living history
Work began by installing concrete pads and foundations.
Struts of Douglas fir were then lifted into place using
ropes and horses, as no machines were available for the
work. Plasterboard walls without insulation were used in
the finishing work inside the buildings, and bunks for the
thousands of men were also constructed. Each building
was painted grey and topped with asphalt roofs.
To ensure prisoners did not escape, only one gate was
constr