Routine The routine in Internment Camp 135 was similar to others in that the prisoners were counted at least twice daily, inspections of their quarters done weekly or at random. Prisoners selected a spokesman who met with the Camp Commandant regularly expressing concerns of the prisoners. The spokesman mentioned in the War Diary of this camp was Col. Hauck. There seemed not to be serious complaints of any kind, laundry service from Edmonton, bedbugs, mail, and length of parole walks were the only discussions recorded in the War Diary. A representative of the Swiss Consul frequently visited the camp passing on his information to the German government, as to the conditions of the prisoners. He was also a mediator with the laws of the Geneva Convention as his guide. Correspondence between POW spokesman and the Swiss Consul concerning particular grievances at the camp is on record and stored at the Government Archives in Ottawa. Fire drills were practised often, both prisoners and staff manning the equipment. No major fire was reported in the Diary but several smaller ones were contained quickly. Arrivals and departures of prisoners required thorough baggage searches done by Military Police. This often proved a lengthy procedure. There may have been restricted items confiscated during these searches but none are stated in records obtained from the Archives. Medical and dental inspections were necessary for incoming and outgoing prisoners. The dental records were primarily for identification purposes, sometimes determining an impersonator amongst the prisoners. RCMP were involved with ID practices which also included photos. Being a newly established camp, problems with furniture, supplies, vehicles and personnel requirements were inevitable. The VGCs stationed there, helped out when personnel shortages slowed operations. Staff shortages were a concern during the first summer, as many were released with Compassionate Discharge and replacements gradually arrived to ease the work load. When word arrived that fighting had ended in Europe, camp routine relaxed somewhat, allowing the prisoners and staff more recreation time. _________image_________ Headquarters Personnel at Internment Camp 135, Wainwright probably photographed in early 1945. Identification is not available.