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ii) Worker Detachments and Unit a.119 • The Arbeitsbereitschaft.The Arbeitsbereitschaft, or Bereitsohaft as it is morecommonly called, is the march-format ion of a body of foreignworkers on their way to and from work. It comprises 100 to 150men and is composed of 4 to 6 Kolonnen (squads) of 20 to 25 men,depending on the manpower requirements of the individual constructionjobs. The men in a Bereitschaft are all of the samenationality but of mixed age. They are billeted and mess together.They wear working clothes with an armband, "Arbeitet fOr 0T"(Works for the OT) (see Table V, Classification according toNationality). The various trades, such as mason and bricklayer,are represented in fairly equal proportions, the squads generallycontaining workers of the same trade.Bach Alberts bereitschaft was to have been numbered consecutively(from the number 1 upward) by EG HQ, but this part ofthe worker regimentation plan i s either not consistently adheredto or was abandoned altogether. The composition of the Bereitschaftas to squads and hence as to trade, is made* up eachmorning according to daily requirements of the construction job.After roll-call, the Bereitschaft marches or is transported towork, depending on the distance from camp, led by the Bereitschaftsftthrer (Detachment Leader). As already s tated, this is anassignment, like that of squad leader, and not a rank. EachKolonne or squad i s led by a Kolonnenfuhrer (squad leader)selected from amongst the men by the Bereitschaftsfuhrer. On theconstruction job, this squad leader's grade becomes that ofVorarbeiter (senior worker). Arriving at the job, the B ere itschaftsfuhrertheoretically reports to the Bauleiter (constructionsupervisor), but actually he reports to the Oberpolier (seniorforeman or Folier foreman). The Bereitschaft then falls out bysquads under guidance of the squad leaders, and reform intolabour gangs under the supervision of a Folier.The size and composition of the labour gangs are naturallydetermined by the nature and size of the job. The Folier takesroll-call of his gang, whereupon work is begin. As soon as workstarts, the BereitsohaftsfOhrer assumes his assignment as Hilfspolierwhich consists of smoothing out any difficulties, linguisticor otherwise, which may arise during working hours between themen belonging to his Bereitschaft and the Foliere amongst whomthey are split up. In addition he performs for his men the sameservices, such as distributing noonday rations, as the Folierperforms for the German personnel. Generally he keeps an eye onhis men in regard to discipline and morale.120. Specially guarded formations.Speoially guarded formations, Bewachte Bereitschaft en, areformations of Zwangsarbeiter, (see Table I, No.19), consisting ofCanmunist and partisan Russian men and women, Loyalist Spaniards,(so-called Rotspanier), Jews and penal detachments composed ofpolitical prisoners and reoaloitrant workers. Such formationsare guarded and convoyed by SK men. (See IIFe).121. Hundertsohaft and Abteilung.The term Hundertschaft (Century) is sometimes substitutedfor the term Bereitschaft, especially in the case of Zirangsarbeiter.In order to facilitate keeping a check on the amount ofZwangsarbeiter employed in an Einaatzgruppe, the Hundertschaf ten-128*