the hot and cold water as well as soap they need.

Library:

In spite of the desire of quite a large number of prisoners to have books in quantity, there is, as yet, no library.  The few books made available for use by the prisoners are in English and are of little value to them.  A few dailies and the Geographic magazine are not enough for the prisoners.  Gifts of a few book have been made by families of the vicinity, but censorship requires that each book be sent to Washington and, as a result, there is a delay of one month.

Instruction:

Due to the lack of text books, only the courses in English, which are greatly appreciated by the prisoners, have been started.  Another program, for elementary instruction of certain prisoners, has not yet been put into effect.

Recreation:

A hutment is used as a studio.  Approximately fifty prisoners are doing painting on oil and water colors, drawing and sculpturing.  The prisoners are planning to hold an exposition on  large scale and they hope to sell their works of art.

A hutment, which is called the living-room, contains beautiful and comfortable arm-chairs, small card tables, three pianos, which were all donated by a person residing in the vicinity, and a gramophone with a selection of records.  A military band consisting of thirty musicians which plays very well and gives fine concerts is the pride of the Camp Commander.  Some of the instruments were brought from Africa, but the remainder were purchased by the American Commander who continues to do everything possible to enlarge the band.

Canteen:

It has an abundance of everything allowed the prisoners: drinks, toilet articles and even very good ice cream.  The profits from the canteen are used entirely to provide for the needs of the prisoners.

Sports:

A large football field is available to the prisoners.  The representative of the International Red Cross Committee watched a match which showed that the men are well versed in the game and in good physical condition.  During the period between halves, the military band played Italian marches.  Another very popular game is bowling -- the Italian game known as "boccia".  Competitive games will be held, a stage play, a philharmonic concert, etc.

Religion:

The prisoners are all Catholics.  The priest who attends to their spiritual needs is an American Army chaplain who has studied in Rome and knows Italian very well. The prisoners have built a small chapel, embellished with paintings and sculptures which attracts many people because of its beauty.  Mass is said every day and high mass is celebrated on Sunday, with music.

Work:

The work done by the prisoners; is as follows:

road repair, vegetable gardening, grass cutting, rebuilding of fences, distribution of coal or of wood, construction of bridges and digging of ditches, work on neighboring farms, laundry work and canteen work.

Prisoners prefer to work in the laundry of the military camp and it has been necessary to arrange for them to take turn at working there.  The laundry is arranged so scientifically and in such a modern manner that it is worth a visit.  Eighty prisoners work there from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 P.M. and thirty prisoners form 4:00 p.m. to midnight.

Mail:

The prisoners complain that they are not receiving any news from their families.  They have sent express messages as well as messages to the Vatican.

General Remarks:

The camp leaves a very good impression and the Camp Commander does everything he can for the prisoners.  The latter appreciate his services and collaborate with him fully.