The question may be asked as to the method of checking these figures. The answer is that failures were brought to light and tabulated from the records furnished by the prisoners themselves when duly acknowledging the receipt of their parcels.
Continental baking did not always meet with the approval of "Tommy Atkins," for the Berne loaf contained too much crust for his taste, and often for his teeth, but as lasting properties were of the first importance, other considerations had to be sacrificed. It is interesting to note, however, that when the French Government seriously occupied itself with the supply of its prisoners, and experimental work was initiated, the loaf turned out by Swiss bakers was selected as by far the most satisfactory. In 1918 a biscuit, which, I understand, was greatly liked by the men, was evolved to take the place of bread. With the addition of water, it could be made as soft and palatable as fresh bread, whilst it had the further advantage of keeping fresh for an indefinite period.
Much of the success which attended the "Bureau" was due to the fact that bread was despatched to each individual soldier in a separate package. An alternative method adopted by the French Section was that of sending consignments in bulk for distribution in the camps. This had not proved satisfactory, as there was nothing to show that the consignment reached the prisoners in its entirety, and both Monsieur Poinsard and Madame Pageot were dissatisfied with results, though they did not see their way to any change of method. The Camp Commandants would, they believed, be averse to any change in favour of individual packages. Lady Grant Duff decided, however, to put this latter system to the test, as we were very anxious, for a variety of reasons, to get into touch with the men individually, and a beginning was made by the despatch of a small number of individual parcels. Letters were also addressed to the Commandants, asking for lists of the men borne on their rolls. In both cases the results were found promising, for receipts came back from the men at intervals averaging about a month, and 50 per cent. of replies were received from the Commandants. The system of dealing separately with every prisoner was thereupon definitely adopted for good and all, and continued without any serious hitch during practically the whole period of the war, or, to be more correct, until the declaration of the Armistice.
Receipted acknowledgments showed that during the first eighteen months 98 per cent. of parcels reached their destination, a fact very creditable to all concerned. Losses may in part be accounted for by miscarriage owing to transfers of soldiers from one part of Germany to another. It should also be stated that undelivered parcels were returned to Berne from Germany almost daily with the inscription "Addressee not traceable."
The organization at Berne was, I venture to state, conducted on right lines from the beginning, and well deserved the confidence reposed in it by the public. Special attention was bestowed on the business side of the enterprise, and no department was more carefully scrutinized than that of Finance and Supply. Sir Arthur Lawley, who reported on the "British Section of the Bureau" in May, 1916, on behalf of the B.R.C.S., writes as follows:—
"The system of accounting, too, is elaborate and extensive. All subscriptions have to be paid in advance. The 'Bureau' has no general fund on which to draw for any monies which may be wanting. Subscriptions are received from Regimental Committees, numbering about one hundred, and from a vast number of private subscribers, many of whom send the smallest sums receivable, viz., 4s. for a month's supply. If private subscribers would be content to contribute through the Committee or Association of the regiment to which the particular beneficiary belonged, it would be an excellent thing. It would reduce the inconvenience which arises from the fact that there is a tendency on the part of donors to subscribe for short periods only, or to be intermittent in forwarding the money which is required to ensure a constant supply…. I consider myself fortunate indeed to have had an opportunity of thoroughly examining every branch of the excellent work which is being carried on in the 'Bureau de Secours aux Prisonniers de Guerre,' Berne, by Mrs. Grant Duff and her band of zealous and devoted helpers. The record achieved is one of which they may well be proud. It could certainly never have been attained without an incessant and generous devotion of time, trouble, and sagacity. I should like to offer them my hearty congratulations on the fruit of their labours."
I may be permitted here to record the names of some of those to whom I feel a special tribute is due:—
Mr. Paul d'Hauteville, formerly a member of the American Diplomatic Corps, who gave the whole of his time to the service of a nation not his own, first as Hon. Secretary, then as Director, of the "Bureau." When America threw in her lot with the Allies, he resigned to take a prominent position in the Red Cross in France under the flag of his own country. He was, with the approval of His Majesty, appointed a Knight of Grace of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem in England. My wife, who organized and managed the Department of Finance and Supply until her departure from Berne in December, 1915. Miss Nesta Sawyer, who replaced my daughter in the administration in December, 1915, and later took the place of Mr. Paul d'Hauteville as Honorary Secretary. Her charming personality and ability are well known. Mr. and Mrs. Jebb Scott, whose able management added to the efficiency of the executive branch, and enabled it to keep abreast of the ever-expanding work. Mr. Bernstiel, who took over the management of the Department of Finance and Supply, and successfully expanded it to meet the ever-increasing demands, and Miss Keightley, who was in charge of an important department of the administration throughout.
Others who gave valuable service were:—
The late Mrs. Carfrae, Mrs. Barton, the Lady Acton, the late Hon. Anne Dalby Acton, Mrs. Wyndham, Mrs. Sawyer, Mrs. Skipworth, Mme. de Muralt, Mrs. Clarke, Miss Mary Clarke, Mrs. d'Hauteville, Mme. de Watteville-Pourtalés, Mr. Guy Louymer, Mme. Louymer, Mme. Courvoisier, Mlle. Courvoisier, Colonel Courvoisier, Mme. de Segesser, Mme. Spoerry, Mme. Raoul de Wurstemberger, Mlle. Claire de Wurstemberger, Mrs. Broderick de Pitard, Miss Binney, the young ladies of Miss Gray's School at Berne, Mr. and Mrs. Esdaile, Miss Dalgairns, Miss Grace Phillips, the late Miss Alice Hanford Flood, whose end was hastened by over-strain, Mr. and Mrs. Todhunter, Mr. Horridge, Mrs. Bradley, Miss Chaplyn, Mrs. Macey, and Miss Swainston.