Logistics of Taking Prisoners During World War I: An Overview
The management and processing of prisoners during World War I was a complex and highly organized affair. As large numbers of troops found themselves captured following major battles, the logistical procedures for handling these captives became critical. This article explores the protocols and logistics involved, from the initial surrender to the eventual shipment to securing facilities.
Initial Surrender and Protocols
Despite the sometimes grueling conditions of war, the surrender of large groups of soldiers, particularly those numbering in the tens of thousands, was typically carried out in a manner that reflected centuries of established military customs and protocols. When a division, numbering around 10,000 individuals and under the command of a brigadier general, was overwhelmed, the commanding officer would seek out the opposing commander to negotiate terms of surrender.
If the situation was indeed hopeless for the surrendering forces, the commanding officer would initiate the process. Once agreed upon, the order would be conveyed down the chain of command. A small detachment from the victorious force would then oversee the disarmament of the surrendered troops, from pistols to heavy artillery pieces. Additionally, the victors would often provide rations to the captured troops, although this was not always the case.
Transporting Upon Surrender
Once the initial processing was complete, the prisoners would be transported to a secure facility. This was usually done on foot to a rail station, with movement sometimes taking several days. While this might seem challenging, prisoners often traveled by rail cars that had previously carried troops and were subsequently returning for reinforcements or additional supplies.
One notable example of a large-scale surrender occurred during the Battle of Stalingrad, where the German Fifth Army was captured, with over 200,000 men taken captive. Field Marshal Paulus met with Russian commanders in the field to arrange the surrender process. The German troops were then marched further east and distributed to various camps. Sadly, many prisoners did not survive, with 90 eventually dying from the harsh conditions. Paulus himself was imprisoned and remained there until 1954.
Conditions of Captivity
Once secure, prisoners were typically moved again, often by rail, to camps. The Red Cross played a significant role in providing additional rations to prisoners, though this was not a universal practice. The Red Cross supported all belligerents with transportation of extra rations, but Russia remained the exception. Russian prisoners, due to a lack of support from their own government, had to rely on the minimal rations provided by the Germans.
Prisoners in camps were provided with basic sustenance, which generally included the equivalent of a loaf of bread daily, along with occasional tinned meat, vegetables, and milk. Hot meals were often boiled grains, such as porridge. Despite the challenges, many prisoners found they had extensive free time and were often required to assist in meal preparation and the maintenance of their living quarters.
Camp Management and Work
Camps varied in size, holding anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand prisoners. Officers and enlisted men were housed separately, with officers usually receiving better living conditions. Prisoners were often responsible for building their own housing and furniture, and these facilities were typically established in isolated areas or regions known for their natural barriers hindering escape.
The German military, in particular, favored the use of old castles and fortresses, such as Colditz Castle, as prisoner camps. German prisoners were detained as far afield as Canada, underscoring the widespread nature of these internment facilities. Camps encouraged entertainment and other distractions to keep thoughts of escaping down. The maintenance of these camps required a relatively small number of personnel, usually one officer and a few dozen enlisted men, as the locations were often in remote or otherwise escape-sensitive areas.