The Trial of Josef Kramer and Forty Four Others
Exhibit 132 Affidavit of Hanka Rozenwayg
IN THE MATTER OF WAR CRIMES AND A KAPO NAMED ILSE LOTHE AND SS WOMAN IRMA GRESE
DEPOSITION OF HANKA ROZENWAYG (Female) late of 2, Rinek, Cochin Podlaski, Poland, sworn before Major Saville Geoffrey Champion, R.A., Legal Staff, No. 1 War Crimes Investigation Team.
1. I am 24 years of age and, because I am a Jewess, I was arrested by the Germans on 3rd May 1942 and taken to Maiden Camp [Majdan Tatarski, Majdanek], Poland, where I remained until 15th July 1943. I was then transferred to Auschwitz and in November 1944 came to Belsen.
2. On 22nd June, 1945, with my friends, Ewa Gryka and Sonia Watinik, I was in Camp 3, Belsen Camp, when I saw a woman whom I recognised as a Kapo at Auschwitz Camp. I did not know her name, but have since been told that it is Ilse Lothe. My friends and I brought Lothe to the office of No. 1 War Crimes Investigation Team.
3. In July, 1943, whilst at Auschwitz, I was employed digging ditches outside the camp. Whilst so employed I laid down my shovel for a rest, and Lothe, who was in charge of my working party, saw me. I saw her go to the woman SS guard and I heard her ask the SS woman to set her dog on me. I recognise this SS woman as No. 2, on photograph Z/4/2. I did not know her name, but have since been told that it is Irma Grese. Grese set her dog on to me and as a result I was bitten by the dog on my right shoulder. I still have a scar on my shoulder where the dog bit me. I was made to continue working and I had to dress the wound myself after I had returned to my block. I returned to work the following morning because if l had remained away from work I should have been taken to Block 25, and then to the gas chamber. During the time I was at Auschwitz I was beaten at least once a week by Lothe because I talked to my fellow prisoners.
4. In November, 1943, whilst still at Auschwitz, I saw Lothe beat another woman named Schendla Wideletz with a stick. Lothe beat her on the head and body until the woman collapsed, and then Lothe kicked her. Although still very ill, Wideletz worked on the following day. She worked because it was general knowledge in the camp that if you were unable to work you were sent to the gas chamber. I know that this same girl was sent to the gas chamber about six months later because she was sick and could not work.
Sworn by the said deponent Hanka Rozenwayg at Belsen this 28th day of June 1945.
Sgd Hanka Rozenwayg
Before me
Sgd S. G. Champion, Major R.A
I hereby certify that the said deponent not understanding English, this affidavit was translated in my presence to the said deponent before swearing and I am satisfied that its contents were fully understood by the said deponent.
Dated this 28th day of June 1945
Sgd S. G. Champion, Major R.A
I hereby certify that I have accurately translated this affidavit to the said deponent
Dated this 28th day of June 1945
Sgd Charlotte Duschenes
Civilian Interpreter
