The Trial of Josef Kramer and Forty Four Others
Exhibit 135 Affidavit of Ewa Gryka
IN THE MATTER OF WAR CRIMES AND A KAPO NAMED ILSE LOTHE
DEPOSITION OF EWA GRYKA, (Female) late of 1 Rinek, Vochin Podlaski, Poland, sworn before Major Savile Geoffrey Champion, R.A., Legal Staff, No. 1 War Crimes Investigation Team.
1. I am 23 years of age and, because I am a Jewess, I was arrested by the Germans on 3rd May 1942 and taken to Maidan Camp [Majdan Tatarski, Majdanek], Poland, where I remained until 15th July 1942. I then went to Auschwitz and in November 1944 I came to Belsen.
2. On 22nd June, 1943, with my friends, Sonia Watinik and Hanka Rozenwayg, 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, at Auschwitz, I was employed digging ditches and graves for burying dead. The Kapo in charge of my working party was Lothe. At this time I was working with a woman named Rochla Grunwald and I heard her ask Lothe for permission to go to the lavatory. Lothe twice refused to let her go, and without making a further request, Grunwald put down her shovel and left her work. As soon as she moved from her work I saw Lothe go up to Grunwald and beat her about the head and body until she collapsed unconscious, with blood streaming from her head. For the beating Lothe used a wooden stick, which was about 2 feet long and about 1 inch in diameter. Assisted by some of the other prisoners I carried Grunwald to her block and we dressed her wounds as best we could. The next day I saw Grunwald being taken to Block 25. This block was reserved for persons who were destined for the gas chamber. I never saw Grunwald again. I am of opinion that Grunwald met her death in the gas chamber because, due to the beating she had received by Lothe, she was unable to work, and all persons unable to work or who were ill were automatically sent to the gas chamber. In this way Lothe has been responsible for sending many people to the gas chamber.
4. Lothe beat me with a wooden stick at least twice a week and on one occasion hit me on the nose with her fist, making my nose bleed. I had no permanent marks or scars as a result of these beatings.
Sworn by the said deponent Ewa Gryka at Belsen this 28th day of June 1945.
Sgd Ewa Gryka
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.
