The Trial of Josef Kramer and Forty Four Others

Exhibit 37 Affidavit of Josef Hauptman

IN THE MATTER OF WAR CRIMES AND IN THE MATTER OF DEATHS AT DORA CAMP NORDHAUSEN AND ON TRANSIT TO BELSEN

DEPOSITION OF JOSEF HAUPTMAN late of Fichowa, 6, Prague, 1. sworn before me Major P. Ingress Bell, D.A.A.G., Legal Staff, an officer of the staff of the Judge Advocate General to the Forces.

1. I am 36 years of age and of Czechoslovakian nationality. I was a manufacturer in Prague and was arrested for failing to produce good and sufficient quantities for the Germans. I was arrested in December, 1943, and finally sent to Dora Camp Nordhausen on 1th May, 1944. This camp worked underground making electrical parts for V weapons. The conditions were very bad. The average number of prisoners was 18000 and whilst I was there many died from starvation, beatings and overwork. There was no water readily available and the average day's food was one litre of soup, 600 grammes of bread and 20 grammes of margarine. The Red Cross parcels of the French prisoners were stolen on the order of Franz Hössler. The prisoners only receiving the biscuits. Most of the people at the came were French.

2. The responsible officers were the Kommandant Ferschner or Forschner [Förschner], SS Möser and the said Franz Hössler.

3. On 4th April, 1945, 10000 workers were transferred to Belsen. The journey took about five days and over 100 died due to the conditions and a number were shot en route. Attached to the train was an ambulance wagon in which the sick were carried. There were still 9 of these alive when we arrived at Bergen station. Whilst I was there the SS man Hössler came up and gave instructions that the nine sick persons were to be shot. I did not see them shot but I never saw them again.

Sworn by the above named Josef Hauptman this 9th day of May, 1945, at Belsen Camp.

(Signed) Hauptman, Josef.

Before me the said P. Ingress Bell

(Signed) P. Ingress Bell

Certified that the above is an accurate translation of the evidence given by the said Josef Hauptman in my presence.

(Signed) Charlotte Duschenes.