Standard military rules apply; they were in charge and responsible for being aware of what was happening under their charge.

Also, yes, of course they knew.

There's a good This American Life episode interviewing England. She doesn't exactly portray herself in the most flattering light (which is why I think she's telling the truth) and it's interesting to hear what she has to say about the before, during, and after.

http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/384/f...

It was their job to know what was going on.