Delousing Facility. Built in 1940 as part of the POW Camp Stalag XI C/311. This facility was designed to disinfect 400 prisoners and their clothing per day. Steam, which flowed out of openings in the floor, killed lice to protect against the transmission of disease in particular Typhus and Typhus Fever. As clothing took longer than prisoners disinfection and showering, prisoners had to wait, often wet and naked, outside in cold weather.
After Bergen-Belsen was evacuated by the British Army, and until its destruction in 1953, it was used as a pub, restaurant and dance hall. Can you help? Please contact me with any information you may have. |