Embedded Files
by the time that the Soviets had reached the camp only 7,650 prisoners were left. A week before the red army arrived the camp guards had forced the 60,000 prisoners on "death marches". The Germans also attempted to destroy the gas chambers and crematories before their crimes would be discovered. They burned many documents, blew up two different crematories, and also set fire to the storage room holding the belongs of the victims. But the surviving prisoners and several other pieces of evidence which they did not have time to get rid of was found. Over 230 Soviet soldiers were killed in the battle while liberating the camp.
Pile of shoes from the prisoners - getty images
As the Prisoners/victims arrived at camp both male and female, they got separated into two groups men and then women and children separately. Then they would be registered and then given a number- this camp was the only one to tattoo numbers on prisoners arm and from this point on they would be referred to by this number instead of their name. After this they would be told to undress, (included wedding rings, gold teeth, and glasses when liberated the Soviets came they found all sorts of valuables) everyone would have their head shaved and then forced to shower-usually in front of hundreds of people and the SS guards. All of this was meant to dehumanize the occupants being sent here.
former inmate of German camps who later became a citizen of Israel - National Archive
former inmates of German camps who later became citizens of Israel - National Archive
Soviet doctors looking at a former prison of Auschwitz - Holocaust museumÂ
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