.•."b^ -5^ ^^:^ "^^. -t^ v^^ .^^ "^A v^ .^-^^ * \ » .^^ .V %<> v^« -bo X^CP, D^. vO •/' xO^^. 1>s^ s'i-'^ •^^ o - ^0' ^^ -n^. Z •ft ~''^- ~ -(^ S 0'' • ^ . ., o ^ .\0 CL ''/ ^ '% ^ A^' "/■ 21 ^ . INTERNED IN GERMANY. < a p:^ CO u I— ( o -M in O > +J e o c rt c ^ o Ui c/j rt O >-< CU ^< ^ rt o c bo ^ c <^ • - > .s M-i ^ a; •« O J= I- O 'vJ "S ^ oj '^ *^ -C •- bjo OJ Vh C o ^ 1^ 5 O »- Vh o; C "-t-i G C INTERNED IN GERMANY BY HENRY C. MAHONEY AUTHOR OF "SIXTEEN MONTHS IN FOUR GERMAN PRISONS" NEW YORK Robert M. McEride ^ Company 1918 Copyright 1918 by ROBERT M. McBRIDE & COMPANY \ MAy 22 19(8 PUBLISHED MAY 1918 ©CI.A499069 CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. The OF THE British Round-up Element .... II. The Home of the "K.G.'s" III. The Citizens of Ruhleben IV. The Foundation of the Church V. The Medical Administration . VI. Sanitation and Hygiene . • VII. The Establishment of Communal Government VIII. Benefits of the Commune IX. Life Under the Commune X. Outdoor Recreation XI. Indoor Entertainments XII. Bids for Freedom XIII. The Split in the Camp XIV. Trading in Ruhleben XV. The Trading Boom . XVI. Christmas in Ruhleben XVII. When the Pinch Was Felt XVIII. Freedom at Last! page I 20 36 58 71 91 108 188 236 280 296 313 337 360 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. German Officers of Ruhleben Camp. Read- ^ iNG FROM Left to Right: The Chief; Chief Censor, Who Was a Favorite Amongst the Prisoners Owing to His Love of Fair Play ; Baron von Taube, in Charge of Affairs (Known as "Baron VON Two Face") ; the Remaining Two Being Members of the Censor Depart- ment ..... Frontispiece facing PAGE Barrack 5 Lined Up at Kitchen Waiting FOR Their Cabbage Soup ... 62 An "Advertisement" from the Ruhleben Camp Magazine no Outside Barrack 5. Showing the Efforts of the Prisoners to Improve the Appear- ance OF Their Dismal Quarters . .158 An Old Advertisement in a New Setting. One of the Cartoons from the Ruhle- ben Camp Magazine, Christmas, 1916 206 vii FACING PAGE The Latest Achievement in Ruhleben. The Boys Worked Long and Hard to Cultivate Gardens to Make Their Crude Horse Boxes Look More Homely. The Windows Above Show the Lofts, THE Height from Floor to Roof Where We Slept Being 3 Ft. 6 In. . . . 256 Cover Design of the Christmas, 1916, Num- ber OF the "Ruhleben Camp Magazine" 304 Ruhleben British Concentration Camp. Financial Statement to ioth April 1915 352 Vlll PUBLISHER'S FOREWORD. / ■ ^ HERE was published a year ago "Six- teen Months in Four German Prisons'' to which this volume is a sequel, being an account of the months spent by the author in the Ruhleben Internment Camp. Mr. Mahoney was passing through Germany on his way to Russia, when war broke out. He was arrested and with others sent to Wesel Prison, where he was tried secretly as a spy and though not found guilty he was never acquitted, but sent first to one prison camp and then another, becoming acquainted with Sennelager, Klingelputz, and finally Ruhleben, where he spent the last twelve months of his imprisonment, and whence he finally made good his escape. One of the points of especial interest of which little has been heard in this country is an account of a violent split among the IX English prisoners, there being a group of several hundred who were pro-German in their sympathies. The details are scarcely believable to us — even now when one is called on every day to believe the incredible. The conditions in German camps are now of vital interest to the American people. Very little accurate information has hereto- fore been obtainable. Mr. Mahoney's book is an unusual contribution to this informa- tion and to the literatu*-e of the war. CHAPTER I. THE ROUND-UP OF THE BRITISH ELEMENT I was kicking my heels disconsolately in the city of Cologne, an alien "on pass" in an enemy country. Alarmed at the serious con- dition of my health, which had been under- mined by privation and confinement, the German government had released me from the internment camp at Sennelager after an enforced stay of several weeks. The author- ities had offered me freedom within the country on parole, but as I emphatically declined — preferring the possibility of escape to England — they gave me merely a permit, good within the Cathedral city beside the Rhine, and its suburbs. I sought employment without success ; the Britisher was at a serious discount in the labor market at that time. Had it not been for the practical sympathy of a compatriot INTERNED IN GERMANY and friend, Walter K , whom I had first met in Sennelager, I really think I should have petitioned the Teuton authorities for my return to prison, and if they had refused, should have committed some penal offense to obtain the protection, such as it was, of a German civil prison. K was one of those true friends whom one finds when in trouble. He had lived in Cologne for many years and was well estab- lished in commercial circles, hence he had suffered only a brief detention at Sennelager. Upon his release he returned to his old busi- ness, and the day we parted at the Senne- lager camp gates, he told me if I should ever be in his city to look him up and spend a few days with him. I took advantage of this invitation and visited him at his country home in a tiny, picturesque village overlook- ing the Rhine. My first anxiety on regaining restricted freedom was for my wife at home. I had left her, three months before, in a delicate state of health, and during the period of my imprisonment had not heard a word about her, nor had she heard from or about me. INTERNED IN GERMANY One circumstance worried me especially. I had been told that a German newspaper had narrated my death, ''shot as a spy," after my military trial at Wesel of which I have al- ready written in my book, "Sixteen Months in Four German Prisons." I hoped against hope that this ghastly report had not reached her. I made several attempts to get a letter through, telling her of my whereabouts and experiences, but the German authorities put their foot down firmly upon the interchange of correspondence. I resorted to various subterfuges, but as I subsequently learned, none of these attempts was successful; either the letters went astray or, as is more probable, were officially intercepted and destroyed. During this period, my friend and I were greatly perturbed by the attitude of the German newspapers, which advocated the rounding-up of all British subjects in Ger- many. All of them called vehemently for drastic action, pointing out that the intern- ment camp established at Ruhleben was the very place for those of us who were "on INTERNED IN GERMANY pass." The press went on to describe the amenities of the camp, dwelling at length upon the conveniences, comforts and amuse- ments provided for its inmates. Evidently the bright colors were laid too thickly upon the picture painted, for a volume of corre- spondence poured forth from irate patriots protesting against the pampering of enemy aliens and suggesting that we all be put to some useful work and made to realize that we were prisoners, not guests, of the Ger- man nation. The outlook was certainly forbidding. Both K and myself confidently antici- pated arrest at any moment. The climax came one evening. Two other compatriots, also released ''on pass," visited K at his home, although their permit was only for Cologne. In the village there was an impor- tant factory managed by three Englishmen, and the fact that seven Englishmen planted themselves in this tiny, remote village prompted the burgomeister, who knew K — intimately, to inquire half jestingly if he were contemplating the foundation of an English colony on the spot. INTERNED IN GERMANY Upon the evening in question, these two friends came over. I had tickets for the opera, and accordingly left my three com- patriots playing cards and exchanging ex- periences. Coming out of the theatre at the end of the performance, my attention v^as caught by a new^spaper placard announcing the intention of the authorities to intern all Britons at once. When I reached K 's house I greeted them gaily v^ith "Cheer up, boys! WeVe all going to be clinked to-morrow !'' Animated discussion followed my account of the placard announcement. The two guests were in a quandary. According to regulations they were compelled to report themselves every day to the authorities in Cologne, because their passes confined them to that city. They were out of bounds at K 's home. The hour was late and they were afraid of being caught beyond the limits of their permit, in which event, need- less to say. Teuton system would have ex- acted punishment. But it was impossible for them to get back to the city that evening, so they spent the night with us. INTERNED IN GERMANY They left us at an early hour next morning and went directly to the authorities to con- form with the regulation. The official in charge curtly ordered them to return home, pack their belongings and report again in half an hour. They seized this brief respite to telephone a warning to us. K at once bustled oft to the city to wind up his business and then returned to await the inevitable. During the morning I packed my few belongings, not forgetting the voluminous notes relating to my experi- ences in previous German prisons prepared during my leisure, and which I highly treas- ured. The blow fell that afternoon. Two de- tectives from Cologne were announced. They stated that we were both under arrest. From the tenor of the conversation, K concluded that the round-up was merely a matter of form, and that we should be re- leased as soon as we conformed with some new regulation or other which had been promulgated. I admired his optimism, but inwardly held a contrary opinion. I had occasion to view Teuton methods in a vastly 6 INTERNED IN GERMANY different light, and did not regard the out- look with any degree of confidence. Our arrest had a light side that contrasted strangely with steel-bound German method and system. Both detectives knew K very well, and suggested — after a drink — that we should proceed to police headquar- ters as unobtrusively as possible. It was first necessary to report to the local burgo- meister, and the detectives expressed their readiness to meet us there by appointment, they in the meantimje changing from their conspicuous official uniforms into mufti. The appointment was fixed for 6 :30. K — and I, our bags packed with eatables, pre- sented ourselves well before time, to find that the three Britishers employed in the local factory had been corralled and similarly treated. The local formalities completed, we trooped merrily off to the city, captors and captives joking as if the best of friends. We stopped at a restaurant for a farewell dinner, and the detectives obligingly slipped to an- other table so as to disarm all suspicion. After dinner we resumed our journey, a fes- tive party until we turned the corner leading INTERNED IN GERMANY to the prison whither we were bound. Di- rectly the building loomed in sight our de- tectives resumed their mask of officialdom, and with rough tongues and brusque manner bustled us into the presence of Teuton au- thority. We were at once passed on to the cells, where we were told we should have to make ourselves content until our papers came through from the military authorities. We continued to make light of the experience, and K stoutly maintained that in a few hours we should be free to roam Cologne again. But his optimism proved without foundation. We did not regain our permits for restricted freedom, but instead an un- solicited and unappreciated "pass" to Ruh- leben. Although German method and organiza- tion have been paraded before the world ad nauseum, and for the most part have been proved as empty as the proverbial wind-bag, yet there are one or two characteristics of Prussianism which cannot fail to command attention. The German Government never does things by halves, does not waste its time 8 INTERNED IN GERMANY in idle threats, and although it frequently makes mistakes, the errors always work to the advantage of authority. When Teuton officialdom says a thing is to be done, it is done, and without the slightest delay. The celerity and completeness with which the British element, resident in, and travelling through, the country, was rounded up after the fiat went forth, bore this out very con- clusively. Within twelve hours of the publication of the decree every Britisher — except one — was safely placed under lock and key. It was the comprehensiveness of the round-up which created the greatest meas- ure of astonishment. The authorities were as indiscriminate as they were thorough. The tourist was taken with the man who had been settled in the country for ten, twenty, forty years; the millionaire was taken with the pauper; the bank manager with the com- mercial traveler; the magnate of business with his junior clerk. The governing prin- ciple was ''Arrest them all; sort them out afterwards." The round-up was marked by several pa- INTERNED IN GERMANY thetic incidents. Many men, established in business, upon reading the notice to report themselves on November 6th, anticipated be- ing granted permission to proceed to their offices as usual. But they were disappointed. Directly they had been identified and docketed they were clapped into prison. They were not even given half an hour's o-race to bid farewell to their families ; were not permitted to communicate with their homes by letter or telephone; and possessed nothing beyond what they had with them. The distress created by this merciless method of arrest was far-reaching. Wives and children suddenly lost husband or father, and did not learn the truth for several days. When we reached the prison we found, in a pitiable state of distress, one man who had been arrested in this unceremonious man- ner. He had rushed away from a sick wife to comply with the order, only to be put under lock and key. He pleaded hard for permission to return and say good-bye, but his appeal fell upon deaf ears. Another Englishman who answered the call was imprisoned in the same hasty way, JO INTERNED IN GERMANY and had not a penny in his pocket. One fel- low was particularly down-hearted. He had been established in Germany for many years, and had a prosperous business into which he had put all of his savings. His partner was a German; the authorities had dragged him off for military service, imprisoned the Englishman and commandeered the entire stock in the business. Even more pathetic was the case of an- other Englishman, a widower, who promptly answered the summons to report. He was condemned to the cells the minute his iden- tity was established. With tears in his eyes he explained that he had come in haste, leav- ing his two young children alone at home. Like everyone else, he had expected to be able to return home after complying with the regulation. He pleaded for permission to complete arrangements for his children's guardianship, but the authorities would not listen to him. He was not even allowed to communicate with his hom;e. His mental condition can be better imagined than de- scribed. Upon our transf errence to prison, our orig- II INTERNED IN GERMANY inal party managed to keep together, K , the three British managers from the factory, and myself. While we were in Klingelputz, which was temporarily overcrowded, I was able to take stock of the permanent residents of this penitentiary, and they were the worst set of ruffians I have ever laid eyes upon, a large number of them serving long terms of penal servitude. One prisoner, as he walked the exercise yard, which our cells overlooked, aroused my special attention. He was garbed in the uni- form of the Red Cross, and for some time I puzzled my brains as to his inclusion among the "lifers" in such a dress. The gaolers told us that he was colloquially known as "Old Fingers." What crime had he com- mitted? Oh, he had been caught on the bat- tlefield, not succoring the wounded as his duty ordained, but robbing the dead and dy- ing. He had a penchant for rings, and in his greedy haste was unable to purloin them in a reasonably humane manner, but cut off the fingers instead. He was caught in the act, and his pockets found filled with dismem- bered fingers covered with rings. He was 12 INTERNED IN GERMANY sentenced to fifteen years penal servitude, and compelled to parade the exercise ground in the Red Cross uniform that he had so abused, as a terrifying example. This wholesale round-up of Britishers speedily provoked complaint from affected German interests. The German who owned the factory managed by my friends, went to the authorities and declared that he would have to close his establishment unless his three British employees were released. My three compatriots were highly amused at his discomfiture, personally caring little whether he had to close down or not. He continued to appeal pleadingly for their release; and finally, as the three men concerned concluded that the pure air of the outer wold was pre- ferable to the oppressive atmosphere of our cell, their release was discussed. But they would not go out alone ; K was just as respected a citizen of Cologne as themselves, and K in turn declared that I would have to come, too, and offered to be responsible for my good behavior. This wholesale request rather staggered the authorities, but there was no other way ^3 INTERNED IN GERMANY out, and things began to look brighter for us. Finally we were called and informed that we were to be allowed our freedom ''on pass'* as before. Two officers stepped for- ward to escort us to the Polizie Prasidium, the local equivalent of Scotland Yard, where we were to receive our papers. It was an exciting trip from one building to the other. We had to walk through the crowded market-place, and as soon as we were seen, the cry went up, ^'Schweine-hund Englander" and we were greeted with hisses and catcalls. Our guardians closed around and kept the yelping crowd at bay. Balked in their efforts, the mob opened a lively fusil- lade with a variety of missiles. Potatoes, rotten apples and other vegetable refuse rained upon our heads. If we had not been under escort, we should certainly have been roughly handled. When we reached the Prasidium another delay arose. Our papers had come from Coblentz, the administrative military center, by a route which was not in accordance with official regulations, and we were put into cells to wait until they had been redispatched ^4 INTERNED IN GERMANY and received through the correct military channel. As it would be several days before they could be received, we realized that our case was hopeless. We could not escape in- ternment. Within a couple of hours the prison van drove up, and we were taken back to Kingelputz, to await transf errence to Ruh- leben. At half past four the next morning we were aroused and told to dress quickly — no easy matter, as our cell was lighted only by a single oil lamp. We were paraded, counted and recounted, until our heads began to whirl. Then, no man missing, we were lined up with what belongings we had, and under a strong armed escort, marched to the sta- tion. Although it was early in the morning, crowds had turned out to gaze upon the un- usual spectacle of several hundred British civilian prisoners being marched off in cus- tody. It was a listless crowd; the people looked at us sullenly but made no manifesta- tion of hostility. We turned into the station about eight o'clock, and were bundled straightway into the train, to make our- selves as comfortable as we could, a rather 15 INTERNED IN GERMANY difficult task as the carriages were devoid of all heating apparatus, although it was a typical raw, depressing November morning. After an hour's wait the train started on its long pull to Ruhleben, via Hanover, and I do not think that trip will ever be forgotten by any of the luckless Britishers who were aboard. As was always the case when prisoners were forced to make a railway journey, no food or even water was provided en route. German organization does not take the com- missariat into consideration under such con- ditions. Those of us who observed the pre- caution to stock our bags and pockets with provender fared well enough ; but there were many who had no reserves at all. The wise shared their stocks with the foolish as far as possible, but there was scarcely sufficient to go round. One or two of our guards, out of sympathy, also divided their humble supplies with the prisoners, but for the most part our escort ignored us. When we stopped at a station, those who had money and were pre- pared to patronize the restaurant, found that no food was sold to prisoners. i6 INTERNED IN GERMANY It is not surprising that one or two of the party fainted from hunger and the stifling atmosphere of the crowded carriages, but they received no attention. At one station a man in distress persuaded his guard to make some purchase for him. As the guard was returning he was accosted by an officer, who on learning the destination of the edibles, promptly threw them, on the ground and kicked them hither and thither. Before we reached Hanover one of the party collapsed. The train drew up at the station platform, and seeing a party of Ger- man women wearing the uniform of the Red Cross we approached them and offered a mark — one shilling — for a basin of water with which to revive our comrade. When these young women learned that the water was only required for a ** Schweine-hund Englander," they emptied the basin on to the platform, spat in the man's face and turned on their heels. But they kept the money, doubtless as a contribution to the German Red Cross Fund. At nine-thirty the train resumed its tedi- ous journey. About six o'clock the next 17 INTERNED IN GERMANY morning we reached the much vaunted Camp of Promise. It was damp, cold and dark. Our arrival had evidently been expected, for as we approached the internment camp we observed a large crowd of the prisoners al- ready in occupation gathered around the entrance. They gave a lusty cheer when they caught sight of us and pressed forward eagerly. Half a dozen bayonets flashed an- grily and beat them back. As we filed into the camp, the inquiry went up: "Hello, boys! Where are you from?" "Klingelputz," we called in reply. "How long were you there?" "Only a few days! Who are you?" "The ^K. G.'s^ " The answer came in a unanimous roar ut- tered with such vehemence as to startle our guards. "The 'K. G.'s?'" we repeated puzzled. "What's that?" "The Kaiser's Guests ! Come along. You'll soon understand." In extending their vociferous welcome to us each raised his tin bowl over his head, and i8 INTERNED IN GERMANY as we drew closer we saw inscribed on the side of each bowl, according to official in- structions, the two letters "K. G." I never fathomed their true significance, but the prisoners solved the problem to their own satisfaction. Every man in Ruhleben was facetiously identified as the ''Kaiser's Guest/' r9 CHAPTER II. THE HOME OF THE "K. GfS" On that raw, marrow-chilling November morning, our new home did not appear es- pecially inviting, nor did the day seem a happy augury for our future welfare. We stamped our feet in the slush, and swung our arms vigorously in desperate efforts to beat some warmth into our quivering bodies. Then an Englishman, the Captain of the Camp, strode up and piloted us to the quar- ters that were to be our hom'e for so many dreary months. And what quarters ! It is difficult to give a convincing picture of the camp site, but one might compare the racecourse at Epsom with that at Ruhleben. The latter is every whit as exposed and certainly quite as dreary. Upon the occasion of a big race meeting, when the course was flanked with throngs of gaily attired fashionables, and 20 INTERNED IN GERMANY the weather was warm and sunny, it did, no doubt, present an animated and inviting as- pect. But in the dawn of that drab Novem- ber morning it was about as attractive as a muck heap. The internment camp was not spread over the entire course. At that time the British prisoners were penned into a small corner — the paddock — with the grandstand, shorn of all its festiveness, thrown in as a kind of make-weight. The racecourse and trotting track were railed off. As we surveyed the low rambling buildings we wondered where our living quarters were installed; conceive our amazement when we learned that we were expected to make ourselves at home in the buildings that had been erected to accom- modate the horses and their provender — in other words, the small horse boxes and the hay lofts! The sight of the depressing surroundings strengthened our (K , the other two who had been arrested with us and myself) re- solve to remain together if possible. Pos- sibly we should be able to extract a measure of comfort from our own company, and the INTERNED IN GERMANY fact that K spoke German fluently was a distinct advantage. Reaching Barrack 5, which was assigned to us, we moved into one of the vacant horse boxes. It reeked with the pungent aroma incidental to a stable, and fresh manure was still clinging to the walls — we heard that its legitimate owner had only been withdrawn a short time previously — but we unanimous- ly voted it to be preferable to the confined space overhead. We threw down our be- longings and were about to make ourselves comfortable when another party of prisoners bustled up and deposited their baggage ex- plaining that this particular horse box had been assigned to them. Our jaws dropped. We cleared out with the best grace we could muster, made in- quiries, and learned that prisoners flush of funds benefited at the expense of their poorer brethren. The sites were sold as if they were freeholds, and we discovered that in some instances as much as £5 had been paid for a horse box. This sale of living quarters created intense discontent, espe- cially when we learned that the transactions INTERNED IN GERMANY represented a good round sum all told. Also we had a very shrewd suspicion as to who profited by the practice. This is one of the issues that the more aggressive prisoners took up in grim earnest, and at a later date when things had been straightened out, such penalizing of the less fortunate prisoners was sternly suppressed. But in the early days such methods were common. Ejected from the horse box we wound our way up a creaking ramshackle staircase which threatened to give way under our weight. We blundered through the narrow door and then pulled up dead. The interior was as black and forbidding as a coal hole. It was some minutes before our eyes grew accustomed to the darkness, and then we descried upon the floor a seething, misshapen mass of humanity, tumbling and jostling restlessly for elbow room in which to settle down. The loft was some 70 yards long by 9 yards wide, and divided into two sections. The Voof sloped sharply, bringing the space between the floor and the rafters to between 3 feet, 6 inches, and 4 feet, 6 inches at the 23 INTERNED IN GERMANY walls, while in the center it was about 7 feet. Down the middle of the space ran a gangway 4 feet wide. The beds, or rather the spaces alloted for sleeping, were set transversely on either side of the gangway, two feet to a man, with head against the wall. The result was that each occupant had to crawl into the central gangway to dress and undress because he dared not rise in his bed unless he wished to crack his head against the roof. There was no ventilation whatever; air struggled through holes in the roof and cracks in the walls, but as the draughts caused one's hair to stand on end these in- terstices were promptly chinked with paper. The floor was of stone and at that time of the year as cold as ice. No heating appara- tus had been installed; this came later upon the urgent recommendation of the Ameri- can Ambassador. We strove to force our way into the loft but had to give it up. The prisoners already in possession were huddled together in a vain attempt to profit by the warmth radiated from one another's bodies. All were spent ^4 INTERNED IN GERMANY from the twenty hours' trip in the train, and they had discarded theii baggage pell-mell; to move was to invite a vicious kick from one who had been trampled on, or collision with a rafter. We cast around and found only one eligible spot "to let," capable of receiv- ing four men. This we squatted upon, but soon discovered why these few feet of space had failed to claim an owner. They were too near the door and the wind whistled through with the ferocity of a tornado. After we had finally secured our quarters we were commanded to fetch an armful of straw and scatter it loosely upon the floor. This was our couch. The quantity served out was so meager as to offer no comfort when reclining, while it was not of sufficient thickness to prevent the cold from the stone striking through to our bodies. Later, when the American Ambassador inspected our quarters and detected the rudeness of our shake-down we were given boards, placed an inch or two above the floor, to serve as beds ; but until then, we had to make ourselves as comfortable as we could by snuggling down into the straw like pigs in a sty and packing ^5 INTERNED IN GERMANY closely together for warmth. Even then, we dared not remove our garments, and, in my case, three months elapsed before I shed my clothes for a night's rest. How we passed the first night it is impos- sible to relate. The inky blackness of the loft prevented one from moving, once he had secured his quarters. The silence of the night was broken by the groans, mumblings and sobbings of the distraught prisoners, dreaming of home or lying awake, too cold to sleep, and ruminating on their unfortu- nate plight. Owing to the absence of ven- tilation and the cramped quarters — 400 of us stowed within this confined space — the con- dition of the atmosphere within the loft must be left to the imagination. It was stagnant and fetid to a degree that cannot be des- cribed. When we awoke in the morning our mouths were distended and as dry as tinder. When at last one did persuade the saliva to perform its functions the palate revolted. The members of the party to which I be- longed dreaded the effects of the repulsive atmosphere, and our first care upon awaking was to flush our mouths with permanganate 26 INTERNED IN GERMANY of potash, of which we had a small stock. I was tossing and struggling fitfully when there came the clank of heavily shod feet. A raucous voice bawled: "Get up! Get up!" It was the guard. We woke and en- deavored to pierce the blackness, wondering what was the matter and thinking it only midnight, but to our surprise learned that it was six o'clock, at which hour all prisoners had to tumble out. With an effort we struggled to our feet and bestirred ourselves to perform our morn- ing ablutions. We asked the guard for water, but that was like worrying a hitching post for information. Finally, someone alighted upon two taps in the alleyway be- tween the horse boxes downstairs. There was a mad rush towards these taps, but the struggling crowd could not all wash at once, so we formed in a long line to wait our turns. When it is remembered that 400 men desired to perform this essential operation, the for- midable length of the line may be imagined, and as we were due to parade within thirty minutes, the task had to be performed very 27 INTERNED IN GERMANY perfunctorily. In fact, since German system waits for nothing, parade was often called before many of the men succeeded in getting within arm's reach of the tap, and these had to dispense with washing altogether. And what a wash for those who were suc- cessful! The water was icy, and German hygiene did not go to the extent of providing soap. It was apparently an unknown luxury. During my entire stay at Ruhleben the au- thorities never provided anyone with a single cake of soap. We had to buy what we wanted in this line from the canteen, and we were mulcted heavily for an article which was soap in name only. Towels were an- other item concerning which the Germans entertained very primitive ideas. A few coarse towels, more reminiscent of canvas than anything else, were distributed among 400 men. Fortunately, the majority of us were equipped with our own conveniences in this respect and we clung to them tena- ciously. As it was impossible for all of us to have a wash in the short period allowed between reveille and the summons to parade, the more ^8 INTERNED IN GERMANY enterprising tried the experiment of rising earlier. But this effort was misplaced and resulted in a commotion. The noise awoke those accommodated in the horse boxes and they voiced a vigorous protest. Ill-feeling arose and caused the authorities to intervene, with the result that no one was permitted to steal a wash before the official hour for rising — that is, unless he were so stealthy as to do it without arousing his comrades in the horse boxes. We paraded in the chilly dawn and then were marched to the kitchen for our break- fast. In those days the Germans were ap- prehensive that the more daring of us might make a bold dash for liberty, and to check this they counted us at every turn. Woe be- tide us if the roll-call were incomplete be- cause of some laggard. Then we were kept waiting in the cold while a spirited search was conducted for the missing prisoner. We received a further shock upon this first parade to breakfast. German system re- vealed another shortcoming. There was an insufficient number of bowls to go round, so the guard raked out a few repulsive tins to INTERNED IN GERMANY remedy the deficiency. At a later date they provided us with white earthenware basins, and ordered us to take every care of them. If we broke these utensils we were fined 40 pfennigs a replacement, and were solemnly warned to surrender them before we left the camp. So far as I personally am concerned I am indebted to the German Government to the value of one basin, flung at a practical joker's head. We formed a dejected procession slouch- ing through the mud and slush to the kitch- en, half a mile away. When we reached it we were halted and forced to wait until an- other barrack, already lined up, had been served. It was not until each of those 400 men had received his portion that we could ap- proach. As only one man was served at a time as he filed by, some idea of the delay we en- countered may be conceived. The facilities provided at the kitchen were totally inade- quate for our needs. There were, for ex- ample, only three boilers. As we filed by, the chef ladled us a spoon- ful of repulsive, black, acorn coflFee without milk or sugar. That was all. We were only 30 INTERNED IN GERMANY given a loaf of black bread every other day, and that had to last through six meals. The bread itself was abominable, even from the earliest days. We often discussed its com- position and the number, as well as the variety, of ingredients involved in its prepa- ration, but we never succeeded in fathoming the riddle to our satisfaction. A loaf was certainly a surprise packet. We were not furnished with even the fore- going bead ration for long. It was reduced to about one-sixth of a loaf per man per day. After receiving the coffee, some of the prisoners hurried back to the barrack to drink it under cover; while others braved the cut- ting wind and squatted upon the seats of the grandstand to drink it while still hot. This finished, we either lounged around the cor- ners exchanging experiences and speculating upon the future, or busied ourselves in our quarters in an heroic effort to kill time. At twelve o'clock we were again lined up, this time for our midday meal, which was served between 11 :45 and 12:45. Each man proceeded with his basin tucked under his 3^ INTERNED IN GERMANY arm and his portion of bread clutched in one hand. We were given about twelve ounces of soup which in the early days, while cer- tainly deficient in quality, was yet palatable. Pea soup was the favorite, garnished on rare occasions with microscopical shreds of meat and pieces of bone. The afternoon was whiled away after the manner of the morni'ng. Killing time in those first days constituted the most depress- ing feature of our existence. It was im- possible to indulge in a brisk walk, as we were herded too closely together, while the surface of the ground was churned into a sea of mud and slush by 4,000 pairs of feet. Some of us finally decided to indulge in games, only to be confronted with a dis- couraging lack of materials. Determined to enjoy a little diversion we hunted up a few rags and some odd lengths of string, and from these contrived a primitive rag ball and let ourselves go at rounders with the ardor of schoolboys. This was the first di- version introduced into the camp and it proved a great success, becoming increas- ingly popular when, by some manner of 3^ INTERNED IN GERMANY means, a prisoner succeeded in getting a rub- ber ball from Berlin. It was not until later that we were able to indulge in football, though we relieved the monotony of our rounders game by kicking the rag ball. In this way we passed the afternoon until five o^clock came round. Again we had to line up to proceed to the kitchen for our evening meal. This was rnerely a repetition of the morning, namely, a ladleful of acorn coffee, without milk and sugar, which, with a small piece of black bread, constituted our "stayer" until the next morning. This was the menu day after day. It never varied ex- cept for an indifferent ringing of the changes upon the soup and the circumstance that, as time went on, the quantity diminished while the quality deteriorated. Not a very nour- ishing diet one will admit, and certainly not one designed to keep us in the best of spirits. But seeing that we were merely ^^Schweine- hund Englander'^ it did not matter. I have already mentioned that our quar- ters were devoid of all ventilation, even dur- ing the day. We certainly kept the entrance door open as much as we dared, but it was of 33 INTERNED IN GERMANY little avail, inasmuch as it was impossible to establish a circulation of air. The result was that the atmosphere within the loft became stagnant and grew more nauseating and re- volting as the respirations and exhalations from the bodies of 400 men became associ- ated with the pungent aroma arising from stale soup, which some of the prisoners har- bored in their quarters and with foul stenches ascending from the straw. Add to this the mud and filth brought in from out- side and the wonder is that disease did not secure a foothold among us. It was only by unremitting attention upon our own part that such a calamity was averted. The winter evenings dragged wearily. The only light permitted in the loft was a small oil lamp — in the early days not even this — which threw fitful flickerings over the gloomy cavern and cast ghostly shadows up- on the roof. At nine o'clock came the curt order, ''lights out." We were forced to settle down upon the thinly covered stone floor, lying face to face and huddled closely together to keep warm. Very few could sleep until utterly ex- 34 INTERNED IN GERMANY hausted. Curses, sobs and moanings about home and those who were waiting, became more and more distressing as the night went on. One dreaded the coming of darkness and when it came, longingly sighed for the dawn. 25 CHAPTER III. THE CITIZENS OF RUHLEBEN At the time I was interned at Ruhleben, the camp was under military control, and a very unpleasant condition of affairs pre- vailed, the soldiers asserting their authority at every opportunity. Later, supervision was transferred to civil administration, a change that brought some relief. The responsible governor of the camp was Graf Scherein, an old soldier. So far as he personally was concerned we could lodge no complaint, for he was as sympathetic as he dared to be, and certainly did not belong to the dominant Gott-strafe-England party. He frequently visited us, always accom- panied by a lady who was equally solicitous in regard to our welfare. I have not the slightest doubt but ihat he would have alle- viated our condition had it been left to his 36 INTERNED IN GERMANY discretion, but he was greatly hampered by official regulations. On one occasion, consid- ering the midday dole of soup to be an out- rage, I ferreted him out and showed him the liquid in support of my complaint. He tasted it and went at once to the kitchen to order that it be improved, which it was. But we could have raised a legitimate complaint every day, and so at last we grew tired of enlisting the governor's intercession on our behalf. Graf Scherein was passionately fond of music. When we got the camp going and introduced concerts and theatrical perfor- mances he invariably came and often brought friends with him. He would listen intently, applaud and compliment us upon our efforts to lighten life in the camp. Unfortunately for us, he was too old to pursue his task actively ; and the greater part of the many and complex duties were as- sumed by a younger man. Baron von Taube. Among the minor officers was the chief censor, who filled a difficult position with much success. He was always ready to do his utmost for us; and if we were in doubt 37 INTERNED IN GERMANY as to whether a certain communication were advisable, he would willingly help us and stretch a point in our favor. Not that it always succeeded, for we discovered from experience that many letters which met with his approval were subsequently suppressed by some one else in Berlin. Unfortunately, his superiors resented his sympathetic attitude and finally removed him from office. Then, there was the chief of the guard, and last, but by no means least, the official doctor at- tached to the camp, of whom I shall have something to say in a later chapter. Each barrack was presided over by a non- commissioned officer and a private, who were accommodated in two rooms between horse boxes on the ground floor. These men were held responsible for the conduct of each building; and owing to this under-guard be- ing frequently changed we were kept in a condition of constant uneasiness. While some of the warders were disposed to be leni- ent and to wink at this or that, refraining from interfering until necessity compelled, others were martinets, watched us vigilantly and swooped down at the slightest departure INTERNED IN GERMANY from rules and regulations. The private was often the butt of his officer's ill humor and he promptly visited his revenge upon us. One private I shall never forget, an ignorant country yokel v^ho could not even count. As may be imagined, v;^e were an ex- tremely cosmopolitan crowd, drawn from every conceivable strata of the social scale. Only in two instances might the barracks be called homogeneous, and even in these cases there was a mixture of classes. Bar- rack 6 was known as the "Jews' Barrack," and Barrack 8 was tenanted for the most part by sailors taken from the British ships detained in German harbors. The remaining barracks — eleven in all with an additional teahouse, provided for our accommodation originally and their number increased later — were inhabited by a mixed assembly. Naturally the citizens of the camp soon fell into groups according to tastes, temper- ament or social position. Our particular coterie was increased from four to six by the addition of two young fellows of about eighteen years of age, one from Hunstanton, the ether the son of a prominent business 39 INTERNED IN GERMANY man of London. Subsequently, our party became reduced to five, as one of the number became so unpopular that he was drummed out. Strange human sights may be seen in every city of the v^orld, but I do not think any could compare with those presented during those dismal days in Ruhleben camp. We were given the use of a small stretch of ground facing the grand stand, and this speedily developed into the promenade, or, as it was facetiously styled, the "Row." Every morning, between the hours of ten and twelve, it was the place where the rank and fashion of Ruhleben might be seen in full plumage. What a parade it was! Down-at-heel, ragged Erbert, his face concealed beneath a mangy looking accumulation of hair, rubbed elbows with d'x\rcy, who was still striving desperately to create a sensation with his immaculate morning coat, corduroy trousers tied under the knee, and patent boots, rather the worse for wear but still clinging to his feet owing to a liberal use of string. Others were coatless and shuffled along on impro- vised clogs. 40 INTERNED IN GERMANY One of our number aroused special atten- tion. Rumor declared him a member of the British aristocracy but in the early days at Ruhleben it was difficult to deduce the stand- ing of a man from his appearance. Intern- ment is a mighty leveller. The cockney who had done time was hardly distinguishable from a **knut'* of the first water. But there was something about this prisoner that par- ticularly demanded respect. While he min- gled freely among the others, he seemed sadly out of harmony with the strange sur- roundings. His clothes still preserved their Bond Street cut, and his speech and manner- isms their aristocratic flavor; but the feature that attracted the greatest measure of ad- miration was his monocle. He was generally admired for his personal character and sportsmanship, and although his bearing and voice were mimicked mercilessly it was with the utmost good nature and no one seemed to enjoy the banter more than himself. The few occasions when he presented himself in line at the kitchen with his basin under his arm and his black bread in one hand, his presence was the signal for good-humored 41 INTERNED IN GERMANY hilarity and he was irreverantly "chi-iked." But he took it all in a spirit that commanded respect and invariably retorted with a broad smile : "D'you know, old fellah, I really don't care a tuppney damn! I think it's rippin' fun!" accentuating the drawl to enhance the effect. He acted as though he really did enjoy the unusual experience, and this contributed to his popularity. He accepted the banter in the spirit in which it was given — namely, something out of the ordinary, indulged in to sustain our esprit de corps — and he was al- ways ready to extend practical assistance to anyone in difficulty, as long as it was not noised abroad. He carefully avoided pub- licity and did an immense amount of good by stealth. The sequel was rather interesting. Some months after my return from Germany I received a letter from a country seat near Newcastle in which the writer expressed his keen interest in the return of British pris- oners interned in Germany, and invited me to his home to discuss the subject from a prisoners' point of view. 4^ INTERNED IN GERMANY I accepted the invitation. Conceive my surprise v^^hen I discovered the man so deeply interested in the welfare of our compatriots at Ruhleben — the ruling member of an old- established, north of England family— was the quondam prisoner who had provided us with so much amusement and who had al- ways been ready to assist those in distressed circumstances. My surprise, however, can readily be explained — in the camp, names were meaningless. Sir Timothy Eden had been released some months after myself; and since his return home he has labored inde- fatigably in behalf of those whom he had to leave behind, and whose lot has become ap- preciably hardened by the straits in which the Germans find themselves as a result of the British blockade. In the very beginning the camp divided itself into three broad groups: The Opti- mists, the Pessimists, and the Rumorists, the two first were constantly involved in lively arguments. The Optimists certanily re- garded the situation through rose-colored glasses, and for a long time refused to be- lieve that our detention was more than tem- 43 INTERNED IN GERMANY porary. The Pessimists were every bit as em- phatic that all was up ; that they would never see their homes again; that they were all doomed to be shot down in the last extremity — in short, that they might just as well be dead as alive; about as welcome company as a man with measles. But the Rumorists were the hete noir of the camp. A rigid censorship tends to give Mother Gossip plenty of rope in a crowded city, but never did she have such a fine time as in the camp at Ruhleben. Her chatter flew hither and thither as thickly as leaves in an autumn wind; no sooner was one story scotched than half a dozen equally wild took its place. At last things reached such a pass, that the more level-headed members of the community took the situation in hand and dealt with the worst offenders in a drastic and effective manner. Among those who had been summarily coralled and drafted to this internment camp were one or two personalities who com- manded more than passing attention. One was a London bartender, a typical cockney. He contracted the wanderlust while serving 44 INTERNED IN GERMANY in his uneventful profession of drawing mugs of four ale down East End way, and made up his mind to see Germany or die. Thereupon investing his capital of twelve shillings in a safety bicycle and with nothing else beyond an abundance of nerve, he struck the Conti- nent. He spent his time among the first- class hotels and evidently impressed the Teu- tonic Boniface fraternity with the romance of his intentions, for he was armed with a press album in which were sedulously pasted all the newspaper comments on his trip, and at each hotel he had prevailed upon the pro- prietor to attach his signature and the in- signia of his hostelry to this album. He was traveling in high style in this inexpensive manner when war came and he arrived in due course of time at Ruhleben in company with his trusty steed, the latter the object of es- pecial interest. Incidentally, the "twelve bob bike*' provided the prisoners with a good deal of amusement, as the owner willingly hired it out for a consideration. I should im- agine from the rush that ensued for the bicycle that its owner speedily recouped his original outlay. He further improved the 45 INTERNED IN GERMANY shining hour by permitting all who felt so disposed to peruse his album at a penny a time. Another individual earned the sobriquet of "Peanuts" by an outburst of enterprise. He was a darky from Sierra Leone who in- vested his capital in nuts and hawked them from barrack to barrack. Two other darkies who furnished the camp with infinite enter- tainment were Dick and Joe. One had been making a living by dubious means in Berlin and was the most unblushing liar I have ever met. His fun and love of practical joking, even when it turned against himself, ren- dered him a favorite. The list of prisoners also included a well known golfer, two eminent football players, a popular athletic trainer, and an accom- plished Australian violinist, whose talent whiled away many an hour and was an un- failing attraction even to the Germans. Here and there the advantage of having a friend at court in powerful German circles was brought home to us vividly. Among the prisoners was an athletic trainer who was a protege of the King of Wurtemberg. He 46 INTERNED IN GERMANY was persuaded to change his national coat and was thereupon released after a stay in camp of only a few hours. One or two other prom- inent members of Berlin society were sim- ilarly tempted but resolutely refused to buy freedom at such a price and accordingly are still imprisoned at the camp. Among the 4,000 odd prisoners was a small party that aroused universal pity. It com- prised two Russian women, of about thirty and thirty-five years of age, with three young children. They were the only women in the camp and they felt sadly out of place among such an overwhelming masculine population. But every man considered it his duty to mount watch and ward over these unhappy women, and they were given a small room partitioned off from the re- mainder of the horse boxes. The children were very young, one scarcely able to walk. The fact that these women and two of the children had to present themselves at the kitchen along with us for their meals was a matter of deep concern to everyone. I re- call one morning in particular. The ground was covered with snow and slush ; the moon 47 INTERNED IN GERMANY still shining brightly; the air cold and biting. As we rounded a bend in the road, we saw ahead of us silhouetted sharply against the sky, the forms of the two shivering women, two children, a hunchback and an old man with a wooden leg, trudging laboriously kitchenwards. It was such a pitiable sight that we involuntarily burst into derisive laughter and taunted the guards for in- terning such harmless creatures as these. A few minutes later our merriment was abruptly and completely silenced. When the women reached the kitchen they discovered that they had forgotten a basin. Instead of the chef giving a double portion to the women to divide among the children, he curt- ly ordered them to go back and fetch it. The poor things were shivering with cold and the children were crying pitiably. The two women looked pleadingly at the chef, but they might just as well have tried to soften the Sphinx. Back they had to wearily trudge to fetch the missing basin. When they re- turned they were vehemently berated for tardiness and threatened with dire penalties if such a breach of regulations occurred 48 INTERNED IN GERMANY again. There was not a man among us who would not have cheerfully given them his portion had he dared. Some time later they were transferred to another camp, placed we hoped, in more congenial surroundings and treated more considerately. One note of tragedy was sounded. Shortly after my arrival, two Belgian civil prisoners were brought in, who had been arrested in a town ravaged during the German advance. Hearing that one of them could narrate a vivid tale concerning German atrocities, I ferreted him out and we had a long conver- sation. He told such a revolting story of rapine and bloodshed as would be difficult to parallel. Indeed, the details of the atrocities which he himself had seen and heard were so incredible that I carefully committed them to paper and suggested that he put his name to the statement. He was perfectly willing, but said that no pen could do justice to the rape, torture, mutilation and murder meted out to his compatriots by the German soldiery. When I submitted the statement to him he ran through it and urged me to make certain 49 INTERNED IN GERMANY alterations before he attached his signature as he was determined to be exact even to the most minute details. I could not undertake the revision just then, as this sort of work had to be carried on surreptitiously in the se- clusion of one's quarters. To have been caught with any notes in one's possession would have meant heavy punishment. As soon, however, as I had made the alterations, I endeavored to find him again, but without success. His companion stated that his guard had suddenly turned him out of his barrack and handed him over to an imposing military escort and that they had left the camp. Where he had gone, no one knew. I was keenly disappointed at being deprived of what would have been most damning evi- dence of German brutalities in Belgium, but the misfortune could not be remedied, and in the course of a few days the man was for- gotten. ' There was a sequel however, which un- nerved all of us who had listened to the Bel- gian's story. One morning his colleague, who was still with ns, received a small par- cel of comforts. While unwrapping the con- 50 INTERNED IN GERMANY tents his attention was caught by a small paragraph in a fragment of newspaper, to the effect that Mrs. (the wife of our former fellow-prisoner), wished to extend her grate- ful thanks to the friends who had sent floral tributes in memory of her husband, killed by the Germans. The fragment containing this was torn from one of the Belgian newspapers whose hidden source of publication had not yet been discovered. The remiaining Bel- gian, terrified at the news thus accidentally gleaned, resolutely refused to speak any fur- ther concerning the atrocities, fearing that he might share the other's fate. It was not until later we heard that the Germans, act- ing upon the precept that dead men tell no tales and evidently regarding this unfor- tunate man as dangerous, had taken him back to the town in which he had been ar- rested and in which he had witnessed the atrocities in question, and had there sub- jected him to a farcical trial that ended in his death sentence. How he was executed we never knew, but the incident was sufficiently terrifying to make ns more careful concern- ing our conversation in the camp. 5r INTERNED IN GERMANY One or two of our fellow prisoners afforded us a good deal of amui-ement. There was one who felt his position keenly and stead- fastly refrained from making the best of things. He was rarely seen, preferring the seclusion of his barrack quarters to the so- ciety of his fellow-prisoners; and when he did venture among us, walked to and fro with his hands clasped behind him and his eyes glued to the ground. He scarcely ever ventured a word. His barrack comrades told us that he spent the day writing poetry and committing it to memory, carefully tear- ing the fragments of paper into tiny pieces before retiring at night, evidently in fear that their discovery upon his person might incriminate him and bring further misfor- tune upon his head. His comrades did not appreciate his lyrics; they were far from feeling romantic under the depressing condi- tions. Whenever we had the opportunity to sing we did so with gusto. Some of the prisoners possessed excellent voices, and it was this gift which subsequently brought about the formation of glee singing, choral and other 52 INTERNED IN GERMANY musical parties. In the early days we amused ourselves with improvised concerts, and when we got seriously at work the guards used to stand around us listening intently and watching with their mouths agape. It was something which they could not under- stand, and at times the more inquisitive would ask how it was that we could enjoy ourselves so wholeheartedly when we were languishing in prison. This penchant for singing culminated in an interesting development. One day the words of a new song, set to a catchy air, were cir- culated about the camp. Within a very short time the air was being hummed, whistled and sung throughout the com- munity; it spread like magic. A little later the words caught the popular fancy, the swinging chorus being particularly liked ; in- deed, its popularity became so great that it was roared forth upon every occasion. It only wanted one man to start it ; the words would be taken up instantly by everyone within earshot, to penetrate the entire camp within a few seconds. We dubbed this air the ''National Anthem of Ruhleben,'* and I 53 INTERNED IN GERMANY do not think it will be forgotten by any one of the prisoners no matter how long he may live. The general impression prevailed that the song was a local creation, but afterwards I discovered that the music belonged to a popular music-hall ditty at home that had somehow or other found its way to Ruhle- ben. Then, one of the boys, considering the original words capable of improvement to meet the local situation, had promptly set to work and the following was his contri- bution: Oh ! We're roused up in the morning, When the day is gently dawning. And we're put to bed before the night's " begun ; And for weeks and weeks on end, We have never seen a friend, And we've lost the job our energy has won. Yes ! We've waited in the frost For a parcel that got lost Or a letter that the postmen never bring. And it isn't beer and skittles, 54 INTERNED IN GERMANY Doing work on scanty victuals, Yet every man can still get up and sing : Refrain Line up, boys, and sing the chorus ; Shout the chorus all you can; We w^ant the people there, To hear in Leicester Square, That v^e're the boys who never get down- hearted. Back, back, back again in England, Then we'll fill a flowing cup. And tell them clear and loud, of the Ruhle- ben crowd That always kept their pecker up. Although our existence at Ruhleben seemed altogether aimless, and we certainly found it hard to pass the tedious hours, a certain amount of diversion was contributed from outside. Just across the Spree were the testing grounds of Spandau. The hours of daylight and darkness were punctuated by the booming of heavy cannon undergoing their exhaustive trials before dispatch to the 55 INTERNED IN GERMANY. battle line, while above the sonorous boom of the big guns rose the shriller and nerve- racking tat-a-tat-tat of the machine guns. The chorus v^ras sv^relled by the crash, thump, and clatter of the heavily laden muni- tion trains that dashed ceaselessly to and fro along the railway within a stone's throw of the camp, and this thunder seriously dis- turbed our rest at night until we became so familiar therewith as to ignore it. Unre- hearsed displays of fireworks were our even- ing treat. Star shells, brilliantly colored lights, and scintillating magnesium flares, also under test, rose from the cluster of drab buildings and gaunt chimneys of Spandau, lighting the vicinity with the brilliance of noonday. At times, when work at the fac- tories was particularly brisk, these displays were truly elaborate. Although we were far from the firing line, we were able, from what we saw and heard of the preparations at Spandau, to form a vivid impression of what life must be upon the Western Front. During the day, Zeppelins sailed over our heads, and we follow^ed their rftovements with vigorous discussion as to the precise role 56 INTERNED IN GERMANY they were playing in the war. Taubes, alba- trosses, and aeroplanes of numerous types, also wheeled and doubled above us. We watched these war machines of the air in silence until one day one of the taubes, prov- ing refractory, came crashing to earth. It was heartless, perhaps, and yet we could not repress our exaltation at the thought that our comrades in the battle-line would be troubled by one less enemy in the air. 57 CHAPTER IV. THE FOUNDATION OF THE CHURCH The apathy of the German authorities in all matters concerning our welfare never struck us so forcibly as on Sundays. While there were not many saints in the internment camp we sorely missed church upon the Sab- bath. All days of the week came alike to us, and this unvarying m,onotony soon began to pall and affect our nerves as well as our spirits. One evening about half a dozen of the more enterprising braved the biting wind and gathered in the dark, forbidding shadows of the grandstand, to discuss the establishment of some form of Divine Worship. One young fellow was particularly keen upon the pro- ject, maintaining that by this means we should be able to shake off our periodical fits of depression. By this time the camp had ' 58 INTERNED IN GERMANY become sorely dejected. Freedom seemed so remote. The proposal was accepted with avidity; and then and there the movement was started by the singing of a hymn. Some of us were doubtful as to the precise effect that such action would have, for we were begin- ning to think that even the Almighty had abandoned us, but we were pleasantly sur- prised. Fellow prisoners, ambling and loung- ing around, listened intently and some of them took up the air and hummed it with us. The next service was more enthusiastically attended, and the meeting became a trifle elaborated by the inclusion of a prayer. Within a week or two this was extended into a service consisting of a couple of hymns, two or three short prayers, and a brief ser- mon. Those who had launched the enter- prise were more than gratified at the results achieved, for each successive service at- tracted a larger congregation, and one could not help observing the fervor with which those who attended sang and how intently they listened. The congregation was drawn from all social ranks in the camp: horny- 59 INTERNED IN GERMANY handed, weatherbeaten sailors rubbed elbows with men who had been dragged from flourishing businesses; the wilder spirits, whose cursing and invective against our piti- able conditions gave scandal to their milder brethren, were attracted by the comforting influence of even a rudely extemporized dis- sertation. I doubt whether the Church was ever planted in more unpromising ground than that offered by Ruhleben camp in those days. The first service was one of the strangest I have attended. The wind swept the grand- stand from end to end, causing teeth to chat- ter and feet to be numbed into nothingness. For the early services we were compelled to gather in the darkness, but the hymns were led by a singer whose voice would have re- flected credit on any cathedral choir. Owing to the inky blackness of the night we had to de- pend upon our hearing faculties entirely. Yet there was something decidedly cheering about those unconventional meetings that baffles description. At first the congregation for the most part, smoked vigorously, but as time went on, they gradually refrained. 60 INTERNED IN GERMANY When we first set the enterprise going we all feared that its existence would be ex- tremely brief. So many schemes, many of brilliant promise, had been launched in rapid succession, but none had had more than a fleeting vogue. Directly a new project lost its touch of novelty it was abandoned. The Church proved the one exception to the rule and thrived and grew amazingly. Before it was many weeks old, we were able to secure the friendly glimmer of a little oil lamp, while a harmonium came into the camp from some source or other, expressly for the use of the Church. When I saw that the Church had come to stay, I wrote to my vicar at home and asked him to send us some hymnbooks, bibles and prayer books. We needed them badly for the hymns had to be written out by hand for distribution, a task not only tedious but diffi- cult under the conditions prevailing. Still, the work was willingly performed by the enthu- siasts. Even the penning of hymns upon odds and ends of paper afforded employment for otherwise idle hands. The prayers were for the most part extemporized, and this 6i INTERNED IN GERMANY constituted another drawback, for memory proved a fickle reed upon which to lean. I subsequently learned that my appeal reached home and the books were sent though they never reached us. Greater success attended later efforts; my wife sent me one hundred and fifty Testaments which were distributed among the "darkies." Contributions from various sources came to hand and the Church made rapid strides. The duties of shepherd to the flock at Ruh- leben were fulfilled so far as the Church of England was concerned — this was the first sect to essay the enterprise — by one of our members. He was not ordained, but he proved an excellent leader, was a fluent speaker and generally popular. Among the prisoners was a young fellow under training for missionary work and he also gave valu- able assistance. As the gatherings grew in popularity and began to be regarded an essential factor in the life at Ruhleben — the services were held every Sunday afternoon at three o'clock — we decided to move from the uninviting grand- stand to a better center, and arranged to hold 6^ 0-, o m o < m < u H Pi o o g H I— I < u H < INTERNED IN GERMANY our services in a large room under the stand that had been rented to serve as a theatre and concert hall. Music was furnished by a piano hired from a firm in Berlin, v^hile we also trained an excellent choir. Once we had secured comfortable quarters we succeeded in attracting even greater numbers of the prisoners and after a short time, Sunday ser- vice became one of the indispensable features of camp life. We received a complete array of hymnbooks, prayer books. Bibles and other incidenta so that before the winter had passed we were as completely equipped, at least with all that was needful, as any Church at home. The singing speedily became a subject of admiration in the camp, not only among the prisoners but the German military officials as well. Many possessed fine voices, and under the careful training of a few w^ho had achieved a certain success in the musical world, solo, part and choral singing attained an established reputation. It was curious to see the crowded congregation following and taking part in the service, while outside an- other and equally impressive gathering, com- 63 INTERNED IN GERMANY posed of the military guard and officers, was assembled to listen to the music. It certainly was a thrilling experience to hear more than five hundred men singing with all their hearts. The favorite hymns were "Abide With Me," "At Even Ere the Sun Was Set," and another, the final line of which runs, "Give Peace, O Lord ! Give Peace again!" These words were roared forth with all the enthusiasm we could muster. Occasionally, "Onward Christian Soldiers" figured in the list, but we refrained from pre- senting it too often, because the swinging tune was rendered so lustily that we feared the authorities might interfere, under the impression that it was some national war song, a sign of defiance to our enemies. When those of the Church of England had demonstrated conclusively that it was pos- sible to establish a church in the camp, other sects followed suit. The Roman Catholic Church, highly appreciative of what we had accomplished, became friendly rivals, through the initiative of an interned priest. He secured a tiny room under the grandstand which, by some means or other, he com- 64 INTERNED IN GERMANY pletely transformed. He built an altar and introduced many of the ritual decorations of his denomination, and aroused widespread appreciation that culminated in the presenta- tion of a magnificent image of the Virgin. Until this priest was able to complete his own especial edifice, he often used to hold a service in our church, the two creeds thus working hand in hand. The Father of the little church was a won- derful enthusiast, and every Catholic festival was religiously observed. Those of the Church of England did likewise, and it may seem somewhat extraordinary if not incon- gruous, to relate that we even celebrated "Harvest Thanksgiving," although those at home might wonder for what we could pos- sibly render thanks unless for the mere cir- cumstance of being alive. After the establishment of the Roman Catholic Church the Jews also came into line, with their own building and traditional ser- vices. Their task, however, was rendered somewhat easier than that of the others, for the Rabbi of Berlin frequently visited the camp and took an active part in the work, ^5 INTERNED IN GERMANY receiving assistance from co-religionists scattered throughout Germany. But it is a remarkable circumstance, worthy of record, that within a few months, some four or five denominations had secured a solid and per- manent foothold in the camp, and were all working harmoniously together to lighten the load of the prisoners. It is impossible to overrate the good work they accomplished. It was but a short and logical step from the regular Sunday service to the inauguration of prayer meetings, short weekday services and other applications of religious work, which not only proved of incalculable benefit and imparted a high moral tone to the prison city, but which afforded us beneficial em- ployment, topics for conversation and reflec- tion, and thus a greater manifestation of cheerfulness. No mention of the work accomplished by the Church of England would be complete without a tribute to the labor of the Rever- end Williams. Through an unusual burst of generosity on the part of the Teuton authori- ties, he was granted permission to live in Berlin and to pass from camp to camp where 66 INTERNED IN GERMANY British prisoners, both civil and military, were interned. He held an extremely diffi- cult position which he filled in a manner be- yond criticism by the German authorities. It chafed us at times to think that he com- municated nothing as to what was transpir- ing in Germany at large, but when we re- called the trying conditions under which he was discharging his self-imposed duties, and the fact that Teuton espionage was watching his every movement, ready to swoop down at the slightest suspicion, we marveled at his tact and discretion. He used to visit the camp once a fortnight, when he would take charge of the services. Then the church would be crowded to suf- focation. His sermons were totally free from cant, and appreciated because of their chatty nature. He refrained from comment on our situation, his sole idea being to cheer us up. He would drop little tidbits of infor- mation concerning the welfare of our com- patriots in other camps and how they were passing their time, convey to us their good wishes and strongly urge us to keep our spirits up. At such visits we would crowd 67 INTERNED IN GERMANY around him, hungry for news, but of this he could tell us little. He never ventured a word concerning the military situation, the achievements of the belligerents, or the eco- nomic state of affairs in Germany; his con- versation was strictly limited to our own situation, although he never omitted to voice his sympathy for us. No member of the cloth ever toiled harder than he, nor discharged his trying duties more efficiently. His task in Berlin was that of looking after the wives and families of the prisoners, and while he carefully re- frained from acting as courier between the separated, he was able to extend the assur- ance that all was well without giving the slightest offense to the authorities. It was mainly through him that we learned how the prisoners in the other camps were faring. Once or twice, when the necessity arose, we made collections to provide our less fortu- nate compatriots with comforts, and, on one occasion, he brought us a sum of money which had been raised on our behalf among the prisoners at Doberitz camp. Many ex- changes of courtesies were effected through 68 INTERNED IN GERMANY his untiring energy; and it is safe to say that no man was so popular or held in such high esteem among the prisoners, irrespective of religious convictions. Without being irreverent I may say there was a touch of pathetic even tragic humor, in connection with our services. The mem- bers of the congregation mustered with their food basins and portions of bread. Suddenly above the singing would come the tramp of feet, muffled at first but rapidly growing louder. A barrack was marching to the kitch- en for its evening dole. As the procession swung by, every member took a hurrifed glance over his shoulder to identify the party and if a man recognized his barrack he would hastily grab his bowl and bread, dart out of the building and fall into the rear of the pro- cession. Possibly, some devout worshippers at home may regret that we placed creature before spiritual comfort, but it must be re- membered that we were receiving barely enough to keep body and soul together; miss- ing a meal meant going hungry for hours, and we were so penalized that even the de- nial of a single meal involved hardships. The 6p INTERNED IN GERMANY men did not scramble hurriedly from the House of God from their own choice or in- clination, but in obedience to the first law of nature, coupled with the unbending rules of Prussian organization. On one occasion, when one of the prisoners died, we hoped that we might be privileged to extend him the final religious ceremony observed at home. But this was denied. All that the authorities would permit — in fact, commanded — was filing past the hearse con- taining the coffin which we mutely saluted. The burial service was held elsewhere, and only ten prisoners from Ruhleben were per- mitted to follow our late comrade to his last resting place. I made an efifort to be in- cluded in this party but was unceremoniously refused. Evidently the authorities had gained an inkling that I was keeping my eyes and ears open, because they conveyed to me in unmistakable language, their determi- nation and so I had to return to the barrack to nurse my disappointment. 70 CHAPTER V. THE MEDICAL ADMINISTRATION Owing to our close confinement, lack of adequate exercise, the unsanitary condition of our quarters, the utter absence of the ru- diments of hygiene, and the monotony and insufficiency of our food, it is amazing that we were not ravaged by an epidemic of some sort. Had disease in a virulent form secured the slightest foothold, it would have run through the community, as a fire rushes through a forest leaving devastation in its wake. Germany may have accomplished wonders in the science of therapeutics, and may have produced a host of brilliant physicians, but both men and methods were sadly missing at Ruhleben. The first doctor to be officially appointed to the camp did undoubtedly show 71 INTERNED IN GERMANY a humanitarian interest in his charges, but this could hardly be said of his successor, Dr. Geiger. He was a stern advocate of the Prussian system. He would visit no one. His sur- gery was attached to the Kommandantur^s office, and here the patient, no matter how ill, had to be brought, and more than this the doctor would see no one except at the specified hours. Dr. Geiger's medical skill soon became the subject for much distrust. A terrifying skin disorder broke out and attacked everyone indiscriminately. It was not only an un- sightly but an extremely painful eruption that ravaged the face and other exposed por- tions of the body. Ugly, inflamed sores swelled up and some of the prisoners were horribly disfigured. To make matters worse, the camp suffered from a plague of mosqui- toes during the torrid season when the malady was at its height. These insects rendered life almost intolerable. To them the rash seemed as attractive as the fly to the trout. The camp at the time was in a filthy condition; refuse — animal and vegetable — 7^ INTERNED IN GERMANY abounded, and was exposed to these unwel- come visitors, who attacked the garbage and ourselves in turn. The appearance of this skin irruption and the virulence with which it spread, filled everyone with terror. We dreaded it as the precursor of the one thing we most feared, an epidemic. It must be remembered that con- ditions were highly favorable to its develop- ment. We were penned up like cattle with lit- tle space in which to exercise, the racecourse at this time being shut off from us by barbed wire fencing. Our sleeping quarters had de- teriorated into little more than sties, despite the so-called improvements that had been carried out, mainly as a result of our con- tinuous protest and at the instigation of the American Embassy where we lodged our complaints. We had no soap except what we bought ourselves, and as a result those who were without money, and they were many, had to do without. We were likewise without towels, and those who were so fortunate as to possess their own had to guard them care- fully to prevent their disappearance or uni- versal use. How some of the prisoners rudjj- 73 INTERNED IN GERMANY aged to keep themselves clean was more than the rest of us could understand. For three months after our arrival we were also denied the luxury of a bath. One or two of the bolder and more hardened spirits resorted to the only alternative. They stripped, stood in the passageway and sub- mitted to having buckets of ice cold water, drawn from the taps, thrown over them. In the middle of winter, with the mercury in the thermometer striving desparately to with- draw from sight into its bulb and the north wind whistling ferociously, this demanded no little pluck. Finally this skin rash secured such a strong hold that we considered it time to seek medical assistance, and forthwith besieged the surgery. The estimable doctor appeared to be at his wit's end to diagnose and treat it effectively; in his opinion there appeared to be only one potential remedy — aspirin. This drug seemed to constitute the Alpha and Omega of his medical knowledge for he enlisted its assistance for all of the ills to which the flesh is heir. I have been in the surgery and seen a man come tottering in, 74 INTERNED IN GERMANY almost delirious with fever. A tablet of as- pirin was all he received. Another comrade came along suffering from acute diarrhoea. Aspirin was again dealt out. A third limped in with a sprained foot; and he, too, was treated with aspirin. At home we laugh at the widely advertised medicines that are blazoned as a cure for all ills, but British faith in these articles is as nothing compared with the Germans' belief in the curative properties of the coal-tar derivative, for the aspirin treatment, which became one of the jokes of Ruhleben, was by no means peculiar to this camp. In each of the four prisons with which I made an intimate acquaintance, aspirin appeared to be the sovereign remedy. Under such circumstances it is not surpris- ing that we came to regard the qualifications of the doctor for his responsible post with considerable misgiving, and we hated to en- trust ourselves to the aspirin quack. What measure of relief we received came from an unexpected quarter — one of the prisoners, who must have studied medicine very thor- oughly. When we discovered his ability we 75 INTERNED IN GERMANY placed ourselves in his hands and trusted him implicitly. This accomplished comrade was untiring in his efforts although he had to pursue his practice in secret. The prisoners flocked to him, or he had to visit them if they were too ill. The task was one of extreme difliculty as he had to work without arousing the faint- est suspicion. It was only the cases he con- sidered too serious for secret treatment that were referred to the official doctor. But a man had to be prostrated with a dangerous rnalady before he would consent to call in other aid. The result was that our compa- triot found himself in constant demand at all hours of the day and night. Evidently our official representative got wind of what was taking place and his pro- fessional jealousy was aroused; but he either lacked courage to expose the other or he was not quite sure of his information, for nothing was said by the authorities who refrained from interfering any more than was necessary. The less work they were oc- casioned on behalf of the prisoners the better from their point of view. They would never 76 INTERNED IN GERMANY Btek trouble, so that the official, had he lodged his complaint, would probably have met with little sympathy. An interview with this official doctor was always amusing. When a patient presented himself at the surgery he was curtly re- quested to narrate the symptoms of his dis- order, the doctor meantime regarding him with suspicious eyes. When the patient had finished, the doctor would burst out in a kind of shriek: "Malingerer !" This was one of the few English words he knew, and he used to delight in enunciating it with the rat-a-tat-tat of a machine gun, dwelling at length upon each syllable. He never believed a prisoner. To him we were always shamming. But his use of this word caused one real tragedy. A prisoner was suf- fering from an advanced heart complaint, and one day, feeling particularly ill, he pre- sented himself to the doctor. When the pa- tient had concluded his case, out came the inevitable word. The man, stung to the quick by the false accusation, became ex- cited, and flew into a fearful rage, which, 77 INTERNED IN GERMANY however, only served to convince the doctor of the correctness of his deductions. The patient stamped off to his barrack in high dudgeon. A few hours later he was found dead ; he had succumbed to his affliction. On another occasion one of our number fell ill, and even our unpractised eyes could see that he was being tortured by a raging fever. One or two of us went down to the surgery to report and we urged the doctor to visit the sufferer. But he would not hear of it. His surgery was provided for receiv- ing patients, and unless they presented them- selves there they could not expect to receive the fruits of his knowledge and skill. We protested vehemently that the man was un- able to walk, but to no avail. Retracing our steps we got our comrade out of his bed, wrapped him up as warmly as we could, since the weather was bitter, and assisted him to the surgery. But that journey nearly proved his undoing. Upon his return he was pros- trated. He rapidly grew worse, and it was only through our unremitting attention that he pulled through. Throughout the whole of his severe illness the medical attendant 78 INTERNED IN GERMANY never exhibited the slightest trace of interest or humane feeling in this man. One young British jockey went under merely because the doctor refused him the attention of which he was in dire need. The death of this fellow forced a wave of deep indignation throughout the camp, for the general opinion was that he would have lived had he been properly treated. The authori- ties strove to assuage the outburst of popu- lar feeling without success. To this day tHe prisoners emphatically declare that the young jockey was a victim of the Prussian system in its most oppressive and brutal form which, in plain English, may be de- scribed as nothing short of gross neglect and absolute indifference as to whether he re- covered or not. Our official medical attendant sometimes displayed signs of initiative and enterprise that created widespread amusement. One of these remarkable brain waves struck him one morning during the prevalence of the skin disease, when the rapid increase in the num- ber of patients had begun to cause alarm. After he had surveyed a score of us he 79 INTERNED IN GERMANY jumped excitedly to his feet, prancing like a two-year-old, and rubbing his hands glee- fully at his brilliant inspiration. We sur- veyed him wonderingly, until turning to us, he ejaculated : "I know what is the matter with you. You are too lazy. You don't bestir yourselves. You want exercise. Do you understand? Exercise! Exercise! Exercise! ! And you are going to get it." As we had been fretting for weeks for the opportunity to give our legs a good stretch we failed to see any novelty in his diagnosis. Confinement, as we all knew, had been chiefly responsible for the scourge that had visited us. No one can conceive the wistful- ness with which we used to look through the chinks in the gate upon the broad expanse of the trotting and racing track from which we were shut off. We would have given any- thing to have taken a sharp walk or sprint around its circuit. Now we were to have our ardent desire gratified as part and parcel of our medical treatment. The doctor was so jubilant over his dis- covery of the cause of the malady that he was 80 INTERNED IN GERMANY impatient to apply the remedy and resolved to set the ponderous Prussian machinery mov- ing without loss of time. We were paraded, and the entire band of 4,000 prisoners were ushered through the gate for a brisk walk around the track, under a strong guard, need- less to say. But this very walk revealed the incompetence of our medical guardian in a telling manner, for we were of all ages and physical conditions, some sick, others in full health, and yet we were all commanded to walk at the same gait and the guards set the pace. Those of our number who were young and healthy had no difficulty in maintaining the official military stride, and were able to keep it up for the prescribed quarter of an hour without feeling any fatigue ; but those who had passed the prime of life, and who were stiff of limb, as well as those in poor physical condition, could not manage more than a moderate gait, and then could keep it up for only short intervals. Consequently, the exercise developed into nothing but a farcical episode which those of us who were fit enjoyed hugely. The older men and those in indifferent health, dropped 8i INTERNED IN GERMANY out one after the other. The procession which started out so bravely, with the com- pactness of a battalion of fighting men, be- came attenuated into a long-drawn-out, straggling line. It was impossible to slow down the pace to that of the slowest man, since then the younger and more agile mem- bers of the party failed to keep themselves warm and all benefit arising from the exer- cise was lost. Dr. Geiger finally grasped the situation, and, probably at the urging of the officers who understood the matter far better than he did, the 4,000 men were divided into two companies : the first composed of the brisker- walking members, and the second of those who could only muster a moderate pace. But even then the result was no better than when we were mustered together. The only obvious solution was to divide the prisoners into a number of small groups, each of common walking ability, but this scheme was too complicated for the guards, and the doctor's enthusiasm underwent a heavy dampening. Within a few days, the walk deteriorated in- to a go-as-you-please, as-long-as-you-please, 8^ INTERNED IN GERMANY when-you-please display of pedestrianism that was anything but impressive to the Prussian guards who were accustomed to seeing everything proceed with the precision of clockwork. Within a month the daily exercise was abandoned as a complete fail- ure, much to our disappointment, for we had enjoyed the walk keenly. But this abandon- ment was characteristic of German methods. Few proposals suddenly conceived upon our behalf and enthusiastically ushered in, proved more than the proverbial nine days' wonder. Within easy distance of Ruhleben and forming part of the rr^edical administration, though independently controlled, was the sanatorium to which certain cases, after a prolonged diagnosis, were transferred from the camp. Prisoners who were compelled to accept its treatment had to pay their own ex- penses, and needless to say, we were fined heavily. While some of the prisoners de- clared that little fault could be found with this home, under the circumstances, — they were careful to explain this qualification — others condemned it unequivocally. I made S3 INTERNED IN GERMANY Up my mind to keep out of it at all hazards and succeeded, so I cannot say anything based upon personal experience as to the treatment, but the most emphatic complaint was the expense of the treatment within its walls. There was one subsidiary establishment that was regarded askance by every man in the camp. This was the lazaret. Male or- derlies attended to the patients, while a prisoner was appointed to serve as general attendant. Many dark stories concerning this hospital were circulated, and it certainly gained a far from savory reputation. While some of the stories were unmistak- ably exaggerated, others were founded on solid fact. I can testify to the latter from personal investigations. I learned that on one occasion the establishment ran out of surgical dressings and had nothing with which to tend injured prisoners. They sur- mounted the difficulty, from what I dis- covered, by using discarded dressings. This utilization of second-hand dressings, which should never have escaped the fire, provoked a feeling of horror ; but there was 84 INTERNED IN GERMANY no alternative. Every dressing upon v^hich hands could be placed had been requisitioned for military service, so severe w^as the short- age of materials. On another occasion a young prisoner ad- mitted to the hospital suddenly collapsed. He was examined and life pronounced ex- tinct. Although it v^as not an expert exam- ination it was accepted and the supposed corpse was immediately taken out and laid in a bath that happened to be handy. The cold night air exercised a resuscitating effect, and the young fellow, unable to get out of the bath, crouched upon his freezing couch all night at the mercy of the inclement weather. He was found in the morning, half dead with the cold and hurried to the hospital, where desperate efforts were made to save him. He lingered for a few days and then died, osten- sibly from the malady from which he was suffering; but whatever part the disease may have played, it was only too apparent that it had been materially hastened by exposure during that fearfully cold night. When a prisoner died, his body was secretly disposed of, and we never Icnew INTERNED IN GERMANY what became of it. The only information vouchsafed was that he had been sent away. Within a short time the truth leaked out, and we began to attach an awful significance to the words "sent away." The prisoners used every means to keep out of the lazaret, pre- ferring to take their chance among their com- rades, who were far more solicitous about their continued presence in their midst than were the authorities. As the weeks dragged wearily by, many radical changes were effected ; but every im- provement was due entirely to the initiative and work of the inm;ates themselves. The authorities did not care two straws whether we were alive or dead. German arms were apparently triumphant, so what did it matter whether the prisoners suffered abuse, short commons or were ignored almost entirely! If a man went under, it merely meant one less prisoner to watch and feed. It was simply the undaunted spirit of the prisoners themselves that kept the camp going. The authorities provided us with nothing beyond what was absolutely imperative, and only the incessant hammering of the American 86 INTERNED IN GERMANY Ambassador brought about any improve- ment in our conditions, and to his credit be it said, he always listened patiently to our wailings. If they were well founded he lost no time in causing the Germans to take note of them, and never let the matter drop until his recommendations had been carried into effect. During the early days one of the iniquities of the camp was what can only be described for want of a better term, the isolation or quarantine camp. It was separated from us as completely as the American continent is separated from Europe by the broad Atlan- tic. I discovered its existence quite by acci- dent, when trudging aimlessly through the camp one day I caught a glimpse of my friend Moresby White and another prisoner who had been with me at Sennelager, and who had passed through the frightful tragedy of "The Bloody Night of September 11th." I hailed them, but at that moment the two dis- appeared into a barrack. Returning to my own quarters I told the others of my discovery. They were incredu- lous and chaffed me mercilessly over my im- ^7 INTERNED IN GERMANY agination, but I refused to give in. To prove that I had not been suffering from mental hallucination I hastened off to discover my friends, but although I hunted high and low and made exhaustive inquiry at the barrack into v^hich I had seen them vanish, I failed to track them. I began to wonder whether after all I had not been the victim of my own imagination. The days passed without any success at- tending my inquiries, and I was just giving up all hope when I suddenly came face to face with Moresby White. My first inquiry was as to the barrack in which he was living. "Barrack!" he replied, "Fm not in a bar- rack. I'm in the isolation camp !" "Isolation camp?" I repeated in surprise. "Yes. That place over there!" and he raised his arm to indicate its situation. "What's it like?" "Like ! Phew ! I guess its the limit ! It's just running aljve!" And the disgust with which he spoke was more impressive than the words themselves. He was living in strange company, in- deed. He shuddered as he related the con- 88 INTERNED IN GERMANY dition of his companions and how the whole place was reeking with vermin ; from which I gathered he was having a pretty hard time of it. But he was not disposed to be communicative; he had become inured to hardship under Prussian authority, and was content with the foregoing picturesque ex- planation, feeling confident that I would un- derstand, as indeed, I did. Some days later he was transferred to the main camp. To judge by the more eloquent descrip- tions vouchsafed by other prisoners who made acquaintance with the isolation estab- lishment, it must have been a terrible hole. Its reign, fortunately was brief. Even some of the inmates who were not unfamiliar with vermin raised a protest against the plague of parasites there. There objections were expressed with more violence than politeness and the mutterings were not lost upon the authorities. These unsavory quarters were dismantled, and our warders showed a de- sire to forget all about them the moment their noisome reputation became common property in the camp. The circumstance that Ruhleben has never 89 INTERNED IN GERMANY been ravaged by contagion offers a high trib- ute to the prisoners themselves, and is not due in the slightest degree, to German effort. The prisoners speedily appreciated the neces- sity of observing all rules of hygiene, and introduced measures of precaution as far as was possible within their limited powers. The authorities merely looked on. When the camp began to crystallize into a well- ordered and law-abiding community, and when schemes for effecting improvements were matured, all dangers of an epidemic passed away. po CHAPTER VI. SANITATION AND HYGIENE The German nation would have the world believe that it is unassailable in all that per- tains to the science of sanitation and hy- giene; but the camp at Ruhleben gave the lie direct to this assertion. At the time that I arrived at the camp, con- ditions were ghastly. The authorities had not even introduced the rudiments of a sani- tation system ; everything was of the crudest description. Although we numbered around 4,000 souls, there was only sufficient latrine ac- commodation for twelve men, and even this was of the most primitive description. We persistently agitated for a reform of the sanitation system, for we feared the ef- fect of the open, foul-smelling cesspool up- on our health, but it was of little avail. The INTERNED IN GERMANY authorities appeared to be absolutely help- less. Then we begged for further accommo- dation to meet the exigencies of the camp, but this appeal likewise fell upon deaf ears until we at last succeeded in drawing the at- tention of the United States Ambassador to the situation. He instantly recognized the legitimacy of our complaints and ordered ex- tensions and improvements to be carried out. While his active intervention brought about a certain amelioration of the fearful condi- tions, the improvements themselves were of the crudest sort. It was not until many months later that any efforts were made to grapple with the situation upon scientific lines. Then a flushing system was introduced, which must have been linked up with an existing sewage disposal scheme in operation at Span- dau, since the main pipe from the camp passed under the canal in that direction. But even here there was incompetence. The main installed was far too small in diameter to cope with the volume of work imposed; and consequently, blocks in the pipes oc- curred with alarming frequency and tem- 9^ INTERNED IN GERMANY porarily disorganized the whole scheme. Still, the installation, despite its shortcom- ings, served to ease our minds very materi- ally. In due time we were able to shut down the original latrine altogether, and subse- quently, at our own expense, turned it to account as a semi-open-air cold shower bath. In the early days the authorities made no attempt to cope with the surface water that collected after a heavy rainstorm — and it does rain at Ruhleben. Some of the prisoners whose homes were in Farther Britain, can- didly admitted that in this one respect the camp reminded them of home. The rain pelted down with the fury of a tropical storm; and under the pounding of 4,000 pairs of feet, the surface of the ground, especially where the maximum of traffic was imposed, became churned into lakes of mud. Roads were conspicuous by their absence. As the surface was wildly uneven and the rain water could not get away quickly by soakage, it wandered here, there, and every- where, forming uninviting lagoons. We did not object to these accumulations of water save that they compelled us to become am- 93 INTERNED IN GERMANY phibious while they lasted; we had to wade, sometimes ankle deep, through the slime, to get our meals at the kitchen. No effort was made to remedy this state of affairs. One barrack, fringing a depres- sion in which the water always collected, suf- fered somewhat severely, and when the water gave signs of rising, the inmates of the barrack had an exciting time. A minia- ture barrage of boards and other accessible materials was run up at the entrance to keep the water out, for this was the only means by which floods could be averted. Even then, the water forced an entry into the barrack, making the interior thoroughly damp. How the inmates ever succeeded in warding off illness was more than the rest of us could fathom. Things finally came to a pass that de- manded drastic action on our part. When- ever we complained to those in charge, they merely met our protests with a non-com- mital shrug of the shoulders, a shake of the head and eyebrow dancing; so we decided to work out our own salvation. We laid our heads together and discovered that our ranks 94 INTERNED IN GERMANY included one or two civil engineers as well as many others who were familiar with road- making tools. The former prepared the de- signs and the latter, organized into business- like gangs, carried them into effect. An ex- cellent road was driven right through the camp, ensuring us a dry causeway no matter what the weather might be, so that we could move between barracks and the kitchen in comfort and with dry feet. The cost of build- ing this road was defrayed by ourselves, the men who carried out the actual work being paid a weekly wage from a special com- munity fund. The road was so well built that even the authorities were moved to ad- miration and after it was completed they had the impudence to approach the designers and working gangs to ask if they would build roads for the Germans outside the camp. Needless to say, this cool request met with a very blunt and emphatic refusal. The road was given an excessive camber, and its surface was tightly compressed so as to allow the water to make a quick and easy escape to either side where it formed stag- nant lakes. These lakes furnished amuse- 95 INTERNED IN GERMANY ment to the interned sailors, who would fashion miniature boats with paper sails and indulge in model boat racing, pursuing the recreation with all the delight of schoolboys. It was the only way in which they could kill time. When we entered into occupation of the barracks, lighting, both natural and artificial, was at a serious discount. So far as the lofts were concerned a condition of twilight pre- vailed throughout the day, the rays of the sun only penetrating the everlasting gloom fitfully through the small begrimed windows. In those days artificial lighting was abso- lutely unknown. We either had to go to bed with the birds, which was about five o'clock in winter, or spend the evening conversing in the darkness. Nine o'clock was the official hour for extinguishing all lights, but seeing that they were existent only in the abstract, the call ''lights out" and the final round by the guard to see that the regulation was obeyed, seemed somewhat superfluous, and inciden- tally created considerable, though enforced hilarity. The dreariness of the evening hours grated 96 INTERNED IN GERMANY upon our nerves, so one or two of the more dare-devil spirits decided to run the risk of trouble by breaking rules. A few candles were obtained, and the faint soft light shed by them sufficed to invest the forbidding lofts with a little cheer. By summarily tak- ing the solution of this problem into our own hands we incurred the risk of severe penalties, for the authorities dreaded a fire; but to our surprise nothing was said. As a matter of fact, it appeared as if the utilization of candles gave birth to a brilliant if belated inspiration. Electric lighting was installed, at the direct instigation of the American Ambassador, and this was a decided improve- ment, since it enabled us to indulge in even- ing occupations and recreations within the sanctuary of our own residence. One lamp, in the center of the loft, was permitted to re- main alight all night, a concession we greatly appreciated, because if we could not sleep we could pass the time by reading or writing. But the most intense discomfort we ex- perienced was caused by the bitter cold. We virtually lay upon the bare stone floor at night — scarcely an inch of straw between the 97 INTERNED IN GERMANY hard couch and our bodies. During the win- ter we were nearly frozen to death. Our limbs were numbed, while we shook as if with the ague. In response to our petition the American Ambassador insisted that the barracks be heated, and to this end a central heating plant was installed somewhat tar- dily. Undoubtedly the authorities resented this enforced contribution to our comfort, a supposition confirmed by the arbitrary method it was operated. A central station was erected and equipped, pipes leading therefrom to the various buildings, but when first brought into use, the heat was turned on for only a brief period during the day and the degree of heat emitted was almost im- palpable, while it was provided at an hour when we could have done without it. Later the authorities appeared to become more in- telligently interested in the matter with con- sequent improvement. Another distinctly beneficial step was taken when the American Ambassador demanded that our beds be raised above the floor. Strange to relate, it was only those in the lofts who derived benefit from the heat. The 98 INTERNED IN GERMANY tenants of the horse boxes got no comfort from it, for the pipes had been placed out- side. The occupants were also victims of the drafts that whistled through the space be- tween the partition and the ceiling. They overcame this by pasting up brown paper which unfortunately excluded what little heat there was. This unhappy condition of affairs was never remedied. The authorities had fulfilled their part of the bargain; they had installed the heating system demanded by the American Ambassador, and it was up to the prisoners to devise ways and means to secure the maximum of benefit therefrom. While the ventilation of the horse-boxes was fairly complete, thanks to the draughts, that of the lofts was execrable. When we first went into residence we could secure a certain degree of ventilation by opening the small windows. But the authorities would have none of this. They not only closed the windows, but screwed them up tightly, and to make sure that they would not be opened surreptitiously they covered them on the out- side with heavy wire netting. The reason for this action was never fathomed ; possibly 99 INTERNED IN GERMANY it was done to frustrate any attempt at es- cape during the night. What ventilation we received came through the cracks in the walls and the holes in the roof. The former channels were draughty so that it was necessary to stop them with paper. The holes in the roof had to go un- touched, but they were a source of intense discomfort during rainy weather when the water came dripping through, saturating the bedding and submitting the occupant to an unappreciated shower bath. To secure any tangible ventilation we had to leave the door ajar, but as the air came through this opening with the ferocity of an Arctic blizzard we had to close and seal it up. It must not be supposed that our captors allowed us to lead an entirely idle life. There were certain duties which we had to perform daily, such as collecting paper littering the camp, and sweeping the purlieus of the build- ings. There was a huge bin outside each barrack into which refuse and sweepings were thrown. Once a week we were given a wagon, to which the contents of the bins was transferred. Then we had to convey 100 INTERNED IN GERMANY this garbage to the dump. No horses were provided for haulage ; we had to do this our- selves. Teams of prisoners were hitched to the shafts and under guard were compelled to drag the vehicle to a big depression not far away which was being filled up. Despite the arduousness of this work, there was never a lack of volunteers to serve as haulers ; it gave us the opportunity for a little exercise and to see something beyond the four walls of our prison. The attribute of civilization that we missed more than anything else was a bath. The only makeshift, as I have already narrated, was to stand stark naked upon the stone floor of the passageway near the taps and sub- mit to have a bucket of ice water thrown over one by a comrade. We fretted at the denial of facilities to keep ourselves clean, and finally brought the authorities to relent. I have already mentioned the isolation camp not far distant, a feature of which was a hot shower room. When the camp itself was abandoned the shower room was retained, and those who desired a bath were escorted to the building by an armed guard. lOI INTERNED IN GERMANY Although this room was dilapidated and ex- tremely primitive, we unhesitatingly ac- cepted the advantages it offered. We were compelled to disrobe, bathe, and dress again in what was virtually all one room and naturally the steam arising from the hot water formed a thick impenetrable fog that saturated our underclothing. It was useless to grumble ; we had agitated for bathing fa- cilities and they had been provided. If one's clothing became wet during the process, well, that was the owner's affair. And so we had to retrace our steps to the camp with our underclothing wringing wet, clinging to our shivering bodies. For many months the luxury of hot water within the camp was practically unknown. We were compelled to walk to the kitchen and ask the attendants for a small basinful. If they were gracious they would oblige. When we commenced to receive parcels of provisions from home the demand for hot water increased alarmingly, since we re- quired it to boil our tea, coffee and cocoa in the privacy of our barracks. If a trip were made to the kitchen it was likely to prove 102 INTERNED IN GERMANY fruitless; possibly a barrack would be lined up waiting to be served, in which case, no one else could hope to receive attention unless willing to wait at the end of the line. If no one were there, then, for a halfpenny or so, the water would probably be given. We appealed to the authorities for an ex- tension of these facilities. They listened, and suggested that we erect a special boiler house at our own expense, a concession we gladly accepted and not only did we pay for the materials and erection but for the fuel required to run it as well. This boiler house proved an inestimable boon. We could get a bucket of water for a penny, and the demand was heavy. A long line would form outside and I have often waited for an hour or more for my bucketful. The venture proved a highly profitable one, and incidentally must have been lucrative to the authorities since they were said to draw a commission of seven and a half per cent upon all transactions. Hot water was in demand for a hundred purposes, but more than anything else for heating the tins of food we received from 103 INTERNED IN GERMANY home. At first, it was the practice of the prisoners to go down to the boiler house, pay a penny for a bucketful of water, and then immerse the tins for about an hour, calling for the article on the way back. Subse- quently, we hit upon a more economical and satisfactory method of achieving the same end. A string was tied securely to each tin, together with a label bearing the owner's name. The tin was then dropped into the boiler along with others ; and several dozen tins could be heated in this way at one time. When the owner came along for his tin, the attendant hauled it out and the owner rushed away to his barrack with it before it cooled. Sometimes the string became detached from the tin, and then occurred exciting fishing matches. Probing in a big boiler for a tin of food, dodging several others attached to their leashes, as well as the merrily boiling water and the blinding steam, was sport in- deed, not unmixed with a certain amount of voluble invective upon the part of the at- tendant, who considered the enterprise well worth the penny levied and who waxed sar- castic at the awkwardness of the owner in 104 INTERNED IN GERMANY tying the string to the tin so disastrously. Hot water was also warmly appreciated for laundry purposes. In the early days, washing of clothes was practically unknown. Many prisoners possessed nothing beyond what they wore ; and if a prisoner so placed decided to indulge in the luxury of clean underwear he had to wash it out himself and stay in bed until it had dried. As a rule, the garments presented a worse appearance after laundering than before, since soap was scarce and cold water is hardly effective for the purpose. Later, a firm in Berlin under- took to carry out all laundry work, collecting and delivering once a week. This arrangement only benefitted the prisoners who were able to point to a well-stocked wardrobe; those who had but one shirt or pair of socks could not stay in bed until the solitary garment returned; and these were compelled either to refrain altogether or wash their own gar- ments at night, trusting that they would be dry in the morning. When further supplies became available, they were either worn con- tinuously until they could be worn no longer, and then discarded in favor of a new outfit, ^05 INTERNED IN GERMANY or else the conventional practice was fol- lowed of wearing one while the other was at the laundry. So far as the internal condition of the lofts was concerned we were left to our own devices. At first we were compelled to lie upon loose straw, but this was afterwards stowed into sacks provided by the authori- ties, thereby forming small mattresses. To- day, straw being valuable as a foodstuff, wood-shavings are served out to fulfil this purpose. The mattress idea was warmly ap- preciated, inasmuch as when the straw was loose it became heavily contaminated with mud and other filth introduced upon our boots, which precipitated a lamentable state of afifairs, especially when the straw was periodically livened up, and threw heavy nauseating clouds of dust into the air. When the straw had been mattressed we were able to keep the floor in a tolerably clean condition, although the congested dis- position of the wooden beds reduced the open space to narrow gangways. These were swept regularly by orderlies appointed by the residents of the barracks and chosen io6 INTERNED IN GERMANY from the necessitous members among us, who were paid for their work. Each man in a barrack contributed a penny or more a week to the orderly fund, the contribution varying with the monetary status of the prisoner. 10^ CHAPTER VII THE ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMUNAL GOVERNMENT When I was drafted to the central intern- ment camp near Spandau, the community which I found reminded me of nothing so much as a mammoth gypsy encampment. When 4,000 men are suddenly flung into one another's company, chaos and confusion are inevitable. The British colony resident in and traveling through Germany, were so stunned by the suddenness and comprehen- siveness of the blow that they failed to grasp its entire significance and effects. Ignorance and uncertainty as to the future caused the time to drag heavily. An atmosphere of utter aimlessness prevailed, and the faint- hearted, fortunately in the minority, settled down in a hopeless comatose state, prepared to accept anything and everything as it came, io8 INTERNED IN GERMANY and refraining from lifting a finger on their own behalf. All things considered, there was a per- fectly legitimate excuse for such lethargy and disposition to accept the camp as it was found. The current impression prevailed that we were certain to be released within a very short time; that the authorities had rounded us up merely to keep us under sur- veillance while maturing a scheme whereby they would be able to keep perfect track of us with facility or to arrange for our re- patriation. Many cherished the thought that we should be given our freedom on "pass" once more, or at least be permitted to live within certain areas, where we could be watched without taxing the authorities to any pronounced degree. Naturally such a buoyant hope re-acted against any interest being evinced in our surroundings. We argued, and logically perhaps under the cir- cumstances, that it would be a sheer waste of time and energy to embark upon any im- provements, since an order consenting to our release might come to hand at any moment. The authorities were wily; they encour- INTERNED IN GERMANY aged the maintenance of the fictitious theory at the time. It was to their advantage. The Teuton is unremittingly cautious to avoid trouble. In this instance the authorities were quick to seize upon British feeling to the greatest advantage to themselves, and did not hesitate to placate us in every possible manner. They did not openly aver that we were to be released within a short time ; they were too shrewd for that. But at the same time they did not deny the current statement which gained credence and widespread cir- culation. I had already learned to my cost that the German is uncannily adept at this game. I had suffered from similar tactics while languishing in Wesel prison and Sen- nelager camp, and I declined to be lulled into a false sense of security. I communi- cated my personal impressions to my col- leagues, but for the most part, they, being ignorant of the depths of German craftiness and bluff, refused to listen to me for a mo- ment, and I was promptly declared to be a croaking raven. A certain restiveness and chafing prevailed among the prisoners but owing to the sedu- iio V. AU-POSTAlMATmeRFRee. Renowned Resort for Restful ReLAXATiON. i ® A PLEASURE BOAT. B. owe OFTMe OMg SWANS. ii ® A PL EASURE BOAT. B. Owe OFTMe OMg SWANS. | rtiRRiF HALLTEMPERANCE HOTtL. sminutts from railway statkdn . lOO feetatovc TOURISTS AOCCPTCD. CVERyT>ilNG MODERATE. pgOPRIETORS .-LOFTS UMlTtU. | An "Advertisement" from the Ruhleben Camp Magazine. INTERNED IN GERMANY lous fostering of the idea of a speedy re- lease, open discontent, trouble and agitation were successfully averted. Moreover, the authorities realized that by keeping us keyed up to such a high pitch of expectancy, they were gradually wearing down our high spirits, and that complete relapse would at- tend the reaction when we at last realized that we had been living in a fool's paradise. It was not until we observed one new build- ing after another going up, thereby increas- ing our accommodations, that the awful truth dawned upon us. Then we realized we were condemned to stay in this prison for an indefinite period. Once we grasped this true condition of af- fairs we surveyed the situation from the only sensible point of view, deciding to make the best of it. Transference from military to civil administration brought a certain meas- ure of improvement, but the former still re- mained supreme. The camp was closely guarded by soldiers, although armed control within was gradually relinquished and at last ceased altogether as we proved law-abiding and tractable. We assumed the responsibili- IIZ INTERNED IN GERMANY ties of maintaining order ourselves. Then the soldiers were delegated solely to patrol- ling outside the camp, sleeping quarters be- ing provided w^ithin, and they were dispos- sessed of all authority over us, for which release they seemed devoutly thankful. Although our guard was never communi- cative in regard to the progress of the war, actions were far more eloquent than words. We could not fail to observe how hard the Germans were being pushed for men. When we were first imprisoned, strapping young soldiers swarmed everywhere, swaggering with true Prussian arrogance, flushed with the first smell of blood and disposed to treat us with contempt. Numerically strong, they watched us closely and never hesitated to in- terfere upon the slightest breach of the myriad regulations which bound us. Evi- dently they considered "carpeting" a British prisoner to be a highly diverting amusement. One thing was sternly suppressed. We were not permitted to collect in groups, no matter how harmless our discussions might be. There was nothing to do, and the prisoners were naturally apt to gather in 11^ INTERNED IN GERMANY this manner to give expression to individual theories, to air speculations concerning the future, or to discuss the topics of the hour. As we gathered the guard w^ould watch us closely, and when the party assumed undue proportions, it would advance and disperse us roughly, taking care to send us in different directions. This unceasing surveillance be- came almost intolerable at one juncture. It was at the time when Italy's decision hung in the balance. Evidently the Germans, some time before Italy made her choice publicly known, were fully aware that she would cast her lot with that of the Allies. We heard all about it and as may be supposed discussed the situation very animatedly. The authorities, impressed by our openly declared pro-Italian sympathy, tightened up the regulations. Evidently they anticipated a manifestation of exuberant "maffxcking" on our part when the momentous decision was reached by Italy, for they issued a warn- ing that should there be the slightest display of jubilation, we should be severely punished, both collectively and individually. They did not give us any idea of the projected fate ^^3 INTERNED IN GERMANY in store for us in such an event, but contented themselves with uttering dark threats and ominous hints. However, we were not to be intimidated, although we unanimously decided that, on behalf of the camp as a whole, we would re- frain from any public demonstration. We would have a junketing within our barracks after the guards had sounded "lights out." To this end there ensued a heavy run upon spaghetti. Every available ounce of this national Italian comestible was greedily ac- quired, and we were able to amass impressive stores with which we regaled ourselves joy- ously and handsomely upon the night when Italy announced her intentions. It was a clandestine "maffick," but all the more ex- uberant because we had the satisfaction of knowing that we had outwitted the authori- ties completely. As the weeks wore on, we noticed that the guard was more frequently changed, that older and older men were successively dele- gated to the duty of mounting watch over us, and that the numerical strength of the mili- tary wardens was rapidly undergoing TT4 INTERNED IN GERMANY marked diminution. This circumstance im- pressed us more than anything else, and our spirits rose. As the number of soldiers de- creased, the barrier which had existed be- tween captors and captives became whittled down until it disappeared altogether. The older soldiers regarded the situation from a different point of view than the younger men. They had been torn from their homes and businesses, and were in- wardly opposed to the war. They nursed no resentment against us; indeed, they were communicative, affable and ready to perform any small duty to ingratiate themselves with us. We saw we were gaining a moral ascen- dancy over them, and did not hesitate to profit by it. At the same time we were very careful not to tilt against the windmill of officialdom, for we realized that the less we inconvenienced our wardens the easier would be our lot. When at last we decided that the moment had arrived for us to essay to take over the camp and become respon- sible for its administration, the authorities, impressed by our record of docility and knowing that we were a well-ordered and 115 INTERNED IN GERMANY law-abiding community, placed no obstacles in our way. This was a distinct concession, for there were many anomalies and short- comings, if not actual hardships, demanding immediate redress, which we could effect among ourselves but which the authorities would not consider for a mon;ent. We decided to run the camp, so far as the limitations would permit, in accordance with British traditions, and to establish British practice and method, right in the heart of the enemy's country. A complete transforma- tion was wrought. The guards came to the conclusion that we were not such bad fellows after all. We reciprocated the sentiment with the result that although our wardens were changed frequently, we always main- tained our superiority. It evidently became noised among the soldiers that looking after the British prisoners was a soft and lucrative job. As the economic situation within Ger- many grew worse, the animosity against us diminished almost to zero, the soldiers rightly concluding that they had everything to gain and nothing to lose from cultivating our friendship, although now and again an ii6 INTERNED IN GERMANY upstart, upon his arrival, would attempt to parade his arrogance and authority. So far as the authorities were concerned they never wanted to be bothered; it was the system, and not the individual, which had to be taken into consideration. Moreover, we were unremitting in our determination to suppress all attempts at open defiance and lawlessness among ourselves, and if we could not control one of our number, we speedily escorted him to the authorities to be dealt with according to the nature of his offence. The of^cers themselves expressed their ap- proval of our methods, and when forced to intervene, did so with reluctance. When we received permission to govern ourselves we decided that we could not do better than to inaugurate a communal con- trol based upon the broad practice followed by every city and town at home. The office of mayor devolved upon the captain of the camp, who was recognized as the sole inter- mediary between the prisoners and the Ger- man authorities. All complaints had to be made through him and his decision was final. If he conceded a complaint was well founded, 177 INTERNED IN GERMANY he passed it on to the proper quarter. This move was greatly appreciated by the Ger- mans, for it protected them from many petty annoyances and imaginary worries; and within a short time, they conceded that any complaint which reached them through the camp's captain was legitimate enough to de- mand investigation or it would never have reached them. Then each barrack elected a captain, who in turn was responsible for the good conduct, welfare and cleanliness of the members resident therein, and he again acted as the channel for all complaints between the prisoners in his barrack and the captain of the camp. The system worked with wonderful smoothness and satisfaction to one and all. Certainly it contributed in a very great meas- ure to the high reputation which Ruhleben achieved among the authorities. Once the government was established we put our shoulders to the wheels of progress and so- cial reform to improve our position, in which direction we also achieved so many wonders as to earn approbation from our wardens. All things considered we were given a toler- Ji8 INTERNED IN GERMANY ably free hand, no appreciable opposition to our projects being offered so long as we were prepared to defray the total financial expen- diture incurred. Naturally, every suggestion had to be submitted to the authorities, but they refrained from exerting more than a fatherly jurisdiction over our operations. The reform proposals were so comprehen- sive and diverse as to necessitate the forma- tion of a host of committees, each of which was responsible for the work that came with- in its sphere of influence. Thus we had edu- cational, theatrical, trading, training and numberless other committees, and I doubt if any municipal community at home could point to such a record of industry and inde- fatigable labor as characterized the straight- ening out of affairs in this internment camp. Among these varied committees was one of special significance. We could do practically nothing without money. There was plenty of it in the camp, so the first essential action was the establishment of a sound financial system to enable the public works to be carried promptly through to success. To this end was inaugurated what might up INTERNED IN GERMANY be called the Common Fund, which was kept going by contributions from every con- ceivable source of revenue, such as profits on trading, amusements and other diverse occupations and recreations. When it was decided to establish inter-trading within the camp, private enterprise was not generally favored, for it was thought that this would tend toward exploitation of the majority to the exclusive benefit of the minority. Brief experience, as I shall show later, sufficed to justify our fears in a conclusive manner. Communal trading was one of the first projects to be attacked in grim earnest. At first, those who desired to supplement of- ficial rations by purchase of luxuries, not obtainable from the canteen, were compelled to patronize a tiny cramped stall known as "Pondside Stores," to the benefit of its proprietor, a German woman. When we took over the administration of the camp, a row of shops was built and paid for out of the Common Fund. As a reminder of home, this shopping thoroughfare was facetiously christened Bond Street, and the square at one end of it was called Trafalgar Square. 120 INTERNED IN GERMANY Each shop was set aside for a specific enter- prise, such as dry goods, provisions, tailor- ing and outfitting. The responsible govern- ment purchased and maintained the stocks for these establishments, purchasing from German houses, and also provided capable managers and assistants, v^ho were paid five shillings a week from the Common Fund. The government was responsible for the purchase and selling prices of the various commodities — the profit on the goods was settled by a committee — and brisk trading soon caused the Fund to grow rapidly. The majority of the prisoners either received re- mittances from home or a weekly allowance from a fund controlled by the American Embassy, while there were also many in the camp well blessed with the sinews of war, owing to the indiscriminate manner in which the British element in the country had been rounded up and interned. By the time I left Ruhleben, the Fund had grown to impressive proportions. The transactions within the camp amounted to thousands of pounds within the year. Although profits were cut fine and business INTERNED IN GERMANY conducted on the "small profits, quick re- turns" basis, the annual aggregate balance was somewhat startling. It was co-opera- tive trading upon a big scale and pursued under peculiar conditions, but no one could doubt its success. This big favorable bal- ance on the commercial and amusement un- dertakings furnished funds for a variety of other purposes. One salient feature charac- terized Ruhleben life — nothing was free; every enterprise was drawn up to ensure a profit. When the German authorities real- ized the extent of our inter-trading opera- tions, they divined a source of fruitful reve- nue and accordingly insisted that they should receive a commission of 7j4 per cent upon the turnover. This amounted to quite a re- spectable figure — "bunce" for Germany, we termed it — and due precautions were taken to see that the uttermost farthing was raked in. Among the prisoners was a chartered accountant, and he assumed responsibility for the camp government's books. This was an imposing task in itself; and the poor man often worked far into the night to keep pace with the commercial transactions. Compe- 122 INTERNED IN GERMANY tent bookkeeping was imperative, for the ac- counts had to be referred periodically to the authorities, who, in turn, submitted them to Berlin, where they were audited by fully qualified officials and the sum due the Ger- man administration duly appraised. It was galling to think that we, as civilian pris- oners of war, were inadvertently giving financial aid to the Teuton military machine, but it was a condition that we could not escape. The Common Fund proved an inestimable boon to the community as a whole, particu- larly in connection with provisions. Many of the prisoners were denied parcels from home because their families could not afford to send them; and these depended entirely upon the provision shop within the camp, and then could not get what they wanted if the price rose above a certain figure. Thus, but- ter, owing to the blockade, began to rise ominously, until it notched 4s. 2d. per pound in Berlin. It looked as if the poorer among us would have to go without this article of food; but the problem, was neatly adjusted. The trading committee was not saddled with 1^3 INTERNED IN GERMANY the entire cost; instead a certain sum was set aside from the Common Fund toward its purchase; and this contribution not being repayable, actually constituted a gift toward the purchase. The trading committee, in de- ciding the selling price of any article, based its figure upon the outlay, and, so far as butter was concerned this was reduced to the extent of the free contribution. As a result, the butter was sold in the camp at a price far below what it actually cost in Berlin. Butter steadily became scarcer, however, and the price rose accordingly until the Fund gift lost its significance. The gift could not be increased indefinitely except at the expense of other objects equally vital; and finally butter became obtainable by only a chosen few. The retail price in Germany at the be- ginning of 1917 reached 12s. per pound, and even at this figure, very little was to be had. The Common Fund also played an impor- tant part in maintaining another equally important subsidiary fund. This was one inaugurated wholly and solely for necessi- tous prisoners, not a charity but essentially a businesslike proposition. To derive any 124 INTERNED IN GERMANY benefit from this fund, a prisoner had to re- ciprocate with his labor There were many among us "broke to the wide," from circum- stances over which they had no control. If they felt disposed to work they were insured a small wage, running up to five shillings weekly, pocket money that enabled them to make purchases contributing to their crea- ture comforts. Although we made every effort to secure regular supplies the fates were invariably against us. For instance, a consignment of bread would come in on Tuesday, butter on Wednesday, milk on Thursday and so on. The moment supplies arrived, they were an- nounced; thus, on Tuesday, everyone was informed "Bread In," while other commodi- ties were advertised in a similar fashion upon their respective days. Upon being notified, the prisoners would line up in a long queue outside of the shop in question. The stock was so severely limited that it was generally exhausted within two or three hours. This system possessed certain shortcom- ings. Those who were flush of funds imme- diately purchased what they required, while 125 INTERNED IN GERMANY those who were dependent upon their weekly wage, which was paid on the Friday, had to go without, all business in the camp being conducted on the "cash" principle. There- fore, to ensure a more equitable distribution of supplies, a few of the more affluent pris- oners would club together to make big pur- chases of the indispensable comestibles, and hold them over until the less fortunate drew their wages. The latter could then buy what they wanted at precisely the same price as if they had presented themselves at the shops. Among our various enterprises was the establishment of a newspaper. A typewriter was secured, and an unpretentious daily sheet was prepared. When we secured a duplicator we were able to reel out copies by the score. For the most part the contents were drawn from the German press, supple- mented by items and gossip of local interest. This enterprise subsequently developed into a magazine, published at irregular intervals, printed in Berlin, at our expense, to which the talent of the camp, pen, pencil and brush, freely contributed, and which periodically, it 126 INTERNED IN GERMANY may be explained, constitutes a faithful mir- ror of life in the internment camp, and the irrepressible Mark Tapleyism of the British race under the most distressing conditions. It is a witty and live magazine, all profits from which go into the Common Fund. While British newspapers were distinctly verhoten we were permitted to purchase German publications, which were brought in daily, and sold by a German girl. For the most part, the Teuton papers comprised the Berliner Tagehlatt and ^' Aunt Voss/*' of which last, rumor had it, special editions were prepared for our express edification, but to the truth of this statement I cannot tes- tify. Delivery was not exactly regular ; and as the newsgirl had plenty of patronage we could not understand, at first, her apparent indifYerence to trade. Later, we discovered that all of the papers were submitted to rigid censoring before they could be brought into the camp, and if they contained a line con- cerning a British success of arms, they were prohibited. By such action, the authorities doubtlessly hoped to keep us in ignorance of British military developments, but, once hav- 127 INTERNED IN GERMANY ing gleaned the reason for the non-appear- ance of the papers, we naturally measured British successes by the days on which the news-sheets were not forthcoming. As time went on and the number of blanks increased, we rightly concluded that the German army was receiving a series of jolts which it did not relish. Consequently, by forbidding the papers, the Teutons defeated their own ends. Although we were somewhat in the dark as to the magnitude of the British achievements we were free to speculate on the subject. One day a huge bundle of newspapers was brought into camp, and to our astonishment they were freely distributed among the pris- oners who quickly gathered around. That the authorities should present us with copies of a newspaper hot from the press was an outburst of magnanimity which quite over- whelmed us, and our delight became intensi- fied when we read the title, Continental Times, We supposed this to be a continental edition of the eminent British daily and we grabbed the profered copies with eager de- light. But when we dipped into the contents ! Phew ! The howl of rage that went up and 128 INTERNED IN GERMANY the invectives that v^ere hurled to the four winds startled even the guard. At first wt thought the venerable Old Lady of Printing House Square had become bereft, since the paper was crammed from beginning to end with pro-German propaganda of an amazing and incredible description. It was a cunning move but so shallow as to merely provoke sarcasm. Time after time that offensive sheet was brought into camp and given away; but on each occasion we subjected it to the grossest indignities we could conceive. What it cost the authorities to endeavor to deceive us in this way is only known to themselves, but it was a ghastly fiasco. Truly, the Teuton is strangely warped in his psychology. Yet, at intervals, the British press pro- voked just as an acute exasperation among the prisoners at Ruhleben as the distorted statements and fabrications of their German contemporaries. One London daily almost precipitated a riot in the camp with an article entitled, ''Work-shys at Ruhleben," in con- nection with a report issued by the American Ambassador in Berlin dealing with a special INTERNED IN GERMANY and official visit to the camp. This glaring title created a feeling of intense bitterness, and even the Germans laughed at the distor- tion and imagination of the British scribes. The article v^as undoubtedly inspired by the fact that the poorer prisoners worked dili- gently all day while others amused them- selves on the tennis courts and football field ; but the statements betrayed a complete ignorance of local conditions and of the organization of the camp. There are no *'work-shys" at Ruhleben, but there are men who work from choice and necessity to se- cure the weekly salary of five shillings, paid out of the Common Fund. Work is pur- posely created to keep these unfortunate compatriots in the position to secure one or two luxuries and comforts which would otherwise be impossible. Even those who play tennis and football indirectly create work, as the courts and field have to be kept in condition, while those who indulge contri- bute freely to the Common Fund. An equally fantastic statement in another British weekly caused an uproar. It was stated in all seriousness that one man had 130 INTERNED IN GERMANY been able to send home £17, which, so it in- sinuated, he had made at the expense of his colleagues. This story, upon its iteration in camp, provoked a serious situation, for the man in question was receiving five shil- lings a week from the Common Fund, and he certainly was not in the position to remit to England the sum of £17. Such will-o'-the- wisp stories work far-reaching damage and seriously affect the smooth working of the community. It may seem strange, but such "yarns" as these reached the camp within a very few hours of their publication, how, no one seemed to know. As we were powerless to refute them we were compelled to suffer in silence, while the British public, owing to the absence of any contradiction, is disposed to accept such statements as true. Moreover, such wild and fictitious assertions adversely affect the status of the British press in Ger- man eyes. The latter, knowing the true state of affairs, smile contentedly, and hav- ing discovered these fabrications, logically assume the remainder of the intelligence published in British papers to be equally un- trustworthy. Gross misstatements of fact J3^ INTERNED IN GERMANY published in the British press, gathered from irresponsible sources, more seriously threaten the equanimity and orderliness of the British internment camp at Ruhleben than the wildest assertions in the German papers. The latter are expected; the former are construed as outrage. 13^ CHAPTER VIII. BENEFITS OF THE COMMUNE The food issue at Ruhleben has ever been one of the most discussed questions and the cause of the gravest discontent among the prisoners. Milkless and sugarless acorn cof- fee, black bread, and unappetizing soups of little nourishing value, cannot by any stretch of the imagination be construed into a decent physical maintenance diet. When the eco- nomic situation in Germany was compara- tively easy, the average menu, so far as the midday meal was concerned, might be set down as soup — pea and cabbage predominat- ing — for three or four days of the week, while on the other days we received such fare as rice and prunes, or rice and sausage. On Sundays we might be rewarded with a small piece of meat, potatoes and gravy, gar- nished with a small portion of sauerkraut, 133 INTERNED IN GERMANY the last by way of a great treat. After the kitchen was taken over by the prisoners themselves, we sometimes received a small bun or other trifling delicacy, if such it could be called, for tea, but only on rare occasions. At intervals, fish was served, but this was so vile that it was invariably declined. It was quite unpalatable owing to the brine, and moreover was generally in an advanced state of decomposition, which apparently had suffered suspension owing to prodigal treat- ment with salt. Even the sailors, who were considered to be the least fastidious about their food, would refuse the dish. When we received permission to run the camp ourselves one of our first actions was to obtain control of the kitchen. We saw scope for many reforms but were rather doubtful as to whether the authorities would allow us to take this issue in hand. To our surprise they offered no objection. The com- missariat was at that time in the hands of a contractor who proved to be one of the most despicable of Teuton rascals, nothing less than a profiteer, pure and simple. The food grew worse and worse in spite of the com- 134 INTERNED IN GERMANY plaints that were lodged almost daily. Those at the head of things usually admitted that these complaints were well founded, and os- tensibly strove to effect improvements but without tangible results. I recall one day when we were compelled to go without our midday meal. It was one of those rare occasions when an officer from Berlin visited the camp. He proceeded straightway to the kitchen to have a look around. Fish was the delicacy in prepara- tion and he investigated it closely, and de- livered an opinion that threw the kitchen staff into consternation. The fish was con- demned unequivocally. The contractor pro- tested but soon realized that argument with a German official is sheer waste of breath. The officer cut him short, condemned the food as totally unfit for human consumption, and dared the contractor to serve out fish at his peril. While those of the prisoners who witnessed the incident rejoiced inwardly, faces dropped at the prospect of no meat be- ing forthcoming. The officer turned to us and expressed his sympathy at our having to go dinnerless, but he emphatically declined ^35 INTERNED IN GERMANY to permit prisoners to be served with such vile food under any consideration. He prom- ised us a good tea by v^ay of amends, and he v^as as good as his v^ord. Not only did he have the offensive fish destroyed before his eyes, but he w^aited to see that v^e were not robbed of the rice and prunes that comprised our tea. Our request to control the kitchen extri- cated the authorities from a dilemma. Com- plaints concerning the food had come to a pass that reduced them to helplessness. They were as deeply incensed against the contrac- tor as we were, inasmuch as the government was not being given full value for the money paid for our sustenance. Time after time protests were lodged by the officials in charge, but the contractor always insisted that he was serving us with the very best material that he could obtain at the price, and that indifferent quality and quantity were entirely attributable to the condition of af- fairs within the country. If he could not get the foodstuffs, how could he supply them to us, was his attitude. It was a specious argu- ment that appeared to quiet the agitation, 13^ INTERNED IN GERMANY but the officials knew quite as well as we did that the rascal was merely exploiting us and making money rapidly in the transaction. The contractor had the best of it until we came along with our suggestion. Then the authorities, seeing the opportunity to end his contract, bundled him out neck and crop on the instant, their excuse being that we, the prisoners, had taken over the entire under- taking and would become responsible for feeding ourselves. The contractor was dis- posed to put up a fight, but the German mili- tary have their own peculiar way of settling such affairs and we were left in undisputed possession. The moment we secured control of the kitchen the system was completely over- hauled. One of our number was installed as controller, while the staff was similarly re- cruited from the ranks of the prisoners. All were given the weekly wage of five shillings. Of course, the members of the staff were at liberty to profit from "extras" so far as they could, and so long as it was not at the ex- pense of any member of the community, or in connection with the essential meals. For ^37 INTERNED IN GERMANY instance, such extras as hot water at odd times of the day invariably earned a ''tip," in addition to the official charge for the article, but inasmuch as those who rewarded such additional duties were well able to afford it, no harm was done. It must be admitted that the kitchen staff were equally diligent in ministering to the wants of the necessitous as to those of the more wealthy. There was never the slightest discrimination. Although the "chef* was not permitted to order what he required, but was compelled to utilise what the authorities provided, we benefited from the superior preparation and presentation of our meals, while the control- ler displayed wonderful ingenuity in render- ing the less attractive foodstuffs as appetis- ing as human endeavor could contrive. Moreover, at times, we were treated to un- expected and intensely appreciated delights. Thus, for the evening meal we might be given a dole of tea with milk or sugar, or possibly the acorn coffee was rendered palat- able by the addition of milk or sugar— per- haps both. Considering the restricted scale of materials with which the kitchen was sup- 13S INTERNED IN GERMANY plied, its achievements were remarkable. By this time parcels were also being re- ceived from home and we consequently be- came more dependent upon food received in this manner than upon that provided by the authorities. As the prisoners had resolved themselves long since into small cliques, a system of division — in vogue with my par- ticular party — was widely practised. The con- tents of all the parcels addressed to the mem- bers of a group were pooled, to be shared and shared alike. The system was simple. For instance, K would receive a parcel on Monday. The member of the party who was fulfilling his spell of duty as orderly un- packed the parcel, noted the contents, and attached the date of receipt thereto. The more perishable foodstuffs were eaten first. On Tuesday, a parcel would come for me, and this would be treated in an identical manner. The orderly would prepare the meals, the menu varying according to the "stocks" available, and in this manner sup- plies were eked out to supplement, or as a substitute for, the oflficial rations. The or- derly was entirely responsible for the party's ^39 INTERNED IN GERMANY commissariat, the preparation of the meals, the preservation of the edibles, and their dis- tribution from day to day, during the period of his duty in this connection. When his term of responsibility was completed he merely handed over his stocks and records to his successor. In this vvray it was possible to transfer the responsibility from one to the other at a moment's notice, and that without the slightest friction or mishap, and we were generally assured of some dainty every day. As a rule we confined the luxuries from home to the evening meal, which we considered in the light of a dinner or high tea. If the par- cels destined for the party arrived simul- taneously, and we suffered from a temporary glut, then the other two meals of the day were supplemented by such luxuries as the supplies would allow. By sharing out in this manner all the mem- bers of a party benefited, while those poorer members who were denied the receipt of a parcel from home, owing to their relatives not being in the position to extend such assis- tance, were not permitted to feel their lonely position. The dainties were given to them 140 INTERNED IN GERMANY in the true spirit of camaraderie and they did not fail to extend acknowledgments of their thankfulness in such directions as they could. In some instances, unfortunately, a more selfish practice prevailed. I recall one prisoner who was not only flush in pocket, but who received parcels with unfailing regu- larity from home. The assortment of dain- ties which came into his hands was astonish- ing, but he was never known to share a crust with a less fortunate comrade. He would sit at the table with a parade of luxuries — tongue, tinned vegetables and fruit, white bread and butter — and gorge with sublime indifference to the meager fare of his col- leagues who watched him with longing eyes as they made the most of their acorn coffee and hunks of black bread. I really think that had it not been for the generosity of the more sympathetic members of the camp who willingly distributed such tidbits from their parcels as they could afford, such selfish gourmands as the prisoner in question would have been deprived of their luxuries by force. But the men, in spite of their famished condi- tion, exhibited wonderful self-control and ex- 141 INTERNED IN GERMANY pended their indignation in other directions. Such gluttons were the butt of increasing ridicule, the victims of practical joking and objects of disgust throughout the camp. They were harried from pillar to post, and regarded as useless "black sheep,'' and when- ever a request for release was refused, the howls of derisive delight which went up forced the unpopular individual to seek the consolation of solitude. The communal government brought about other important changes. Thus, under the original regime, the prisoners had to present themselves at one place for their meals, while another cubbyhole served as depot for the distribution of black bread. It was no un- common event for a prisoner to be compelled to wait an hour or more in the "bread line" after a similar wait on the kitchen queue. When the snow was deep and the thermome- ter hovering about zero, this was a fearful experience and many of the men were quite numb and half senseless from the cold by the time they reached the window and received their ration. This system was changed. Representa- 142 INTERNED IN GERMANY tion induced the authorities to concede the establishment of a bread depot in each bar- rack under control of the barrack captain. Sufficient bread was fetched daily to ensure each man in the barrack receiving his daily ration of one-fifth of a loaf. In this way the long wait in the open air was avoided, an in- novation which met with widespread ap- proval. This decentralization extended a fur- ther benefit. Those prisoners who were in receipt of regular supplies of bread from home could naturally dispense with the of- ficial allowance; but the authorities were not permitted to benefit from this circumstance. Each man drew his ration and if he did not require it, promptly handed it over to a col- league who did. Communal government also enabled the postal system within the camp to be im- proved beyond recognition. A post office was established in each barrack. The regulations permitted each prisoner to write two four- page letters and four postcards per month. Naturally, extreme care had to be displayed to keep within the limitations of the censorship, which was rigorous. Thus neither pen nor 143 INTERNED IN GERMANY ' indelible pencil were permitted. Only an ordinary leaden pencil could be employed, enabling the censor to obliterate with eraser any statements to which he took exception. Also, the writing, especially on the postcards, had to be fairly large, so as to be read with ease. Generally speaking the authorities were very fair over the postal material. If the writing was too small the postcard would be returned to the writer with a note calling attention to the reason for its refusal. But, as a rule, if the card was reposted, it was per- mitted to pass, the authorities being satisfied that upon the next occasion the writer would comply wth the request to write in larger characters. Official stationery had to be used for both letters and postcards, and this had to be pur- chased by the prisoners, from a small stock carried in each barrack post office. We did not have to pay for stamps, in accordance with the terms of the Hague convention which decrees that the correspondence of prisoners of war shall be mailed free. The duties of the postmen were well de- fined and the system worked with astonish- 144 INTERNED IN GERMANY ing smoothness. The mcoming mail reached the camp early in the afternoon, and at about three o'clock the postman from each barrack presented himself at the official bureau. Here he secured all the letters addressed to the inmates of the barrack to which he was attached. Returning to the barrack, the let- ters were again sorted, those for the horse boxes in one pile and those for the lofts in another. The latter were handed over in bulk to a sub-postmaster attached to the loft, who, when he received his bag of letters, be- came the center of a clamoring crowd of in- mates and from his point of vantage called out the names and delivered his mail on the spot. The arrival of the post in the loft is a unique memory ; the overwrought inmates would loiter about, scarcely able to restrain their excited expectancy of a letter from home, and when the mail arrived there was a wild rush and frenzied hubbub around the postman. When a man's name was called he gave a yell of triumph, seized the letter, and, almost mad with delight, tore the en- velope into shreds to secure the contents, which he read and re-read with a joy that is ^45 INTERNED IN GERMANY indescribable. The saddest sight was the de- jection upon the faces of those for whom no letter had come. They would slouch to some quiet corner almost on the verge of collapse, and sit there moping, and even give way to tears over the bitter disappointment. A letter from the homeland, no matter from whom it came — relative, friend or stranger — acted as a tonic of the most bracing description. It must not be forgotten that the mail is the solitary frail link with Britain, and if those at home could possibly take a peep at a bar- rack when the mail comes in, they would not fail to be so impressed by the vivid contrast of unrestrained delight and utter dejection, that they would undertake to write a note, no matter how brief, to at least one prisoner every day. It is the one vehicle for trans- porting a prisoner from the deep miseries of Hades to the delights of Paradise. Downstairs, among the horse boxes, we were quick to seize upon any and every little tradition linked with home, to convey the illusion of being in Britain instead of a German prison camp. The letters were sorted out and grouped according to the in- 146 INTERNED IN GERMANY mates of each box. Then a box-to-box de- livery was practiced. The postman went his round with his bag, gave the familiar re- sounding rat-a-tat-tat, and when the door was opened, handed the missives to their rightful owners or left them in charge of the orderly. The pleasing fiction not only af- forded us infinite amusement but contribu- ted materially to the success of our organi- zation. Collection was also made daily. The let- ters were posted in the barrack pillar box and duly cleared by the postman. He kept a register of the names of the inmates of each barrack and the posting of each letter or card was recorded. This was done for two rea- sons. In the first place it offered evidence of posting, and secondly, it enabled us to keep within the rules, since the postman was able to see, by referring to his records, whether a writer was sending more than the per- mitted number during the month. If the communication was in excess, it was re- turned to the sender to be re-posted at a later date if he felt so inclined. The letters were then taken to the official 147 INTERNED IN GERMANY^ bureau and surrendered to the authorities. The latter also kept a register, which was religiously maintained, to keep check upon each prisoner's dispatches, their number, and dates of mailing. By initiating our system we saved the authorities considerable trouble, as it was quite impossible to smuggle through a letter or card over the proper number. In- deed, we suppressed all endeavors in this di- rection, since otherwise continuous and bitter friction would have prevailed between the authorities and the prisoners. After having been received by the authorities, the letters were passed on to the censor, and upon meet- ing with his approval were dispatched to the homeland. All correspondence was subject to one official rule — it was detained in the camp for ten days after posting, for "mili- tary reasons." Consequently it takes from three weeks to a month for a letter to pass between a prisoner and home. I might men- tion that, although restrictions are imposed concerning the number of communications which shall be sent by a prisoner during the month, there are no limitations as to the number received. 148 INTERNED IN GERMANY Despite the enormous volume of corre- spondence handled, I must confess that losses of letters, so far as I can testify from my period of incarceration, were very few and far between. The authorities were ex- ceedingly fair and straightforward. The system of handling the prisoners' par- cels was also free from criticism, although it naturally underwent improvement when we were able to participate in the scheme. The authorities provided a special siding at Span- dau in which the vehicles laden with our goods were shunted. These trucks were cleared once a day, a special cart being re- tained in the camp for their transference from rail to the official bureau. While horses sometimes served for haulage, upon other occasions the prisoners themselves were recruited to serve in this capacity, but this was a task which was shouldered will- ingly, as it was to our own benefit. As at least 4,000 to 8,000— afterwards from 12,000 to 15,000 — parcels* came to hand every twenty-four hours it will be seen that this enterprise was one of considerable magni- * Parcels are now sent to prisoners in bulk through the Central Organization. — H. C. M. 149 INTERNED IN GERMANY tude, and I must state, in justice to the au- thorities, that every care was taken of the articles entrusted to them for the prisoners. So far as is known, very few parcels, from the moment they were taken over at the frontier by the Teuton Government, were ever lost, although some of them reached the camp in a battered condition owing to indif- ferent packing. In the early days there was a slight outburst of indignation. A consign- ment of parcels failed to reach the camp. Their transportation had been entrusted to a private organization — not of German origin I might mention — which has always made a feature of parading its celerity of dispatch and prompt delivery. Nothing was heard of the goods for some weeks. Then they were suddenly discovered, tucked away in an odd corner of one of the firm's depots. By the time these parcels reached the camp a con- siderable proportion of the contents were inedible. After this experience the authori- ties decided to assume complete responsi- bility for the transit and delivery of all goods destined for the prisoners, and the system has worked satisfactorily ever since. 150 INTERNED IN GERMANY Under official administration our one com- plaint was the tedious wait in the queue out- side the parcel office. I have known a pris- oner to v^rait three hours before reaching the building. But we succeeded in reducing the period of waiting to a very marked de- gree. Every morning about seven o'clock, a list of the prisoners for whom parcels had arrived was written out in alphabetical order and posted upon the notice board enclosing the boiler-house. Needless to say, prisoners expecting parcels used to gather round this board an hour or more before the list was sent up. Each prisoner would run down the announcement under the initial letter of his name and ascertain what there was for him. Perhaps one or two, and sometimes even more, were reported. He then proceeded to the office, taking up his position in the queue, which often stretched for several hundred yards. The first duty was to secure a ticket entitling him to the parcel. The attendant, after making sure that the request was in order, gave him a ticket, for which we inau- gurated a charge of ten pfennigs (one penny) — this was subsequently reduced to one half- 151 INTERNED IN GERMANY penny — which went into the Common Fund. Receiving the ticket the prisoner surren- dered one half of it at another window, thus establishing the first link in the chain of claim and receipt. Then he presented him- self at the window coinciding with his initial to receive his goods. All handling of parcels was carried out under military supervision. Upon arrival they were sorted out according to the initial letter of the surname and placed in a bin cor- respondingly labelled. Say, for instance, I presented myself at the window. The sec- ond half of my ticket was taken, and the parcel for Mahoney withdrawn by a soldier from the "M" bin. It was brought to the counter and unpacked before an officer. The latter made an examination, and no pro- hibited article being found, the dismantled parcel was pushed over to me, and I was permitted to take it away. Once I had sur- rendered the second half of my ticket and had received the parcel, all liability upon the part of the German Government ceased. If any contraband were included it was merely confiscated. The system is simple and thor- 152 INTERNED IN GERMANY ough. No parcel is ever touched by the au- thorities until it is opened before the eyes of the consignee, so that no complaints of losses in transit canine made. We were permitted to co-operate to a certain degree with the authorities in hand- ling the parcels, but our staff was never suf- fered to open, or to touch, the contents. The result of our action was to expedite the clear- ing of the office, this generally being accom- plished, even on the busiest days, in about two hours, while we always succeeded in cop- ing with all parcels upon the day of receipt. In this way we were able to reduce the so- journ in the queue to tolerable limits. If a man took up his position in the waiting crowd and left before his name was called and then presented himself at a later hour, he was fined one penny for his remissness, inasmuch as he had caused a certain amount of trouble. The only exception to this rule occurred when operations had to be sus- pended to enable the attendant soldiers to take their midday meal. Those who were still waiting, say, at twelve o'clock, were commanded to re-present themselves later, 153 INTERNED IN GERMANY but no fines were exacted, the consequent delay being due to the authorities them- selves. 154 CHAPTER IX. LIFE UNDER THE COMMUNE The concession of self government, despite the limitations imposed by the authorities and the military supreme control, effected one important result. It caused us to recog- nize that our future welfare depended in a pronounced measure upon our individual and collective efforts. Restraint was certainly chafing at times, but occupation is an effect- ive gloom-dispeller. As time passed, we could not fail to feel the gradual relaxation of the rigid and steel-bound regulations. Every member of the community was com- pelled to tacitly admit that he could become a useful member of the community and that if everyone did his little bit, imprisonment would be robbed of many of its terrors. The authorities were quick to perceive our amenability to law and order, combined with 155 INTERNED IN GERMANY adaptability to circumstances, no matter how depressing they might be. The soldiers, dur- ing their times of leisure and while lounging within the camp, often expressed their won- der at our atmosphere of joviality and ap- parent content as prisoners. Making the best of things was an attitude beyond their understanding. Crime was unknown in Ruhleben, and bearing in mind the cosmopolitan character of the four or five thousand prisoners, drawn from every conceivable class of society, this was certainly amazing. More than one of our number had "done time" in England, but here the predatory instinct seemed to have become stifled. Now and again there was a slight outbreak of lawlessness, but these were few and quickly suppressed. Men who infringed the rules came to fear being os- tracized by their comrades as much as, if not more than, being penalized by the German authorities. Of course, devilment was re- sponsible for a certain amount of friction with officialdom, but these manifestations of lawlessness, if such they may be called, were rather the direct and outward effect of con- 156 INTERNED IN GERMANY finement. Some of the more irrepressible spirits had to give vent to a certain amount of exuberance, and at times displayed a fiendish delight in thwarting authority, but these were suppressed among ourselves and without official interference. When the military guard was withdrawn from within the camp a police force, recru- ited from the ranks of the prisoners, was brought into being. Subsequently, with the coming of the communal system of govern- ment, this self-protection became elaborated and established upon a firm footing. A police force, such as would have done every credit to a small British town, was created. It was constituted upon the lines practised at home, although it may, perhaps, be more accurately likened to our special constabu- lary, introduced at the outbreak of war, see- ing that the duty was quite honorary. There was a "chief," with the usual array of sub- ordinate officers ; the force, when fully con- stituted, numbering 45 strong. The utmost care was observed in selecting the right men for this peculiar, and at times, extremely delicate enterprise. As a matter of fact, it ^57 INTERNED IN GERMANY was regarded as a signal honor to be selected a policeman, and there was spirited competi- tion for a vacancy when it occurred. The camp was patrolled night and day, the constables after dark, proceeding upon their duties in pairs. The authorities readily as- sented to this action, once its beneficial ef- fects became apparent, and co-operated with us. The insignia of office was a blue and white armlet worn round the cuff when on duty, together with a small enamel badge carried in the lapel of the coat. Further- more, a certificate was presented to each member. In the early days the night work was somewhat unenviable, especially when the weather was unkind, but directly sou- westers were supplied from the Common Fund, defiance could be safely hurled at the elements, even when they were most unpro- pitious. For night duty we were supplied with a small electric flash-lamp, but we were not allowed to carry a defensive weapon of any description, not even a baton. Fortu- nately, so far as my experience was con- cerned, the occasion never arose to display force of any description. 158 a 6 in "•5 c 1-1 cS we celebrated our own Royal Acad- emy exhibition. There was plenty of talent in the camp, and the exhibition proved a great success. Many of the canvasses dis- played compared favorably with some I have seen on the line in Burlington House; and in addition, there were examples of artistry and craftsmanship. Some of the prisoners had passed their idle hours in wood-carving with penknives and other simple tools. One if the negroes had laboriously fashioned pieces of granite into knickknacks of various sorts, finished with a high polish. These aroused considerable comment. My contri- bution to the exhibition was an egg embla- zoned with the arms of Ruhleben and a suit- able inscription. After the exhibition, I used it as a drawing card in the window of a shop I established in Ruhleben, where it never failed to arouse interest, even among the German officers. We considered our ring of indoor amuse- ments completed when at last we were able ^34 INTERNED IN GERMANY to open the Picture Palace, which proved a success. Our principal trouble in this con- nection was with films. We had to hire these from Berlin, and most of them were ex- ecrable in character, plot and technique, while the fact that they were terribly worn by the time we received them did not add to their attractions. But we consoled ourselves with the fact that the Germans had lagged far behind the other nations in this phase of industry. All things considered, it must be admitted that the internment camp was well supplied in point of indoor amusements. There was always something on that served to while away the tedium of the evenings and did much toward promoting the limited gaiety of the prisoners. ^35 CHAPTER XII. BIDS FOR FREEDOM People at home, reading about the con- gested internment camp at Ruhleben, often wonder why frequent attempts at escape are not made. Now and again we hear of such a venture and some prisoner more daring than his fellows straggles home, having bid an un- offical adieu to the Teutons. There were several reasons why such breaks for freedom was seldom made. In the first place, there was hardly a prisoner who did not believe that release was only the mat- ter of a short time; only a few of the pris- oners could speak German; and then it was a long pull from Spandau to the border, and subsistence en route was likely to prove dif- ficult. As a result, reflection generally con- vinced the most daring that the risk was hardly worth the candle. Of a certainty, re- ^3^ INTERNED IN GERMANY capture would be attended by punishment of some devilish description such as only the Teuton mind could conceive. Spies abounded everywhere, and we had to bear in mind that we were not likely to encounter many benevolent Germans on our way to the frontier. A prisoner in flight could hardly hope to escape the inevitable challenge that sooner or later would be flung at him during his journey. Demand for the pass would lead to a complete undoing. Even if a man tried to pass himself off as an American, he could scarcely hope to succeed, for Americans also had to produce passports or other irrefutable evidence of American citizenship. Accordingly, during the first three months of our imprisonment no attempt at escape is recorded. During this period, however, one or two of the more venturesome kept their eyes and ears open, and acquainted themselves with the lie of the land, in case an opportunity should arise. As time went on, and less was heard of the expected change of prisoners, those who were willing to take any risk to get away, ^37 INTERNED IN GERMANY matured their plans. I may say that "How to Bolt" and 'When to Bolt" were the fa- vorite subjects for discussion in the privacy of our living quarters. Hundreds talked glib- ly and evolved daring schemes, but few of them were carried out. As a rule, the schemer thought better of his decision when the moment arrived. Nevertheless, rumors of escape were bandied about without cessa- tion. We always knew when a bold break for freedom had been made. Then we were called to parade at six in the morning. We were not even given time to dress, but had to jump up out of bed and appear as we were, snatching overcoats on the way. When the weather was cold is was a disagreeable ordeal, but there was not a man among us who did not wish the fugitive success and gladly shoulder personal discomfort on his behalf. We knew that every minute we could give him was invaluable so we delayed and hampered the authorities as much as possible in their efforts to count us. Escape was not without its tragic side. One Russian prisoner, a mere boy, fell a vic- INTERNED IN GERMANY tim to the irksomeness of confinement, and his brain gave way. Ir his delirium he at- tempted to escape. He was detected by the guard, who uttered the challenge but ap- parently the youth's mind was so unhinged that he did not realize the import of the ominious hail. Crack went the rifle. His body, stiff and cold, was brought into the camp the next morning. The guard had un- doubtedly taken deliberate aim, instead of contenting himself with merely bringing him to earth. We considered it a cold- blooded murder. The fact that we knew but little of the guarding of the camp from without baffled our efforts to break bounds. We discreetly sounded our guards when we became more friendly with them, kept our eyes open, and never allowed the slightest detail to escape our eyes. We learned, however, that the protective system was uncannily elaborate. The soldiers were exasperatingly vigilant and ready to shoot on sight. Also every night, at half past nine, a barrack inspection was carefully made, when the guard entered and counted the inmates. If the total tal- ^39 INTERNED IN GERMANY lied with his official record, it was acknowl- edged by a guttural ''Criite Nacht/' If not, there was a hubub until the roll was found to be correct. Escape in the daytime was utterly impos- sible, although in one instance it came within an ace of proving successful, through sheer audacity. The prisoner laughingly entered his barrack one day, and commenced to pack his bag. His comrades asked what was in the wind. "Oh, I've had enough of this. Fm going to clear out," was the reply. His listeners were so utterly taken aback by his retort that they stared at him in open-mouthed astonishment. Then, as the import of his words dawned on them, they shook their heads and tapped their foreheads in gentle conviction that another man's brain had given way. Yet there was method in this man's madness. He emerged from his barrack, still laughing merrily, yelled "good- b37-e" to those who were loitering around and waved his hand excitedly in general farewell. Then he hastened toward the entrance where 240 INTERNED IN GERMANY the guard watched the man's approach closely. The prisoner marched boldly up to the guard, extended his hand and laughingly said that he was off, having been granted a pass. The soldier was so over-awed by the frankness of the prisoner that he wished him good-bye and allowed him to go without making the slightest protest. It was some seconds before the guard realized that he had not asked to see the man's pass; then the prisoner was quickly hailed and ordered to stop. Of course, his game was up and he was promptly taken into custody. What ul- timately became of him I do not know, but the general belief was that he was com- mitted to an asylum after escort to Spandau, the authorities concluding that no man in his right senses would ever have attempted such a rash ruse. His nerve aroused widespread comment and satisfaction among the pris- oners. What audacity can do was shown on an- other occasion as well. When Mr. Geoffrey Pyke came to the conclusion that he pre- ferred life in England to that in an intern- 241 INTERNED IN GERMANY ment camp in Germany, he did about the last thing a fugitive would be expected to do. He and a companion successfully broke bounds and turned their footsteps toward the North Sea. Some four hundred miles lay before them, and they almost covered the distance. Under their plan, they did not hurry nor did they cling to the solitude of the countryside, but walked boldly through the various towns en route during broad day- light. By this procedure they evidently dis- armed the suspicions of the authorities ; and the two drove their way as far as Wesel, where their elation at their success led to their undoing. They had paraded every other town on their way and they concluded that they might just as well see the sights of Wesel. But Wesel, being a military area, is difficult to enter and even more difficult to leave; and every stranger is watched as closely as a mouse is watched by a cat. As they were walking unconcernedly along the street one day they were challenged and all was up. So ended their daring enterprise. Needless to say, attempt at escape consti- tuted the most heinous offence in the whole 242 INTERNED IN GERMANY penal code at Ruhleben and the punishment was accordingly severe. At the parades fol- lowing such attempts we were mercilessly harangued. The officials dinned it into our ears that the runaway was either within an ace of being caught, or actually arrested, or else hinted in sinister terms that he had met with the fate which must inevitably attend all such efforts. Never did they admit that an attempt had been successful. Yet these threats and warnings had little effect on us. When a man disappeared from camp, and days passed without his return, the authori- ties endeavored to make us believe that he had been shot or encountered the worse fate of solitary confinement. They scouted the idea of any man ever succeeding in escaping from Germany, even if he broke the bounds of the internment camp. As we came at length to appreciate the ex- tremely elaborate arrangements for keeping us within the four walls of Ruhleben, we realized that the greatest skill was necessary to outwit our captors. It was about the middle of 1915 that the possibilty of escaping first gained our serious attention. ^43 INTERNED IN GERMANY At a certain hour of the day the more daring members of the camp used to meet to discuss plans and projects, and to draw up certain laws bearing upon the subject which we all agreed to observe. One of the most keenly discussed topics was whether sum- mer or winter constituted the best time for making the break for home. The pros and cons were all thrashed out thoroughly. Some argued that the shortness of the win- ter days and the long hours of darkness would be extremely favorable. But others thought that the extreme cold and the na- kedness of the country would more than counterbalance this advantage. The supporters of the summer theory counted on the hiding places offered by the cornfields and the foliage of the woods and hedges, which would make it easy to sleep all day and travel by night. Lastly, and this was a telling factor, it would be possible to subsist longer without food in warm weather than in the bitter cold. It was the consen- sus of opinion finally that the summer was the better time. The meetings of the little society were 244 INTERNED IN GERMANY much attended and many rules were laid down. For instance, if two prisoners were to break loose at the same time, they were to keep company if possible, but each was to act in accordance with the law of self-pre- servation. That is to say, if one met with an accident, or was wounded by a sentry's rifle, his comrade was to go on without rendering him assistance. The period of darkness during which an attempt could be made was from half past nine at night to six in the morning. It was the habit of the guard to make an inspection the last thing at night. At first, this seemed to constitute a serious obstacle, but we over- came it by a little strategy, or what might be aptly called camouflage. A plotter would proceed to his barrack and make up his bed as if he were asleep in it. A convenient bundle was slipped under the cover to repre- sent the form of the sleeper, or perhaps a pair of boots were left projecting from the foot of the bed. These preliminary arrange- ments were voted necessary to absolve one's comrades from all complicity. This ruse succeeded until it dawned upon 245 INTERNED IN GERMANY the authorities that the guard ought to make a bunk to bunk inspection. Of course, di- rectly this system came into operation, the dummy forms were speedily discovered, with the result that the fugitive did not get a very long start before his flight was dis- covered. It was also an unwritten law that no prisoner should ever communicate his intentions to any one unless he were to be accompanied, in which case, of course, he had to act in concert with his colleague. The prisoners never showed the slightest curi- osity in matters pertaining to escape beyond fervently wishing good luck to the fugitive. I had several plans for escape, but because of the charge overhanging my head — that of being a spy in the pay of the British Gov- ernment, from which I have never been ac- quitted — I had to move warily. I did succeed in completing a carefully worked out scheme that seemed to offer every promise of success. I mapped out a route between the camp and the frontier, which extended entirely through sparsely oc- cupied country. I intended to pass as a tour- ing German cyclist, and went so far as actu- ^46 INTERNED IN GERMANY ally to secure the bicycle. I also arranged for the fabrication and supply of a metallic bullet-proof garment to be worn beneath my ordinary clothing. I am a pretty good cy- clist, and I had made up my mind that when challenged, I would either run the soldier down or fly past him at full speed trusting to the swiftness of my flight to prevent him from hitting me, or in the event of his bullet reaching its mark, hoping that it would be deflected by my metallic protection. I completed all the arrangements down to the most minute detail. How, I am not at liberty to disclose, especially in connection with the cycle and the metallic protection for my person. They were to be at a certain place near Ruhleben at a certain time upon the day when I planned my departure, and they were there as arranged although I abandoned my effort at the last moment, for I discovered an insuperable flaw in my de- signs. The route I had so carefully planned I found to be the longest to the frontier, and would force me to cross two bridges. My accomplice outside warned me that I could never hope to "fly" these. Not only ^47 INTERNED IN GERMANY were they heavily guarded by a detachment of soldiers, but each end had a barrier that could be dropped at a moment's notice. If I succeeded in eluding the guard at one end, the barrier could be closed at the other be- fore I reached it. So I reluctantly abandoned the idea as hopeless and decided to possess my soul in patience until I was able to put a bolder and more complete scheme into exe- cution. The arrangements for protecting the ex- terior of the camp were extensive. This I discovered from personal investigation, tak- ing my life in my hands to satisfy myself on this subject. I committed everything to memory so thoroughly that I could have made my way out and have traveled through the surrounding country blindfolded. From my examination I recognized the utter fu- tility of trying to get away unless one had completed the most detailed arrangements and was equipped with resourcesior any em- ergency. One industrious prisoner tried to escape by tunnelling under a brick wall bounding one side of the camp, the outer defences being 348 INTERNED IN GERMANY the ubiquitous barbed wire. But the author- ities had anticipated such an attempt. A deep trench had been dug in which were strung lines of barbed wire and the trench had then been filled in to conceal the obstruc- tion. Consequently, any tunnelling, unless carried out at a very deep level, was com- pletely frustrated. It was reported, too, that this barbed wire was connected with an elec- tric alarm system, but upon this point I have no confirmatory evidence. Generally speak- ing, tunnelling was considered too fantastic and was not given serious consideration. Although many attempts at escape were undoubtedly made, little information con- cerning them leaked out. Naturally, the participants maintained a wise silence. But one enterprise is worthy of mention. Two prisoners were involved whom I shall call A and B. Here is the story as narrated to me by A. "The night was dark. Shortly after the guard had made his final inspection we tumbled out of our bunks, making them up to appear as if we were still sleeping, and ^49 INTERNED IN GERMANY Stole out of the barracks. We lived in dif- ferent parts of the camp, but our rendezvous had been arranged. "After much anxiety we cleared the camp, and it looked like plain sailing; but we had gone only a short distance when my chum, overwhelmed at outwitting the guard and tasting freedom again, broke down com- pletely. I was overcome with dismay. The force of the reaction reduced him to the helplessness of a baby. So occupied was I in trying to calm him and restore him to his normal vigor that I failed to notice the ap- proach of the sentry. He called his chal- lenge from the distance of a dozen paces. "At the sound of this peremptory order my friend's nerve returned. His first im- pulse was to run for it. " 'Don't you move, you fool,' I growled quietly. *If you do, he'll fire. Yon speak German, so bluflf it through !' "The sentry had reached us by this time and was eyeing us narrowly. My friend at last sputtered out something that we could see was regarded with suspicion. I now threw discretion to the winds, and jumping 230 INTERNED IN GERMANY forward dealt the sentry a terrific blow in the face that knocked him over like a ninepin. " 'Run like Old Nick/ I yelled to B, 'and keep close to me/ "We bounded forth, leaving the German soldier senseless on the ground. But luck was against us — we had gone only a few paces when my chum stumbled and fell, cry- ing sharply as he hit the ground. " 'Go on,' he cried, 'don't stop.' "This was in keeping with our secret code, but I knew the consequences if he were ar- rested, since the gravity of our offense had been augmented by the attack on the soldier. This would certainly be visited upon B. By this time the guard was yelling for assis- tance like one bereft. "I doubled back to my companion. Luckily, all through the incident I managed to keep my senses, and T don't believe I have ever thought so swiftly or so clearly as I did that night. Lifting B to his feet I found that he had only wrenched his ankle slightly. Crouching, I whispered softly : " *It's hopeless now; we must get back to camp !' ^5^ INTERNED IN GERMANY "We looked around. It was black as pitch, but our eyes, accustomed to the darkness, could make out the burly form of a soldier listening intently. Like two rabbits we bounded back toward the camp. The soldier immediately caught sight of us and tore' after us like mad. We continued to run at top speed, but camp food told its tale, and we were both soon winded, so we dropped in- to the hollow formed by the bank, and sti- fling our heavy breathing as much as we could listened to the running of the sentry. The footsteps grew fainter and then died away. "Thinking, of course, that the soldier had gone on, we looked around warily. Imagine our dismay, then, when we saw the figure of the guard on the bank above us silhouetted against the sky. He could not see us but was merely taking stock from his point of vantage. We crouched low, eager for the moment when he would move on, but he was not disposed to budge a foot. "We stood the trying ordeal for what seemed an eternity, and then I whispered: " There's nothing in this. We've got to 232 INTERNED IN GERMANY go for him and take that rifle away. If we don't our number's up, for he'll blaze away the moment he sees us.' "My companion gave a smothered curse at our dilemma. We were two puny scraps of half-starved humanity, while he was a big hulking Prussian guardsman with the strength of an ox. " 'I'm game,' whispered my chum, 'but he's big enough to eat us.' " 'Never mind. We're two to one, and it's our only chance. Are you ready ?' "We crawled up the bank without being seen ; reaching the top we sprang on our prey like tigers. There was a wild scuffle. I don't remember exactly what happened, but I know we hit out simultaneously, bore down the guard and threw away his rifle, and then bolted without ceremony for the point of the camp from which we had broken out. I re- ceived a sprained wrist and a damaged eye in the transaction and B also carried his scars. "In the darkness we overshot the mark, and found our feet hitting the highroad that skirts one side of the camp leading to the ^53 INTERNED IN GERMANY * main entrance. We were running full tilt into trouble, for the guards were all on the qui vive by this time. Hanging closely to- gether, we dodged the chasing soldiers who were pelting down the road towards their comrades at the main entrance, whooping in confidence at the prospect of our capture. Whipping back, we discovered the point where we had broken bounds, clambered through and scuttled into our barracks. "I tumbled into bed just in the nick of time, for directly after, the emergency bell began to clang, and the barrack guard rushed in excitedly, ordering everyone up. Cursing their luck, the sleepers rolled out of their beds, snatching what garments they could, and ran downstairs. I discarded a part of my attire and made myself look as dishev- eled as I could to give the impression that I had just been awakened; but was upset to discover my wrist which had been paining me greatly had swollen to twice its normal size. For a moment I thought that this would certainly betray me. "I was in the lap of the gods. I would fab- ricate some plausible explanation. As I de- ^54 INTERNED IN GERMANY scended the staircase my thoughts flew to my chum. Had he regained his barrack or had he been caught at the last stile? "As we fell in, my heart bounded, for I saw him polling toward the parade ground as nonchalantly as if nothing had happened, talking gaily with a companion. We were quickly counted, and the roll call was cor- rect — and yet, two prisoners had escaped. We were counted and recounted, but the total never varied. How I chuckled in- wardly at their discomfiture! At last we were dismissed, but I could see that the au- thorities were far from being satisfied; there was ample evidence to prove that two pris- oners had broken away in spite of the fact that all were there. "To complete my alibi I purposely slipped as we filed into the barracks and gave a sharp cry as I fell on my damaged arm and bumped my head. At last I felt secure. If personal inspection revealed my swollen wrist and damaged eye, explanation would be simple and I had plenty of witnesses. Nevertheless, I was at the water tap at the first opportu- nity, bathing my wrist and trying to reduce INTERNED IN GERMANY the swelling of my eye. The commiseration of my colleagues was genuine, for they never dreamed of my unblushing dissimulation." The German officials never solved the mystery, and A and B must be counted among the lucky ones. Others were far from being so fortunate. The Teutons lost no opportunity to im- press upon us the severity of the punishment that awaited those who attempted to break bounds ; and it must not be thought that their threats were empty ones — that was not the German way. Let me illustrate by relating the case of one unfortunate runaway who was caught. The offender was at once condemned to soli- tary confinement ; and we had almost forgot- ten about this unlucky comrade when we re- ceived a sudden shock. We were proceeding one morning to the kitchen for our morning meal when attention was arrested by the fig- ure of a man standing alone in a conspicuous place, or rather what should have been a man. His face had a haunting pallor as of faded parchment, his eyes were lusterless, and he appeared to have scarcely enough t/3 a ■— ( i— 1 -^ c ^ ^ ^'S 1—1 S 2-^ 'H'^^ C^ OJ 1J r^ ^^^ W > 05 03 1^ (ii > ,^ .^ CO dj u < ^ o ^ W H rt J ^ -^H o . -i-j H-l 'O r- • Uh tJ o o H ^^ X) fl) o; tH ^ o SB ^^ c/5 o >.Q H INTERNED IN GERMANY strength to stand. The pathetic spectacle he presented made an impression that will never be forgotten. We soon found out it was the British pris- oner who had attempted escape and been caught in the act. He had been brought from his solitude in a tiny steel-bound, dimly- lighted room, as silent as the grave, to be ex- hibited before his compatriots as a warning. The horrors of solitary confinement had left their traces as we could all see for ourselves, and we were informed that similar punish- ment would be dealt out to all others who essayed the same offence. After this nause- ating exhibition,"^ the man was escorted back to the living hell in which he was to remain until the end of the war. Once again, the Germans in their misun- derstanding of the psychology of the British Anglo-Saxon committed a grave error. If they had hoped to intimidate the rest of the prisoners they were doomed to disappoint- ment, for it had a diametrically opposite ef- fect. This inhuman exhibition of a man whose only crime had been a bold dash for ♦"Sixteen Months in Four German Prisons," pp. 44-59. INTERNED IN GERMANY liberty provoked greater determination than ever on the part of the daring, and sv^elled the ranks of the secret society pledged to one definite object — freedom 1 No matter how, but freedom. ^58 CHAPTER XIII. THE SPLIT IN THE CAMP I have already described how the German Government rounded up for internment, resi- dent, commercial and touring Britishers without discrimination. Into this drag net were gathered English travelers and holiday- seekers, as well as those long resident in Ger- many, who from lengthy association with Teutonic influences had suffered a strange and almost incredible transformation. This element, instead of being compatriots, were a race apart; they were Germans in every- thing but birth and name. It is true that in the aggregate they num- bered only three or four hundred, but even this ten per cent, leavening was almost more than we could tolerate. They were openly sympathetic to the Teuton cause, and an- tagonistic to the British. This galled us to ^59 INTERNED IN GERMANY the quick. It demanded strong self control on the part of the loyal faction to listen to these cheer the sinking of the Lusitania and other outrages. To exasperate us further, they inscribed German house-names on the doors of the horse boxes in which they lived, conversed in German, sang in German, observed all German fete days and celebrations in Ger- man fashion. In short, they existed as a Ger- man colony in the heart of a fervently patri- otic settlement of Englishmen, and spared no effort to flout the flag of their birth. It seems incredible, but I am not exag- gerating when I say that an English word never fell from their lips, except in oppro- brium, or when they were compelled to con- verse with some of their fellow-prisoners. Indeed, in many instances, they had become so thoroughly Germanized as to speak imper- fect English with a guttural accent. Of course, the reason for this display of German sympathy was obvious. They were striving might and main to curry favor with the authorities, cherishing the hope that by such action they might ultimately gain free- 260 INTERNED IN GERMANY dom or release "on pass;" and so be able to resume their commercial and professional occupations. We took the full measure of these creatures and so did the authorities, who detested the British, but seemed to have still greater contempt for those who disloy- ally renounced their citizenship and mas- queraded as Germans. The authorities distributed these renegade Englishmen promiscuously throughout the camp, but they invariably congregated to discuss in the vernacular the latest tidbits of news. Upon the approach of a loyal Britisher, however, conversation was dis- creetly dropped. It was the general belief that the authori- ties planted these traitors among us for the purpose of listening to our conversation and acting as general intelligence couriers. How correct this is, I do not know, but I can vouch for the fact that these considered no task too low which was likely to redound to their advantage. If a comment adverse to Ger- many were uttered it was surprising how quickly the authorities knew of it, and indis- creet actions, conducted in apparent privacy, 261 INTERNED IN GERMANY likewise reached their ears with amazing rapidity. Consequently, we regarded these pseudo- Britishers with suspicion and made it clear to them that their company was not desired. Nevertheless, with apparent indifference, they participated in our conversations when- ever possible. During one of these, I remember, the name of the German Emperor happened to be men- tioned. One of the loyalists suddenly broke in with : *To hell with the Kaiser!" A few minutes later the prisoner was hailed before the officials for the grave crime of lese-majeste. As he was being cross-ex- amined, his eyes lighted on the traitor whom he recalled as being present when he con- signed His Imperial Majesty to the lower re- gions. But the spy was not abashed; he unblushingly repeated his accusation, and the charge being proven, the man was promptly consigned to the camp jail for a term of three weeks. Upon the announce- ment of the sentence, ominous threats were heard. The crowd did not hesitate to ex- 262 INTERNED IN GERMANY press the particular forms of vengeance it would visit on the renegade, who, apprehen- sive of the future, besought the authorities for protection. The officials gravely warned him that if the informer were threatened or molested in any way, the most drastic pun- ishment would be meted out. One day we were paraded and commanded to take the straw from the sacks serving us as mattresses. We learned in a roundabout way that the straw was to be sent to the mills to be ground as a constituent for our war bread. After we had followed instruc- tions, we were escorted to a pile of wooden shavings and ordered to fill our sacks. Those first at the heap secured the most inviting shavings, but in the wild good-natured struggle that ensued much of the material became soiled from dirty boots. Moreover, we discovered that the shavings were in a deplorably wet condition. There was an outburst of indignation, but we made the best of the situation by emptying the sacks upon the ground in hopes that the sun would dry out the shavings. ^63 INTERNED IN GERMANY I had a forbidden instrument, a camera, concealed upon my person, and it was my constant companion. The spectacle of the mattress shavings upon the ground sug- gested to my mind a picture of the way in which Germans looked after British pris- oners, and so, click went the shutter. Look- ing up suddenly, the moment after the snap- shot had been made, I caught sight of one of the renegade Britishers watching me nar- rowly. I saw that I had been detected; and pretending to ignore him as I moved away I kept him in the corner of my eye. I saw him approach one of the guards and talk with him, pointing in my direction. The soldier turned, followed me, for I had begun to move away, and hailed me, but I took no notice. I quickened my step and he did likewise. Then he started to run. So did I. With my brain working rapidly I dodged around the corner of a barrack with him in hot pursuit. How could I get rid of the incriminating camera? As I dived through one of the buildings I was seized with a sudden inspiration. Near by was a latrine and into it I darted like light- ning. Seizing a sheet of paper I wrapped the ^4 INTERNED IN GERMANY camera in it and threw the obscure parcel into the pit. Up came the soldier with my accuser at his heels. The soldier rattled out a tirade in German which I pretended not to under- stand. 1 opened my eyes wide, shook my head to signify lack of comprehension, and remarked, '^Sorry, I do not understand Ger- man." A comrade who happened to be standing by, turned to me and said, ''The soldier says you have been taking photographs in camp." "Yes," babbled my excited accuser, "1 saw him take a peek-ture." "What," I roared, "I take a photograph! The man's mad." But my accuser was persistent. Nor was the soldier to be put off. He told me curtly that I should have to go with him to the guardhouse. "Certainly !" I answered. "We will. You have charged me with a very serious crime. Come along." I seized the soldier's arm to pull him to- ward the guardroom. My precipitancy had the desired effect. 265 INTERNED IN GERMANY The soldier hesitated; he could not under- stand the situation. He realized that he might have been misinformed or perhaps have arrested the wrong person. If the charge proved empty, he and not I would receive a rap over the knuckles. He turned to the man who had given me away and they had a spirited altercation. But my accuser was not to be denied. "I tell you," he repeated, punctuating his words with his fist, "I saw him take the photograph. It was a peek-ture of the shav-eengs." A crowd had collected and were enjoying the fun, guessing from my behavior that even if I were guilty I had outwitted my accuser. The fact that one of the hated members of the camp had been caught nap- ping gave them immense delight. I cut further discussion short by seizing the soldier and literally pulling him to the guardroom. The crowd followed and we burst into the office unceremoniously. There was surprise at our abrupt entrance, and a spirited confab ensued. I demanded to see the Baron. The officials 266 INTERNED IN GERMANY protested, but I emphasized the enormity of the charge against me, which if proved, exposed me to the risk of being shot, because I had originally been arrested and tried as a spy, and never acquitted. The officials grumblingly conceded and an interpreter v^as placed at my disposal. I related my story, in feigned temper and protesting so vehemently as to provoke the smiles of the officer, but my accuser stuck to his guns. The officer, presuming that a search of my person had been made and no incriminating evidence found, was disposed to dismiss the charge with a wave of his hand. But I now had my chance to com- plete the discomfiture of the despicable in- former who was seeking so diligently for crumbs of favor from the tables of official- dom. I insisted that I should be searched. To satisfy me, a perfunctory examination was carried out, officials running their hands lightly over my pockets. But this was not good enough for me. Taking off my coat and vest, I insisted upon a more thorough search, one conducted in the usual German manner. 26/ INTERNED IN GERMANY Of course, it was barren of result. My accuser, now thoroughl}^ discredited, looked about as happy as a whipped dog; and the soldier who had acted sincerely in accord- ance with his duty, feeling he had been fooled, turned upon his erstwhile ally and treated him to a detailed description of him- self that was more forcible than elegant. With my honorable discharge, I considered the incident closed, but my colleagues con- sidered the time a psychological one to ex- tract some satisfaction for the past miseries they had suffered at the hands of these spy- ing gentry. So late that night, a crowd of Britishers made their way cautiously to the barrack where the traitor was quartered in a horse box with five other British prisoners. My blood was thoroughly up, but the man refused my challenge to fight. The occu- pants of the box were in a quandary. They hesitated to pitch their fellow tenant out for fear he would go to the officials; on the other hand they could scarcely side with him openly. The tumult was now sufficient to arouse the soldier on duty who came up. But he 268 INTERNED IN GERMANY was informed that we were going to settle this matter among ourselves. That a man who called himself an Englishman and be- trayed a companion in order to curry favor with the authorities could not escape punish- ment whatever happened. The soldier lis- tened, and then turning on his heel, said: "Very well, but I shall not see it," and stumped off to his room. This action was eloquent of the guard's opinion of this kind of ally. There was a lively set-to and the man received the drubbing he deserved. It was not long before every prisoner en- tertaining German sympathies became known to us ; and we dubbed them pro-Ger- mans, abbreviated to "P. G.'s." It was im- possible to hurl a worse epithet than "P. G." at a man. Subsequently a change was made, either because the authorities had gathered all the information they desired through the "P. G.'s" or because they feared that the hatred between the two factions would result in rioting. All the prisoners were summoned to parade. Having fallen in, the officer bellowed: INTERNED IN GERMANY "All those having German sympathies stand forward." The majority of the prisoners, taking but little interest in the proceedings, and failing to listen very attentively, misunderstood the v^ord sympathies for interests, as the latter v^as invariably asked on these occasions. Consequently, a large number of men stepped forward. Those of us who had heard aright could scarcely believe our eyes. We had expected the "P. G.'s" to answer the summons with alacrity but here were many men whose loyalty had always been above suspicion. There was a pronounced hiss- ing which took the mistaken men by sur- prise. Looking around at us and seeing our expressions they realized some mis- take had been made, and one of them asked the officer to repeat the question. As. he did so, our loyal comrades stepped back into ranks, at which there was sup- pressed cheering. They were unmerci- fully badgered afterward by the rest of the camp. Our ranks once more solid, we concentrat- ed our hissing upon the "P. G.'s" who re- INTERNED IN GERMANY ceived our hostility with smirks and gibes. When at last they were given the order to march to the racecourse for further instruc- tions their delight knew no bounds. Their unswerving belief in Germanism was to re- ceive its due reward. They were going to be released. Two days later it was our turn to whoop with delight. We learned that upon reach- ing the parade ground, these pro-Germans received a rude awakening. After being lined up, the officer in command advanced and said abruptly: "How many of those present are pre- pared to join the German army?" The "P. G.'s" were stunned. This was something for which they had not bargained. Their enthusiasm for the German cause slumped heavily. I do not know who regarded the back- sliders with greater contempt — the German officials or ourselves. I do not think the authorities secured many recruits for the Imperial Army. At all events, barely a handful apparently step- INTERNED IN GERMANY ped forward from the ranks to buy release at such a price. But that parade was of benefit to us — it revealed our enemies. They had declared their sympathies openly. The feeling against them became more embittered than ever. The wonder is that open fighting did not occur. The authorities were quick to grasp the state of affairs; and concluded that it was preferable to remove the bone of contention. Accordingly the "P. G.'s" were again parad- ed, and lock, stock and barrel were trans- ferred to a separate part of the camp. But herding the "P. G.'s" together was not without its disadvantages, for newly arriving British prisoners were invariably assigned to these quarters and consequently found themselves avoided by the rest of the camp. One may ask why the newly-arriving loy- alists did not change their quarters at the first opportunity? Needless to say, many did so, but changing quarters was discour- aged. It would have played havoc with our organization, and the discontented would INTERNED IN GERMANY have been eternally upon the move. How- ever, the matter could generally be adjusted in another way. The residents of a friendly barrack, having extra room, would offer to take in a new arrival of loyalist tendencies. In such instances the man made a moonlight flit. If this were impossible, he had to grin and bear it. I do not 'think there were any depths of infamy to which iKese men were not ready to descend. When the British Prisoners' Re- lief Fund was inaugurated, whereby a sum of five shillings — subsequently reduced — was paid through the American Embassy, the "P. G.'s'' were the first to claim it. This fund was really launched to assist necessi- tous prisoners among us, but there were a very great number of the poorer members of the community, who, though in dire need, were too proud to accept it. The action sa- vored too much of charity for their inde- pendent instincts. But the 'T. G.'s" had no qualms in this connection. They polled up en masse, asked for it, and received it regu- larly. Among this coterie there were many who were well off, but even they did not ^73 INTERNED IN GERMANY hesitate to make application for the weekly payment, and openly chuckled about their success in this direction. The circumstance that so-called British- ers, who had openly renounced their alle- giance to the British cause, were weekly receiving money subscribed in Britain for the relief of the needy Britishers interned in Ruhleben, added to our disgust. The sub- ject was discussed time after time, but we could do nothing. Nor could the American Embassy exercise any discretion. The rep- resentatives were merely distributing the money, doubtless in accordance with a care- fully prepared list from home, the authors of which were obviously ignorant of the state of affairs. We might denounce the rene- gades as Teutons, but the German nation was not prepared to accept them as desir- able citizens. Their pandering to the Teuton officials was also nauseating. Whenever an officer passed, a "P. G.," no matter what he was doing at the moment, would come briskly to attention, and click his heels, impervious to the glance of withering scorn with which INTERNED IN GERMANY his boot-licking action was received by the officer. Although we were starved as regards news of the outside world and the progress of the war, we always knew when a suppo- sitious German victory had been achieved, for on such occasions the "P. G.'s" held wild jubilations. The culminating celebration was held on the occasion of the sinking of the Lusitania, when some of them cheered and all of them were hilarious. When we learned the cause of this wild mirth our blood boiled. The "P. G.'s" remained in open hostility to the loyalists until the question of ex- changing prisoners came to the fore and an avenue to freedom was opened. Then these treacherous wretches suddenly realized that all was not honey under the German flag and forthwith displayed undue readiness to seek the protection of the Union Jack. Some succeeded in their petition and were included among the first batch of British prisoners to be released from Ruhleben. Con- sidering their treachery and antagonism to everything British while interned, the public ^75 INTERNED IN GERMANY at home may possibly wonder how it was that they secured preference over the loyal- ist. But the authorities at home were either entirely ignorant or had only the slightest knowledge of the split in the camp ; and they were without any key to the names of those of German sympathies, for we could not re- fer to the subject in our letters home. One experience in the matter of exchange of prisoners is worthy of narration. The loyalist element in camp became disturbed by the receipt of news from England to the effect that one of the "P. G.'s," Guidal by name, who had been sent home a month pre- viously, had secured an appointment in a south coast town. The details were too defi- nite to be dismissed as mere rumor; among other things, his precise address was made known. Our indignation knew no bounds, more es- pecially when we recalled that this miserable traitor had been the most German among the pro-Germans, and had been unseemingly vociferous in the cheering which went up up- on the sinking of the Lusitania. We were absolutely unable to intervene to secure a INTERNED IN GERMANY redress of this flagrant abuse of patriotism, as we were debarred from all mention of such incidents in our correspondence with home. A certain number of us however, met in conclave, and took a solemn pledge that the first of us to secure release should spare no effort to locate and denounce him. As I was the first of the number to gain my freedom, the task of looking up this man and his activities devolved upon me. I com- menced investigations, and learned that the man was not only occupying the position of tutor to English boys, but that he was on intimate terms with another master in the same school who was an out-and-out Ger- man and who was actually residing in a dis- trict prohibited to aliens. While prosecuting my enquiries upon the spot, in the town of Worthing, I came face to face in the street with the despicable rascal. I eyed him rather narrowly to make certain that it was he, for proper food and clothing "had made a vast difference in his appearance. His returning glance carried recognition, and I accosted him, remarking: ''Hullo! How are you?" ^77 INTERNED IN GERMANY He looked at me sheepishly, seeming half- disposed to disclaim the acquaintance, then realizing this was impossible, he replied with his characteristic deliberation: "Oh! It's Mr. Ma-hone-ey." I was not disarmed by his feigned surprise and tone of veiled welcome, but inquired what he had been doing since leaving Ruhle- ben. Evidently convinced that I knew a good deal about his current activities, he resorted to a candor which was somewhat disconcert- ing. He admitted having secured a position as assistant in a school, said that he was do- ing well, was comfortable, and was among friends. The information my inquiries yielded I handed over to a colleague identified with the British Empire Union. This friend made independent inquiries, and these investiga- tions not only corroborated my story, but were graced with further details which were more than sufficient for our pur- pose. It was then decided to make a per- sonal call upon this renegade, and my friend, accompanied by another loyalist, 278 INTERNED IN GERMANY B , who had been released from Ruhleben, proceeded to Worthing to have the matter thrashed out there and then. The returned prisoner B volunteered additional evidence of Guidal's behavior at Ruhleben if desired, the ultimate object being to notify the authorities of the presence of this highly dangerous individual in a south coast tow^n. But they v^ere too late — upon arrival at Worthing they found both of their birds had flown. The two had evidently gained infor- mation that the authorities were on their trail. Ample evidence was forthcoming to establish the danger of Guidal being at lib- erty; his treachery and pro-German activi- ties at Ruhleben were alone sufficient to prove that. It is hard to think that such a wretch gained his freedom at the expense of some loyal sufferer who stuck to his flag through every test. ^79 CHAPTER XIV. TRADING IN RUHLEBEN Although for a few weeks Ruhleben might very aptly have been called "The City of Lost Souls" because of our absolutely aim- less existence, it was not long before the commercial instinct asserted itself, and once felt, developed rapidly, the Britisher fully justifying his claim to the title of shop- keeper. In the heydey of its prosperity Ruhleben was a thriving center. Many trades flour- ished, and the row of shops — called ''can- teens" — imparted a busy, town-like atmos- phere to the colony. Bearing in mind that this prosperity was developed from the most meager material, it speaks volumes for the ingenuity and initiative of some of Ruhle- ben's inmates. The cradle of Ruhleben commerce was Barrack 6, and it is scarcely necessary to say 280 INTERNED IN GERMANY that it was the Hebrew element which started it. A number of Jewish prisoners commenced bartering among themselves, and the initial transactions were of the most primitive character — exchange of goods. But the articles available for such a system of trading were few in number and speedily traveled around the barrack. Those who were flush of funds promptly bought any- thing available for disposal, needless to say, at a ridiculous price, and got rid of the ac- cumulated goods at prices that allowed wide margins of profit. In the beginning, although trading had to be carried on secretly, the diversity of ar- ticles which could be secured through the Jewish tradesmen was startling. One thing is certain: they evidently evaded officialdom successfully and established trading rela- tions with their co-religionists in Germany. You could get anything you might desire, no matter how extraordinary, through the Jewish barrack. Articles in universal de- mand were forthcoming immediately, while anything special was generally procurable within a few days. 281 INTERNED IN GERMANY I was instrumental in emphasizing the trading enterprise of the Jewish prisoners to my horse box companions. To my mind "Lights Out'* was sounded at an unearthly early hour. After a night or two the situa- tion grew unbearable and I informed my companions of my intention to put in an hour or two's work after the sentry had looked us over for the night. I intimated that I was going out to buy some candles. "Get some candles in Ruhleben," one of the men chuckled, "why, you might just as well try to walk home to England! Bet you a bob you don't get one !" "All right," I retorted, "I'll bet you a bob I do !" The wager was clinched and I sallied forth on what was put down as a hopeless shop- ping expedition. I made my way to the Jewish barrack and entered. Not being known to the inmates, who were very clan- nish, I was regarded with ill-concealed suspi- cion, and my discreet interrogations were received with an emphatic denial of all knowledge concerning a chandler. At last 1 espied a prisoner with whom I was on fairly INTERNED IN GERMANY intimate terms. I made known my request to him. He looked at me sideways. "Do you want them for yourself?" I nodded in assent. He slipped away in the darkness. He was gone some time and I was almost beginning to think that my shilling was lost when I felt two candles slipped into my hand. I turned. It was my Jewish friend. 'Tourpence each," he said. Clink went the money and I returned to my domicile proudly displaying my "forbid- den" lights. I got the best of the deal, since the wager paid for the candles and left me fourpence to the good. The first open trading was conducted in Barrack 6. Tea, coffee and cocoa were un- known luxuries in those early days ; we had only the official acorn beverage. One day, two or three of the Jewish prisoners came around with a steaming bucket of tea which they offered at a penny a cup. This minia- ture "A.B.C." proved a tremendous success, and the proprietors could not meet the de- mand. The bucket vas used for a distress- ing variety of purposes, but we never INTERNED IN GERMANY thought of that. The steaming beverage was such a treat that ft stifled all specula- tions. This first company proved such a success that it aroused the envy of another group of Jewish traders, who decided to operate in opposition. The competition was hailed with delight, since it served to keep prices steady. Both the Ruhleben "A.B.C." and the "Lyons" tea-shops did a thriving business and must have proved financial successes. The walk- ing coffee stalls by this time would doubtless have become huge businesses had they not been cut short by the initiation of self-gov- ernment. A third company launched out upon a dif- ferent enterprise. It supplied eatables— not in variety or plenty — but so appetizing as to render the scheme financially successful. They brought around small sandwiches, of the cheese variety for the most part, which they cleared out at from one penny to three- pence each. These sandwiches were small, and at times of doubtful quality, owing to fluctuations in the grade of raw materials, but coming as a distinct relief to the prevail- 284 INTERNED IN GERMANY ing rations they were heartily received by those who had the wherewithal to pay. The financial successes of the enterprising Jewish fraternity stimulated a youth in one of the other barracks to a commercial out- break in another direction. He was only about fifteen years of age but as keen as a March wind, and had been serving on a ship as cabin boy when he was arrested while his vessel was lying in a German port. He de- cided to start off as a shoeblack and secretly secured some decrepit brushes and some blacking. His venture came as a complete surprise. As we sauntered through the camp one morning we were astonished to see a shoe- black stand pitched at the corner of one of the barracks, with it's owner inviting every- one in lusty tones to have "boots cleaned." Probably for the first time since their arrest the prisoners realized the condition of their footwear. The shoeblack, with the para- phernalia of his trade displayed, revived memories of London, and the very operation of submitting to a boot-clean served to trans- port us in thought to the metropolis once ^5 INTERNED IN GERMANY more. Imagination went a long long way in Ruhleben. Trade was brisk and continuous through- out the day, and his pockets were heavy when he returned to his barrack in the even- ing. His charges were distinctly of the town, and tips rained upon him as liberally as if he had, indeed, been back home. He be- came a familiar landmark, it being one of the accepted laws of the camp that a man was free to establish himself upon a certain spot in the public quarter and ply his trade unmolested so long as he desired. The original bootblack had not been on his pitch many days when a rival in trade appeared, followed by another, then another and another. They came in such rapid succes- sion as to convey the impression that boot-cleaning in Ruhleben was the short cut to affluence, and the manner in which they vied for patronage was amusing and instructive. The pioneer was content with a humble box, but some of those who came later sought wealth rapidly by doing the work in style. They labored long and hard contriving comfortable easy chairs 286 INTERNED IN GERMANY and upholstering them, the ultimate result being that the shoeblack's stand developed into a replica of the finest display of the American way of doing things in this field. To take a shoe-shine upon Bond Street became as inseparable from the fashionable doings of Ruhleben as an equestrian spurt in the Rotten Row at home. The dude, cigar in mouth, would loll in affected style in the chair, idly regarding passers-by, and ignoring chaff and banter, while, perhaps, one of his loft-colleagues wrestled with his boots. As may be supposed, the chairs were preferred to the less pretentious boxes, and the shoeblacks who boasted only the latter had to content themselves with the less wealthy clientele of the camp whose patron- age was far less steady and remunerative. In an effort to recapture the "smart set" the shoeboys embellished their boxes with many weird and attention-compelling signs exe- cuted in brass studs, and bold plates secured from home setting forth that "Peach Bloom Boot Polish" or "Night and Sparrow's Black- ing" was superior to all others. But these INTERNED IN GERMANY efforts were of no avail and they gradually went out of business. The youth who had started the enterprise was not a whit dismayed by the turn of events, but set to work on another scheme. Securing possession of odd pieces of canvas and coarse sacking, he cut them up into bags filled them with straw, and advertised pillows for sale. As pillows were at that time an unknown comfort at Ruhleben, he once more did a flourishing business, especially as no more straw could be obtained in camp, the authorities having carefully gathered every wisp upon which they could lay their hands. How and where the boy obtained his supply was more than we could find out ; his first business venture had taught him the necessity of silence concerning his business methods and he carefully concealed his source of supply. When ordinary commerce flagged in the camp as a result of communal trading, he still kept things going, although his periods of activity in any one line grew gradually briefer. One of the most remunerative spasms of this description was raffling five 288 INTERNED IN GERMANY mark (five shillings) notes to the crowd. As a rule he persuaded from 80 to 100 men to have a go at a penny a time so that the occupation was highly profitable. He was ready to sell five-mark notes all day so long as he could rake in from 7s. to 8s. 6d. in pennies on each gamble. The plunge was oflf when the draw was not likely to exceed five shillings in the aggregate, the exchange of two sixpences for a shilling being sheer waste of time in his opinion. There were very few ventures upon which he embarked out of which he did not clear a handsome return. "Get in and out quickly before the novelty loses its pull" was his motto. The boy was candid. He was out to make as much money as he could. He had a mother at home, and she and her welfare were fore- most in his thoughts. Money was plentiful in Ruhleben Camp. I doubt if there is a town of similar size in any part of the world which could point to so much wealth. But the opportunities for spending it were severely restricted. One may, perhaps, wonder how such a state of affairs could prevail but it must be remem- 289 INTERNED IN GERMANY bered that our ranks were drawn from every strata of society. We had one or two extremely wealthy individuals, a large sprinkling of others who were very well off, while a big proportion were drawn from the comfortably situated commercial class. A large percentage of these were in regular receipt of money from home. When the camp settled down under com- munal government, a system of controlling the volume of money in circulation was in- troduced. The camp authorities decided that unlimited distribution and possession of money witHin the prison would exercise a disastrous effect, and accordingly, the gov- ernment acted as bankers. Prisoners who received remittances in excess of a certain sum deposited them with the authorities and were permitted to draw regularly upon their accounts, although no weekly withdrawal was supposed to exceed ten shillings. The imposition of this rule insured the depositor having ample funds for immediate needs, and it could be exceeded if there were suffi- cient reason, as for example, the purchase of clothing or house equipment. ^0 INTERNED IN GERMANY This communal banking system offered protection against crime and, moreover, by restricting the spending capacity of the wealthier inmates maintained a more har- monious feeling in camp. Had the poorer residents seen a reckless expenditure of money on the part of the wealthy, resent- ment would have been inevitable, especially if the rich prisoners had been in the position to lay in large stocks of food because they had the cash to take advantage of the market. Credit was unknown in Ruhleben; the rich prisoner had to pay cash like his poorest confrere, and was unable to buy be- yond the extent of the money in his pocket. Yet, for some reason or other, many of these wealthier prisoners suffered from pro- longed spasms of financial cramp, due in my opinion to their readiness to keep camp- trading going briskly. They certainly did not believe in hoarding their money, and free currency circulation naturally led to the social betterment of the camp, but their action had one inevitable result. Money- lending became an established occupation. So far as Ruhleben was concerned there was 2QI INTERNED IN GERMANY no or very little risk; the remittances came regularly and all debts were immediately discharged. I myself practised money-lending on a small scale but charged no interest. I had set up as an engraver and jeweler and found my business highly profitable, but I was always apprehensive concerning the safety of my money. By lending it out in small amounts to various prisoners I virtually banked it. Moreover, I discovered money- lending to be an excellent stepping stone to the sale of jewelry, and I gradually estab- lished a clientele that I could notify as soon as I had a new line of goods of which to dispose. Thus, for instance, when I received a consignment of cigarettes which I had to clear up at once before the authorities con- fiscated them, I had only to let my patrons know that "coffin nails" were in stock, and I usually received sufficient orders to get rid of my stock immediately without going beyond this ring of customers. When the commercial possibilities of the camp came to be realized every prisoner with an ounce of enterprise ventured into some INTERNED IN GERMANY field of activity, but the majority failed to stick to their jobs. After a few days, the occupation lost its interest and they were ready to sell out their remaining stocks at ridiculously low prices. Nearly every enter- prise was apt to be a nine days' wonder; and the rolling stone had a glorious time. To-day it would be dealing in clothes ; a week hence cobbling would be the craze, to give way in turn to tailoring or some other form of enterprise. Trade booms came and went in bewilderingly rapid succession, but few callings survived; and by the time the rush was over, more money had been lost than gained. This cult of the "craze" was demonstrated in various directions, notably in connection with what might be termed the fashions. One morning one of the dons created con- sternation in the street by appearing with his hair neatly parted in the center and care- fully plastered down on each side with a glossy finish. Immediately, every prisoner hastened back to his barrack to brush his hair in the same way. Parting in the center became the vogue : to abstain from the latest 292 INTERNED IN GERMANY mode was to be ranked as a complete out- sider in the camp. Then another leader of fashion conceived the idea of allowing his beard to grow. Everybody else did like- wise. Later the clean-shaven craze came in, and beards vanished as if by m.agic. Then the moustache had a run, and so it went on. No fashion enjoyed a long vogue, with the exception, perhaps, of the beard, which was found to be an excellent protection to the face during the bitter winter weather. But such crazes were not without their beneficial features. Thev stimulated individual enter- prise, created trade, and encouraged the cir- culation of money, which, after all, was the primary consideration of those prisoners who had to keep things going by hook or crook in the determination to turn a few shillings wherewith to buy the fuel to keep the human engine going. Individual enterprise in Ruhleben had a big opportunity and a highly successful run, but it was interrupted summarily. It was not free from disadvantages. Budding princes of commerce who failed to make good, and who tired of their businesses, sold 294 INTERNED IN GERMANY out at low prices. One or two of the more astute prisoners, trained men of commerce, were always ready to acquire languishing concerns possessed of any promise of suc- cess, and consequently, there was the danger of monopolies becoming established, and the dread of trust operations in Ruhleben brought about a movement which ruled out the individual business man, except within certain limitations, as narrated in the fol- lowing chapter. ^5 CHAPTER XV. THE TRADING BOOM Among the many innovations of the com- munal government which met with whole- hearted approval was the prohibition of in- dividual trading in necessary articles. The term was wide in its interpretation, com- prising foodstuffs, clothing, in short, any- thing which was in widespread demand and to the benefit of the community. It was a demonstration of socialistic trading upon a comprehensive scale, and, all things considered, proved a com- plete success. It ruled out the profiteer; secured control of the supply of neces- saries which, in turn, contributed to equitable distribution; and insured prison- ers obtaining what articles were urgently required at a reasonable price. It was not only the communal government which brought about the disappearance of INTERNED IN GERMANY the individual tradesman. The German authorities acquiesced in the proposal, and, in fact, took steps to see that private trading in necessary articles was suppressed. To venture into such a field was to invite cer- tain disaster and punishment. The official action was prompted by motives vastly different from those of the camp govern- ment. The latter acted merely from the defensive point of view; the former lent its powerful co-operation because it drew 7^2 per cent, commission upon the income derived from trading operations. Clandestine trading in necessaries would have deprived the German authorities of a certain amount of revenue; hence the en- ergy it displayed in suppressing individual enterprise. As the demand for necessaries was far in excess of the supply and the field offered attractive possibilities to aspiring Universal Providers, it may be thought that the as- sumption of trading operations in this con- nection by the communal authorities would effectively smother individual initiative, but this was not so. It merely obliged ambitious ^97 INTERNED IN GERMANY traders to become more daring in their un- dertakings. They were free to embark upon any venture which did not rank as a neces- sity. Thus, for example, I set up as an engraver and jeweler. Another prisoner was skilled in marble carving and polishing, and he was permitted to ply his craft un- molested. From the foregoing it will be seen that sufficient scope was granted to the indus- trious to build up a business. The com- munal ruling had one beneficial effect: it eliminated the get-rich-quick type of trader, who even in the internment camp was alert to exploit his fellows if the opportunity were presented. To recapitulate all the ways and means whereby shillings were earned at Ruhleben Camp would be wearisome. The majority became infected with the money-making bacillus, and no job was considered too arduous or humble so long as it brought an adequate reward. From the first, waiting in the queue at the parcels office for a pres- ent from home was tedious, and it became additionally irksome later on if one hap- INTERNED IN GERMANY pened to be established in business, as it in- volved shutting up shop, possibly for sev- eral hours. If a prisoner were ill and un- able to leave his quarters, he felt the absence of the parcel which he knew was waiting, with especial keenness, as it probably con- tained something of which he was in serious need, such as a tin of milk or nourishing British bread. One day a prisoner suggested that he be permitted to fetch a sick prisoner's parcel. The man, who was too ill to fetch it himself, gladly accepted the offer and gave his com- rade the requisite authority. Up to this time we had been somewhat doubtful as to whether the authorities would hand over a parcel to anyone but its lawful owner, and so the experiment was followed somewhat anxiously. The man came back with the parcel, and related that no objections had been raised, the officials accepting the writ- ten authority as completely relieving them of all responsibility in case of a dispute. The man who had fulfilled the errand was rewarded with a ^'tip," and this reward set him thinking. He offered to serve any other INTERNED IN GERMANY prisoner in a similar capacity, at a nominal charge, and made such a good thing out of the job that in a short time we could point to an efficient service of professional parcel clearers. At that time the system of clearing the parcels from the office was not organized, and this service proved wonderfully con- venient. The parcel clearers divided the camp into territories, to avoid competition and confusion. They would make the trip to the official notice-board, notify each pris- oner therein that a parcel was awaiting claim, and request the necessary written authority to clear it. Armed with this dec- laration they took their position in the queue> presented themselves at the office window, and secured delivery. After they had made one or two such appearances at the window, their faces, as well as the list of prisoners for whom they were acting, became familiar to the officers in charge, and the parcels were handed over without delay. Parcel-clearing prevailed until the whole system of distributing the parcels was placed upon more scientific footing with two win- 300 INTERNED IN GERMANY dows "A to K," and "L to Z/' This method upset the simplicity of collection, since a man collecting parcels from both win- dows had to attach himself to the end of each queue to await his turn. Parcel- clearing then lost its attractions because it took longer to earn the money incidental to the errands, and so the service fell off, al- though it is still practised upon a less com- prehensive scale. These collectors also served another use- ful purpose, somewhat reminiscent of the District Messenger Service of London. I have already referred to the fact that the communal shops announced when certain articles of food were on hand and how queues formed outside these shops. A pris- oner could call upon one of the messengers to assume a position in the queue for him and then at a later hour exchange places with him. It was a highly convenient serv- ice, and widely appreciated, while the cost was only twopence! When we were first interned the German Government reduced its expenditure upon culinary articles to the minimum, and we 301 INTERNED IN GERMANY were only supplied with basins. We felt the absence of plates, knives and forks keenly, until one prisoner secured a stock and started a prosperous business. They were apparently purchased from a German firm, but we never troubled our heads over the thought of trading with the enemy, so eager were we to secure the utensils, and we willingly paid the enterprising trades- man's prices, which were certainly at war level. The introduction of plates gave birth to another lucrative calling. This was a dish- washing service, and as hot water was then a luxury, only obtainable from the kitchen, there was not a single man among us who could truthfully confess that he appreciated the task. The appearance of the service was hailed with delight, and when we com- menced to receive parcels from home, the dish-washers did a thriving business. Their charges were trivial in comparison with the service they rendered, and they deserved €very penny they earned. The heating ap- paratus attached to each barrack was equipped with an exhaust steam pipe dis- 302 INTERNED IN GERMANY charging into the open air through the side wall; and at these the dish-washers used to congregate, armed with small basins of water which they held so that the steam could play upon the water and warm it, an arm-breaking task, for ten minutes exposure was necessary to take the chill off the water. Another occupation was created by the residents in the lofts and horse boxes, who appointed orderlies to keep the barracks clean and neat. The appointment lasted as long as the orderly cared to hold it. His weekly salary was paid by the occupants, the usual contribution from each being 10 pfennigs — one penny — per week, although some of the wealthy prisoners gave more. In the horse boxes, this service was supple- mented by that of "fags.'' The fag was not posted to a single box but had a regular round of patrons. His duties were keeping the apartment clean, making the beds and performing similar services. The average weekly payment for this was about 5 shill- ings a box. When a prisoner was fagging to three, four or half a dozen boxes regularly, his weekly aggregate was not to be despised. 303 INTERNED IN GERMANY Still another prisoner was inspired to make money by the obvious need of laundering fa- cilities in the camp and he set up as a laun- dryman. It was a case of wash in the even- ing and return the following morning, as many of the prisoners had but one shirt and one pair of socks. This individual found himself in great demand, but it is doubtful if his venture paid him, for soap meant a heavy investment and the clothes were so soiled as to require hard rubbing. Even then it was a subject for friendly discus- sion as to whether the clothes were not dirtier after than before — at all events their appearance did not undergo improvement. His initiative sufficed to set a laundry boom going. There was a run on soap supplies and the washerman worked hard and long, but a strong objection was raised to the lofts being turned into drying rooms at night. We could have tolerated the depressing sight presented by the lines of saturated clothing, but wet bedding did not contribute to the general comfort; and the prisoners ordered the workers to dry their clothes outside. This was done, though unwillingly. 304 <^ta^ cmsS. Spcu^ndcLU.. ^^^ '^ A&S.U. SAUCE ■' NOTHING LIKE IT," PRICE 50 PFENNIGS. Cover design of the Christmas, 1916, number of The "Ruhleben Camp Magazine." INTERNED IN GERMANY No longer was it possible for a prisoner to have his undergarments washed out over night and dried in readiness for morning. At least a day outside on the line was neces- sary; and those who could not afford a change of clothing either had to continue wearing what they possessed until it would no longer hold together or pass a day in bed while it was laundered. Gen- erally speaking, the enterprise was not popularly acclaimed ^ still in accordance with the trend of things at Ruhleben it had its boom. After we demanded that the drying be conducted in the open air, the limited open space out- side the barracks — this was before the days of the ''field" — became crossed with a gridiron of lines upon which the washed garments flapped wildly, trans- forming the area into a scene sugges- tive of the backyards of the London tene- ment district. We insured our comfort at night, but we suffered untold miseries dur- ing the day. I, myself, was not free from the desire to try my hand at something to earn money, 305 INTERNED IN GERMANY for I needed it badly. I commenced in a humble way, washing shirts at a penny a time, then embarking upon dishes, until I found it unprofitable. Later, I advertised that I was open to buying anything, and was therewith snowed under by the ensuing volume of business, especially in old boots. After that I ventured as a professor of phrenology, and ''feeling bumps" in Ruhle- ben was very profitable while it lasted. But my sheet anchor was engraving, which I diligently prosecuted for several months, with jewelry and watches as side lines. The venture proved a great success, notwith- standing several Teuton hunts through my little shop for articles wrought of gold, ex- peditions void of profit for those concerned. Tobacco was always welcome in Ruhle- ben, and it mattered little what sort so long as it could be smoked. British cigarettes were considered articles de luxe, although those which came in the parcels from home were often of the cheapest variety. When- ever possible, I placed British cigarettes on sale and a rush of trade ensued. I was in- clined to be selective in my choice of cus- 306 INTERNED IN GERMANY tomers, preferring to sell them to my regu- lar clientele, for this served to keep my trade connection alive. I had a rule never to sell more than twenty-five at a time to any one customer, although I often had the chance to dispose of more. On one occasion a prisoner offered to buy out my whole supply at very generous terms, but I suspected him of wanting to corner the market and refused his tempting offer. Such attempts were frequently made; sometimes they proved successful, at others, the plun- ger burned his fingers. Success turned on one's ability to jump in and out quickly. One never knew what the next day's parcels would bring to upset any cornering scheme; moreover, public fancy was fickle and it was risky to repeat a successful venture. It was my decision to specialize in one line of goods, to which I attribute my com- mercial success. Once I discovered a Jew- ish fellow-prisoner who had a stock of wrist watches with which he had not been suc- cessful. I got in touch with him and offered to buy the lot, stating my terms of pur- chase. To him the price seemed ridiculous, 307 INTERNED IN GERMANY but I held out, and as he was anxious to get rid of them, he finally came down to my figure. I sold every watch before many hours had passed and at an attractive price, to his intense disgust. He thought I had been fairly landed with a sticking line and had been chuckling at his scoop in getting rid of them. He was a commercial sport, how- ever, and offered to sell me another consign- ment at the same figure. One might wonder what possibilities for engraving could exist at Ruhleben, yet it kept me working from morning to night as hard as I could. When I started my business I canvassed the camp from end to end, creating trade and urging everyone to order some inscribed memento of the in- ternment camp. Orders rained in upon me. Watches, links, brooches and souvenirs of all sorts were brought to me to receive in- scriptions. I cut the price to half of those prevailing at home, for I was in desperate need of employment to distract my thoughts, and as engraving calls for com- plete concentration I was able to occupy my mind very effectively. 308 INTERNED IN GERMANY Cups and other prizes awarded at the sports, and also presentations were entrusted to my charge to receive inscriptions, and some of these undertakings proved exceedingly difficult. One job which I regard with intense pride was the en- graving of a pair of sleeve links pre- sented by the canteen staff to Mr. Pyke as a recognition of his masterly direc- tion of that difficult enterprise. The order called for the engraving of 170 letters upon the four surfaces, each of which was about the size of a threepenny piece. The characters are naturally microscopic, but they are cleanly cut and readable. To con- vey some idea of the profit involved, I have earned as much as £4 in one day, working from 5 A. M. to 9 P. M., while in four months I cleared £150 profit. Other industrious prisoners were equally lucky. When the prisoners commenced to take an interest in their appearance, the professional barbers among us saw a golden opportunity. The hairdressing saloon be- came part of every barrack. The barber established himself just within the entrance, 309 INTERNED IN GERMANY the conditions naturally compelling him to carry his stock-in-trade to and fro every morning and night. They did a flourishing business, and each, by mutual agreement, secured an assured patronage. For an inmate of one barrack to patronize the barber of another was considered an un- pardonable sin. A prisoner was sup- posed to support the hairdresser of his own barrack, and this feeling was so strong that the barber of one barrack would not will- ingly attend to a customer from another. But hairdressing was subsequently ruled to be a necessary trade and a well appointed central hairdressing saloon was established in the grandstand and run by the communal government. As time went on and business developed, authors and journalists entered the lists. The coming of the theater gave the artists and ticket-writers a glorious chance to de- vise striking and attractive posters, which were displayed upon all eligible advertising spaces, though they found their markets somewhat limited until the camp magazine was launched. But although their zeal was 319 INTERNED IN GERMANY laudable prices were low. Water colors sold as a rule for 3d. to Is. each; art connoisseurs in Ruhleben were not disposed to pay fancy- prices for unique contemporary master- pieces. Portrait-painters had a successful run owing to the absence of photography, but were challenged keenly by cartoonists, the humorous in the internment camp never failing to make appeal. Another branch of activity which met with deserving recom- pense was model-making. Some of these works were distinctly noteworthy, those dealing with sections of the camp prepared to scale, arousing widespread attention from their striking fidelity to the most minute detail. As trading developed, anything which could be converted into something saleable by efifort and ingenuity was seized upon. The garbage barrels were ransacked for material. One prisoner collected the shal- low pots and glass vessels, originally con- taining potted meat or jam, which had been sent to the camp from home. These he cleaned and nattily worked up to be sold as ash-trays. He cleared them out at three- 31^ INTERNED IN GERMANY pence each, the Ruhleben Club proving one of his best customers. Tins, pieces of wood, and other rubbish were similarly reclaimed, to be worked up into something of unusual novelty or utility. Despite our mad zeal for trading, charity was not ignored and none of us were too busy to give effort and labor on behalf of a good cause. While the commercial instinct was upper- most, life in Ruhleben was brisk and crammed with incident ; but as the facilities became curbed, owing to the intervention of the authorities and to the economic depres- sion developing in the country itself, trading zeal languished. The boom petered out, and it is to be feared that Ruhleben has re- lapsed into that state of suspended activity and despondency characteristic of the early days of the camp's existence. 312 CHAPTER XVL CHRISTMAS IN RUHLEBEN, "You can well understand our feeling of horror at the prospect of going through a third winter in a prison camp!" These words were written by one of the Britishers interned at Ruhleben a few days before Christmas, 1916. The outlook was, in- deed, dismal. Food was scarce, except for the parcels from England; fuel was running short; trading activity in Ruhleben had slumped — in short, a wave of utter despond- ency had overwhelmed the camp. But it was the winter of 1914 — our first at Ruhleben — that will never be forgotten by any one of the 4,000 odd interned British. It was an unholy nightmare, the mere memory of which causes one who passed through it to shiver involuntarily, even when comfortably ensconced beside a blaz- ing hearth at home. There was one prospect more than any 313 INTERNED IN GERMANY other that we regarded with dread — that of spending the joyful season of Yuletide in prison and in exile. The vaunted Teutonic organization had broken down under the strain which our internment had imposed, and the officials were at their wit's end to know what to do. We misinterpreted this manifestation of mismanagement. During the dreary days of November we nursed the thought that we should spend Christmas with our loved ones. What else could Teu- ton apathy signify? Our excitement grew intense; the most sensational stories flew hither and thither through the camp. The tenor of each one was identical : we were go- ing to be sent home. Whence these rumors started, no one seemed to know and cared less. Crouching over the basin of coffee and piece of black bread, shivering with cold and fanned by icy draughts, with tempers too quick to permit the slightest civil word, a member of the party would valiantly strive to liven matters by idly remarking: "Did you hear that story down at the kitchen? They say all civilian prisoners are 3^4 INTERNED IN GERMANY going to be exchanged on the understanding that neither country will use them as soldiers." "Shucks!'' would come the growled com- ment from sceptics, accompanied by guf- faws of derision from others. But those hoping against hope shuffled off to relate the story in undertones to colleagues who were content to accept Dame Rumor without the slightest questioning, the narrator embroid- ering the report to satisfy his imagination. And so the idle remark was bandied from party to party, undergoing distortion, until it had completed its circuit of the camp, and had returned to us in scarcely recognizable form. One of the prisoners, his face beam- ing, would burst in, and with firm and cheery conviction, call out: "Well, boys ! It won't be long now before we're home. The Germans have had enough of us, and are going to clear us out before Christmas! Fact! I heard it on good authority, and it's official !" "What's the reason?" innocently asked by a sceptic, who had ridiculed the rumor when first uttered. 315 INTERNED IN GERMANY "Oh! The fellow who told me says that Germany is finding it too expensive to keep us r Howls of derisive mirth would greet this solemn assurance. Every hour brought its variation of the old, old story. It was only those among us who had previously experienced other Ger- man prisons who had the hardihood to greet these yarns with noisy hilarity. Per- sonally, I believe it was certain of the offi- cials among the Germans themselves, who, in the first instance, gave rumor wing. From previous experience in Wesel, Senne- lager, and Klingelputz, I knew it was quite in keeping with their tactics to cultivate such hopes. Thereby they were likely to keep us quiet and tractable. However, as time wore on, the authorities became ap- prehensive as to the after-effects which would be likely to arise. They realized that once the prisoners saw through the delusion and realized that they had been mercilessly, even cruelly, hoodwinked, that infinite trouble might ensue. One morning we received a curt summons INTERNED IN GERMANY to parade. Everyone hurried up, taut with excitement. The officer roared: "Prisoners! You will be permitted to receive parcels from home if you can get them. But if any further rumors are cir- culated through the camp relating to your pending release, which is not going to be considered for a moment, no effort will be spared to trace their origin, and the of- fender, if caught, will suffer punishment." This was shivering the idol of hope with a vengeance. The facial studies which fol- lowed this pronouncement baffle descrip- tion. I have never seen such lugubrious "all-is-up" expressions. The Teuton is nothing if not heartless when apparently extending concessions. It was all very well for the officer to remark, with assumed magnanimity, that we might receive par- cels from home to cheer us at Christmastide, but how about those of us who hailed from Britain? How should we be able to receive such welcome gifts in time? Letters took from ten to fifteen days to reach home, ow- ing to the caprice of the authorities, while parcels occupied from three weeks to a 317 INTERNED IN GERMANY month to come out! And here was Christ- mas hard upon us! Truly cynicism is su- perlative among German characteristics. The solemn warning, however, did not exercise the slightest effect. The optimists, surviving the first shock of disaster, popped up as lively as ever. They construed the Teuton official action as an astute display of bluff; but those amongst us who had suf- fered in other prisons and who had every reason to know that the Germans meant what they said, decided to take the law into our own hands. Rumor had had far too long and untrammeled a sway. We caught one of the story-mongers red-handed. We did not denounce him to the authorities to ascertain the character of the punishment to be awarded, we ducked him in the pond. The icy cold water quenched his imagination very effectively, and the rumors grew less. Then the Germans artfully laid another snare to lull us into tractability. A care- fully-prepared story was circulated to the effect that on Christmas Day we were to receive an unexpected treat. Although far from home, and victims of circumstances, 2i8 INTERNED IN GERMANY we were to be given the time of our lives at the expense of the German nation. It was to be a time which we would never forget, and it would dispel every feeling of gloom and dejection. The Germans, so we were led to believe, were fully aware of the joy- ousness and festivity with which the Brit- isher honored the Yuletide Season, and how keenly he appreciated roast beef, plum pud- ding, mince pies, and numerous other dain- ties associated with the season. This deeply rooted institution was to be suitably hon- ored. This unexpected outburst of Teuton mag- nanimity and fellow-feeling took us com- pletely by surprise. It seemed so foreign to the German nature. And I must admit that in one respect the authorities were correct in their phophesy. There is not one of us who will ever forget the dinner received on Christmas Day, 1914, in Ruhleben prison camp. The announcement effected its object. The story provided us with another topic of conversation, and smothered all further discussion regarding pending release. Those 3^9 TERMED IN GERMANY who had fallen into the slough of despond- ency were re-lifted to a state bordering on ecstacy. A week before Christmas I was the re- cipient of an unexpected treat — a parcel of 400 British cigarettes. None of us had tasted the flavor of a home-made cigarette since we had been interned, and the only smokes that we could obtain at that time were those cheap articles which the Ger- mans alone know how to make — and to smoke ! There were 140 men in my barrack and the cigarettes were distributed among them. No one can picture the joy which those fags gave. The men smoked them slowly, enjoying the taste and aroma of the tobacco to the full. But what were 400 cigarettes among so many? They did not last long, and we soon came down to the sole remaining "coffin nail." Who out of the twelve in our party should have the honor of its company? This momentous issue was settled in true Ruhleben manner: we went outside the barrack, placed the cigarette upon a post, and each advanced in turn for a draw. By careful management, we suc- 320 INTERNED IN GERMANY ceeded in securing two puffs each; and the fragment we finally discarded afforded ex- treme delight to a sailor, who recovered it and promptly rammed it into his pipe. Christmas Eve arrived. With what de- light we looked forward to the morrow. During the preceding days nothing had been discussed but the coming feast of Lucullus, and our wan faces commenced to glow in pleasurable anticipation. The few among us whom no specious German promise could buoy up, having had experience in this con- nection, hesitated to express our innermost thoughts. We studiously reserved our opin- ions, being perfectly content to wait and see. Although the Germans might furnish us with another bitter disappointment, a kindly sympathetic heart outside was resolved that we should not be entirely deprived of all the joys associated with Christmastide. Mrs. K , the wife of our popular colleague, W.T.K. , sent a parcel to each member of our party. It was hailed with unmiti- gated pleasure. Her womanly action was appreciated to the full, and although we felt 321 INTERNED IN GERMANY that our joy was at the expense of our col- league, still we thanked him and his con- sort wholeheartedly and toasted their health. As evening, glooni, and darkness settled down we became more fretful and taciturn. Strive how we might we could not banish from our minds thoughts of home and the merry times we were wont to have at this season of the year. Christmas Eve was not without excite- ment. The "P.-G.'s" decided to have a good old time so far as the limitations of their quarters would allow them, and they en- deavored to ignore the loyalist -element com- pletely. Their German friends and relatives had sent them bulky parcels, which, when opened, were found to be packed with little Teuton Christmas delights and emblems — colored wax candles, diminutive Christmas trees, and similar articles. Armed with these sinews for keeping up the good old times they proceeded to celebrate the Yule- tide. The candles were stuck in the mouths of empty bottles, as candlesticks, and dis- played on the tables, while each prisoner 322 INTERNED IN GERMANY routed among his belongings to fish out mementos from home. When these hurried decorations had been completed to satisfac- tion, and the candles had been lighted, they sang the German patriotic songs. Soon we were all hustled to bed. But not to sleep, although I tried desperately. So I got up to pace the narrow alley-way, extending the full length of the black hole, flanked on either side by the bunks contain- ing my recumbent colleagues. The cold was intense ; it penetrated to and chilled my marrow. Our quarters had not received any heating apparatus at that time, and many of the prisoners had not even been given a blanket. They lay huddled in shape less masses, snuggling together upon the dirty loose straw, to profit from collective warmth. One and all, almost without ex- ception, were shivering in their sleep. The straw, saturated with filth and thickly invested with vermin, emitted a hor- rible stench as it became heated up by the emaciated bodies of the sleepers, with which was mingled the nauseating odor of stale clothing and human perspiration. The 323 INTERNED IN GERMANY ^ sleepers tossed upon their hard couches like cattle, vainly endeavoring' to burrow into the strav^. The sounds coming involuntarily from the prone forms were heartrending. The majority of the men, their nerves over- wrought, were jabbering incoherently in their slumber. Many were crying and sob- bing pitifully. It was a restless sea of out- raged humanity calling out to Heaven in its sleep. After a while, one or two other prisoners, who were unable to secure oblivion through sleep, got up and joined me in my pacings. But walking in the darkness was no panacea, so we decided to gain a little respite from our thoughts by emulating the actions of our childhood on such a night as this. We hung our stockings and socks from the rafters, as if in mockery of the dawning day of peace and good will. The occupation satisfied our minds. At last, thoroughly worn out, we threw ourselves down to sink into a deep and welcome sleep. When the prisoners awoke and caught sight of the empty socks and stockings hang- 324 INTERNED IN GERMANY ing mournfully from the rafters the loft rang with shouts of mocking laughter and banter. But so far as our party was con- cerned the mirth was misplaced. True, our stockings were empty, but under our pillows we found welcome prize packets, containing handkerchiefs, cigarettes, socks, and other little trifles of which we were in sore need. A good fairy, once again Mrs. K , had imparted Christmas spirit to our prison. Her husband had received them in bulk, and had surreptitiously slipped them beneath our pillows. The discovery of these so deeply moved us that we were incapable of a word of gratitude, but our mute appreciation proved far more telling than the most pro- fuse expressions of pleasure. We were astir early, and the majority, each with his basin tucked under one arm, and his other hand clutching his hunk of bread, moved off to the Church under the grandstand to participate in the early morn- ing service with which we had decided to welcome the coming of Christmas Day. One of our number had agreed to officiate. That Christmas morning service was at- 3^5 INTERNED IN GERMANY tended by one of the most dejected and motley crowds of humanity which has ever graced the EstabHshed Church. Everyone shivered with the cold. Snow and slush car- peted the ground outside, while the air had a biting sting. Some of the Faithful came in clogs; others with their feet protruding pitifully from tattered footwear. Those possessing overcoats drew them tightly round them, but many appeared only in their thin vests, ungraced by either collar or tie. I presented myself in my complete wardrobe — coarse corduroy trousers, tied under the knee with string, hitched up by a tattered belt, and a gray shirt. We took the precaution to carry our basin and bread with us, because the service was scarcely likely to be over before we were due at the kitchen before breakfast. It was the chilli- est Christmas morning I can recollect, not only as regards the weather, but from the human temperament point of view as well. Things had grown so desperate that the most amiable could hardly speak a civil word to any one. To me the service seemed strangely out 326 INTERNED IN GERMANY of place. There was a conspicuous absence of that buoyant atmosphere associated with Christmas morning. Greetings were cer- tainly exchanged, but in hollow mockery, with gibe and jeer. The service was un- eventful, except in connection with one hymn, the great Ruhleben favorite. This is Hymn 376 from the Ancient and Modern Hymnal, the last line of which runs: "Give peace, O Lord, give peace again." The words were hurled forth clearly and resonantly with fearful vehemence, yet they could scarcely be heard. While the hymn was being sung, munition train after muni- tion train thundered along the main line barely a hundred yards away, bearing its fearful freight of missiles for dealing death and destruction, while the clatter of steel against steel was punctuated by the louder booming of heavy guns undergoing their proving trials upon the adjacent testing ground at Spandau. The iterations of the words, no matter how religiously and sin- cerely, to such an accompaniment, appeared to be mocking the Almighty. Presently there came a lull in the rushing 3^7 INTERNED IN GERMANY of trains and the booming of cannon, but the uncanny silence was broken by a more ominous sound so far as the prisoners were concerned. It was the tramp! tramp! tramp ! of feet, at first muffled and indistinct but growing louder each second. Our fellow- prisoners who had not attended the church service, were on their way to the kitchen to get their breakfast. Those shuffling feet brought us back to things material with a disconcerting jolt. It behooved us to make haste lest we miss our small share of acorn coffee. Half the congrega- tion wildly snatched basins and bread to stampede after the marching throng. The rest proceeded somewhat more leisurely. As I vanished through the portal I caught a fleeting glimpse of our colleague holding forth with his basin on one side and his por- tion of bread on the other. He left after his congregation had filed out to take up his position in the long queue. As we received our coffee we heard more about the coming midday feast. There was to be a chop, sauerkraut, vegetables, sweets, and other delights. But above all, we were 3^^ INTERNED IN GERMANY to regale ourselves with a bottle of beer apiece, and to cheer the afternoon with a cigar! These two last-named luxuries we were to receive as a special favor, with the Kaiser's compliments! We contained ourselves throughout the morning as best we could until the hour of 11.30 came round. How the hours dragged. We mustered punctually to the minute, but it was not until 12.45, after a wait of an hour and a quarter in the line, that we were marched off to the kitchen, which we ap- proached babbling and talking as excitedly as a gathering of children at a Sunday school treat. During this walk some commenced to bet freely that we were destined to receive an- other powerful illustration of how the Germans do things. Those who were dis- posed to place faith in the Teuton and his promises condemned us as a band of "Croakers!" "Wet blankets!" "Jeremiads!" and "Jonahs !" We were not destined to be kept on the rack of suspension much longer. Those who 3^9 INTERNED IN GERMANY were first in the line received a meal fully in accordance with the much-lauded story, but when Barrack 3 reached the kitchen something seemed to have gone amiss. Either the first arrivals had been treated too liberally, or else the mathematical Teu- ton had dropped a few figures from his cal- culations. At all events, supplies were pe- tering out at an alarmingly rapid rate. I only received a bone without any meat — an island in a sea of dubious gravy, without even a fragment of potato. Those who followed fared worse. There was nothing in the soup line left for them. The Germans hastily remedied the unex- pected deficiency by furnishing each man with a rasher of raw, repulsive fat bacon. But this hasty expedient did not suffice. By the time Barrack 6 arrived, even the bacon had given out ; there was not a shred of rind for them. They received nothing beyond a portion of greasy, thin soup. And this was the wonderful Christmas dinner about which so much had been said! The disappoint- ment of the prisoners from Barrack 6 was so intense, and the mutterings grew so loud, 330 INTERNED IN GERMANY that even the Germans grew alarmed. Nothing could be done, but the officials, following the invariable Teuton prac- tice when trouble appeared imminent, placated the prisoners with honeyed words and specious promises of "some- thing very nice for tea!" As these unfortunate prisoners had been waiting pa- tiently for over two hours to be rewarded with nought beyond the ordinary daily fare, it is not surprising that they audibly ex- pressed their opinion of German system and organization. They retraced their footsteps to the barracks with their faith in German promises sadly shattered, and cherishing decided doubts as to the evening meal. Upon receiving our dinner we were told to hurry to the grandstand to receive the Kaiser's presents — the bottle of beer and the cigar. I think the authorities must have deliberately plotted this additional luxury as a reward to the fleetest of foot. I sprinted for all I knew how, and succeeded in getting both the bottle of beer and the cigar. The majority were forced to be content with one or the other, and counted themselves as 331 INTERNED IN GERMANY mighty lucky to get even one-half of the promised gift. Reaching our barracks, we made the most of our meal, supplementing official short- comings with what our small parcels from home, a few of which had come to hand, would yield. The latter were shared in the usual manner, but there was insufficient to go round. Our discontent was not assuaged by the discovery of one circumstance. The pro-Germans appeared to have fared best as regards the dinner, beer, and cigars. We whiled away the afternoon with the cigars so magnanimously presented to us by the All Highest. The Kaiser must have learned something about the condition of our living quarters, and, being generally credited with an inventive turn of mind, evolved a type of disinfecting smoke to be submitted to exacting test at our expense. The weed was universally declared to be "some cigar," but the less grateful and more critical unceremoniously dubbed them "stinkers.'' These doubtful Havanas were discarded with freedom, for only the physi- cally fit could stand up under them. 33^ INTERNED IN GERMANY When the hour for the evening meal came round Barrack 6 scampered off for the delectable dainty which it was due to re- ceive. For the most part this luxury as- sumed the fortn of a herring, but the un- grateful recipients made one fatal mistake. They would persist in testing a Teuton gift herring with the olfactory nerve! The re- sult was disastrous. It was a miserable evening, absolutely de- ficient in cheeriness and comfort. Mark Tapley would have been frozen into silence had he made any effort to improve the dragging hour with witticism or banter. Our pro-German enemies alone proved ca- pable of passing the time, and incidentally they provided us with the solitary form of amusement which came our way. They brought an array of tables from the grand- stand, and with the utmost sang froid im- aginable set them out in a continuous coun- ter along the narrow solitary gangway bi- secting the loft. By so doing they drove every other prisoner to his bunk, but this was immaterial to them. Out came the col- ored candles and other decorations. Within 333 INTERNED IN GERMANY a few moments the whole loft was ablaze with light. Seating themselves on either side of this improvised table, each man stood his Christmas tree before him, and with the other delights contained in his parcel set out to have a high old time. The feelings of us crouching and shivering in our bunks must be left to the imagination. At first we struggled hard to ignore them, but their raucous laughter, coarse jokes, and unabashed expressions of sympathy with the German cause, began to fan the flames, and when they burst out into exu- berant song, and let fly the words of ^'Deutschland uber Alles'' with all the vigor they could command, the more ndgetty among us got up and commenced to express displeasure in unmistakable manner. As the alley way was blocked by the tables, movement was difficult, but we settled this by roughly pushing away any table which barred our path. The scowlings and mutterings grew fiercer. One prisoner, a rabid patriot, at last declared it was more than he could stand. He was somewhat too rough in pass- 334 INTERNED IN GERMANY ing a table to please the pro-Germans sitting around it. They expostulated savagely, and he retorted just as energetically. Voices commenced to rise in anger and protest. Thereupon the Britisher, discarding his coat and rolling up his shirt sleeves, declared his intention to mop up the floor with the "whole blarmed lot of them." The appearance of armed force restored order. The British loyalists were peremp- torily ordered to bed — and so were the "P.- G.'s" They protested, declaring they were doing no harm, but the guards were taking no risks. ''Better prevent a fight than be called upon to quell one," was their rule, so our enemies were forced to surrender. Candles were speedily extinguished, and to- gether with the other clutter were ordered to be put out of sight. Unfortunately, we had cause to regret having taken such drastic measures, for we were condemned to suffer a repetition of the nightly decora- tions and celebrations for nearly a week, during which the Christmas festivities were prolonged, the orgies only coming to an end when the candles had been consumed. 335 INTERNED IN GERMANY Boxing Day threatened to be every whit as depressing, but one or two of us, having shaken off the dejection into which we had been plunged by a cheerless Christmas, en- deavored to infuse a little of the fun and excitement of a seasonable British winter Bank Holiday into our existence. We had a merry snowball fight, to which I have re- ferred elsewhere, which, however, was sum- marily interrupted by the guard. Still, for a very brief period we enjoyed ourselves wholeheartedly and forgot our miserable surroundings. The solitude, darkness, stench, vermin, and cold of the barracks brought us back to our dismal, aimless life at Ruhleben with added emphasis, and we passed the enforced idleness of Boxing Night, heads in hands, ruminating and wondering how it all would end ! I have spent many a Christmas under strange conditions, but the memory of one is indelibly seared into my brain. The recol- lections of the first Christmas spent in the internment camp of Ruhleben in 1914 will never be forgotten: they will remain with me until the end. CHAPTER XVII. WHEN THE PINCH WAS FELT I have already described the meager fare with which we were supposed to keep body and soul together at Ruhleben. Sugarless and milkless coffee made from acorns, a small basin of thin, unappetizing soup, and one-fifth of a loaf of black bread per day constitute short commons for a healthy man. It was more the indomitable spirit of the Britisher than the food that kept us going. Physically we suffered severely, and our weights sank to alarmingly low levels. We grumbled a great deal during the early days, when food was comparatively plentiful in Germany, but later, complaints gave way to tense apprehension. Shorter commons did not affect those flush of funds so much as poorer members of the commu- nity. The canteen was an excellent stand- by, for there we could buy various articles 327 INTERNED IN GERMANY in the commissary line, so long as we were prepared to pay for them. Thus, very good brodchens could be purchased at two a penny, and, needless to say, were in great demand. The outlook first began to assume a sinis- ter aspect when the bread ration was dimin- ished. The shrinkage was so marked that we felt before long we should be compelled to go without. As time passed, even the can- teen and pocket-money ceased to be a sub- stitute because the brodchens disappeared. They could not be obtained for love or money. Subsequently a substitute for these appreciated brodchens became available, a composite or "necessity'^ bread, that was tolerably palatable, although it was more expensive. The shortage of bread naturally hit us severely. There ensued a general tightening of the waistbelt, while faces, already pinched, became more pinched. Everyone began to suffer terribly, but we bore the situation with the stoicism of Indians. Pri- vation became more widespread and intense 22S INTERNED IN GERMANY as the weeks passed without bringing any change in the state of affairs. But alas! There was only one court to which we could make appeal. This was the American Embassy. When first suggested, this proposal failed to meet with general acclamation; we were rather disposed to trust to luck and to work out our own sal- vation. Finally hunger got the upper hand and we petitioned the United States' Ambas- sador to intercede on our behalf. The first letters failed to draw a reply, doubtless owing to the fact that they were intercepted by the authorities or because they infringed the regulation that all letters addressed to persons outside had to be posted open, so that the camp authorities might acquaint themselves with the contents. This law was so rigid as to apply to communications sent to the Embassy which had assumed the responsibility so far as it lay within its powers, for our well-being. We hoped that such letters would be safe from official cen- sorship, and that the authorities would leave action to the discretion of the Embassy, which naturally would not exceed its limit. 339 INTERNED IN GERMANY But the Germans are ignorant of the mean- ing of the word ''honor," preferring to judge other people by their own standard and in- terpretation of terms. While we have no absolute evidence that the German authori- ties deliberately destroyed, or mislaid any communications addressed to Mr. Gerard from prisoners in Ruhleben Camp, there is sufficient circumstantial evidence available to prove that our misgivings upon this question were not ill-founded. When, finally, a representative visited the camp we drew attention to our direful plight with a daring appeal. We wrote in the dust upon the Ambassador's motor-car 'Tor God's sake give us bread!" and threw into his vehicle letters emphasizing the condi- tions. This appeal did not go unanswered. Mr. Gerard, with the promptitude which signaled all his efforts on behalf of the British civilians, when conditions were not exaggerated or imaginary, petitioned for an increased supply and three days after his visit the ration reverted to the normal, but, as was always the case, after the sensation had lost its nine days' interest, it was gradu- 340 INTERNED IN GERMANY ally but persistently, again reduced until it regained the level which had compelled us to petition the assistance of our solitary guardian angel. Indeed, I really think we suffered from having so boldly sought the aid of the Amer- ican Ambassador, for the last stage of the bread question was far worse than the first. We were served with bread which was ab- solutely uneatable: even men torn with hunger hesitated to tackle it. The interior was as saturated with water as a sponge, was quite uncooked, and was nauseating both to the palate and the eye. We could wring the water out of it. It had to be eaten right away: to keep it for even a few hours was to see it grow moldy, musty, and even decompose. Some of us endeavored to keep it for a short time, in the hope that it would become solid as the water evaporated, and become more palatable and satisfying, but this was a mistaken policy. Others who ate it at once suffered severely from indi- gestion. The discontent grew more serious. We pestered the authorities with requests to 34^ INTERNED IN GERMANY improve the bread, but for a long time to no avail. At last they gave us permission to change a ''new" loaf for a "stale" one, but we speedily refused this alternative, for the so-called stale bread was not only stale and hard, but in addition, revoltingly green right through with mold. Matters at last reached such a state as to provoke general discussion as to whether we ought not to make an appeal to friends and relatives at home for assistance. This had been advocated once or twice previ- ously, but general opinion had been against it. By March, 1915, the situation had be- come so acute as to force us to resort to action of this character, though it was much against our will, for we felt that those at home must certainly have their hands full, and that it was scarcely fair for us to saddle them with the expense of sustaining their imprisoned compatriots in a German camp. But necessity knows no law, and so out went postcards bearing a frantic appeal for bread to be sent us from Britain. It was this cry that must have aroused the home- land to the true conditions in Germany, 342 INTERNED IN GERMANY especially in the prison camps. Although we dispatched the urgent "S O S" far and wide, we realized that weeks must elapse before we received tangible response. Those intervening weeks were dark, indeed. We were reduced to a condition bordering on starvation; how the less fit among us kept going, we never knew. It seems a night- mare now. Everyone went hungry, and so hungry that they were ready to do anything to get any sort of food. Our despairing cry met with a wonderful response. I shall never forget the scene in camp upon the arrival of the first shipment of wholesome nourishing bread from old England. We rubbed our eyes at the sight, fearing that it was only a dream, afraid to bite into the loaves, which by the way, were as hard as bricks after their long journey. When we did taste it, how we smacked our lips over the flavor and lingered over the fragments. Not a piece was wasted; we would have fought with the birds for the capture of a few crumbs. In order to appreciate the measure of our delight at tasting British bread once more, 343 INTERNED IN GERMANY it is necessary to gain some idea of the staff of life which was being served out to us by our captors. The proportion of wheat con- stituent must have been reduced to absolute vanishing point. The exterior was crusty and as hard as a dog's biscuit; indeed, I do not think a lover of canines would ever have given his four-footed companion such food. But though the exterior was hard and had to be gnawed, the interior was a soddened mass, reeking with moisture and only par- tially cooked. It was not so much the repulsive appear- ance and feel of the interior of the loaf, which aroused such nausea, as the ingredi- ents employed. To break open a loaf was akin to taking a dip in a lucky-tub: some- thing unexpected was certain to be found. Sometimes it was a wisp of straw three or four inches long — half-inch lengths were so common as not to arouse a moment's second thought — at others a hunk of potato peel or a fragment of tree bark. They were loaves of mystery in the fullest meaning of the word, and we hesitated to inquire too deeply into the character of the ingredients, lest 344 INTERNED IN GERMANY we receive a surprise that would compel us to renounce the food in disgust. I collected the pieces of foreign matter discovered in the bread, prosecuting this hobby as diligently as any scientist pursues his quest. I kept them all, and my personal endeavors were supported by several com- rades, who contributed their discoveries. In this manner I secured quite an imposing survey of the odds and ends, possessing ab- solutely no nutriment value whatever, which were associated with the German-provided staff of life. Matters descended to such a pass that we decided to make representations to some powerful quarter in the desperate effort to secure an improvement in regard to the bread question. With every succeeding day the men were growing visibly weaker. Those who indulged in any exercise, such as a few minutes at football, had to abandon their recreation, merely because they were not strong enough to pursue it ! We had to husband our strength and vitality in grim earnest. More than one man resolutely clung to his bunk for fear that undue move- 345 INTERNED IN GERMANY ment or exertion would deprive his en- feebled body of the meager reserve of strength and vitality v^hich it retained, or accentuate the pangs of hunger. One may v^onder why we evinced such an intimate interest in the German internal food question, but it struck at the very root of our existence. If the Germans had in- sufficient foodstuffs to keep themselves how were we likely to fare? We should cer- tainly be- placed on the shortest possible commons, and if the worst came, we were likely to be left to shift for ourselves. We knew enough of the Germans to realize that they would not hesitate to deprive us of food entirely if matters reached a crisis. This was the haunting fear. We could see the day when they would turn round and leave us to our own devices. Every succes- sive week witnessed a diminution in our ra- tions. What could be cut down was cut down remorselessly. The journey to the kitchen began to assume a farcical aspect. Those who were receiving supplies regu- larly from home refused to make this trip for food. It was regarded as so much 34<^ INTERNED IN GERMANY wasted time and useless expenditure of effort, because the food we were receiving was steadily declining in quality and verg- ing perilously near the line of being abso- lutely inedible. Great effort was required to eat it, and an indifferently nourished body revolted savagely at the indignities to which it was being subjected. We came to rely more and more on the parcels from home, and we felt extremely grateful to relatives, friends and stran- gers who kept us steadily going. But for this timely help we should have starved. When we opened the parcels the soldiers would stand around longingly and, their ad- miration getting the better of their discre- tion, they would mutter, ''Mein GottI What food in war-time!" We ourselves could not help pitying the guards, whom, we discovered, were placed on the most meager rations. When we heard their comments we would offer them some dainty. At first they would merely give a sickly smile and shake their heads half- heartedly. We could see that they longed to accept our hospitality but feared to be 347 INTERNED IN GERMANY seen doing so. However, as hunger pressed them, they accepted what we offered, and eventually did not hesitate to beg for what we could spare. As a rule we contrived to save something out for them, for which they extended the most heartfelt thanks. It was to our advantage to keep on the soft side of our wardens, and the expenditure of food in this connection proved a profitable in- vestment in more ways than one. It amused us — although the tragedy of it all was not lost upon us — to follow the competition be- tween the under-officers and their men to be first in the surreptitious overhauling of the refuse bread bins, since such action con- stituted a breach of regulations. What we declined to eat was for the pigs, not the arrogant military of Germany, although the latter were only too pleased to get what they could at the expense of the occupants of the sties. Neutrals visiting the camp, when ques- tioned, would sometimes lift the veil from the state of affairs existing outside, although they were very guarded in their replies. Nevertheless, their fragments of informa- 34S INTERNED IN GERMANY tion were sufficient to convince us that the German people as a whole were passing through hard times. But the most conclusive information was brought in by a fellow prisoner, and his ex- perience seemed to me somewhat humorous. He had commercial connections in the country, being a Britisher resident in Ger- many, although in this instance he was as loyal as the most rabid of the loyalists. He had been petitioning for some time to be permitted to go to Berlin to complete some vital business matter, and his importunity had finally been rewarded to the extent of a day's leave on "pass." This entitled him to quit the camp at 7.30 A. M. and to be ex- cused until 8.30 P. M. of the same day. He thought that leave of thirteen hours in one day would be adequate for him to complete the matter on his mind, and he had left the camp in the early morning punctually at the permitted hour, extremely thankful to be able to leave Ruhleben behind him if only for one brief day. I was hurrying from my kiosk to my bar- rack for the midday meal upon the day in 349 INTERNED IN GERMANY question when I ran full tilt into our col- league. It was barely half past one. I looked at him in surprise. "What are you doing here ? Thought you had gone to Berlin on 'pass'?'' I said. "So I did," he answered, looking round warily, "but I was mighty glad to get back. I have never seen such sights in my life. It's awful. No wonder our food is so bad. The people there are fighting tooth and nail to get bread, meat, or anything else to eat. And the feeling against the British cannot be im- agined. Had they discovered I was an Englishman they would have torn me limb from limb. I am not a nervous man, but the state of aflFairs frightened me. In fact, I abandoned all iJea of finishing up my busi- ness transaction, and came back by the first tram I could catch. The man certainly seemed scared. His ex- perience had completely unnerved him. He was even afraid of his own shadow at the moment, but for an entirely diflPerent rea- son. As I was about to resume my walk he caught me by the sleeve, whispering in an alarmed tone : 35^ INTERNED IN GERMANY "For Heaven's sake don't say you have seen me. I am hiding myself until the even- ing. If the authorities know I am back, they will realize that I have seen more than I ought to have observed in Berlin, and that I know a good deal about the state of things in the capital. They are bluffing us for all they are worth, and if they see me before nightfall they will conclude why I came back before my ^pass' was up. A prisoner is not so deeply in love with Ruhleben as to want to get back to it hours before he needs to !" I appreciated his logic and readily ex- tended the promise. I knew full well that if caught he would be punished on suspicion of having communicated unpleasant truths among the prisoners. He succeeded in keep- ing himself unobserved until late that even- ing, when he reported himself in due course to the authorities. His experience, however, furnished the camp with food for animated conversation, since he brought face-to-face personal experience upon the matter which was of absorbing import to one and all. We learned that our shortage of bread was due to the difficulties which the German na- 35t INTERNED IN GERMANY tion was experiencing, thanks to the strin- gency of the British blockade. Berlin was deeply incensed against our country, and at that time was strafing Great Britain and the British with a deadly strafe. At one meet- ing, held in Berlin to discuss the desperate situation, and at which many notable digni- taries of the German Government made speeches, one of these, referring to the in- ternment camp at Ruhleben and the priva- tions of the prisoners, vehemently recom- mended that "we should all be starved to death !" From the way in which the author- ities were going to work it certainly seemed as if this delightful suggestion were being put into execution. During this trying period the poorer mem- bers must have succumbed to hunger but for the assistance rendered by the Com- munal Funds. The profits from the various enterprises enabled large purchases of edibles, including bread, to be made and sold at a comparatively reasonable figure, as I have already explained. The price thus be- ing brought within reach, they were able to keep themselves just going. 35^ RUHLEBEN BRITISH CONCENTRATION CAMP. Financial Statement to 10"'- April 1915. RECEIPTS: a) For Camp Fund ex American Embassy to cover distribution of Margarine, Sugar, etc ar.d general Camp expenses .... For Camp Fund ex Other Sources, viz: Donations. O'Hara Murray, Esq , Collec- tions in Barracks, Proceeds of Concerts. Variety Shows, Canteens, Boilers, Parcel Post Department, etc b) For Relief in Cash ex King Edw^ard Vll fund c) For Relief in Cash (weekly) ex American Embassy .... EXPENDITURE: Relief afforded : General Camp Relief, Distribution of Mar- garine, Sugar, etc Ca) General Camp Relief, through First Aid So- ciety 'a) Weekly Relief in Cash ex Embassy . (c) King Edward VII Fund, Cash distribution (b) Amount expended in Organisation and Upkeep of Camp, viz: Wages paid to interned prisoners (Latrines, Kitchens', Fatigue Parties, etc) . . (a) Disinfecting and Sanitgry arrangements. Medi- cines, Hospital Expenses, Funeral Expen- ses, Office Books and Stationery, Grand Stand Seating Accomodaiion and Stages, making good damage done to Camp pro- perty. Repairs to v^indows, Purchase of utensils such as Bread Cutting machines. Pails. Brooms, Watering Cans, etc Shop Fixtures and Shelves Canteen Improve- m nts. Alteration to Parcels Post Depart- ment Office, Bridging Race Course Track, Deposit to Race Course Association for permission to use ground for playing pur- poses, etc etc. ....... (a) Cash in Hand and at Bank n Stock in -Trade at Canteens . . . ■■. Sundry Debtors Items paid in advance. Rent. etc. Sundry Creditors for Goods, etc- supplied Sundry Creditors for Cash on Deposit 1 :j,49ri.8:". 779.58 <;7,289.r,o lO.ir.o.— :;,l9r,.2f» ('.,304.71 11.891.41 1 .9;j:{.7.{ ■21{){)1) _ 21,458.90 10,401.— 09,000 — 101,304.84 122,859.90 9,0.32.7.; 3.85(!.(>7 1:55.749 :jo i:5.>.T49.:{i» INTERNED IN GERMANY The parcels of food dispatched from home only arrived in the nick of time — had they been delayed there would be few remaining in Ruhleben to-day, for we were virtually in extremis. Once the parcels commenced to trickle in, and the stream grew more vo- luminous with each succeeding week, our dread apprehensions vanished. The lucky recipients of the first parcels saved the situ- ation, for they shared their food as far as they were able. It was a curious spectacle to see a man without a cent in his pocket with which to buy food, but who had a par- cel from home, dividing the contents with one or two colleagues whose pockets were bulging, or at least well-lined, but who could not turn it to useful purchasing account at the time, and whose parcel had not arrived. But it was turn and turn about: we were brothers in adversity. When we learned that bread was on the way to the camp from England we specu- lated among ourselves as to whether we should really get it. Would the mob, pressed by hunger, allow it to reach the camp? Would not the harassed German 353 INTERNED IN GERMANY housewives and their men-folk raid the vehicles laden therewith? Such were the fears which disturbed our minds. But the authorities had taken adequate precautions to insure the safe delivery of the prisoners' parcels and the vans were brought into camp under a strong military guard with loaded rifles. We appreciated this protec- tion upon the part of the authorities. It conveyed the impression of being prepared to give us a square deal, at least in one con- nection, and so far as my experience is con- cerned, I never lost a food parcel from home. But bread was not the only foodstuff which occasioned anxiety. Milk was in heavy demand, especially among some of the more delicate prisoners who could not digest the infamous war-bread. Milk was easily procurable at the canteen, and at the nominal price of 3j^d. to 4d., until suddenly the Berlin press, learning that we were getting a first quality article of high stand- ard at a low figure, wanted to know why British prisoners should be permitted to fare better than their own people? It was a specious argument, but merely begged the 354 INTERNED IN GERMANY question, as the milk was bought and sold by the Communal authorities. However, the newspaper agitation bore fruit and fresh milk was knocked off the list of permissible foodstuffs. Limited quantities were re- served for the use of invalids, but in a few weeks only skim milk could be obtained, which, in turn, gave way to condensed milk. At intervals a wail went up in the domestic press over some other article of food which could be obtained in the camp, with the com- ment that it was scarcely playing the game to permit mere prisoners to secure what was denied the German population. Such protests invariably achieved the writers' de- sired end — the article under criticism van- ished from our list of foodstuffs — but there was one feeling of satisfaction. The Ger- man public, as a whole, was suffering quite as acutely as we were. The camp was over- whelmed with stories relating to the food riots in Berlin. At first we attributed them to rumor, but the stories were so circum- stantial as to compel us to believe that there must be some truth in them. To satisfy our curiosity upon the point wc 355 INTERNED IN GERMANY pestered our guards with questions, but they maintained a chilling silence: they knew nothing about the incidents to which we re- ferred. But when the guard was changed we found the newcomers, who had experi- enced a turn in the trenches, far more com- municative. One or two of the soldiers with whom I contrived to get on intimate terms admitted that women and children had been shot during frenzied food riots in the capital. They did not seem to be surprised at such action, because they, in the trenches, as they candidly admitted, had been unable to obtain sufficient food, and had been forced to sustain themselves on bread which was quite as objectionable as ours. At first I thought they were merely ro- mancing in order to keep us quiet, but from personal observation and investigation I dis- covered that they had under-rated, rather than exaggerated, the alarming state of affairs in Germany. Many of us, unable to eat the war-bread, or because we were rely- ing upon supplies from home, were disposed to be wasteful with the ration. We would eat the outer crust and well-cooked portions, 356 INTERNED IN GERMANY discarding the remainder of it as refuse. This wastage was observed by the powers- that-be, and accordingly an order was cir- culated that bread was not to be wasted. What was not required, or that which had deteriorated from prolonged keeping, was to be placed in a special bin attached to each barrack for official collection at intervals. We were told that it was to be served out to the pigs. Night after night I observed the soldiers ransacking these bins to add to their stinted fare, but discreetly turned a blind eye in such direction, as it was to our advantage to keep on good terms with the guard. After all, these soldiers who had been through the furnace of shell and explosive on the West- ern Front were not bad fellows at heart: they were far more friendly and sympa- thetic than our former guards, and when they first came to the camp there had been a lively time between the two. The out- going soldiers referred to us as dirty schweinhimde of Englishmen who must be closely watched, and they proceeded to give the newcomers many tips. The men from 357 INTERNED IN GERMANY the front listened patiently and then shook their heads sagely as they remarked, "You, comrades, have not been to the trenches yet. We have, and we knov^ more about the Britishers than you do. They are not at all bad fellows, and, look you here, they are clean fighters !" Such home truths were far from being palatable to the off-going guards, but the raw fighting man could not argue with the veteran, and so departed strafing us more ferociously than ever, until experi- ence in the trenches perhaps brought about a change of opinion. But we could not resist meditating upon the outcome of it all. When under-officers and privates were ready to quarrel like the sparrows over bread refuse, what would happen when the people at large came to the end of the tether of patient waiting? Everyone knew we were receiving excellent food from home, for the appetizing con- tents of the parcels consigned to Ruhleben were bruited far and wide. When we were unduly depressed we would speculate as to whether the emaciated populace, driven by hunger, would resort to force, and make a 35S INTERNED IN GERMANY bold bid to intercept our parcels. This thought was ever in our minds, and it is a possibility which to-day disturbs the seren- ity, such as it is, of Ruhleben Camp more than anything else. The day mob law se- cures the upper hand in the Germanic Em- pire, and the consignment of the parcels for prisoners at Ruhleben becomes imperilled, travail will come to the camp. Without supplies from England the civilians interned upon the banks of the Spree must certainly perish. To those who are sleeping soundly at home this statement may not seem con- vincing, but it is one which will be endorsed by every man who has suffered in Ruhleben. It was a frequent topic of conversation, and though we used to laugh as we sat round our table enjoying the array of delicacies contained in the latest package from home, and would jocularly venture "Wonder what'll happen if the beggars ever take it into their heads to raid our parcels?" We did not turn a blind eye to such a possi- bility. S3P CHAPTER XVIII. FREEDOM AT LAST Our ranks were thinned from time to time by the sending home of certain prisoners, but only a few at a time went at first, and those at rare intervals. For the most part, those set free were suffering from physical degeneration as a result of their privations, or, what was more frequently the case, showing signs of mental breakdown from the same cause. The first were hurried away because the authorities were anxious to keep down the mortality rate at Ruhle- ben; the second, because the domestic asy- lums were already overcrowded by Germans whose minds had given way. This selection of prisoners for return to Britain only served to bring home to those remaining behind the utter hopelessness of their position. It seemed as if the Ger- man threat that we were to be kept and j<5o INTERNED IN GERMANY herded like cattle until the war was over was to be fulfilled. From whatever view- point the future was regarded the prospect was black. We could not dispel the feeling that the war might last for years, and that as the Germans became more and more hard pressed, our conditions would grow worse. The alternative of losing our minds before securing freedom was equally depressing: The effect upon the more morbid of the prisoners was disastrous. They either could not or would not shake off their feeling of despair; and from prolonged brooding over their situation, they grew weak both in body and mind, could not sleep and forget their troubles for a little while, and lost what ap- petite they might have had for Ruhleben fare. Although the authorities at Ruhleben re- frained from torturing the bodies of their captives, they did not hesitate to stretch their minds upon the rack of suspense, buoy- ing up the hopes we raised, to thrust us back again into the depths of despair. The capabilities of the Germans in this respect were brought home to the Ruhle- 261 INTERNED IN GERMANY ben prisoners most acutely upon the occa- sion of the first notable exchange of prison- ers, which took place in November, 1915. Ru- mors to the effect that some big movement of this sort was under way had been flying through the camp for some time, and we noticed that the authorities, contrary to the established practice, did not contradict the statement. The anticipation with which we looked forward to some definite official step to- wards the realization of our dream of re- lease may be imagined. The all-is-lost brigade became quite chirpy, and went about with smiles on their faces. When at last a parade was called and numerous ques- tions were asked bearing upon the subject all had at heart, excitement grew intense. The camp buzzed like a beehive awakening from its period of hibernation with the first burst of spring sunshine. Speculation as to how many would be chosen, in case we were not all released, rose to fever-heat. But as the days passed without result faces once more began to droop and spirits to flag zerowards. INTERNED IN GERMANY Then came a revival of excitement. The authorities called out a list of names during a parade, and announced that these prison- ers were to have their photographs taken. Single portraits were ordered and we were informed that arrangements had been made for a photographer to visit the camp. We were to pay for our own photographs. There was a mad rush by the lucky ones to the corner of the camp where the man with the camera had pitched his studio, consisting of a bench capable of receiving three sitters at a time. I think no photographer has ever been surrounded by such a bevy of excited clients. Certainly he drove a brisk trade. The order called for two copies of each por- trait, one, as we learned subsequently, to affix to the passport and the other for filing in the records. Of course, the fact that photographs had been ordered was regarded by everyone as a step nearer home. To some of the for- tunate prisoners the homeland appeared to be just over the fence. The frenzy which prevailed was indescribable. But that pho- tographing preliminary proved a terrible INTERNED IN GERMANY snare. It was not the stepping-stone to freedom, as the majority declared. There are many prisoners in Ruhleben to-day whose portraits were taken as far back as November, 1915, and to them home is still as remote as ever. One despicably cruel episode in connection with this deserves to be related, if merely because it indicates the lengths of mental torture to which German system will pro- ceed. The photographer had completed his work for the day. Suddenly a few more prisoners' names were given out. Radiant with pleasure at the unexpected turn of events in their favor these men presented themselves to the photographer, their por- traits were taken and they received the stipulated two prints, for which they paid the usual eighteenpence. But those prison- ers were destined to observe party after party of prisoners depart homewards with- out being included among their number. The reason we discovered afterwards. Ap- parently the photographer had driven a bar- gain with the authorities. He had contracted to take so many portraits per day, to make INTERNED IN GERMANY the visit to the camp worth his while. Upon this occasion the number fell short, so the deficiency was made up by selecting prison- ers to the number required, merely to have their photographs taken, and thus enable the man with the camera to draw the sum for which he had contracted. It was pure robbery as well as cruelty, but it fulfilled the much-vaunted German system. Reverting to the first photographic pre- liminary, a few days elapsed and the reports were circulated that at six o'clock the follow- ing morning a list of the names of those prisoners who were to be exchanged would be posted on the camp notice-board. As may be readily imagined, there was little sleep among the prisoners that night. The san- guine passed the dragging hours packing their belongings, while others were too keyed up to speak, or nursed terrible fears that, after all, they might not be numbered among the lucky ones. The night dragged wearily and far too slowly. In the early hours of that chilly morning, when the buildings stood out more drab and somber than ever against the 5^5 INTERNED IN GERMANY murky eastern sky, the prisoners made their way to the notice-board. That space, although blank as yet, was an irresistible magnet. It possessed an element of cheerfulness and budding hope which the barracks could never give. They whistled, hummed, chatted excitedly, stamped their feet and clapped their hands across their chests to keep themselves warm and their spirits at boiling point. By five o'clock the board was surrounded by a clamoring ocean, hundreds having turned their feet in its direction in the half- hope that, at the last minute, some miracle had occurred to bring their name upon the fateful list. When at last the papers were posted up, a wild scramble ensued. Men at the rear clambered upon the backs of those in front, in the effort to catch sight of the magic letters forming their name. Those in the front row, spotting the name of a colleague, yelled it out lustily, and gave a wild cheer of delight. Caps were thrown into the air, strange capers were cut by those giving vent to their pent-up frenzy. "Old boys" of sixty 366 INTERNED IN GERMANY years of age cavorted like lambs. Con- gratulations were showered on one and all. Many of the more wearied and ill were so overcome at the realization of their fondest hopes that they could only express their pleasure in tears. That morning revealed one of the strong- est traits of the British charactier — its cheer- ful stoicism. The German soldiers were nonplussed. They could not understand how prisoners who had been turned down, could whoop and cheer as frantically and gaily at the luck of a colleague, as if they themselves were bound for home. But there was another side to the picture — one which was tragic and pathetic. Some of those who had been confident of release went almost crazy with disappointment and rage when they discovered their names to be missing from the list. They scanned it time after time in a kind of stupor, fearing that in their first hasty perusal they had made a mistake. Then, the awful truth dawning upon them that they were to re- main in the camp indefinitely, re-action set in. Some fell to the ground in utter de- INTERNED IN GERMANY jection. Others crawled away silently to a quiet corner to nurse their bitter defeat. Still more crept back to their barracks, sullen, taciturn, and almost demented, with an uncanny, furtive glint in their eyes. Though that fateful board brought the greatest happiness in life to many, to others it was nought but the indication of a blank, black future. The lucky were instantly besieged by their fellow-prisoners. Those who were to remain behind, seeing the opportunity to establish a link with home, threw discretion to the winds. Grabbing any fragments of paper which happened to be handy, they hastily scribbled unfettered, open-hearted letters to their loved ones across the North Sea, and hurled them at those who were going, with the request to see that they were duly delivered. Letters rained through the air as thickly as snowflakes in the northern wind. Some were picked up and thrust into pockets by the excited men who were about to leave us. But some of the men, remem- bering the ordinance that no communica- tions of any description were to be carried 368 INTERNED IN GERMANY^ away by returning prisoners, committed the contents to memory. The regulation concerning the conveyance of letters was exceedingly drastic. The order set forth that no papers of any de- scription were to be taken out of the camp. Newspapers, even those of German origin, were included in the ban. A preliminary search was to be made in the camp before departure, and the final and most inquisi- tive investigation was to be conducted at the frontier. Every prisoner was warned that if any paper were discovered at the latter point, then the carrier thereof would be immediately taken back to the camp, and would have to stay there until the war was over, no matter what happened. But even that list upon the notice-board came to be regarded with fear. It had not been up very long before an official ap- peared, and, running down the list, erased certain names. At this action there was a fearful uproar. Had the list merely been posted to tease and harry us? Was this an- other manifestation of Teuton cruelty in a refined form? It certainly looked like it. 3(^9 INTERNED IN GERMANY And no further names were substituted for those withdrawn ! At frequent intervals the official re-appeared, and further revisions were made. Truly the list was becoming as fearful a trap as the procedure of being photographed. As the hours passed, the fretting prisoners became more and more intractable. The men who had concluded that they were certain to reach home before Christmas, shuffled about the camp, their limbs twitching from nervous tension, afraid to peruse the board, yet hanging around it with a strange interest, and scarcely daring to speak. No relief to the torturing anxiety came until after "lights out" the following day, when the captain of each barrack, in accord- ance with instructions, presented himself to the men within his particular building. The prisoners had sought the solace of their couches. He stood in the gangway of the ground-floor, his face unusually grave and set. Then in slow, loud tones, so that all might hear, he cried: "All those who have been photographed with a view to exchange, and whose names 370 INTERNED IN GERMANY have not been struck off the list, must ap- pear at the Captain's office — the bureau of the Commanding Officer of the Camp — to- morrow at 2.30, to have their passports signed by a representative from the Ameri- can Embassy. Although I am sorry for those w^hose names have been struck off, it is absolutely useless for them to keep wor- rying the Captains, as we have no knowledge whatever as to the reason for such action. The order came direct from the military authorities in Berlin, and for all I know they may be restored to the list to-morrow morning." The announcement was received with mixed feelings. Those whose names had weathered the fickleness of the authorities were jubilant in a restrained manner, and they had a kindly thought for those who were suffering such bitter disappointment. Turning to these comrades, they remarked, with evident feeling and forced gaiety, "Cheer up, boys, your turn will come next month." Preparation of the passports was a pro- tracted and searching ordeal. The authori- 371 INTERNED IN GERMANY ties were determined that no substitution should occur, through a prisoner, overcome by sympathy for a comrade, sacrificing his chance to return home. The following days saw further racking suspense, for never a word was vouchsafed as to when the actual departure for home would take place. The uncertainty was agonizing, because by this time, from what had previously occurred, every lucky prisoner realized that he could not count himself out of the German clutches until he had actually crossed the frontier and v/as off the hated soil of the country. There was the constant risk of the slip be- tween the cup and the lip. Again the captain of each barrack pre- sented himself to enunciate an official com- mand. On this occasion he was very brief. He merely stated : "All those who have had their passports signed must present themselves at the guardhouse to-morrow morning at ten o'clock, with whatever luggage they wish to take home." That was all. But it brought distinct re- 372 INTERNED IN GERMANY lief to many a harassed mind. That night was one of remarkable activity. The lucky prisoners busied themselves packing their treasures and belongings, indulged in part- ing chats v^ith the men who had been their comrades for sixteen weary months, partook of farewell feasts arranged in their honor, and went round to other buildings to shake hands with their friends. Never was the dawn of day awaited more anxiously than by these men who were so soon to be free. They were far too excited to sleep, and those who were to be left behind were every whit as anxious to witness their departure. At the back of our heads we feared that something would happen, which, according to Teuton logic, would be sufficient to make them change their decision, even at the very last minute. This was the first big exchange of prisoners. If it failed, or a hitch occurred, then we might look forward to long exile in Ruhleben. On the other hand, if the bargain were conducted honestly by the German Government, there was hope for all, since we had already ascertained that such exchanges were to be conducted at 373 INTERNED IN GERMANY monthly intervals. Alas! Hope springs eternal, but I think it has disappeared from the hearts of many of the weary prisoners who even today still remain in Ruhleben. As may be imagined there were no lag- gards at the guardhouse the next morning. Long before ten o'clock, the appointed hour, those who were to be released were at the rendezvous. I shall never forget the proces- sion, and the assembly lined up for the final procedure before leaving the detested camp. It was a motley crowd and a sickening spec- tacle. I do not think there were half a dozen fit men among them. The sifting process had been conducted by the German authori- ties only too well. They did not intend to free a man, who, upon his return home would be of help in prosecuting the war. Some were so debilitated and ill that they could scarcely walk; one or two were carried; others were so weak, famished, and in a condition of semi-collapse, as to be quite unable to carry their baggage. There were many willing hands to help them. The re- maining prisoners generously shouldered the luggage, and extended stronger arms to 374 INTERNED IN GERMANY support the weak. A fair sprinkling were demented. The weather was execrable. A keen wind was driving across the camp, and it carried the penetrating sting of winter. The pris- oners upon reaching the guardhouse were ordered to set their traps upon the ground in front of them, and to release all straps and fastenings, to enable the examination to be conducted with as little trouble to the authorities as possible. Then they were ordered to "stand by." The halt and maimed, presenting pictures of utter misery, despite the twisted smiles which lighted their wan faces, shivered as the freezing wind broke against them, and rubbed their tired weak limbs to keep life in them. It was merely the joy of getting away from the accursed spot, the anticipation of being in their own homes within the immediate future, and the fact that they would soon have the company and care of their loved ones to nurse them back to health which kept them up. Had anything happened at this last minute to delay their freedom I believe that many men would have dropped where they stood. 275 INTERNED IN GERMANY^ The authorities did not make the slightest attempt to hasten the formalities, but at last the officials came trundling out, and the search commenced. The baggage was put through its paces. This operation was conducted with German thoroughness. Some of the bags were about as decrepit as their owners, wear and tear had played sad havoc with handbags, grips, and portmanteaux. Many were in frag- ments, and odd corners of the leather ex- terior were missing, but liberal recourse to string enabled strapping difficulties to be overcome, and many layers of newspaper covering the jagged holes formed a passable covering for the contents. This newspaper armoring was regarded as an infringement of the regulations and was ruthlessly torn out, to be collected for destruction. Not a scrap of paper was per- mitted to remain. Even the letters which prisoners had received from their families, relatives and friends, and which they cher- ished affectionately, were confiscated. Many of the prisoners had received photographs of their wives, sweethearts, and children, 37^ INTERNED IN GERMANY from home. By dint of great patience they had made wooden frames for these pictures, and therewith had graced the walls of their prison. Even these were not spared. The officials tore the photographs out and threw them to the ground. The prisoners were free to take home the empty frames! The ransacking of the baggage, and the heart- less confiscation of such jealously guarded treasures were harrowing, and the tears coursed down the cheeks of the older and more enfeebled. Each article within a bag was taken out, shaken, and closely examined. As the articles passed scrutiny they were flung to the ground. When the ordeal was com- pleted the prisoner was compelled to repack his bag. By the time the search was fin- ished, every bag was appreciably lighter, and those which had suffered from the rav- ages of war and internment were sorry articles indeed. The contents protruded pathetically through the jagged holes, cracks and crevices. It was merely the string which kept the goods intact. The search revealed to us the critical 377 INTERNED IN GERMANY straits to which the German nation had been reduced by the British blockade. Owing to the cold the prisoners had purchased at the camp canteen, woolen underclothing, rugs, and other articles of attire. Everything was unceremoniously removed from the bags, and the order was announced that no woolen goods of any description were to be allowed to leave the camp. Some of the prisoners had also purchased new boots when they discovered that their release was definitely concluded, and had packed these in their bags, preferring to travel in the old foot- wear until the country had been left behind. But new leather boots came under a similar ban, and were to be left behind. The for- bidden articles were not actually confiscated. They were not to be taken out of the camp. They could be taken back to barracks, where their owners were free to sell or to give them to their colleagues. One or two of the more resourceful prisoners dodged the order concerning new footwear very neatly. When the boots were removed from their bags they promptly sat on the ground and changed them, leaving the discarded articles 37^ INTERNED IN GERMANY for anyone who might like to appropriate them. The officials were somewhat amazed at this solution of the problem, but they could do nothing to prevent the action, since the boots were the prisoners* private prop- erty while he was in the camp. Exchange is no robbery, says the proverb, and in this instance I think the Britishers got the best of the bargain. Jewelry was also prohibited at a later date. I had purchased a solid silver bag for my wife. It was purchased with hard-earned money, and I valued it highly, more espe- cially as, during my leisure, I had freely en- graved it, this handiwork including, among other devices, the inscription of the names of the four prisons in which I had been in- carcerated — Wesel, Sennelager, Klingelputz and Ruhleben — together with the respective dates. I was not allowed to take this away from Ruhleben. The examination completed, and the bags repacked and sealed, the prisoners were dismissed with the curt intimation that they were to parade the following morning at five o^clock at the casino. The prisoners 279 INTERNED IN GERMANY were not permitted to carry their baggage back to the barracks. This was placed under guard, and taken to the railway sta- tion by a special van. As may be supposed this final examination was followed keenly by the other prisoners. They were alert to gain points. No one knew but that his turn might come the following month, so it was just as well to learn as much concerning the necessary formalities as possible, and to make complete arrangements to satisfy the authorities. The following morning the camp turned out en masse to speed the parting men. The lucky prisoners were lined up and searched, the prisoners who were to be left behind be- ing carefully roped off to prevent smuggling of forbidden communications and articles. This operation was conducted quickly, and the officials, to the amazement of the spec- tators, appeared to be imbued with a sudden desire to treat the departing men with civil- ity and courtesy, doubtless to create a final good impression. As they were marched off to the station we gave them a rousing farewell cheer. We who were to remain 380 INTERNED IN GERMANY behind, though heavy in heart, were not to be downed. A precedent had been estab- lished, and there was every reason to cherish the hope that we might be numbered among a future fortunate batch. The journey was not free from tragedy. Before many miles had been covered the train had to be stopped. Once the train had started, and the terrible buildings consti- tuting the internment camp of Ruhleben had slipped from sight, one of the prisoners, oyercome by the prospect of soon reaching home, fell a victim to the forces of reaction. His body was removed to be committed to German soil. Such is the procedure to which exchanged prisoners are submitted before they are al- lowed to leave Ruhleben. The establishment of the exchange sys- tem was of far-reaching individual concern to myself. For some months I had been hoping against hope that, sooner or later, some such arrangement might be concluded, and accordingly I had laid my own plans to secure freedom. Many may wonder how, and why, in view 381 INTERNED IN GERMANY of the so-called perfection of Teuton organ- ization, a prisoner, young and active such as myself, succeeded in getting out of the clutches of the Germans, especially as I had been arrested as a spy in the pay of the British Government, had suffered the ago- nies of solitary confinement, had been sub- jected to a rigorous secret trial, was regarded as a dangerous person, and had never been acquitted of the terrible indictment, although I had evaded the great penalty. On more than one occasion I v^as tempted to make a bold bid for freedom by taking summary leave of my captors, but quiet re- flection convinced me that such a step might prove disastrous, whereas the scheme I was preparing could not possibly fail. Of this I was so certain as to be prepared to put it into operation at the first opportunity. I had completed everything to the uttermost detail, had turned over in my mind every possible contingency and the means to sur- mount it. As soon as I learned that the exchange of prisoners was being mooted throughout the camp I lodged an application with the 382 INTERNED IN GERMANY authorities for inclusion among the favored. It was received with amusement, and I was sorely heckled by the officials for my impu- dence, but I did not mind, and smiled at their statement that I had been ear-marked for imprisonment until the end of the war. I had already set my project in motion, and everything was running in accordance with my expectations. I badgered the authori- ties constantly, and observed that the more I did so, the less pronounced became their antagonism to myself. Needless to say I refrained from taking a single person into my confidence. To the amazement of the camp my name duly appeared upon the notice-board as a prisoner to be exchanged. Highly elated, I outwardly preserved calm and indifference. My comrades could not make it out, and I not being communicative, they discussed the question more heatedly among themselves. But they were thoroughly sporting. They saw that I was playing a deep game, and they wished me every success, though they did not hesitate to express the opinion that I should be tripped up. 3S3 INTERNED IN GERMANY Things proceeded uneventfully. I kept myself discreetly away from my colleagues and restrained myself from even the slight- est display of exuberance. The authorities were watching me at every turn, and I knew it. We came to grips for the first time in connection with the signing of passports by the representative from the American Em- bassy. The German authorities were issu- ing special passports to returning prisoners, but I had set out from England with an orthodox passport entitling me to proceed to Russia. I still possessed the document, and I expressed my determination to travel under no other. There was a spirited alter- cation for a few minutes, but at last I got my own way, the authorities compromising by transfering the gist of their special pass- port to the inner page of the British official passport, and attaching my photograph to the latter in conformation with the regula- tions. The train by which I left, started from Spandau, was under military guard, and pro- ceeded direct to the frontier, as usual. The final examination before leaving Spandau 3^4 INTERNED IN GERMANY was critical for me. We were all turned out of the train after taking our seats to be counted and recounted, as well as to reply to any question which might be asked. I kept as much as I could in the background, did not invite questioning, spoke to no one, and answered the soldiers in monosyllables. The railway journey was tedious, and once or twice I was on the verge of breaking down. I was under the constant surveil- lance of the guard, every movement was closely followed, and a close watch was maintained to discover if I talked to any- one. I was inscrutable as the Sphinx. My colleagues passed the time in spirited con- versation, jokes, and joyous narration of what they intended to do when they re- gained British soil. It was more than my position was worth to join in with them. I was thinking hard, my nerves and wits keyed to concert pitch, while I braced my- self for the final encounter at the frontier station, where I knew the closing examina- tion would be searching, and where the slightest inadvertence would bring about my undoing. I was still the ' ' Englandische 385 INTERNED IN GERMANY Spion'' to those in charge of the train, and they were very sorry to part with me. Reaching the frontier the train was stopped. Every man was turned out and forced to parade beside the line, soldiers with fixed bayonets mounting guard. We were counted and recounted to make sure the number of prisoners tallied with the offi- cial consignment note, for we were handled like freight. This ordeal proved how utterly impossible it would have been for anyone to have secreted himself upon the train, be- cause it was ransacked from end to end, in- side and out, above and beneath. We stood at attention beside the tracks while the cars were being searched. Names were called and we were ordered to pass through a narrow doorway, only wide enough to admit one person at a time, to submit to another examination and search. I was moving towards the building, when an officer stepped forward and clapped his hand on my shoulder. I turned, and in spite of my self-control, started. It was all up with me. Of that I felt certain, for the man was glowering at me menacingly. He sum- 386 INTERNED IN GERMANY moned a superior officer, there was a brief harangue between them, and then the latter, turning to me, curtly ordered me to unstrap my baggage. I did so, with apparent good grace, although I was cursing inwardly. The contents of the bag were taken out one by one, shaken, examined inside out and from end to end, even being held up to the light to make sure I had not resorted to some extraordinary subterfuge to carry secret information. As the garments were passed they were dumped on the railway tracks which I was crossing when abruptly held up. Search revealing nothing incriminating, I was gruffly bidden to pick up my traps, and to repack them, the twain standing over and watching me closely meanwhile. Then came further cross-examination and rigid personal search. Although now I felt confident that I was safe, since there were no further formalities with which to comply, I did not relax my watchfulness. It would have been exceed- ingly dangerous to have done so since we were still on German soil, though over there, a few yards away, was the German-Dutch INTERNED IN GERMANY frontier. Freedom was so near and yet so far. As I gazed upon the friendly stretch of Dutch territory, my nerve almost gave way, but I pulled myself together, and there being two hours on our hands before the train left for Holland, turned into the re- freshment room. The strain was commenc- ing to tell on me, and I was by no means easier in mind to find that I was still under suspicion, an official mounting watch over me from a pace or two distant. Kicking my heels in the refreshment room I felt that I could breathe a trifle more freely, for there was nothing to do now but to await the train. I was sitting brooding, when I think I must almost have bumped my head against the ceiling. Two names were bawled out by an officer, and mine was one of them. I nearly collapsed at this un- expected development, and pulling myself together with a great effort, I shuffled off in obedience to the summons. I was sub- mitted to another round of acute interroga- tion, and there was another examination of my baggage. I thanked my lucky stars that I had not surreptitiously slipped anything 388 INTERNED IN GERMANY from my person into the bag after what I thought was the final examination. Had I done so, I should have been tripped up badly. They told me to repack and get into the railway carriage. At last the train jolted forward once more — but how slowly! It seemed to take as long to cover those few remaining yards to safety as it did to complete the miles be- tween the internment camp and this outpost of the German Empire. One cannot imagine the sigh of satisfac- tion which went up as we drew into the Dutch station. The prisoners stretched their chests, to drink freely and fully of the sweet air of freedom. The hospitality of the Dutch almost overwhelmed us. It seemed so strange to be feted and to be pressed with appetizing dainties, after what we had en- dured for so many months. A few hours later we swung into the estuary of the Thames, and a cheer went up as we threaded the field dotted with the fighting ships of the Home Country. That glimpse of Britain's Silent Might infused new life into us, and we gave another cheer 3^9 INTERNED IN GERMANY at the hearty welcome we received from the sailors who watched us ploughing Tilbury- wards. To appreciate the feeling with which I stepped ashore, and once more trod upon the firm soil of free Britain, one must have been in bondage, to have suffered cruelties and privations indescribable. Then, and not until, one is able to form some opinion of what return to the Homeland and all that it signifies, meant to us. 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