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GERMAN POW CAMP HISTORY
On November 13, 1943, a prisoner of war camp was opened at Camp Howze. Representatives from Switzerland and the state department inspected the camp and made a report that was sent to Washington. Their accounts show what life as a POW was like. According to the report, the camp was divided into three sectors and could hold up to 3000 prisoners. The barracks that were heated by coal, like all the buildings in camp, held 50 prisoners each. The kitchen and mess hall were located in the same building separated only by a counter. The camp had a modern Hospital with 150 beds and room for 20 more if needed. The POW hospital had two American doctors who although not Opticians, cared for all such cases and even furnished glasses when needed. Most of the injuries in Camp were caused by soccer, the main sport played in Camp. There was also an American dentist in Camp who was assisted by three German dental personnel. The prisoners were taught German, English, Math, and History. Reading materials available to prisoners included The New York Times, Christian Science Monitor, and other magazines. Prisoners were also allowed to write one card and one letter per week. Milk was bought locally, while canned goods were shipped in from the Quartermasters Depot in San Antonio, Texas. The prisoners cooked their own food under the supervision of an American Sergeant, who was mostly concerned about preventing waste.
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