VII. CONCENTRATION CAMPS MAMULA AND PREVLAKA
Zec (thirty-four): Todor, Stane (Marko's), Mare (Marko's), Stane, Bočo, Anđe, Krsto, Nikola, Ivana, Velika, Mitar, Ljubo, Mare (Stevan's), Anđe (Jovo's), Stane (Jovo's), Milica, Ljubica, Dušan, Joke, Anđe (Mitar's), Joke (Pero's), Ivana, Stane (Krsto's), Mitar, Ljubica, Ivana, Milica, Ljubica (Luka's), Ivana (Vaso's), Danica, Stane (Vaso's), Milica, Ljubica, and Anđe.
Ivanka Lalić, “Natives of Pobori on Mamula and Prevlaka,” in Proceedings: Prisons and Camps…, p. 227; Aleksandar Drašković: “The Moral Aspect of the Internment of Children at Mamula and Prevlaka During World War II,” n.p., p. 292.
On 30 March 1942, General Renzo Dalmazzo, Commander of the Sixth Army Corps, informed his subordinate commands about the establishment of concentration camps at Mamula Fortress and the Prevlaka Peninsula. He issued the following orders: “…1. To Mamula Fortress: a) Civilians of both sexes for whom an internment decision has been issued. b) Hostages. 2. To the Prevlaka Camp: a) Civilians of both sexes (the elderly, women, children, the handicapped) who, although not guilty of any immediate crime, need to be restricted in movement for security and public order. b) Detained individuals undergoing verification regarding the measures to be applied against them (internment or hostage status).
The responsibility for determining the level of guilt for those in category b) lies with the Division Command, which will inform this command of decisions in each case after concluding investigations. 3. Subordinate commands, based on this Army Corps decision, will take the necessary steps to escort these individuals to Mamula Fortress under the watch of subordinate Carabinieri, ensuring that they bring documentation supporting the actions taken (proposals for internment and decisions by the Army Corps Command).
Personal files will be kept by the camp officers – the Camp Commanders – in individually named folders. 4. To ensure greater discipline, I order that women be housed in the central part of Mamula Fortress, male internees in one wing, and male hostages in the other.
Strict attention is to be paid to prevent any contact between these three groups of internees.
Women were transferred to the Prevlaka Camp. The left wing of the fortress housed internees from the annexed territory, primarily from the Kotor Province.
The right wing contained detainees from the second and third Italian occupation zones, namely the territory under the Independent State of Croatia (NDH).
In the three cells in the fortress’s central section, referred to as the “Foro,” those under the jurisdiction of the Special Tribunal (Tribunale di Guerra) were held.
Order of the Sixth Army Corps Command No. 1297/CP, dated 30 March 1942. Translated from Italian by the author of the book. AVII, Reg. No. 7/2-1, Box 637. In the Croatian sections, detainees from NDH territories were held, which gave the section its name; however, it also included Serbian internees, as well as a number of Muslims and a few Jewish detainees.
Internees in both camps were granted certain freedoms as long as there was no suspicion of an escape attempt or responsibility for serious violations of internal order and discipline. In such cases, restrictions on personal freedom were to be applied in designated areas within the camp. 6. Camp officers and commanders were strictly forbidden from accepting internees from the military or civil administration of a given territory without higher command approval. 7. For clarification of these regulations, I add: all persons arrested by divisional Carabinieri or the Army Corps for crimes under the General Penal Code, Military Penal Code, or other existing orders are to be taken to the appropriate judicial prison, not to these camps.
8. The Infantry Division Messina is requested to oversee the implementation of these orders and to pass this task to the Emilia Infantry Division Command when it assumes these duties.141 The Prevlaka camp was located in an isolated part of the military garrison of the same name.
The Prevlaka Peninsula is essentially a narrow strip of land extending approximately 2 km into the sea from the foothills of Mount Osoje. At its tip lies an artillery fortress known as Cape Oštro, part of a fortification system protecting the entrance to the Boka Bay. Due to its strategic position, the peninsula had long been used as an artillery training ground and garrison site.
The camp itself was located on the side of the peninsula facing the bay, near the narrowest part of the land ("Prevlaka" means narrow passage), from which the peninsula derived its name. A barbed-wire barrier extended deep into the sea on both sides, with a movable gate guarded by sentries and a machine-gun post.
The camp area comprised barracks built of wood and solid materials, as well as one larger pavilion. The entire perimeter was enclosed with barbed wire, guard posts, and machine-gun nests.
The camp was divided into four sections: the so-called Bokelian male and Bokelian female sections, and the Croatian male and Croatian female sections, each with its own kitchen.
A military infirmary operated within the camp, and later, a disinfection and insect-control pavilion was built for use by internees from both camps.
At the end of 1942, the Prevlaka Camp was renamed a civilian camp, changing its designation to “Campo Internati Politici” (civilians).
The concentration camp at Mamula Fortress was under the command of the Emilia Division, while the Prevlaka Camp fell under the Messina Infantry Division’s jurisdiction.
By the end of August or early September 1942, both camps came under a single command: “Comando Campi di Concentramento I. R.” (Command of Political Internee Camps).
The internal organisation of the camps was prescribed by Army General Mario Roatta, Commander of the Second Army, who issued general rules for camp organisation that all army corps, division, and camp commands were required to follow strictly.
Points one and two of these rules are of particular relevance:
…Point 1 Organisation of Internal Services in Camps.
The internal service in camps for political internees must be organised by the relevant commands in great detail and in a manner that provides absolute assurance that any attempt at escape will be vigorously and effectively prevented so that every internee understands that escape from the camp is impossible.
The camp command will prepare detailed surveillance regulations, including guard orders, inspections, patrols, and officer rounds within and near the camp.
Each camp will be assigned a permanent detachment of armed soldiers. The strength of this detachment will depend on the number of internees but should never be less than a platoon.
ach command will have a group of Royal Carabinieri assigned to camp security duty. Personnel assigned to maintain order and guard the camp must be capable of performing this specialised duty effectively.
Point 2 – Treatment of Internees.
Internees will be treated as prisoners. They will wear their own clothes and are prohibited from possessing valuables.
They are limited to no more than twenty lire.
Internees are prohibited from approaching the wire at night or leaving their quarters.
They will have outdoor access in groups for one hour in the morning and one hour in the afternoon, but may not move beyond the camp perimeter.
New arrivals will undergo strict and detailed personal searches and inspections of personal belongings before coming into contact with other internees.
Roll-calls are to be frequent and at varying times.
The duty officer must inspect the camp at least once during the night.
Internees and their possessions, dormitories, and shared spaces must be carefully inspected. These inspections are to be random and at varying times.
Internees are forbidden from playing cards.
Smoking is allowed only during the day and only during outdoor time.
Internees are to be divided into groups of approximately twenty. Each group or section should be led by the most suitable person, ideally one who knows Italian.
The rules prescribed, and enforced throughout 1942, that even room supervisors should be selected as the most trustworthy individual. Room leaders were appointed by the camp command, suggesting the level of trust given to those chosen as wing supervisors, interpreters, or similar positions within the camp.
Интернираним је дозвољено писати кући по једну поштанску карту сваких петнаест дана. Сва пошта треба да буде подвргнута строгој цензури.
Any violation of camp order or discipline was to be immediately punished, with offenders placed in the camp prison and, if necessary, shackled. Any attempted rebellion was to be reported immediately to the military court of the garrison or military area.
The culprits, including any accomplices, could be transferred to other prisons.
The regime for interned women prescribed: a thorough search conducted by two specially selected female internees considered trustworthy.
Women were to be housed in separate sections, isolated from men, and, in the event of limited space, transferred to the nearest civilian prison.
Women were permitted extended outdoor time during the day but were prohibited from leaving the barbed-wire enclosure or contacting those in other parts of the camp...”.144 145 * * * * * 144
Extract from the Regulations, translated from Italian. Order of the Second Army Command No. 01971 of 17 March 1942. AVIL Reg. No. 7/2-1, Box 673. The document is titled: “Concentration Camps”, Act No. 1021/TG, dated 29 April 1942, AJ, Italian documents, Folder 1.
Author’s Note: The conditions in the Prevlaka camp were somewhat more favourable than those in the Mamula concentration camp. Accordingly, the Sixth Army
Corps Command retained the right to decide which detainees would be transferred from Mamula to Prevlaka.
Practically none of those under investigation or subject to military authorities, including the Special Court, could be transferred to Prevlaka. Transfers were typically limited to the ill or frail or those for whom an influential person had intervened with the Division Command or the Prefect of the Kotor Province. Translation Bando 143. Original in AVII, Reg. No. 2/6-2, Box 562. Politika Express, issue 380 of 20 January 1974, reports a statement by Peko Popović, in which he says: “…He was the only one who managed to escape from the infamous fascist camp “Campo Mamula” and reached the shore by swimming on 23 June 1942…” This escape has not been documented, and it would be expected that the disappearance of a person would have been noticed, at least by those with whom he had shared a cell. Unfortunately, we were unable to speak to the mentioned Peko Popović. As previously noted, escape from the Mamula fortress was practically impossible.
Other sections of the Order detail medical services, administration, camp supply logistics, and similar topics.
In the Sixth Army Corps Command’s cover letter distributing these regulations to camp commands, the following instructions were included: “…a) a pavilion for infectious diseases, as well as facilities for disinfection and de-lousing of internees from both camps, is to be erected in Prevlaka camp; b) detainees in Prevlaka camp, in addition to the tasks outlined in the Second Army Command Order under items 5.c) and d), should carry out agricultural work near the camp.
The document concludes by reiterating that the Sixth Army Corps Command reserves the right to determine: 1. Which individuals from Mamula camp shall be transferred to Prevlaka, and 2. Which individuals may be considered hostages.
Punitive Procedure for Escape Attempts
Strict internal and external security measures were necessary to prevent any contact between detainees and the outside world, especially escape attempts. In addition to the orders issued by the Commander of the Second Army, camp commands were required to apply Mussolini’s *Bando* (Decree) N. 143 in case of any attempted escape by detainees, outlining specific punitive procedures against those who attempted to flee.
Article 1 of this *Bando* states: “…Persons interned in concentration camps established on the territory of the former Kingdom of Yugoslavia, which is now annexed to the Kingdom of Italy, are subject to military criminal law and will be tried by military courts.” Article 2 specifies: “…Anyone who escapes or attempts to escape from the camp shall be punished with imprisonment of three to ten years.” Article 3 adds: “…Anyone who assists an escapee from the camp shall be punished with up to six years of imprisonment.”146 Escape from the Mamula fortress was practically impossible.
No such attempts are known to have occurred.
9*
Prevlaka Camp was also well-guarded. Certain detainees had the possibility of escape when they, sometimes with guards and sometimes allegedly without them, were taken to nearby woods to cut and collect firewood for the kitchens.
However, no escapes were registered in this camp either.
Commanders of the Mamula and Prevlaka Concentration Camps
Both camps had their own commanders, along with their deputies and assistants, selected according to strict criteria.
According to instructions from the Second Army Command and the Sixth Army Corps Command, priority was given to Royal Carabinieri officers who had already proven to be completely reliable, competent, and energetic, and who were known fascist supporters.
The same criteria applied to the appointment of non-commissioned officers.
The Sixth Army Corps Commander issued appointment orders based on recommendations from the commanders of the Messina and Emilia divisions.
In the Mamula fortress, there were two commanders: the Commander of the Fortress, who was technically the garrison commander, and the Commander of the Mamula Concentration Camp.* * * * * * * * 148
Escape would require evading guards and patrols and swimming about 1.6 miles, demanding the endurance of a marathon swimmer.
Below the article, Mirko Radojičić, himself a former detainee, handwrote, “The account is inaccurate; he did not escape from Mamula but from Prevlaka...”
Thus, this report of an escape from either the Mamula or Prevlaka camp remains speculative. 148The specifics of appointments are unclear, so it is uncertain whether any commanders or non-commissioned officers were stationed on this remote island fortress as a form of punishment. Given the sadistic treatment by certain individuals towards detainees, it’s possible that some were.
The Mamula and Prevlaka camp commanders were hierarchically subordinate to the Concentration Camp Command (also the command of the 120th Infantry Regiment of the Emilia Division).
The Concentration Camp Commander reported directly to the Emilia Infantry Division Commander, who, in turn, was subordinate to the Sixth Army Corps Commander under the Second Army Command.
At the head of the Second Army was Army General Mario Roatta.
The Sixth Army Corps was commanded by General Renzo Dalmazzo, with General Giuseppe Romano commanding the Emilia Infantry Division.
Three colonels led the “Comando Campi di Concentramento I.R.” (Concentration Camp Command for Political Internees): Colonel Pasquini Piramo as the first commander, followed by Colonel Paolo Rivara from December 1942, and finally Colonel Giuseppe Prolaran from mid-1943 until the Kingdom of Italy's capitulation. The names of the Mamula and Prevlaka camp commanders, their deputies, and certain Carabinieri non-commissioned officers appear based on specific orders, instructions, and correspondence. For many, the exact period of their service or precise duties remain undetermined. Known Mamula Fortress or Concentration Camp Commanders included: Captain Rosario Montalto (Royal Carabinieri), listed as camp commander on 28 August 1942; Second Lieutenant Paolo Frinzzi as deputy commander on 5 July 1942; Lieutenant Arturo Gelati as fortress commander in late May 1942; Lieutenant Federico Moroni as camp commander in early 1943; Second Lieutenant Balsamo Enrico as camp commander on 28 May 1943; and Captain E. Rondinelli as camp commander in September 1943.
Carabinieri, specifically Sergeants Varotto Giuseppe, Pizzaroli Affilio, Brigadier Auricchio Francesco, and Vice Brigadier, also served in the camp.
Other Carabinieri at Mamula (with incomplete names and ranks) included: Brunetti, Bellini, Giovagnelli, Maggio, Faccini, Botti, Pabrlotti, Rossi, Anghieri, Pochetti Elio, and Gali Sebastiano.
Known Prevlaka Camp Commanders included: Lieutenant Mascheroni Igidio, Lieutenant Lambertti Carlo, Lieutenant Saltorelli Secondo, and Lieutenant Dr. Julito Aldo, the camp doctor.
For July, August, and September 1943, Prevlaka commanders were Lieutenant Brunetta from Venice, Lieutenant Benini as his deputy, and Second Lieutenant Salomon Luciano from Solggetto – Treviso.
External and Internal Camp Security
To Mamula were sent categories of internees subjected to a special regime (detainees) who required the application of specific security measures. As noted, this concentration camp was situated in a fortress maximally secured from both outside and inside: an island in the middle of the sea, surrounded by imposing walls, layers of barbed wire, and a fortified gate. Internally, it was divided by iron and concrete barriers into three strictly separated areas.
Due to its isolated position, the garrison consisted of about fifteen officers and non-commissioned officers with 40 soldiers on guard duty. The garrison included signalmen for optical communications, medical staff, and other technical support personnel.
The military unit possessed the following armaments: four Breda Model 30 heavy machine guns, 48 Model 91 rifles,
and an appropriate supply of ammunition
Additionally, boxes of rifle and machine-gun ammunition and 144 hand grenades were stored as reserves.149
Translation of official order from the 120th Infantry Regiment Command, Emilia Division.
Original in AVII, Reg. No. 5/1-1, Box 642. Translation of official order from the 120th Infantry Regiment Command, Emilia Division.
Оригинал, AVII, рег. бр. 5/1-1, к. 642.
The garrison's mission was the external protection of the island fortress and the prevention of unauthorised landings.
Guards had the task of preventing detainees from establishing any contact with the outside world, attempting to escape, or leaving cells, quarters, and dormitories without permission. Security was provided through: - Daytime: four guard posts; one at the fortress entrance, one inside, and one over each of the fortress’s wings. - Nighttime: guards were positioned around the ten guard posts;
One at the external fortress entrance and one inside, three guard posts outside the fortress, and one above the central part, known as “Foro.”
Guards were armed with loaded weapons
Each guard has been given specific instructions for guard duty. They were explicitly ordered to suppress any indiscipline among detainees or escape attempts, using force without hesitation if necessary.
The Royal Carabinieri unit in charge of internal security had the primary tasks of: - Guarding the internees at night, during work, and during outdoor activities. - Strictly monitoring detainee behaviour and maintaining cleanliness in cells, dormitories, and shared spaces. - Overseeing meal preparation and distribution.
Carabinieri non-commissioned officers regularly conducted daily roll calls of detainees in cells (Mamula camp) or barracks and sections (Prevlaka camp). 2. During meal distribution, they counted detainees in the presence of a wing leader (Saro ale), selected by the camp command from the internees. 3. The camp command’s officer on duty and Carabinieri non-commissioned officers conducted inspections every three hours at night to verify the presence of all detainees. Through specific counterintelligence methods, officers and Carabinieri monitored the behaviour, interactions, and reactions of individual detainees to disciplinary measures within the camp. The Royal Carabinieri unit assigned to Prevlaka had similar duties as their counterparts at Mamula. External security of the Prevlaka camp was maintained by a garrison unit that also secured the garrison and the entrance to the peninsula. Camp security included fixed and mobile guards, with patrols regularly monitoring the perimeter, which was enclosed with rows of barbed wire, guardhouses, and machine-gun nests.
The strength of the unit and Carabinieri detachment, along with their weaponry, was not specifically recorded.
The increase in the number of detainees and the changing structure at Mamula camp led to the implementation of new internal and external security measures, as well as improvements to the garrison’s living conditions. In this regard, Camp Commander Lieutenant Rosario Montalto, in late June 1942, submitted a written request to the Sixth Army Corps Command and the Emilia Infantry Division Command, urgently requesting an increase in military personnel, establishment of new guard posts, fortification of the fortress’s entrance, improved signalling, new communication tools for permanent contact with the mainland, better lighting, establishment of a medical service under camp command,
and timely provision of food, firewood, and other essential supplies for the garrison and camp
The Camp Commander especially emphasised strengthening the garrison's numbers. He requested the allocation of an infantry company of at least fifty soldiers, with one officer and three non-commissioned officers. He also sought the reinforcement of the Royal Carabinieri detachment with one non-commissioned officer and eight Carabinieri. The commander highlighted the harsh living conditions faced by the garrison, “living on a desolate, storm-battered island where practically nothing exists.” He urgently requested the establishment of a garrison canteen where personnel could acquire basic hygiene supplies, cigarettes, some alcoholic beverages, fruit, and similar necessities.
He particularly stressed the need to open an infirmary equipped with essential medicines and the urgent presence of a military doctor in the camp.
The commander believed that these provisions would reduce the garrison’s sense of isolation and increase their sense of security in the event of illness, a factor he deemed crucial for morale.151
Translated excerpts from letter No. 2/8 dated 29 June 1942. AJ, Italian documents, Folder 1.
The Emilia Infantry Division Commander, Giuseppe Romano, approved some of the camp commander’s requests.
The general’s response stated: “…Renovations are underway to secure the main entrance, fortify the storage room for automatic weapons, add additional layers of barbed wire around the fortress walls, and construct new guard posts. In case of an alarm, a special signal will be designated (a rifle shot, a whistle – these will be distributed to the guards).
Four acetylene lamps will be allocated, and an additional four batteries and accumulators have been requested from higher command.
These lamps are intended for use by the camp command and garrison rooms. No lighting will be installed in the cells where the detainees are held.
To communicate with the mainland, a cable will be requested from the Navy Command to connect the fortification at Cape Oštro to Mamula Fortress. A signalling link is also in the process of being established…”.
