Sixteenth Day Thursday, 4th October, 1945

MAJOR MURTON-NEALE: The next deposition will be of Zlata Kaufmann at page 76, and the photograph concerned is S.G.C.9, which deals with the accused Volkenrath.

(Affidavit of Zlata Kaufmann is marked exhibit 48, signed by the President and attached to the proceedings)

"Deposition of Zlata Kaufmann (Female) late of Malcow, near Bardcow, Czechoslovakia, sworn before Captain Alfred James Fox, General List, D.A.P.M. 86 Special Investigation Section, Corps of Military Police.

1. I am 22 years of age and because I am a Jewess I was arrested on 20th March 1942 and taken to Auschwitz. In October 1944 I was transferred to Mungsfeld where I remained until I came to Belsen in January 1945.

2. I recognise Elisabeth Volkenrath, No. 6 on photograph 22, as an SS woman who was at Auschwitz. During selections at Auschwitz in the years 1942 and 1943 I have seen her throw women to the ground, throw them against a wall, trample on them, beat them with a stick or rubber truncheon. Many have died as they lay after the beating and I have seen members of the Leichenkommando collect the bodies. Volkenrath killed many prisoners in my presence by these beatings.

3. Volkenrath at these selections would pick people out herself, though sometimes SS men of a higher rank than herself accompanied her. These selections, which were for the gas chamber, sometimes took place two and three times a week. Those selected would be told by Volkenrath to go to Block 25 where all persons destined for the gas chamber were sent. Here they would be kept for two or three days until, say, a thousand persons had been reached. Volkenrath would also be present when the time came for those interned in Block 25 to be loaded on to the lorries for transporting to the gas chamber. It was generally known in the camp that prisoners sent to Block 25 went to the gas chamber. I have seen them transported there myself.

Sworn by the said deponent Zlata Kaufmann at Belsen this 30th day of May 1945.

(Signed) Zlata Kaufmann

Before me

(Signed) A.J. Fox, Captain"

Then follows the usual certification of translation signed by Captain Fox and the interpreter's certificate signed by Charlotte Duschenes. Then there is a further certificate by Major Champion as to re swearing and the interpretation by Traute Neumann, Civilian Interpreter. The next one is on page 77.

THE JUDGE ADVOCATE: You are taking that with 78, are you?

MAJOR MURTON-NEALE: Yes. 77 is just a short one paving the way for the statement unsigned on page 78.

THE PRESIDENT: 77 merely covers 78?

MAJOR MURTON-NEALE: Yes.

THE PRESIDENT: Then they will both be treated as exhibit 49.

(Deposition of Margaret Jelinek and statement of Nikolaj Kalenikow are together marked exhibit 49, signed by the President and attached to the proceedings.)

MAJOR MURTON-NEALE:

"Deposition of Margaret Jelinek late of Prague II, Pod Slovany, 13. at present employed as a civilian interpreter with No. 1 War Crimes Investigation Team, sworn before me Captain Alexander Mackinlay Forbes, Royal Artillery, Legal Staff, No. 1 War Crimes Investigation Team.

1. I am at present employed as a civilian interpreter by No. 1 War Crimes Investigation TEam, Belsen Camp.

2. On 14th June 1945 I acted as Interpreter at the interview ny No. 14604094 Sergeant Cyril Albert Scamans, 86 Special Investigation Section, Corps of Military Police, of Nikolaj Kalenikow, as the result of which interview the said Cyril Albert Scamans prepared a deposition of the said Nikolaj Kalenikow. The said deposition of the said Nikolaj Kalenikow is now produced and shown to me marked exhibit 'C.A.S.1'. The said deposition marked as aforesaid is a true and accurate translation of all the statements made by the said Nikolaj Kalenikow.

Sworn by the said Deponent Margaret Jelinek at Belsen this 25th day of June 1945

(Signed) Jelinek, Margaret.

Before me

(Signed) A.M. Forbes, Captain R.A."

The statement of Nikolaj Kalenikow is as follows:

1. I am 25 years of age and I served with a Russian Artillery Regiment until I was wounded and taken prisoner by the Germans in the summer of 1941. I was taken to hospital in Berlin but after three weeks I escaped and went to a Russian civilian labour camp in Berlin - Marienfelde where I lived for about two years. In September 1943 I was recaptured and sent to Buchenwald concentration camp. I was transferred to Dora camp on 11th January 1945.

2. After leaving Dora Camp I spent two days in Ellrich Camp and was in Block 19. On 15th June 1945 I was shown by Sergeant Scamans, 86 Special Investigation Section, Corps of Military Police, a man whom I recognised as the Kapo in charge of this block. I knew him by the name of Ostrowoski, but I have now been informed that his full name is Vladislav Ostrowoski. "

I need not read paragraph 3.

"4. Whilst at Belsen I was in Block 19 and Ostrowoski was acting in the capacity of a camp policeman. When prisoners lined up for food he would go down the line beating and hitting men with a wooden stick for no reason at all.

5. Early one morning, just before the British liberated the camp, Ostrowoski ordered all men in Block 19 on parade, including the sick. One of the sick prisoners, either a Frenchman or a Belgian, who I knew by the name of Albert, was so sick that he could not move. I saw Ostrowoski approach this man and hit him on the head. He was carrying something in his hand at the time, but I could not see what it was. The blow that the prisoner received from Ostrowoski resulted in his death as I helped to carry many dead bodies on to a heap outside Block 19 and the body of this man was amongst them."

CAPTAIN STEWART: The next one is page 79, deposition of Rachela Keliszek. The deposition relates to Juanna Bormann, and the photograph is S.G.C.8.

(Deposition of Rachela Keliszek is marked exhibit 50, signed by the President and attached to the proceedings).

"Deposition of Rachela Keliszek (female) late of Przechodnja, Płońsk, Poland, sworn before Major Savile Geoffrey Champion, Royal Artillery, Legal Staff, No. 1 War Crimes Investigation Team.

1. I am 23 years of age and because I am a Jewess I was arrested in May 1941 by the Germans and taken to the ghetto in Płońsk. I was transferred to Auschwitz on 15th December 1942 where I remained until I came to Belsen in February 1945.

2. I recognise No. 3 on photograph 19 as an Aufseherin at Auschwitz, and I knew her by the name of Bormann. I have now been told that her full name is Juana Bormann. In the summer of 1944 I was one of the Strafkommando of 70 women whose punishment was to stand in the same spot all day and strike the ground with a pick. Bormann was in charge of the party and would appear on the job about four times a day. One day she was not satisfied with the work of a group of about ten girls, to which I and a friend of mine belonged. I only know my friend by the first name of Regina. She was 18 years of age. Bormann always had a big dog with her and on this day she ordered the dog to attack our group. I was the first to be bitten, on the leg, and Bormann then ordered the dog to attack Regina who was standing next to me. The dog bit her first on the leg and as she was very weak she fell down. The dog then started to bite and maul her all over the body, starting with her legs and working up. Bormann urged the dog on and when Regina was bleeding all over and had finally collapsed she ordered the dog to leave off and left the working place. Four of the prisoners later carried Regina to the hospital. I used to visit her every day. She was very weak and there were open wounds on her body which were never dressed in any way. I believe that her body had become blood-poisoned because the rest of her flesh had turned a dark blue. During my visits she was deranged and never talked sanely. One day about a fortnight after the mauling, I went to see her but the nurse told me that she had died. I have no doubt that her death was due to the mauling received from this dog on Bormann’s orders.

Sworn by the said Deponent Rachela Keliszek at Belsen this 7th day of June 1945.

(Signed) Keliszek, Rachela.

Before me

(Signed) 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 7th day of June 1945.

(Signed) S.G. Champion, Major, R.A."

The follows the usual certificate of the Interpreter which is signed "Traute Neumann, Civilian Interpreter"

COLONEL BACKHOUSE: The next deposition, No. 81, is simply to tie up the murder of Keith Mayor in the charge.

(Deposition of Rolf Klink is marked exhibit 51, signed by the President and attached to the proceedings.)

"Deposition of Rolf Klink, born the 16.4.08 at Teschen, Austria, make oath and say as follows:

1. I knew Keith Mayor when he came to Sachsenhausen Camp. When he arrived, he and at least three other Englishmen dressed in uniform of the British soldiers were kept separate from the rest. I used to see him doing his marching. I and two others were able to approach them to bring them food. I speak English and we became friends. There was another one called Alfred Monroe and these two men were the survivors of the English [British] soldiers. Mayor and Monroe were forgotten at Sachsenhausen when the others went to transports. I used sometimes to organise jams for Mayor. When we were moved from Sachsenhausen to this camp, I suggested that he should be registered as Dutch, because then they would take less notice of him and we did this. Here he felt ill in the stomach and had a bad right foot. One night he said, "Rolf I am so weak that I feel I have a high temperature." The next day he could not get up and said, "I feel I have got typhus." Next morning we sent him to Block 17. I saw him every day. He asked me for jam and Swedish bread, and I got it for him. One afternoon I was called by Emmerich. He had two numbers and told me to find them, saying that they had forgotten to send these two for a transport. I called the chief of the blocks, asking them if they had people of this number. The chief of Block 17 said, "He is here, but he has typhus." So I went with him. It was then that I remembered that this number was Keith’s number. I went back to Emmerich and told him, "One number we have. The man is in hospital with typhus and cannot go." He said, "Is he very ill?" I said, "Yes." So Emmerich went away. At ten o’clock in the evening I was told by Emmerich to get Keith Mayor. Emmerich went away and the new Unterscharführer waited. When the medical orderly was sent for Mayor came back with him. The Unterscharführer told me to put down Mayor’s name and date of birth. Mayor held my hand to support himself and whispered his name, date, month and year. Then the Unterscharführer went four or five steps to the door. Keith said, "I know you love England. When you get there tell the truth." That was all. We had often talked of going to England together after the war. England was my second country.

Sworn by the above named Rolf Klink at Bergen Belsen Camp this 7th day of May 1945

(Signed Rolf Klink.

Before me

(Signed) H.H. Cochrane, Major IC. 315 Mil Gov Det

I hereby certify that the deponent speaks and reads English and that I satisfied myself before administering the oath that the contents of this affidavit were fully understood by him.

(Signed) H.H. Cochrane, Major IC, 315 Mil Gov Det."

COLONEL BACKHOUSE: We will put 83 and 85 together, because 85 is the identification to 83.

CAPTAIN STEWART: If you agree, I will read 83 and point out the photographs when we come to 85.

THE PRESIDENT: Yes.

CAPTAIN STEWART:

"Deposition of Alexander Kurowicki (Male) late of 36 Prosta, Warsaw, sworn before Captain Alfred James Fox, General List, D.A.P.M., 86 Special Investigation Section, Corps of Military Police.

1. I am 32 years of age and was arrested by the Gestapo in January 1941 on political grounds, i.e. for corresponding with Polish people in England. On arrest I was placed in prison in Warsaw and in October 1941 I was transferred to Auschwitz Concentration Camp. I was kept there until December 1944 when I was moved to Mauthausen and in January 1945 I came to Belsen.

2. About a fortnight ago whilst I was in hospital Block No. 32 [MB32, Bergen-Belsen Barracks] Belsen Camp, I saw through the window a man whom I recognised as a German SS man whom I knew whilst I was at Auschwitz. I now know that man to be called Heinrich Schreirer though I did not know his name before. I saw him several times in my hospital block dressed in Wehrmacht uniform assisting in distributing food for patients. Schreirer was at Auschwitz from about November 1942 until the middle of 1943 and during that time he worked as Blockführer for No. 22 Block, in which I was living. I saw Schreirer frequently ill-treat prisoners at Auschwitz. As Blockführer he held Appelle twice daily and it was during these Appelle that he beat prisoners. I have seen him beat prisoners every day either with his fists, a rubber stick, a wooden stick or his revolver. On numerous occasions I have seen Schreirer knock prisoners to the ground and kick them and beat them on the ground. He has often beaten prisoners until they were unconscious, kicking them with his boots on the head and stomach and other parts of the body. I have seen the victims carried away unconscious to the hospital afterwards and many of them were bleeding profusely from the head and looked to me as though their skulls had been fractured by the kicking they had received. Though I am unable to prove that they died as a result of their injuries, I believe many did die because many who were taken away were never seen again. It was not possible to go to the hospital and find out what happened to them. Schreirer beat those prisoners in the manner described for trifling offenses. On Appell we had to remove our caps when Schreirer came on the scene and those who did not raise their hats quickly enough, as a sign of respect for him, were beaten by him. Also those who did not stand up straight or were not in line with other prisoners received similar treatment. I remember one occasion about May or June 1943 when Schreirer beat a man unconscious. It was a very hot day and men of my block, including myself, were on Appell, of which Schreirer was in charge. One of the prisoners, a man about 43 years of age, was a little faint and swayed a bit owing to the hot sun. Just at that moment Rapportführer Stibitz looked towards the men of our block. Stibitz shouted something to Schreirer who then went up to the man who was faint and punched him in the face and stomach with his fist. The man fell to the ground. I then saw Schreirer kick him again and again with the heel of his boot. He kicked the man as hard as he could in the stomach, front and back of his head and other parts of his body. The man whose head was bleeding profusely lost consciousness. After the Appell was over I saw two other prisoners pick up the unconscious man and take him to the hospital. From the treatment he received from Schreirer and from the injuries I saw to his head I feel sure that the man died. I never saw this man again after his admission to hospital. I am quite sure that the man I saw in Belsen Camp dressed in Wehrmacht uniform is in fact the SS man Schreirer.

Sworn by the said Deponent Alexander Kurowicki at Belsen this 26th day of May 1945

(Signed) Alexander Kurowicki

Before me

(Signed) A.J. Fox, Captain, General List"

Then there are again the same corroborating affidavits we had before, because it was not quite sure that Captain Fox was a suitable person to take an affidavit.

The second affidavit identifies Schreirer on the three photographs S.G.C.Q. 15, 16 and 17.[Schreirer does not appear in 16 or 17] (Accused No. 26, Heinrich Schreirer stands up). It relates to Schreirer and Zoddel.

CAPTAIN STEWART:

"Deposition of Alexander Kurowicki (Male) late of 36 Prosta, Warsaw, sworn before Major Savile Geoffrey Champion, Legal Staff, No. 1 War Crimes Investigation Team.

1. I have had produced to me six sets of photographs and out of these I have identified No. 1 on photograph Z/4/1 as Heinrich Schreirer and whom I referred my Deposition dated the 26th May 1945 and which Deposition I have today re sworn. I have no doubt whatever as to the identity of the said Heinrich Schreirer. He was slightly knock-kneed but I do not require this to identify him. I know his face very well. I have not noticed any peculiarity in his speech.

2. I identify No. 2 on photograph Z/4/2 as Irma Grese. She was in the SS at Auschwitz whilst I was there. I know nothing further of her.

3. I identify No. 8 on photograph Z/4/3"

That is S.G.C.Q. 17...

"as a Camp Leader (prisoner in charge of a party of prisoners) who was at Belsen. I have seen him ill-treating prisoners and beating them so severely with a stick that injury must have been caused. I am now informed that the name of the said man is Erich Zoddel.

"Sworn by the said deponent Alexander Kurowicki at Belsen Camp this 31st day of May 1945.

(Signed) Alexander Kurowicki.

Before me

(Signed) S.G. Champion, Major, R.A. Legal Staff, No. 1 War Crimes Investigation Team".

Then follow the usual affidavits by Major Champion and the Interpreter.

MAJOR MURTON-NEALE: The next one is 89 and we might conveniently take 91 as well.

THE PRSEIDENT: Yes, put the two together.

COLONEL BACKHOUSE: You will notice that the affidavit of Lasker appearing on page 89 does not appear on the face of it to be an original signed affidavit. The original appears to be mislaid and I do not propose to put in a copy of that original affidavit.

THE PRESIDENT: Then at present there is no signed copy of the affidavit; there is merely a typewritten copy?

MAJOR MURTON-NEALE: Yes, a copy of the original. The original has been misfortunately mislaid, and I am relying on Regulation 8(1)(f), which reads: "If any original document cannot be produced or, in the opinion of the Court, cannot be produced without undue delay, a copy of such document or other secondary evidence of its contents may be received in evidence". What in fact I think has happened is that the copy has been put in the file instead of the original, and the original has been put elsewhere.

THE JUDGE ADVOCATE: How do we know it is a copy? That is the only thing.

MAJOR MURTON-NEALE: It appears on the face of it to be a copy, and we are unable to produce the original. I am relying on this regulation 8(1): "Any document appearing on the face of it to be authentic", and that obviously appears to be an authentic copy.

THE JUDGE ADVOCATE: I do not quite follow the argument. I should have thought that the Court have to be satisfied that they have a document which, on the face of it, is a copy of some other document. The only way I should have thought that could have been done here would be if it had some kind of certificate on it by some person who said they had copied it from the original exactly, or you call the person who typed it. I do not think we can just accept a document without any sort of explanation.

MAJOR MURTON-NEALE: Then we will not worry; we will withdraw it entirely.

THE JUDGE ADVOCATE: Anita Lasker's depositions are to come out?

MAJOR MURTON-NEALE: Yes.

(deposition of Klara Lebowitz is marked exhibit 53, signed by the President and attached to the proceedings).

"Deposition of Klara Lebowitz of Certis, Czechoslovakia, 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 31 years of age and a Jewess of Czechoslovakian nationality. I was sent to Auschwitz in April 1944 and transferred to Belsen on 4th January 1945.

2. I worked in the kitchen and though I was dismissed from Appelle after a few minutes in order that I might go to work, whilst working in the kitchen I could see what happened at the Appelle.

3. SS woman Grese was in charge of the Appelle which took place twice a day. These lasted at least two hours and more often three or four hours. If a mistake was made in counting the internees they were made to stand until the missing one was found and this often meant all day. No time was allowed for food and people used to fall unconscious as a result of this. When the woman Grese attended these Appelle she often made the internees go on their knees for hours on end or hold stones in their hands high above their heads. If an internee did not stand upright because she was weak or for any other reason she would beat her with a rubber truncheon sometimes until she was unconscious. She would kick persons lying on the ground and many people were taken to hospital a result of her treatment. The internees were not allowed to carry anything their pockets and the woman Grese would often stop and search internees whom she would beat unmercifully if she found anything on them, even a handkerchief.

4. I have often seen the woman Grese with Dr. Mengele selecting people for the gas chamber and for forced work in Germany. If the woman Grese saw a mother and daughter or sisters trying to get together in selections for forced work in Germany she would beat them until they were unconscious and leave them lying on the ground.

Sworn before me the above named Klara Lebowitz this 12th day of May 1945 at Belsen.

(Signed) Lebowitz, Klara.

Before me the said Major P. Ingress Bell.

(Signed) P. Ingress Bell.

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

(Signed) Charlotte Duschenes."

(Deposition of Paul Lichtenstein is marked exhibit 54, signed by the President and attached to the proceedings)

THE PRESIDENT: Which is the photograph for this one?

CAPTAIN STEWART: It is S.G.C.2, Fritz Mathes. (No. 18 stands up)

"Deposition of Paul Lichtenstein (Male) late of Beregszász, near Munkács, Hungary, sworn before Major Savile Geoffrey Champion, Royal Artillery, Legal Staff No. 1 War Crimes Investigation Team.

1. I am 22 years of age and am of Jewish extraction. With my mother, two brothers and two sisters I was arrested in May 1944 and taken to Auschwitz. There all my relatives were sent to the gas chamber. After three days I was transferred to Buchenwald and again three days later to Dora Camp, Nordhausen. I stayed there for a month and was then taken to Ellrich, Nordhausen. On 7th April 1945 I came to Belsen.

2. At Belsen I was employed in the removal of corpses from the blocks, and during the course of this duty had to pass No. 2 Kitchen. One day just before the English [British] came, I saw the kitchen chief there, who I recognise as No. 3 on photograph 3, shooting at prisoners who were attempting to steal carrots from a pile outside the kitchen. I saw three fall down but cannot say whether they were dead or not. I am now told that the man whom I recognise as No. 3 on photograph 3 is named Fritz Mathes. On other occasions from 7th April 1945 until the English [British] came, whilst I have been quite a distance away I have seen Mathes shooting prisoners for the same office [offence], but I cannot say whether any were killed or injured.

Sworn by the said deponent Paul Lichtenstein at Belsen this 4th day of June 1945 before me.

(Signed) Paul Lichtenstein.

(Signed) 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 4th day of June 1945.

(Signed) S.G. Champion, Major, R.A.

I hereby certify that I have accurately translated this affidavit to the said deponent. Dated this 4th day of June 1945.

(Signed) Traute Neumann, Civilian Interpreter."

With regard to the next one the original is in German and there is a translation attached to it.

(Statement of Adolf Linz is marked exhibit 55, signed by the President and attached to the proceedings.)

"Statement of Adolf Linz. SS Unterscharführer Willi Dörr, seen lately at Working Camp Kleinbodungen. At present in Camp No. 2 at Bergen-Belsen as SS prisoner of the British. On the march of our Kommando from Kleinbodungen to Bergen-Belsen he shot 13 or 14 prisoners only because they had bad feet or were suffering from other diseases and could not carry on. The shootings were carried out in full view of all the other prisoners on the march.

(Signed) Adolf Linz.

Witness (Signed) Sgt. Kirby.

I hereby certify that the above is a true translation of the German original which is attached and marked 'A'.

(Signed) Capt., Legal Staff, H.Q., 21 Army Group."

THE JUDGE ADVOCATE: Who is this man Linz?

CAPTAIN STEWART: I am afraid beyond his name and birthplace at the top I do not know.

THE JUDGE ADVOCATE: What is his nationality?

CAPTAIN STEWART: An Austrian, according to the birthplace. The next is 94 and 95. 95 is merely the identification of 94.

(Depositions of Hila Lippman are marked exhibit 56, signed by the President and attached to the proceedings)

These refer to Dr. Klein and Ilse Förster, and the photographs are S.G.C.5 and 12. You will remember that both have been identified and checked before.

THE PRESIDENT: Paragraph 4 does not enter into this.

CAPAIN NEAVE: I ask that paragraph 4 should be read to the Court as part of my defence.

COLONEL BACKHOUSE: Where there are very small paragraphs I am not troubling to cut them out; they will be admissible on the general line. If they are large paragraphs I will cut them out.

CAPTAIN STEWART:

"Deposition of Hilda Lippman of 66 Piotrkowske U1, Łódź, Poland, 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 26 years of age and a Jewess of Polish nationality. I was arrested in December 1942 and was transferred to Auschwitz on 6th March 1943 where I stayed until February 1945 when I was transferred to Belsen.

2. I was employed as a storeman in a clothing store at Auschwitz. I attended many selection parades for the gas chamber and I name the following as having made selections in my presence: - thus - Drechsler, Tauber, Mengele, Klein, Rohde, König. There were many others but I do not know them by name. I have also seen the said Tauber knock a young Greek girl to the ground, beat her with a stick and kick her on all parts of the body.

3. At Belsen I was employed as a cook and cleaner in Kitchen No. 1 in Camp 1. The SS woman in charge was Ilse Förster. She delighted in catching both men and women internees attempting to steal vegetables from outside the kitchen. Two or three times in the course of the day she would take the culprits into a small office adjoining the kitchen and beat them with a rubber stick and kick them. She often drew blood. I saw her on one occasion beat a sick man so badly that he had to be carried away afterwards.

4. In kitchen No. 2 in Camp 1 SS Theodore Heuskel was in charge. I have seen him beat a girl named Lily Weber because she lied to him, saying she had no bread when she had some. He knocked her to the ground and kicked her and she was unable to work for two days owing to her injuries.

5. I say that SS Förster and SS Heuskel many times in my presence inflicted brutal and savage punishment on starving internees who were trying to get some scraps of food from the kitchen.

Sworn by the above named Hilda Lippman this 12th day of May 1945 at Belsen Camp.

(Signed) Hilda Lippman.

Before me the said P. Ingress Bell.

(Signed0 P. Ingress Bell.

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

(Signed) Charlotte Duschenes."

"Further deposition of Hilda Lippman (female) late of 66 Piotrkowske U1, Łódź, Poland, sworn before Major Savile Geoffrey Champion, R.A., Legal Staff, No. 1 War Crimes Investigation Team.

1. Further to my deposition dated 12th May 1945. In paragraph 2 of this deposition I refer to SS man Klein having taken part in selections of persons for the gas chamber. I identify him No. 5 on photograph 9 as the man in question"..

That is S.G.C.5..

"In paragraph 3 of my previous deposition I refer to beatings by Ilse Förster. I identify this woman as No. 3 on photograph 37"..

That is S.G.C.12..

"Sworn by the said deponent Hilda Lippman at Belsen this 1st day of June 1945.

(Signed) Hilda Lippman.

Before me.

(Signed) S.G. Champion, Major, R.A.

I hereby certify that, the said deponent not understanding English, this affidavit was translated to the said deponent before swearing and I am satisfied that its contents were fully understood by the said deponent. Dated this 1st day of June 1945.

(Signed) S.G. Champion, Major, R.A."

98 is the next one.

THE PRESIDENT: You are missing 97?

CAPTAIN STEWART: Yes.

(Deposition of Hilda Löffler is marked exhibit 57, signed by the President and attached to the proceedings.)

THE PRESIDENT: Does 98 tie up with 97?

CAPTAIN STEWART: No, Sir.

THE JUDGE ADVOCATE: Which accused does this refer to?

COLONEL BACKHOUSE:  Volkenrath and Ehlert. Ehlert has been described as Ehlert and Ellers all the way through.

MAJOR MUNRO: I admit that Ehlert is the same as Ellers.

CAPTAIN STEWART:

"Deposition of Hilda Löffler, Pressburg [Bratislava], Vrbové, Slovakia, sworn before me, Major P. Ingress Bell, D.A.A.G., Legal Staff, Judge Advocate General's Staff.

1. I am 22 years old. I am a Jewess of Czechoslovakian nationality. I was arrested by the Germans in March 1942 and taken to Auschwitz Camp. In January 1945 I was transferred to Belsen camp and employed as supervisor over parties of women internees.

2. I name 3 SS women as chiefly and jointly responsible for the deaths of many women prisoners as mentioned hereunder. These women are: - Ehlert, Gollasch and Volkenrath.

3. The prisoners worked under these three women collecting wood. On one occasion two prisoners escaped from a party of 600. The remainder were punished by being deprived of food and water for three days. After this the very sick girls were specially chosen for this heavy work and numbers were taken from the hospital. As a result of this many died from the overwork and the casual beatings they received. In March 1945 alone deaths from these working parties, working under the supervision of these three women, amounted to about 200 daily.

4. In addition, I name the woman Ehlert as being responsible for great cruelty to Helene Herkovitz. This girl was beaten by Ehlert and shut up in an air raid shelter for about two weeks with little food or drink and without bedding. The victim was ill for about a month afterwards and was unable to get up. In addition to this case she treated many others in the same way. "

I do not think I need read paragraph 5.

"Sworn by the above named Hilda Löffler this 3rd day of May 1945 at Belsen.

(Signed) Hilda Löffler.

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 Hilda Löffler in my presence.

(Signed) Charlotte Duschenes.

COLONEL BACKHOUSE: The next one is 99.

(Deposition of Irene Löffler is marked exhibit 58, signed by the President and attached to the proceedings.)

THE JUDGE ADVOCATE: Who does this go to?

COLONEL BACKHOUSE: Ehlert and Flrazich. I am not reading the third paragraph, but there is going to be an objection to the second paragraph. I will stop at the end of the first paragraph and Major Munro can make his objection.

"Deposition of Irene Löffler (female) late of Agnisniesski, Kraków, Poland, sworn before Captain Alfred James Fox, General List, D.A.P.M. 86 Special Investigation Section, C.M. Police.

1. I am 24 years of age and because I am a Jewess I was ordered by the Germans in March 1941 to live in a Ghetto in Kraków. In January 1945 [Probably 1943, as Płaszów was not constructed until the summer of 1942 and became a KZ in 1943. However the Kraków Ghetto liquidation started March 1943] I was transferred to Płaszów labour camp, which later became a concentration camp. In October 1941 [1943 or 1944] I was transferred to Birkenau and in the same month to Auschwitz. In January 1945 I came to Belsen."

MAJOR MUNRO: I wish to object on behalf of the accused Ehlert to paragraph 2 of this affidavit being received in evidence on the ground that the incident alleged refers to Płaszów and is, therefore, irrelevant to the charge. I have no doubt that my learned friend the Prosecutor will say that this accused has been proved to have been at Auschwitz and also at Belsen, and that therefore this can be evidence of system raised to rebut any defence of accident which I may lay before the Court. So far I have not put any such defence before the Court and in my submission, as I accept the fact that she was at Auschwitz and that she was at Belsen, there is ample evidence already before the Court both from the oral witnesses and the affidavits as to the activities which she herself took part in in both camps. From that evidence the Court can decide what responsibility she has as an individual for the conditions of Auschwitz and Belsen.

With great respect therefore I submit that this incident, if admitted, would merely be additional evidence to what is already sufficient to enable the Court to come to a decision. I could appreciate the prosecution point of view in that connection if the accused had not been alleged to have taken part in beatings and cruelties in Belsen, but there is evidence to that effect - the value of which I shall attack at a later stage - and I submit this cannot help the Court in deciding whether it tends to prove or disprove the charge. There is ample evidence already before the Court and I submit that on that evidence alone a proper decision can be made.

THE JUDGE ADVOCATE: Do you really want to involve us in a legal argument over one small incident? If you do, of course we will consider the legal position.

COLONEL BACKHOUSE: As we are halfway through I think this must be the case. This is going to arise again. We have proved that this woman was at Belsen. I think my friend is giving me something when he says Auschwitz as well, I am not sure. She has made a statement, which is not before the Court, but in presenting my case I am seeking to put forward that she was pursuing a systematic course of conduct. My friend said there is that evidence before the Court and is going to attack that. He cannot have it both ways, he cannot admit that there is evidence and then say he is going to attack it. Under those circumstances, in my submission I am entitled to show that this woman was pursuing a course of conduct.

It is also obvious from the cross examination that one of the points to be put forward is that the conditions at Belsen were not the fault of the people, but outside circumstances. That is why I submit I am entitled to call evidence to show they were ill treating the internees before they reached there. That is why I ask to put it in.

MAJOR MUNRO: There is only one point I would like to add. I would like the Court to take into consideration that so far as this incident is concerned this is uncorroborated evidence as to which I have no chance of cross examining.

SUMMING UP ON SUBMISSION

THE JUDGE ADVOCATE: In the case of this particular accused, she appears in both charges as an accused person, and you appreciate that the suggestion is that these concentration camps were in themselves a war crime and that this woman was, as well as others, perpetrating that war crime. This evidence is introduced on the ground that the prosecution want to convince you that she was systematically carrying out a course of conduct of this kind. I am bound to advise you that the law does admit evidence of that kind to prove such a matter, and if you decide to admit it you are legally in order. On the other hand, I think I tend to the view of the defence that it is not necessary to take this evidence. That is not the legal ground but it is one for your consideration.

(The Court confer)

THE PRESIDENT: We will omit that paragraph.

THE JUDGE ADVOCATE: Colonel Backhouse, can I omit from my note any reference in the affidavit to Ehlert?

COLONEL BACKHOUSE: Yes.

"4. I recognise Karl Flrazich (No. 5 on photograph 1)" ..

That is S.G.C.1 ..

"as kitchen chief at Bergen-Belsen. One day in February 1945 I was passing the kitchen storeroom when a Russian girl in front of me stopped to talk from the outside with a girl in the kitchen. While she talking Flrazich shot the Russian girl. I was working in the hospital at the time and was present when the body of the girl was brought in. The doctor with whom I was working told me that the girl was dead. I do not know the girl’s name nor the name of the doctor.

Sworn by the said deponent Irene Löffler at Belsen Camp this 26th day of May 1945.

(Signed) Irene Löffler.

Before me.

(Signed) A.J. Fox, Capt. Gen. List.

I herby certify that, the said deponent not understanding English, this affidavit was read to the said deponent in my presence and its contents were fully understood by the said deponent. Dated this 26th day of May 1945.

(Signed) A.J. Fox, Captain.

I hereby certify that I have accurately translated this affidavit to the said deponent. Dated this 26th day of May 1945.

The above deponent was at Belsen this 31st day of May 1945 examined by and resworn before me.

(Signed) S.G. Champion, Major, R.A., Legal Staff, No. 1 War Crimes Investigation Team.

I hereby certify that I accurately interpreted at the examination by Major S.G. Champion 31/5/45.

(Signed) Civilian Interpreter."

The next one is 101.

(Deposition of Isak Lozawski is marked exhibit 59, signed by the President and attached to the proceedings.)

"Deposition of Isak Lozawski (male) of No. 3 Psezi Strasse, Białystok, 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 I was arrested at the beginning of 1940 by the Gestapo because I am a Jew. I was taken to Auschwitz concentration camp where I remained until 7th October 1942. Since that date I have been in the following concentration camps: Buchenwald, Sachsenhausen, Gross-Rosen, Stutthof, Talfinger and Schönberg. I moved to Belsen about the beginning of March 1945.

2. At the time of my arrest in 1940 my mother, father, brother, sister, brother in law and nephew were all arrested because they were Jews. On arrival at Auschwitz my mother, father, brother in law and nephew were all sent to the gas chambers.

3. I identify No. 8 on photograph Z/4/3 as a man whom I knew by the name of Erich and who was Lagerältester in No. 1 Camp at Belsen. I have now been told that his full name is Erich Zoddel. I frequently saw this man Zoddel beat other prisoners. Zoddel always carried a wooden stick fixed on the end of which was a piece of iron piping and Zoddel beat prisoners on the head and other parts of the body. As Lagerältester he worked as an assistant to the SS giving orders for working parties, etc.

4. One day about the middle or end of March 1945 I saw Zoddel kill another prisoner. At 7 a.m. in the morning in question I was with a working party waiting to move off to work. There was another working party standing nearby. In this working party there was a very sick man, a Polish Jew, whose name I do not know. This sick man spoke to the Kapo and said that he was too sick to go to work. I heard the Kapo tell him to go to the Appell place and the sick man walked off towards the Appell place which was behind Block 2. Zoddel was walking in the opposite direction and when he reached the sick man I saw Zoddel strike him heavily across the head with the metal end of the stick which he always carried. There was no apparent reason for this as no word was spoken between them. I was only about five or six metres away when this happened and I saw the sick man fall to the ground. The blows the man had received had split open the top of his head and he was smothered in blood. The man was bald and I could see his skull was broken and was split open for about six inches. Other prisoner picked the injured man up and I saw them carry him to the camp hospital. I was out working all that day and when I returned in the evening I went to the hospital to which the injured man had been taken. The injured man was not there. I spoke to one of the patients whom I know and I cannot remember his name. He told me that the injured man had been brought into the bed next to his own. He said that the man had died during the day as a result of his injuries and that his dead body had been taken away. When I saw this man beaten by Zoddel I had no doubt he would die owing to the way his skull was smashed in.

Sworn by the said deponent Isak Lozowski at Belsen this 7th day of June 1945.

(Signed) Lozowski, Isak.

Before me.

(Signed) S.G. Champion, Major, R.A.

I hereby certify that, the 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.

(Signed) S.G. Champion, Major, R.A.

I hereby certify that I have accurately translated this affidavit to the said deponent. Dated this 7th day of June 1945.

(Signed) Traute Neumann, Civilian Interpreter."

CAPTAIN STEWART: The next one is 102.

(Deposition of Yilka Malachovska is marked exhibit 60, signed by the President and attached to the proceedings)

I am proposing to read paragraphs 1 and 2 relating to the accused Bormann.

"Deposition of Yilka Malachovska (female) late of 19 Warszawska, Płońsk, Poland, sworn before Major Savile Geoffrey Champion, Royal Artillery, Legal Staff, No. 1 War Crimes Investigation Team.

1. I am 18 years of age and was arrested in May 1940 because I am a Jewess and taken to the Ghetto at Płońsk. In November 1941 I was transferred to Auschwitz where I remained until I was transferred to Belsen on 1st October 1944.

2. I recognise No. 3 on photograph 19 as an SS woman at Auschwitz."

That is photograph S.G.C.8...

" I knew her by the name of Bormann and I have now been told that her full name is Juana Bormann. At Auschwitz I worked with my sister Ida Malachovska in the same working party. One morning in January 1943 before going to work there was a selection at which Rapportführer Tauber was present. He took no part in the selecting. Bormann was one of the SS selecting and she chose 50 girls of our working party of 150 and my sister was one of those selected. The rest of us then left the camp to go to work and on our return in the evening, as we were entering the gate, 8 or 10 lorries passed us filled with women and girls. The lorries went in the direction of the crematorium which was situated just outside the camp. I have never seen my sister again or any of the girls selected that morning.

Sworn by the said deponent Yilka Malachovska at Belsen this 7th day of June 1945.

(Signed) Malachovska, Yilka.

Before me.

(Signed) 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 7th day of June 1945.

(Signed) S.G. Champion, Major, R.A."

Then there is the certificate of translation signed by Traute Neumann, Civilian Interpreter.

THE PRESIDENT: You are not reading paragraph 3?

CAPTAIN STEWART: No. The next one is on pages 104 and 105, and there is a further one on page 106. This relates to the accused No.6, Juana Bormann, and No. 35, Klara Opitz. The photographs are S.G.C. 8 and S.G.C.12.

"Further deposition of Peter Leonard Makar (male) of Borrislav, Poland, sworn before Captain Alfred James Fox, General List, D.A.P.M. 86 Special Investigation Section, Corps of Military Police.

1. I am 37 years of age and a Doctor of Medicine. I escaped from Poland in January, 1940, as I was wanted by the Germans for spreading British propaganda. I went to Yugoslavia, where I was captured by the Italians and put to work in a hospital at Zagreb. In January, 1941, I escaped and went to Crikvenica, where I worked as a doctor in a hospital. In June or July, 1943, I was recaptured by the Italians and sent to Malinski, and when the Germans took over Malinski on 11th January, 1944, I was taken to Dachau. I was transferred to Belsen Camp on 20th July, 1944.

2. I recognise Juana Bormann (No. 3 on photograph 19) as being an SS woman usually in charge of a pigsty at Belsen. I saw her on two occasions in March, 1945, beat women prisoners. On the first occasion she beat a girl, whose name I do not know, on the face and head with her fists because she had caught her stealing vegetables. The girl fell to the ground and was helped away by her friend. On the second occasion a girl tried to steal clothing from the clothing store, so Bormann beat her on the face and head with her fist. When I walked away the girl, whose name I do not know, was still being beaten.

3. I recognise Klara Opitz (No. 1 on photograph 37) as being an SS woman in charge of female working parties at Belsen. On one occasion I was passing a party when I saw Opitz kicking a girl and beating her on the face and body with her fists. I have often heard from other prisoners that she made a particular habit of beating the girls.

4. On 13th April 1945, 2 days before the English [British] came, many SS men left Belsen Camp including Rottenführer Grosse (a Sudetan German), Unterscharführer Hammer and Unterscharführer Müller. As a Doctor in the hospital at the camp I gave treatment to many of the victims of the three persons I have named. Early in 1945 a man, a Pole named Stanislav Migala, came to me for treatment for a broken arm. He told me that Grosse had struck him on the arm with a big stick because he had caught him talking to a girl. Talking to women was against regulations. I had several cases to treat for injuries to head and body which had been inflicted on prisoners by Grosse. The names of the victims I do not know. I had to be present on Apells and on these occasions I have seen Grosse beat internees with a stick so that many collapsed and had to be carried away by other prisoners. These beatings were for such things as talking on Appell or being late on Appell. I should describe Grosse as aged about 26, height 5'6", medium build, black hair, red face, long face, small nose and small ears.

5. One morning about November 1944, whilst on Appell. I saw Hammer who was a professional boxer, strike a man because he was smoking a cigarette. He struck him many times on the face and in the stomach so that the man collapsed. I have been told by many prisoners that they themselves have been beaten by Hammer and I have been told that others have died as a result of his beating. One man, who was under my care, I can definitely state died as a result of a beating from Hammer. I saw this man beaten by Hammer and he died in my presence of internal haemorrhage. I should describe Hammer as aged about 35, height 5'10", fair hair, round red face, bushy fair eyebrows and strongly built.

6. Müller was an ex-Gestapo agent and he was in charge of people who were detailed for a bath. After the bath they would be given a change of underwear and some would try to get an extra suit. Müller would then beat them with a leather strap on their bodies until they collapsed. He would then kick them as they lay on the ground. The bodies would be taken away by other prisoners on a cart and I cannot say that any died though I have been told that some did. I have been present when these beatings have occurred. I should describe Müller as aged about 36, height 5 ft. 10 in., fat, blue eyes, fair hair, round and red face.

7. Between June and August, 1944, I estimate that between 400 and 500 prisoners died in Belsen from injections and for which Hauptsturmführer Dr. Jäger was responsible. I have heard him give orders to a German prisoner named Karl Rothe, a confirmed criminal, to give injections to certain prisoners whose numbers he (Jäger) would give him. He also gave permission to Rothe to inject anyone else he wanted. Those chosen by Jäger were mostly political prisoners. These people were told to report to a special room in a block but they knew the reason for their having to go so they refused. They were then beaten on SS orders by other prisoners. While they were on their beds suffering from the effects of the beating Rothe injected them over the heart. They would cry out and to smother the cries Rothe and the other prisoners detailed for the job would grasp them by the throat and in about 4 minutes they would be dead. I have seen the liquid used for the injections brought into the hospital by a German medical orderly and given to Rothe. The prisoners would sometimes fill their cigarette lighters with it. I have smelt it and it smelt like petrol [Comment: Phenol]. I once asked a patient who was moaning "What is wrong?" and he answered "They have injected me twice over the heart." The symptoms were difficult breathing, excruciating pain and slowing down of the pulse. A prisoner named Eric Boerfler used to help Rothe with the injections and he left the camp with the SS before the English [British] came. Rothe has been hung by his fellow prisoners. When Jäger left the camp in December, 1944, the injections ceased and Doctors Schnabel and Klein took over his duties.

8. In a previous deposition I stated that the SS woman Juana Bormann was No. 3 on photo 35. This was due to my being told the wrong reference No. and I am quite sure that the woman is No. 3 on photo 19 is the woman to whom I refer.

Sworn by the said deponent Peter Leonard Makar at Belsen Camp this 26th day of May 1945.

(Signed) Dr. P.L. Makar.

Before me.

(Signed) A.J. Fox, Capt, General List."

Then follows the usual certificates signed by Captain Fox and the interpreter.

(Further deposition of Peter Leonard Makar is marked exhibit 61, signed by the President and attached to the proceedings)

CAPTAIN STEWART: The next one is on page 106 and is a further deposition of Dr. Peter Leonard Makar. It again relates to the accused Bormann and Opitz.

(Further deposition of Peter Leonard Makar is also marked exhibit 61, signed by the President and attached to the proceedings)

CAPTAIN STEWART:

" Deposition of Peter Leonard Makar, late of Borrislav, Poland, sworn before me, Major Geoffrey Smallwood, Major (Legal Staff) Judge Advocate General's Office.

1. I have been in Belsen for some months having previously been in Dachau. I know the SS women known as Bormann (photo 35 - 3) and Klara Opitz (photo 37 - 1). I have frequently seen them beating women prisoners. They made a particular habit of it.

2. I also know Friedrich  Hertzog (photo 12 - 4). He was a particular brutal member of the SS and I have frequently seen him beat prisoners as they came into the camp from work, sometimes with a whip and sometimes with a stick and usually on their heads.

3. Two days before the British came (15th April, 1945) a great many of the SS left the camp. Amongst the worst of them were Rottenführer Grosse who came from the Sudatenland, Unterscharführer Hammer and Unterscharführer Müller. All these men had been in the camp from 9 to 12 months. These three were particularly brutal and were insistently beating the prisoners. Some of the prisoners died two or three days after this treatment.

Sworn by me the above named Dr. Peter Leonard Makar this 6th day of May, 1945, at Belsen Camp.

(Signed) Makar, Leonard

Before me the said Major Geoffrey Smallwood."

Then follows the usual certificate by the interpreter.

The next one is on page 107, Adam Marcinkowski, and it refers to accused No. 20, Burgraf.

(Deposition of Adam Marcinkowski (male) late of 8 Zocka, Warsaw, Poland, sworn before Capt. Alexander Mackinley Forbes, R.A., Legal Staff, No. 1 War Crimes Investigation Team.

"1. I am 21 years of age and I was arrested in the street in Warsaw without any reason on 8 April, 1941, and taken to Siegburn Textile Factory. I am Roman Catholic. I was transferred to a factory in Köln in April, 1942, to Sachsenhausen in April, 1943, to a Heinkel factory near Berlin in April, 1944, to Camp Salzgitter-Drütte, near Braunschweig in June, 1944, and finally to Belsen in April, 1945.

2. On 20th June, 1945, I was shown by No. 14573509 Sgt. Edward Dinsdale, 86 Special Investigation Section, Corps of Military Police, a man whom I recognised as a Kapo in Salzgitter-Drütte Camp, and as Stubenältester of Block 19 [MB19 at Bergen-Belsen barracks] at Belsen Camp. I knew him by the name of Medislaw and l have now been told his full name is Medislaw Burgraf. He was a Polish soldier.

3. I remember the following incident which occurred at Belsen Camp. On 12th April, 1945, at about 3 p.m., a friend of mine, George Grabonski, who lived at Warsaw, and who, like myself, then lived in Block 21 [MB21 at Bergen-Belsen barracks], went to Block 19 [MB19 at Bergen-Belsen barracks] which was about 8 metres away. Burgraf stood at the door of Block 19 [MB19 at Bergen-Belsen barracks]. I was at a window of Block 21 [MB21 at Bergen-Belsen barracks] and heard my friend ask Burgraf for permission to enter Block 19 [MB19 at Bergen-Belsen barracks] to see a sick friend. Burgraf refused, and when my friend asked him Burgraf, who was standing at the top of the steps leading into the block, struck my friend Grabonski, who was then standing at the foot of these steps, a two-handed blow with a square table leg which he always carried. The blow fell at the back of my friend’s head and he immediately collapsed. When I saw this I immediately went down and dragged my friend into Block 21 [MB21 at Bergen-Belsen barracks]. By the time I had arrived downstairs Burgraf had re-entered his block. Grabonski had an open wound at the back of his head. I attended to him for about three hours but at the end of that time he died. I carried his body and put it on the pile of corpses already outside the block. Other people also saw this incident but I cannot at present name any of them.

4. From my block, at Belsen, I sometimes watched the distribution of soup at meal times outside Block 21 [MB21 at Bergen-Belsen barracks]. This distribution was done by a prisoner, who was supervised by Burgraf. During the short period I was at Belsen very little food was given to the prisoners, and as the men were very hungry when food was distributed, they rushed to be served first. Burgraf would then beat them indiscriminately with the table leg. I have seen very weak men fall down and later on be dragged by their comrades to the piles of corpses. I can say that I have personally seen Burgraf beat about 50 persons to death in this way over a period of four or five days.

Sworn by the said deponent Adam Marcinkowski at Belsen this 21st day of June, 1945.

(Signed) Marcinkowski, Adam .

Before me.

(Signed) Alexander Mackinley Forbes, Capt, R.A."

Then follows certificates by Captain Forbes and by the interpreter.

The next one is on page 108, Max Markowicz. The original is in the man's handwriting and I therefore attach a typewritten copy. It relates again to the death of Keith Mayor. The last statement referring to the murder of Keith Mayor was 81, Klink.

(Deposition of Max Markowicz is marked exhibit 63, signed by the President and attached to the proceedings.)

CAPTAIN STEWART:

"Deposition of Max Markowicz, French, born 14.11.1919 at Mannheim.

I was employed in this camp in making a list of those who died. I was therefore frequently in Block No. 2 where Keith Mayor lay ill.

I have read the statement of Klink and I can say that the Unterscharführer to whom he referred in his statement is Unterscharführer Wolf, because at that time he was the only storm trooper who wore a black rubber coat, and because he otherwise corresponds with the description given in it.

I saw the body of Mayor lying near the kitchen on a heap of straw with his arms outstretched. He had a small hole in the centre of his forehead made by a pistol bullet. The sentries around this place were so disposed that, had Mayor been shot attempting to escape from the camp, he could not possibly have been shot through the centre of the forehead. Furthermore the sentries in the watch tower had repeating weapons and when they killed somebody the bodies would be riddled with bullets. The other sentries would have been some distance behind Mayor had he been trying to leave the camp and were armed with French Lebel rifles, shots made with these making much larger holes. The marks of those prisoners who were shot with these weapons were entirely different from that of Mayor.

As it was my duty to register the dead, I brought the matter to the notice of Emmerich. I believed that, if I seemed to know about this body, I might place myself in danger. So I said to Emmerich "Who is this man? I do not know him." Emmerich answered "Call it an unknown body."

Usually when prisoners were shot without an execution, there were a lot of formalities to be gone through. I used to have to get the name and number of the man and make a sketch of the place where he was found, so that they could be shown to have been shot escaping. In this case no such formality was carried out. I consider it likely that they had an order to kill Mayor from the Political Department of the camp. The general policy was laid down in Berlin, but the Political Department in the camp had authority to kill individual prisoners. The Political Department was under Obersturmführer Friedrich and Unterscharführer Pott.

NOTE: This is exhibit Marked 'A' referred to in the affidavit of Capt. Harry Gillett Sherrin.

Sworn this 4th day of May, 1945, at Bergen-Belsen Camp, before me,

(Signed) H.H. Cochrane, Major I.C., 315 Mil. Gov. Det."

The next is No. 109, Szaja Müller, and it refers to the accused Otto Kulessa. He is No. 19 in the dock and the photograph mentioned in paragraph 2 is S.G.C.1. He has been identified before.

(Deposition of Szaja Müller is marked exhibit 64, signed by the President and attached to the proceedings.)

CAPTAIN STEWART:

"Deposition of Szaja Müller (Male) late of Warszawska, Płońsk, Poland, sworn before Major Savile Geoffrey Champion, R.A., Legal Staff, No. 1 War Crimes Investigation Team.

1. I am 33 years of age and was arrested at Płońsk in 1942 because I am a Jew, and taken to the Ghetto there. After six months I was transferred to Auschwitz-Buna where I remained for three years before being transferred to Dora Camp. I was transferred to Belsen on 4th April, 1945.

2. I recognise No. 4 on photograph 1 as one of the SS guards who was guarding our transport when I travelled from Dora to Belsen. I have now been told that his name is Otto Kulessa. About 4th April 1945, I left Dora Camp by rail for Belsen, with about 3000 other male prisoners. We did not get any food or water. On the third day out from Dora the train stopped for a time and we got out to relax, but had to stay in the neighbourhood of the train. Near the rails we found some carrots lying about on the ground and several prisoners started to pick them up and eat them. At this moment Kulessa appeared and shouted, "You are not allowed to eat anything." He then pulled a pistol out of his pocket and I saw him shoot at one prisoner whose name I do not know. The man fell to the ground. In my opinion he was dead because he lay on the ground, did not move and nobody attended to him. We left this place about two hours later and I then noticed that the body had been moved. I believe it was taken to a special wagon in which prisoners who died during the journey were placed.

3. Kulessa was also an SS guard at Belsen. A few days before the English [British] arrived he entered my block, No. 87 [MB87 Bergen-Belsen barracks], wearing a white armband. He ordered all Jews to go outside and clean up the road. He then stood near the door and as the prisoners passed him to go outside he beat them over the head and body with a thick stick. As I was going outside I saw one man collapse after being beaten by Kulessa. I do not know the man’s name but he was a Russian. I was told later by other prisoners that the man had died. I never saw him in my block again.

Sworn by the said deponent Szaja Müller at Belsen this 11th day of June, 1945

(Signed) Szaja Müller

Before me

(Signed) S.G. Champion, Major, R.A."

Then follows the usual certificates.

The next one is 110, Dr. Richard Natolski.

(Deposition of Dr. Richard Natolski is marked exhibit 65, signed by the President and attached to the proceedings)

CAPTAIN STEWART:

"Deposition of Dr. Richard Natolski, of Wilsza Street, Warsaw, before me, Major Geoffrey Smallwood, D.A.A.G., Legal Staff, an officer of the staff of the Judge Advocate General to the Forces.

1. I am a doctor of medicine and 42 years old. I was arrested on 7th January, 1940, as being a member of the Polish Partisan Army. I have been in concentration camps ever since and came to Belsen only on 11th April, 1945.

2. During this time at Belsen I often saw Wilmschen who was chief of the food store there (Lebenmittel magazin) whom I identify as No. 1 on photo 3, beat women and sometimes men with a piece of wood when they came too near the store.

3. On 13th April, 1945, there were several people near the food store but there was no rush for food going on. A man who was passing by reached up his hand to try and steal a piece of bread from the store and Wilmschen shot him dead on the spot with a pistol in my presence.

Sworn by the above named Richard Natolski this 14th day of May, 1945 at Belsen.

(Signed) R. Natolski.

Before me the said Major Geoffrey Smallwood

(Signed) Geoffrey Smallwood."

Then follow the usual certificates.

COLONEL BACKHOUSE: The next one is 111, 113 and 114. It is the deposition of Katherine Neiger and the photographs are S.G.C.8; S.G.C.10; S.G.C.11; S.G.C.6 and S.G.C.16.

(Deposition of Katherine Neiger is marked exhibit 66, signed by the President and attached to the proceedings.)

COLONEL BACKHOUSE: I do not proposed to read paragraph 2 of this deposition.

"Deposition of Katherine Neiger, alias Aedelsteine, c/o Czechoslovakian Embassy, London, sworn before Major P. Ingress Bell, D.A.A.G., Legal Staff, and officer of the staff of the Judge Advocate General to the Forces.

I am aged 23 and am a Jewess of Czechoslovakian nationality. I left the Sudetenland in September 1938 and went to Czechoslovakia. I was arrested by the Germans in Prague and on 23rd October 1941 was sent to the Ghetto n Poland. My mother and baby sister were gassed at the Ghetto and I, with the rest of my family, was transferred to Auschwitz. In August 1944, my father having been gassed at Auschwitz, I and my sister were transferred to Belsen concentration camp.

I was one of the first batch to a thousand girls to arrive at Belsen. Previously only male prisoners were kept at Belsen. I was employed as a clerk and it was my duty to record the number of deaths of women in the camp each day. In the first few weeks the figures were low. As more internees arrived the deaths increased. In January 15 to 20 died daily. From then on deaths increased until the last day of March, on which day the number of deaths reported was 349. This figure was not accurate since all deaths were not reported and bodies uncounted were lying in the open. In April the daily deaths increased but I can give no figures as I then went ill with typhus. I estimate that 900 of my party have died from malnutrition, disease and ill-treatment.

On the day before the British arrived I saw SS woman Elisabeth Volkenrath, who I identify No. 6 on photograph 22 now shown to me ill-treating a girl internee. The girl had been caught taking some vegetables. She was very sick, pale and thin. The SS woman made her kneel down and hold the vegetables above her head. After about four hours the girl could no longer hold her arms up and this SS woman went to her and beat her on the head, back and legs with a rubber stick. She lay there until nightfall and I do not know what happened to her afterwards. I would add that I have seen this SS woman often beating sick girls usually when Appell was on and on one occasion in March I was struck across the face again and again with a rubber stick for having my coat open. On another occasion I saw her striking a girl on the ground with a stick and kicking her. The girl was covered with blood.

There was another SS woman Herta Ehlert, who I identify as No. 5 on photograph 22 . She used to search the blocks and if she found any food, take out the girl responsible and beat her.

I have seen SS woman Gertrud Sauer who I identify as No. 5 on photograph 19 frequently beat girls without reason. She never allowed any girls to rest during the day-time.

I name also Gertrud Fiest whom I identify as No. 4 on photograph 1 as guilty of great cruelty. When she was on Appell duty she always made it last as long as possible and often it lasted from 6 a.m. until noon. Sick and dying women were forced to attend and many of them collapsed.

I have seen SS woman Irene Haschke whom I identify as No. 3 on photograph 35 beating sick girls with a rubber stick on a number of occasions.

I often saw Martha Linke"

I pause there to point out that the second deposition will make it clear that she is speaking of Herta Bothe ..

"whom I identify as No. 5 on photograph 25 beating sick girls with a wooden stick.

I have often seen Peter Weingartner whom I identify as No. 1 on photograph 12, Johann Kasainitzky whom I identify as No. 3 on photograph 12 and Frederick Hertzog whom I identify as No. 4 on photograph 12, beat sick women severely with rubber truncheons.

I am well acquainted with the English language and have made this statement on oath in English.

Sworn by the above named Katherine Neiger this 6th day of May 1945 at Belsen Camp.

(Signed) Katherine Neiger.

Before me, Major P. Ingress Bell.

(Signed) P. Ingress Bell."

"Further deposition of Katherine Neiger, alias Aedelsteine (female) late of c/o Czechoslovakian Embassy, London, sworn before Major Geoffrey Champion, R.A., Legal Staff, No. 1 War Crimes Investigation Team.

Further to my deposition dated 6th May 1945. In paragraph 9 of that statement I refer to the beating of sick girls by SS woman Martha Linke. At the time of making my previous deposition I did not know the woman's name and was told that it was Martha Linke when I identified the person responsible as No. 5 on photograph 25. I now understand that the woman's name, I identified on the photograph, is Herta Bothe.

Sworn by the said deponent Katherine Neiger, alias Aedelsteine at Belsen this 1st day of June 1945.

(Signed) Katherine Neiger.

Before me.

(Signed) S.G. Champion, Major, R.A.

I hereby certify that the said deponent understands English and I read this affidavit to the said deponent and its contents were fully understood by the said deponent. Dated this 1st day of June 1945.

(Signed) S.G. Champion, Major, R.A."

"Further deposition of Katherine Neiger (female) of Prague, Trohlarsha 12, sworn before Major Savile Geoffrey Champion, Royal Artillery, Legal Staff, No. 1 War Crimes Investigation Team.

I was in Camp "C" at Auschwitz from 11th August 1944 until 21st August 1944. I recognise No. 2 on photograph Z/4/2 as one of the chief women in the camp. I am now told that her name is Irma Grese. There were 31 blocks, each containing 1000 people, in this camp, and every day internees of one of the blocks would have to attend Appell. These Appell would last from 3 a.m. to 9 a.m. and Grese would attend. At her orders the internees would have to hold their hands above their heads during this period, holding in each hand a large stone. I was one of the internees who had to do this. Grese carried a pair of gloves with her which she put on when she was going to beat anyone, which she did with her fists. These beatings were given for no apparent reason.

People were kept in Camp C for about a fortnight only, and at the end of this time they would be transferred to working camps. Grese would personally make selections for these transfers and always took particular trouble to arrange that relatives were never in the same transport.

Sworn by the said deponent Katherine Neiger, alias Aedelsteine at Belsen this 4th day of June 1945.

(Signed) Katherine Neiger.

Before me.

(Signed) S.G. Champion, Major, R.A.

I hereby certify that the said deponent understands English and I read this affidavit to the said deponent and its contents were fully understood by the said deponent. Dated this 4th day of June 1945.

(Signed) S.G. Champion, Major, R.A."

(Deposition of Maria Neumann is marked exhibit 67, signed by the President and attached to the proceedings.)

MAJOR MURTON-NEALE:

"Deposition of Maria Neumann (female) late of 17 Thomasstrasse, Lemberg, Poland, sworn before Captain Alfred James Fox, General List, D.A.P.M., 86 Special Investigation Section, Corps of Military Police.

I am 23 years of age and was arrested on 1st May 1944 at Lemberg for being in possession of false papers and also for being Jewish. I was taken to the local prison and on 7th July 1944 was transferred to Auschwitz. I left Auschwitz in September 1944 for Belsen.

I identify Gertrud Sauer, No. 5 on photograph 19, as an SS woman who was at Belsen Camp. Some time in March 1945 I witnessed the following incident outside No. 1 Kitchen of Belsen Camp. I saw Sauer beat a man whose name I do not know, about the head and body with a stick. The reason for the beating was that the man had taken a meatless bone from the swill tub outside the kitchen. The man received very severe injuries to the head and was afterwards picked up by Sauer and thrown into a ditch. I am a fully trained nurse and I hold a diploma for this. It is my opinion that the man must have died from the severe injuries he received. I also received a beating from Sauer because I was watching the above incident.

3. I identify Karl Flrazich, No. 5 on photograph 1, as an SS man who was at Belsen Camp. In March 1945 I saw Flrazich shoot a woman outside No. 1 Kitchen at Belsen Camp. I can give no reason for this shooting but there were many prisoners outside the kitchen when it occurred. I gave first aid to this woman, who was shot through the chest and lung (left side), by plugging the wound and giving an injection to keep the heart beating. The woman died in my arms after about 30 minutes. I got the injection from Dr. Klein at the German medical store. I was not asked the reason for wanting this as Dr. Klein knew that I was a trained nurse. I saw the body later removed to the crematorium.

Sworn by the said deponent Maria Neumann at Belsen. This 30th day of May 1945.

(Signed) Maria Neumann.

Before me

(Signed) A.J. Fox, Captain.

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 30th day of May 1945.

(Signed) A.J. Fox, Captain.

I hereby certify that I have accurately translated this affidavit to the said deponent. Dated this 30th day of May 1945.

(Signed) Traute Neumann.

The deponent Maria Neumann who made the attached affidavit was at Belsen this 1st day of June 1945 examined by, and re sworn before me.

(Signed) S.G. Champion, Major, R.A., Legal Staff, No. 1 War Crimes Investigation Team.

I certify that I accurately interpreted at the above examination. Dated this 1st day of June 1945.

(Signed) Traute Neumann."

(Deposition of Nijkrasow, Andrej is marked as exhibit 68, signed by the President and attached to the proceedings.)

CAPTAIN STEWART:

"Deposition of Nijkrasow, Andrej (Male) late of Kalanchevskaya 25/24, Moscow, Russia, sworn before Captain Alexander Mackinlay Forbes, Royal Artillery, Legal Staff, No. 1 War Crimes Investigation Team.

I am 29 years of age and I was arrested by the Gestapo in December 1943 at Baronowicz for being a partisan. I was taken to Kaldiczewo concentration camp in Russia and in June 1944 I was transferred to Auschwitz. In October 1944 I was transferred to Buchenwald and in November 1944 I was transferred to Dora Camp. After two days at Ellrich I came to Belsen at the end of March 1945.

On 15th June 1945 I was shown by Sgt. Scamans, 86 Special Investigation Section, Corps of Military Police, a man whom I recognised as the Kapo who was in charge of my working party at Dora Camp. I have now been informed that his name is Vladislav Ostrowoski.

Whilst at Dora Ostrowoski generally ill treated prisoners by beating them, and not giving them sufficient to eat. He was responsible for the issue of food to the prisoners but never distributed it fairly.

After leaving Dora we spent two or three days in Ellrich Camp before proceeding by train to Belsen. I was in Block 19 and Ostrowoski was the Kapo in charge of this block. Whilst we were there one of the prisoners excreted outside the block. Ostrowoski ordered all the prisoners in Block 19 , a total of 900 men, to sit down in a stooping position for three hours. He beat many of the prisoners who moved with a wooden stick. As further punishment he did not give us any food that day. [This paragraph is discussed by the Court on Day 43 concluding that this refers to Ellrich Camp]

Whilst at Belsen I was also in Block 19 [MB19 in Bergen -Belsen barracks] and for a time Ostrowoski acted as camp policeman. While we were lined up for food Ostrowoski walked up and down the queue and for no reason at all beat prisoners with a wooden stick. Many of the prisoners so struck had their heads cut open and I saw blood flowing from their wounds. I saw many dead bodies in the camp, covered with blood. I cannot state if the blows struck by Ostrowoski had killed them but I am sure that the ill-treatment and beatings by him resulted in the death of many of them. All the prisoners were in a weak condition and beatings such as these given by Ostrowoski would most certainly accelerate death. Ostrowoski also withheld the food at Belsen, giving it only to the strong and healthy prisoners and so the sick prisoners were starved to death. I cannot remember the names of the victims as there were so many prisoners in the block and so many died.

Sworn by the said deponent Andrej Nijkrasow at Belsen this 19th day of June 1945.

(Signed) Nijkrasow Andrej.

Before me,

(Signed) Alexander Mackinlay Forbes, Captain R.A.

I hereby certify that, the said deponent not understanding English, this affidavit was translated to the said deponent before swearing and I am satisfied that its contents were fully understood by the said deponent. Dated this 19th day of June 1945.

(Signed) Alexander Mackinlay Forbes, Captain R.A.

I hereby certify that I have accurately translated this affidavit to the said deponent. Dated this 19th day of June 1945

(Signed) Jelinck, Margaret, civilian interpreter."

(Deposition of Wanda Ojreyzska is marked exhibit 69 signed by the President and attached to the proceedings)

MAJOR MURTON-NEALE: The next is 117:

"Deposition of Miss Wanda Ojreyzska late of Tomaszow Mazowiecki, Poland, sworn before me Major Geoffrey Smallwood, Major (Legal Staff) Judge Advocate General's Office.

I am 21 years of age and was arrested on 20th March 1943 for being a Polish nationalist.

I came to Auschwitz soon afterwards and recognise the woman Löbauer  who had just been brought into the room as one of the prison leaders in that camp. She was herself a prisoner.

I lived in the same block as Alina Jasinska and saw the bruise which was the result of the blow which she told me Löbauer  had given her. It was a bad bruise and lasted a long time.

Löbauer  as Arbeitsdienst forced old women to work and I have often seen her beat them. We used to call her by the nickname of 'the SS woman without uniform.'

Sworn by the above named Wanda Ojreyzska this 11th day of May 1945 at Belsen Camp.

(Signed) Wanda Ojreyzska

Before me the said Major Geoffrey Smallwood

(Signed) Geoffrey Smallwood

Certified that I have accurately translated the evidence of the said Wanda Ojreyzska as recorded in my presence.

(Signed) Traute Neumann"

(Deposition of Regina Plucer is marked exhibit 70 signed by the President and attached to the proceedings)

COLONEL BACKHOUSE: The next one is number 118, and I propose reading paragraphs one and two only as I think we have had enough description of the gas chamber.

"Deposition of Regina Plucer (female) late of 4 Lagowinska, Łódź, Poland, sworn before Captain Alfred James Fox, General List, D.A.P.M. 86 Special Investigation Section, Corps of Military Police.

I am 32 years of age and was arrested in 1941 at Sostinin near Łódź because I am a Jewess. I was taken to Bruchenfeld labour camp where I remained until August 1943 when I was transferred to Auschwitz. I came to Belsen in January 1945. In October 1944 I was employed at Auschwitz with a party detailed to dismantle the No. 1 gas chamber and crematorium. This dismantling was apparently ordered because of the nearness of the advancing Russian army. The work was done very carefully, various stones had to be stacked separately, and doors, window frames, fittings etc were given numbers so that I gathered that the building was to be reassembled elsewhere. During these operations I had access to all the departments of the building and I am able to describe the interior in a general way. The actual method of operating the gas chamber and crematorium was told to me by members of the Sonderkommando (special party employed in the building when it was in use)"

(Deposition of Schmul Raschiner is marked exhibit 71 signed by the President and attached to the proceedings).

"Deposition No. 119. Deposition of Schmul Raschiner (Male) late of 26 Browarna, Warsaw, sworn before Major Savile Geoffrey Champion, Royal Artillery, Legal Staff, No. 1 War Crimes Investigation Team.

I am 24 years of age and was arrested on 23rd October 1939 because I am a Jew and taken to a Jewish camp in Biała Podlaska. I was transferred to Suchowola Labour Camp in June 1940 and remained there until I was transferred in March 1942 to Maidani - Tatarskie. From there I went to Auschwitz - Buna in June 1942 and remained there until I was transferred to Dora Camp in June 1944. I came to Belsen on 2nd April 1945.

I recognise No. 4 on photograph 1 as an Oberscharführer at Dora and Belsen Camps. I have now been told that his name is Otto Kulessa (Kulessa). About 2nd April 1945 I arrived at Belsen from Dora. In charge of the transport was Kulessa. As soon as we arrived we had to parade in groups of 100 men. At a distance of four or five metres from us were piles of carrots. As we had had neither food nor water for six days during our journey some of the prisoners tried to run to the carrots. I saw Kulessa pull his pistol out of his holster and shoot one of these prisoners. The prisoner, whose name I do not know, fell to the ground shot in the leg. I heard Kulessa give orders to the SS man who was guarding my group of prisoners to shoot the already wounded man. Immediately afterwards I heard two shots. When we had to march on I turned my head and saw the prisoner lying on the ground. I have no doubt that he was dead because if be had been alive we would have been told to take him with us. Ten other prisoners who had died of thirst and hunger during the journey were taken from the lorries and put near the dead prisoner. These were left lying on the ground as we went further into the camp.

Sworn by the said deponent Schmul Raschiner at Belsen this 11th day of June 1945,

Signed Schmul Rashiner.

Before me:

Signed 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 11th day of June 1945.

Signed S.G. Champion, Major R.A.

I hereby certify that I have accurately translated this affidavit to the said deponent.

Dated this 11th day of June 1945.

Signed Robert Coles, 13116368 Cpl, Pioneer Corps"

(Deposition of Luba Rorman is marked exhibit 72 signed by the President and attached to the proceedings)

COLONEL BACKHOUSE: The next one is deposition number 120.

"Deposition of Luba Rorman (female) late of Łódź, Brzezińska, Poland, sworn before Captain Alexander Mackinlay Forbes, Royal Artillery, Legal Staff, No. 1 War Crimes Investigation Team.

I am 24 years of age. I was arrested on 10th March 1944 because I am a Jew. I was sent to Częstochowa, Poland and I was there until sent to Belsen in February 1945.

I recognise No. 30 on photograph Z/5/4 as the photograph of a woman I knew as Roth, the Stubenältester of Block 199. I now know that her name is Johanne Roth. I was working in Cookhouse No. 1 and had to parade for work outside the block in which Roth was in charge. One day in March, 1945, a Polish girl named Hoffman, who used to work in the cookhouse was suffering from diarrhoea. When we were all lined up for our food about midday Hoffman wanted to go to the lavatory. She asked Roth but Roth commenced to beat her with a wooden stick and she excreted there and then and then fell down unconscious. I protested to Roth and she beat me as well. My friend Hoffman was then taken to bed and I heard later that she had died.

I have frequently seen Roth beat prisoners for no reason at all.

Sworn by the said deponent Luba Rorman at Belsen this 29th day of June 1945.

Signed Luba Rorman.

Before me:

Signed A.M. Forbes, Captain 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 29th day of June 1945.

Signed A.M. Forbes, Captain R.A.

I hereby certify that I have accurately translated this affidavit to the said deponent.

Dated this 29th day of June 1945.

Signed Robert Coles, Corporal, Pioneer Corps"

MAJOR MURTON-NEALE: The next one is number 121.

(Deposition of Hanka Rosenberg is marked exhibit 73 signed by the President and attached to the proceedings).

"Deposition of Hanka Rosenberg (female) late of 5, Sądowa, Międzyrzec Podlaski, near Lublin, Poland, sworn before Major Savile Geoffrey Champion Royal Artillery, Legal Staff, No. 1 War Crimes Investigation Team.

I am 20 years of age and because I am a Jewess I was arrested on 2nd May 1943 by the Gestapo and taken to Maidanek Concentration Camp near Lublin where I remained for 2 1/2 months. I was then moved to Birkenau and in January 1945 was transferred to Belsen.

I first knew Helena Koper at Birkenau having met her there in October 1944. Koper left Birkenau shortly afterwards. On arrival at Belsen I saw Koper who was then assistant Blockälteste in Block 27. She later became Blockälteste in Blocks 205 and 224 and for a short period was a camp policewoman. I was in Block 3 [This must be a typing error as Block 3 is part of the Prisoners Camp].

Some time in March 1945, whilst a Belsen Camp, I saw Koper beat a girl prisoner with a whip, because the girl ask for some more soup. When the girl ran away Koper chased after her hitting her all the time. I do not know the name of the girl prisoner.

I have since seen this woman Koper in No. 3 Camp, Belsen, I would describe her as about 38 years of age, 5ft. 6 ins. in height, broad build, stout and black frizzy hair. I do not know what block she is in at the moment.

Sworn by the said deponent Hanka Rosenberg at Belsen this 15th day of June 1945.

Signed Hanka Rosenberg.

Before me:

Signed 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 15th day of June 1945.

Signed S. G. Champion, Major R.A.

I hereby certify that I have accurately translated this affidavit to the said deponent.

Dated this 15th day of June 1945.

Signed Traute Neumann. Civilian Interpreter"

(Deposition of Regina Rosenthal is marked exhibit 74 signed by the President and attached to the proceedings)

CAPTAIN STEWART: This is number 125.

"Deposition of Regina Rosenthal, late of Ostweder, Poland, sworn before me, Major Geoffrey Smallwood, Major Legal Staff, an officer of the Staff of the Judge Advocate General to the Forces.

I am aged 21 and a Polish Jewess. I was arrested in March 1940 and sent to Auschwitz in September 1943. I was sent to Belsen in February 1945.

Whilst at Auschwitz I saw about 300 people around a ditch in which a big fire was burning. Lager Kommandant Kramer was behind them with a machine gun and some dogs. When he pointed to a man the dogs would attack that man and he was either killed or fell into the fire. Kramer then machine gunned the others. There were six of these ditches.

I saw SS man Tauber in block 19 hitting a girl with his fists until she died.

Sworn by the above named Regina Rosenthal this 20th day of May 1945 at Belsen Camp.

Signed Rosenthal, Regina.

Before me the said Major Geoffrey Smallwood:

Signed Geoffrey Smallwood.

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

Signed Traute Neumann."

COLONEL BACKHOUSE: The next is No. 127. I only propose to read the first paragraph and then part of paragraphs 7 and 8. I propose to start paragraph 7 where is says "When I first arrived at Sachsenhausen".

(Deposition of Nikolaj Scheklakow is marked Exhibit 75, signed by the President and attached to the proceedings).

"Deposition of Nikolaj Scheklakow (Male) late of Moscow, Sokolniki, Mal. Olenii Per 23, Russia, sworn before Captain Alfred James Fox, General List D.A.P.M., 86 Special Investigation Section, Corps of Military Police.

1. I am 27 years of age and a Medical Officer of the Russian Army. I was taken prisoner by the Germans in the Smolensk area on 31st July 1942. From 1st August 1942 until May 1943 I was a prisoner in a P.O.W. camp at Jelnia, working as Doctor amongst other Russian prisoners of war. From 31st May 1943 until 16th June 1943 I was in a P.O.W. camp at Smolensk when I was transferred to an Officers’ P.O.W. camp at Kalvaria, near Kowno, Lithuania. I was kept there until 13th November 1943 when I was transferred to Stalag 3B, which was at Fürstenberg an der Oder, Germany. I was kept there until 13th November, 1943, when I was transferred to Stalag 3B. On 5th January 1944 I was moved to Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, near Berlin and on 7th February 1945 I came to Belsen."

COLONEL BACKHOUSE: I now propose to go on to the latter part of paragraph 7:

"When I first arrived at Sachsenhausen there were eight or nine British soldiers there who told me that they had been captured at Narvik in Norway. One of them I knew by the name of Major. These British soldiers were made to run round the camp all day and every day testing the wearing qualities of German boots. Six or seven of them were among those killed when the 96 prisoners were marched from the camp. The other two British soldiers, including Major, came to Belsen with me. Included in the 96 prisoners that were shot that night were the following Russian prisoners all of whom I know: - Major General Semyon Tkatschenko, Doctor Boris Tokartschuk and Lieutenant Nikolay Nasarow.

8. After we arrived at Belsen one of the British soldiers was sent to Stettin. Major, who was ill with typhus, remained in the camp. I remember one morning, shortly before the British troops arrived in the camp, seeing Doctor Horstmann, [The following text appears in War Crimes Trials - Vol. II The Belsen Trial, but not in the shorthand notes: who had come from Sachsenhausen to Belsen, examine Major. I have previously described Dr. Horstmann. He took Major’s temperature and made a brief examination. He then wrote down Major’s particulars. That same evening Major was taken out of the camp hospital. Major was in the next hospital block to me in the hospital in which I worked, and when he was moved I heard the voice of SS man Emmerich. After that I never saw Major again. Many prisoners in the camp told that he had been shot by Emmerich. Until that day I have never seen Doctor Horstmann] examine any patient in the camp, and in view of what happened to Major in the evening, I consider that Horstmann was, in some way, connected with his death.

Sworn by the said Deponent Nikolaj Scheklow at Belsen this 30th day of May 1945.

Signed Nikolaj Scheklow.

Before me

Signed A.J. Fox, Captain."

Then there are the usual certificates including a re-swearing by Major Champion.

CAPTAIN STEWART: The next is No. 130. The photographs concerned, S.G.C.5, 9 and 8 have in fact all been checked.

(Deposition of Elga Schiessl is marked Exhibit 76, signed by the President and attached to the proceedings.)

"Deposition of Elga Schiessl of 18 Boosstrasse, Munich, sworn before me, Major Geoffrey Smallwood, D.A.A.G., Legal Staff, an officer of the staff of the Judge Advocate General to the Forces.

1. I am 37 and a German Jewess. I was arrested on 20th February 1943 by the Gestapo for making a false statement, i.e. that I was an Aryan. My husband is an Aryan. After I had served one month's imprisonment I was sent to Auschwitz and I came to Belsen on 3rd November 1944.

2. At Auschwitz I was a member of the camp band and this band always used to have to play when selections for the gas chamber were being made. Either when they were made from new arrivals to the camp at the station or at other times in the camp. I name the following as responsible as selectors for sending many thousands to the gas chambers: - Klein (photo 9-5), Hössler (photo 9-3), and other members of the SS whose names were Rohde, König, Mengele, Tauber, Kramer, Schwartzerber; amongst the SS women were SS women Volkenrath (photo. 22-6), Drechsler and Hasse and Mandel.

3. About August 1943 I saw SS man Arbeitsdienstführer Moll beat four women, giving them each 25 strokes with a rubber stick on their naked buttocks. Two had to be taken to hospital and all four were ill. I would describe Moll as aged 45 years, height 5ft. 10ins, thick set, blonde short hair, blue eyes and red face.

4. I also frequently saw SS woman Joana Bormann who I identify as No. 3 on photograph 19 beat women prisoners with a rubber stick. "

CAPTAIN STEWART: I will not read paragraphs 5 and 6, as they refer to a man who is dead.

"Sworn by the above named Elga Schiessl this 17th day of May 1945 at Belsen Camp.

Signed Elga Schiessl.

Before me the said Major Geoffrey Smallwood.

Signed Geoffrey Smallwood".

CAPTAIN STEWART: and then follows the usual certificate of translation signed by Traute Neumann.

The next is No. 131 and refers to Herta Bothe, who is No. 37 in the dock, and I think she has been identified.

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, she was identified this morning.

(Deposition of Sala Schiferman is marked Exhibit 77, signed by the President and attached to the proceedings.)

CAPTAIN STEWART:

"Deposition of Sala Schiferman (female) late of Radomska Strasse, Kozienice, near Warsaw, Poland, sworn before Major Savile Geoffrey Champion, Royal Artillery, Legal Staff, No. 1 War Crimes Investigation Team.

1. I am 18 years of age and because I am a Jewess I was arrested in the summer of 1940 and taken to Czernota Labour Camp where I remained until I was transferred to Czenstochowa Concentration Camp. I came to Belsen in January 1945.

I recognise No. 5 on photograph 25 as an SS woman at Belsen -"

CAPTAIN STWART: That is photograph S.G.C.10.

" I have now been told that her name is Herta Bothe. At Belsen I worked in Kitchen No. 4 in the women’s camp. One day in January or February 1945 a girl friend of mine, a Hungarian whom I knew by the name of Eva, aged 18 years, came up to the kitchen to eat some turnip peelings which were in a heap outside the kitchen. This girl lived in the same block as me which was Block 203. As she was taking the peelings Bothe came up from a nearby working site. She ordered one of the girls from the kitchen to bring a big piece of wood and she then started to beat Eva with it. After the first few strokes the girl fell. I and other girls in the kitchen shouted to Bothe that Eva was too weak to stand the beating. Bothe retorted, "I will beat her to death." Bothe then beat the girl on the head and all over the body. After about ten minutes she left off and Eva lay very still, bleeding profusely from the head. Bothe then ordered me and other girls to take the body to a room in a block next to the hospital where all the corpses were put. The girl was definitely killed by the beating. An internee whom I believe to be a woman doctor examined the body and said the girl was dead. I do not know the doctor’s name. I have not seen her since the British arrived.

Sworn by the said Deponent Sala Schiferman at Belsen this 13th day of June 1945.

Signed Sala Schiferman.

Before me.

Signed S. G. Champion, Major R.A."

And then follows the usual certificate by Major Champion and Traute Neumann, Interpreter.

THE PRESIDENT: No. 131 was the last, Colonel Backhouse?

COLONEL BACKHOUSE: Yes. We can leave No. 132 out, and No. 133 will be the next.

THE PRESIDENT: Which of the photographs are referred to?

COLONEL BACKHOUSE: Photograph S.G.C.21.

(Accused No. 29, Eric Barsch, stands up).

(Deposition of Cesa Silberberg is marked exhibit 78, signed by the President and attached to the proceedings)

"Deposition of Cesa Silberberg (Female) late of Piatocowshats P. Litzmanst, Poland, sworn before Major Savile Geoffrey Champion, Royal Artillery, Legal Staff, No. 1 War Crimes Investigation Team.

1. I am 20 years of age and because I am a Jewess I was arrested on 31st March 1942 and was taken to Auschwitz Camp where I remained until I was transferred to Belsen in November 1944.

2. I identify No. 21 on photograph Z/4/7 as an SS kitchen chief of No. 1 Kitchen at Belsen. I have now been told that his name is Erich Basch. On or about 13th April 1945 (being shortly before the English [British] arrived), I was standing outside No. 1 Kitchen and I saw Basch standing near the door to the kitchen. There was a girl prisoner standing near a pile of turnips which was outside the kitchen. Basch apparently saw her and walked towards her. When he was about three metres from her he fired two or three shots, from a pistol which he was carrying in his hand, at this girl. I saw the girl fall to the ground and blood coming from her head. I did not see her move and in my opinion she was dead. The only reason I can give for the shooting was became she was near the turnips. Basch called another girl who had witnessed the incident and asked her if she was thirsty. The girl said that she was and Basch then told her to drink the blood of the girl prisoner who was lying on the ground. I heard this remark. I remember another girl who was present when this shooting took place; she is Miriam Winter.

Sworn by the said Deponent Cesa Silberberg at Belsen this 11th day of June 1945.

Signed Silberberg Cesa.

Before me.

Signed S.G. Champion, Major, R.A."

and then there is the translation certificate also signed by Major Champion and the Interpreter in this case is Robert Coles.

COLONEL BACKHOUSE: The next is No. 134, and I only propose to read the first two paragraphs of this.

(Deposition of Dora Silberberg is marked exhibit 79, signed by the President and attached to the proceedings).

"Deposition of Dora Silberberg (Female) late of 15 Gdańska Łódź, Poland, sworn before Major Savile Geoffrey Champion, Royal Artillery, Legal Staff, No. 1 War Crimes Investigation Team.

1. I am 25 years of age and because I am a Jewess I was arrested and taken to Tarnow Concentration Camp in October 1939. I was transferred to Mogilna in May 1940, to a camp near Poznań in May 1941, to Bilski, Poznań in August 1942, and to Auschwitz in January 1943. I came to Belsen in March 1945.

2. I recognise No. 3 on photograph 19"

COLONEL BACKHOUSE: That is photograph S.G.C.8 -

"- as an SS woman at Auschwitz. I knew her by the name of Bormann. I have now been told that her full name is Juanna Bormann. On 15th June 1944, whilst at Auschwitz, I was working with a working party outside the camp. Working with me was a good friend of mine named Rachella Silberstein aged 21 years, from Łódź, Poland. On this day she felt very sick and could not walk on her own to the working site. We had to assist her and on arriving at the working site she sat down because she was so weak and suffered from very severe pains. Bormann, who was supervising the party, ordered my friend to go to work immediately. Because my friend could hardly speak through pain I intervened and told Bormann that Silberstein was too ill to work. Bormann hit me in the face with her fist knocking out two of my teeth, and told me to go back to work. As I moved away she hit me all over the body with a thick stick which she carried. She then ordered a big dog which always accompanied her, to attack Silberstein who was sitting the ground. The dog grasped her leg with its teeth and dragged her round and round until she finally collapsed. Bormann then ordered the dog to let go of my friend. After about ten minutes Silberstein recovered consciousness but laid all day on the ground. I could see no open wounds but the leg which had been gripped by the dog became very swollen and blue-black in colour. I had the impression that it was blood-poisoning. When we marched back to the camp four girls had to carry Silberstein and on her arrival they took her to the hospital. On the following day I went to visit her ad she was very weak. She could neither speak nor eat. When I went to see her on 17th June 1944 the Warden told me that she had died. He said that the dead body was in the yard and I went there and saw a corpse covered with blankets. I lifted the blankets and recognised my dead friend.

Sworn by the said Deponent Dora Silberberg at Belsen this 8th day of June 1945

Signed Dora Silberberg.

Before me

Signed S.G. Champion, Major R.A."

Then there is the usual certificate by Major Champion and the interpreter who was Robert Coles.

CAPTAIN STEWART: The next is No. 136 and it concerns Elizabeth Volkenrath. The photograph has been checked. I am only going to read the first two paragraphs.

(Deposition of Josephine Singer is marked Exhibit 80, signed by the President and attached to the proceedings)

"Deposition of Josephine Singer of Zilina, Slovakia, sworn before Major P. Ingress Bell, D.A.A.G., Legal Staff, Judge Advocate General's Staff.

1. I am 39 years of age. I am a Jewess of Czechoslovakian nationality. I was arrested on 24th April 1942 and sent to Auschwitz Concentration Camp. I remained there until I was sent to Hindenburg and then to Belsen Camp on 2nd February 1945. I was Block Leader of 198 Block. At first there were about 400 women in this block who as they were those in the best health worked in making equipment for the German Army. Later about 800 persons were housed in this block and gradually deaths increased. I estimate that some 300 persons died whilst I was Block Leader, from starvation and typhus. There was no beating of women in my block.

2. I name Elizabeth Volkenrath SS woman, whose photograph has been shown to me No. 22 and who I identify as No. 6 on such photograph as being responsible for beating many women prisoners with her hands. In particular I recall that this woman threw down the steps of the workshops a Slovakian Jewess who came to these workshops to obtain work. The applicant was an old woman and she died immediately from her injuries.

Sworn by the above named Josephine Singer this 5th day of May 1945 at Belsen Camp.

Signed Josephine Singer

Before me the said Major P. Ingress Bell.

Signed P. Ingress Bell"

and then the Interpreters certificate by Charlotte Duschenes.

LIEUTENANT COLONEL GENN: The next is No. 137. The photographs concerned, S.G.C.9, 8 and 12. S.G.C.8 and 9 have been checked.

(Deposition of Alexandra Siwidowa is marked exhibit 81, signed by the President and attached to the proceedings).

"Deposition of Alexandra Siwidowa (female) late of Rostov on Don, 1, Soweteskaja 5, No. 76, Russia, sworn before Major Savile Geoffrey Champion, R.A., Legal Staff, No. 1 War Crimes Investigation Team.

1. I am 21 years of age and arrested by the Germans at my home in October 1942 and taken to work in Germany. I went to Munich where I was made to work in a motor factory known as 'Dekel'. I was there for four months before I ran away. I was re-arrested by the Germans a few days later and was taken to Auschwitz concentration camp. In January 1945 I was transferred to Belsen.

2. I recognise Hilde Lisiewitz, No. 2 on photograph 22, as an SS woman who was a supervisor in one of the cookhouses in Belsen. I have on many occasions seen her beat women with a rubber truncheon for trying to steal extra food. The food at Belsen was insufficient. Lisiewitz reported such incidents to the Block Leaders in charge of the blocks to which the victims belonged and the victims were beaten again by the Block Leaders and made to do strenuous exercises. On numerous occasions I have seen Lisiewitz strike prisoners on the head with a rubber truncheon, knocking them down and then kicking them on the floor. Many of the prisoners had to be taken to hospital after this treatment but I cannot say whether any died.

3. I recognise Elisabeth Volkenrath, No. 6 on photograph 22 , as being an SS woman who was at Auschwitz whilst I was there. I saw this woman, who was in charge of all other SS women there, beat many women prisoners across the head with a rubber truncheon. On about 70 or 80 occasions I have seen Volkenrath beat women prisoners until they were unconscious. I have seen many of these victims carried away or into an air raid shelter dead. Volkenrath left them lying on the ground after beating them and kicking them unconscious. Many of these were carried away dead as a result of the injuries inflicted. I am certain that these deaths did occur as many of the prisoners so beaten were not seen again.

4. I recognise Juana Bormann, No. 3 on photograph 19, as an SS woman who was at Auschwitz during the whole of the time I was there. I saw her beat many women prisoners for wearing good clothes. She would strip women prisoners and make them do strenuous exercises. When they became too tired to continue I have seen Bormann beat them with sometimes a rubber truncheon and at other times a wooden stick on the head, back and all parts of the body. Whilst on the ground she also kicked them.

5. I recognise Frieda Walter, No. 2 on photograph 37, as an SS woman who was in charge of parties of prisoners employed on gardening round the SS office quarters at Belsen Camp. I have seen Walter beat many women prisoners for attempting to steal potatoes from the garden. I have seen Walter beat them with a wooden part of a spade and other wooden implements across the head and on the face. When they have fallen to the ground I have seen Walter kick them. I once spoke to Walter when she asked me a question. I spoke in German which I cannot speak well. When Walter spoke to me I told her I could not understand what she said and she then struck me across the face with her hand causing a severe bruising of my cheek which was swollen and discoloured for more than two weeks. This would be about the middle of March, 1945.

Sworn by the said Deponent Alexandra Siwidowa at Belsen this 31st day of May 1945.

Signed Alexandra Siwidowa.

Before me

Signed 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 31st day of May 1945.

Signed S.G. Champion, Major, R.A.

I hereby certify that I have accurately translated this affidavit to the said deponent.

Dated this 31st day of May 1945.

Signed Traute Neumann, Civilian Interpreter.

The signature is in Russian script, the deponent knowing no other.

Signed S.G. Champion, Major, R.A."

(Deposition of Tolla Stempler is marked Exhibit 81 [Corrected in pencil to 82], signed by the President and attached to the proceedings).

MAJOR MURTON-NEALE: The next one is 146. Photograph 12. Accused No. 45. (Hildegard Hahnel stands up).

"Deposition of Tolla Stempler (female) late of Drohebiez Ring Pl. 23, Poland, sworn before Major Savile Geoffrey Champion, Royal Artillery, Legal Staff, No. 1 War Crimes Investigation Team.

1. I am 20 years of age and was arrested on the 29th May 1943 in Drohebiez because I am a Jewess. I was taken to Borislave Barracks at Kraków, where I remained until the end of June 1943 when I was sent to Płaszów Labour Camp. I was then site to Auschwitz in December 1943 and remained there until I was sent to Belsen in January 1945.

2. I identify No. 4 on photograph 37 as an SS woman who was at Belsen. I have been told that her name is Hildegard Hahnel. During February 1945, whilst at Belsen, I was in the bathhouse together with about 100 girls. Hahnel at that time was in charge of the bathhouse. Apparently the girls did not dress quickly enough for her and with a whip she was carrying she beat some of the girls whilst they were naked. The beatings were very severe and I saw that she had drawn blood in many cases.

Sworn by the said Deponent Tolla Stempler at Belsen this 7th day of June 1945.

Signed Tolla Stempler.

Before me

Signed 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 7th day of June 1945.

Signed S.G. Champion, Major, R.A.

I hereby certify that I have accurately translated this affidavit to the said deponent.

Dated this 7th day of June 1945.

Signed Traute Neumann, Civilian Interpreter."

COLONEL BACKHOUSE: The next one is 147.

(Deposition of Mevrouw Nettie Stoppelman is marked exhibit 82[Corrected in pencil to 83], signed by the President and attached to the proceedings).

"Deposition of Mevrouw Nettie Stoppelman late of Roldershaat 14, Assen, Holland, sworn before me, Major Geoffrey Smallwood, Major (Legal Staff) Judge Advocate General's Office.

1. I am 27 years old and have been in concentration camps since October 1942. My only crime was being a Jew. My husband died in a concentration camp with me on 10th January 1944. I came to Belsen about January 1945.

2. All the time I have been at Belsen I have been what is known as a Block chief. There were at times as many as a thousand women in a block.

3. A woman called Milham, whose married name was Volkenrath came to Belsen as Oberaufseherin, that is the head of the women’s section at Belsen. She had held that position at Auschwitz.

4. She frequently used to come to my block and take away our cigarettes, clothes and bread and other foods.

5. It was a habit of hers to get girls to go to her house or office where the women chiefs lived and compel them to 'make sport.' (Sport machen). This meant exercises and took the form of making the girls run round fast and fall down, get up again and repeat the process. This lasted from half an hour to an hour. I myself was made to do this three times in March 1945 for no reason at all. It made me ill each time.

6. There was in the camp a girl we knew as Stania who was a prisoner and acted as chief of the camp among the prisoners. She was friendly with all the SS women and especially with Volkenrath. She was, I think, about 27 years of age, although it is difficult to tell ages in camp, very tall, slender and dark haired. She was suffering, I think, from T.B. About the beginning of April she drank something that made her ill but said that she had been poisoned by cakes sent from the kitchen. As a result the chief woman cook, her sister and a kitchen hand were shot. They disappeared and their dresses were sent back to their room, which was the custom when women were shot.

7. The chief of the kitchen at No. 1 Camp was a man whose name, I think, was Traur. In the last week before the English [British] came I saw three women asking him for drinking water which was very short in the camp. They were in a very weak condition. I myself saw him take them one by one and drown them in a large sort of stone tank near the kitchen. They were too weak to resist and he was strong.

Sworn by me the above named Nettie Stoppleman this 2nd day of May 1945 at Belsen Camp.

Signed Nettie Stoppleman.

Before me the said Major Geoffrey Smallwood.

Signed Geoffrey Smallwood.

Certified that I have accurately translated the evidence of the said Nettie Stoppleman as recorded in my presence.

Signed Traute Neumann."

The next one is 148 to 150.

(Deposition of Eva Krystyka Stojowska is marked exhibit 83 [Corrected in pencil to 84], signed by the President and attached to the proceedings.)

THE PRESIDENT: Is all this being read?

CAPTAIN STEWART: Yes, with the exception of paragraphs 2 and 3 on page 149.

"Deposition of Eva Krystyka Stojowska (female) late of Warsaw, Poland, sworn before Major Savile Geoffrey Champion, Royal Artillery, Legal Staff, No. 1 War Crimes Investigation Team.

1. I am 31 years of age and I was arrested on 17th May 1943 by the Gestapo, because I belong to the Polish underground organisation. I was confined for six weeks in a dark cell in Warsaw prison and I was then sent to Lemburg prison where I remained for five months. I was then transferred to Birkenau concentration camp, and on the 4th December 1944 to the men's camp Auschwitz, where I remained for two weeks. I was then sent to Kraków prison for six weeks and I came to Belsen in January 1945. I was tried before a political Court at Lemburg and sentenced to be confined to a concentration camp for an indefinite period.

2. Whilst at Birkenau I was in Block 12 and Helena Koper was in Block 18, which was opposite to my block. I was warned by Sofie Malys, who was secretary of Block 18, never to say anything in the presence of Koper as she, Koper, was a spy working for the SS Malys was later sent to Ravensbrück. Whilst at Birkenau I was told by many prisoners that Koper had given information to the SS and that many prisoners had been punished as a result.

3. When I arrived at Belsen Koper was Blockälteste of Block 205, and later Block 224. She later became camp policewoman. I myself was Blockälteste of Block 201 but after being in Belsen for about a month I was taken ill with typhus and was sick for two and a half months. Whilst sick I lived in Kitchen 1 block and then about the beginning of April 1945 I moved to the maternity block.

4. About the end of March 1945 whilst in Kitchen No. 1 Block, Belsen, I saw, through the window the woman Koper together with about 40 other women Block leaders. The other Block leaders were beating Koper with their hands and I saw her fall crying to the ground. The others then left her and she got up and went to the hospital. I asked some of the other Block leaders what was the matter and they told me that Koper had reported to the SS that they, these other Block leaders, were in possession of jewellery. This was an offence in the camp. A search was made of all the Block leaders by two SS. women whom I identify as No. 5 on photograph 22 and No. 6 on photograph 22 . I have now been told that their respective names are Herta Ehlert and Elisabeth Volkenrath. Nothing was found as a result of this search and they then searched Koper herself and found that she was wearing a gold chain and locket, in which was a photograph of a SS at Belsen Camp. Upon finding this either Volkenrath or Ehlert told the other Block leaders that Koper had given them false information else and that they could beat her. The other Block leaders then set about Koper.

Sworn by the said deponent Eva Krystyka Stokowska at Belsen this 15th day of June 1945.

Signed Eva Krystyka Stokowska

Before me

Signed S. G. Champion.

The deponent understanding English read this affidavit aloud in my presence and I am satisfied its contents were fully understood by the said deponent.

Signed S. G. Champion. 15/6/45."

"Further Deposition of Eva Krystyka Stojowska (female) late of Warsaw, Poland, sworn before Major Savile Geoffrey Champion, Royal Artillery, Legal Staff, No. 1 War Crimes Investigation Team.

1. During the time I was in Birkenau Concentration Camp, from October 1943, to December 1944, I saw many selections for the gas chamber, especially during the period May to September 1944, when they were held practically every day without exception. I saw the following persons take part in these selections: SS Doctors: Mengel, Klein and Rohde. SS men: Kommandant Kramer and Hössler, and Rapportführer Tauber. SS women: Mandel, Drechsler, Hasse and Brandel. "

I am leaving out paragraphs 2 and 3 and now go on to paragraph 4.

"4. I identify No. 2 on photograph No. 5" -

That is S.G.C.3, No. 23 in the dock (Walter Otto) -

" I identify No. 2 on photograph No. 5 as an Unterscharführer and Blockführer at Belsen. I have now been told that his name is Walter Otto. One day in January 1945, five or six days after my arrival at Belsen, I went to Block 213 which was empty, in order to get a bed. There were some beds outside 213 and as I was without one I obtained permission from the Lagerältester to fetch one. As I began to move the bed Otto approached me. He was carrying a big stick. He accused me of stealing the bed and without giving me a chance to answer beat me again and again across the upper arms, shoulders and back with the stick he was carrying. I was very badly bruised.

5. Block 201 in which I lived, was divided into two parts each of which had its own Block Leader. I was one Block Leader and a Hungarian Jewess, aged about 50 years, was the other. Two days after the incident above Otto came in Block 201. He was again carrying a big stick. The Hungarian Jewess had a bed in the block and Otto asked her where she got the bed. She told him she had brought it from outside with permission of the Lagerältester. Otto then set about the woman and beat her across the head, face, shoulders and back with his stick. She was knocked to the floor and he continued to beat her whilst she was on the floor. After Otto had left the block I helped to lift the woman into bed where she had to remain for several weeks. I believe that some of her ribs were broken as she could not breathe properly. She also had cuts on the face and head and her body was swollen and badly bruised. I have heard from other prisoners that Otto frequently beat prisoners for very little reason, but these are the only two incidents I can speak of from my own knowledge.

Sworn by the said deponent Eva Krystyka Stokowska at Belsen this 15th day of June 1945.

Signed Eva Krystyka Stokowska.

Before me.

Signed S. G. Champion, Major, R.A.

I hereby certify that, the said deponent understanding English, this affidavit was read aloud in my presence before swearing and I am satisfied its contents were fully understood by the said deponent.

Signed S. G. Champion, Major, R.A."

LIEUTENANT COLONEL GENN: The next one is 151. I do not propose to read paragraph 3 and the second sentence of paragraph 4.

(Deposition of Vladimir Sulima is marked Exhibit 85, signed by the President and attached to the proceedings)

"Deposition of Vladimir Sulima (male) late of Mykolaiv, Bol'shaya Morskaya 13, Russia [Ukraine], sworn before Captain Alexander Mackinley Forbes, Royal Artillery, Legal Staff, No. 1 War Crimes Investigation Team.

1. I am 21 years of age and was working at a factory at Mikołajów when the Germans captured the town in January 1942. I was then arrested by the Germans and put in a prison at Mikołajów for about 12 months, after which I was transferred to Buchenwald. After about a month there I was transferred to Dora camp where I remained until March 1945. I was then moved to Ellrich Camp for two days after which I came to Belsen.

2. On 14th June 1945 I was shown by Sergeant Scamans, 86 Special Investigation Section, Corps of Military Police, a man whom I recognise as the Kapo of the block in which I lived at Dora Camp. I have now been informed that his name is Vladislav Ostrowoski.

4. On transfer to Ellrich Concentration Camp I was, for those two days, in Block 19 of which Ostrowoski was again the Kapo.

5. Ostrowoski moved to Belsen with us and we were placed in Block 19 with Ostrowoski again as the Kapo. He continued to beat and ill treat prisoners in the same way as before. About 4 a.m. one morning, about three days after we arrived at Belsen, Ostrowoski ordered all of us out of the block on to Appell. One prisoner, a Frenchman, was sick and unable to get up. I saw Ostrowoski go to the Frenchman and give him a very heavy blow on the head with a piece of iron which he was carrying. The blow smashed the Frenchman’s head and smothered his head and face with blood. He did not move again. I saw that he was dead. Later in the day the Frenchman’s body, together with others who had died in the block during the night, was carried out and put in a heap of dead bodies in the camp. I assisted in this job. I am quite certain that the Frenchman was killed by the brutal attack made on him by Ostrowoski.

6. I have been beaten myself by Ostrowoski on a number of occasions both at Dora and Belsen. One day in Belsen when I was sick with typhus I asked Ostrowoski for food. Instead of giving me any Ostrowoski beat me across the shoulders with a stick.

Sworn by the said deponent Vladimir Sulima at Belsen this 19th day of June 1945.

Signed Vladimir Sulima.

Before me

Signed Alexander Mackinley Forbes, Captain, 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 19th day of June 1945.

Signed Alexander Mackinley Forbes, Captian, R.A.

I hereby certify that I have accurately translated this affidavit to the said deponent.

Dated this 19th day of June 1945.

Signed 13118612 Corporal Aitchinson H. 21 Army Group Interpreter Pool."

COLONEL BACKHOUSE: 159 is the next one. I do not propose to read paragraphs 3, 4, 5 or 6.

THE JUDGE ADVOCATE: Are you missing 158?

COLONEL BACKHOUSE: Yes, I do not think it is worth reading that.

(Deposition of Erika Thuna is marked Exhibit 86, signed by the President and attached to the proceedings).

MAJOR MURTON-NEALE:

"Deposition of Erika Thuna of IV Schönburgstrasse 25, Vienna, sworn before me Major P. Ingress Bell, D.A.A.G. Legal Staff, Judge Advocate General's Staff.

1. I am 21 years old. I am a Jewess of Austrian nationality. After being expelled from Vienna and taking refuge in France I was handed over to the Germans in 1940 and I have been a prisoner since that date until Belsen Camp was liberated.

2. I came to Belsen in November 1944. I was divided into three parts. Camp 1 was for prisoners, Camps 2 and 3 for the prison staff.

7. I name two SS women as being personally responsible for many brutal striking and flogging of weak and exhausted women prisoners on parade, at work and because they had left the block contrary to orders. These are SS woman Oberauf Folgenrat and SS woman Gresy.

8. When I was a prisoner at Auschwitz patients from the hospital who were prisoners and whom it was thought would not recover quickly or be able to work again were sent into a lethal gas chamber. The person responsible for selecting the victims was SS Dr. Klein who was subsequently transferred to Belsen Camp. I speak to the existence of the gas chamber and its use for killing people of my own personal knowledge.

Sworn by the above named Erika Thuna this 4th day of May 1945 at Belsen Camp.

Signed Erika Thuna.

Before me the said Major P. Ingress Bell.

Signed P. Ingress Bell.

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

Signed Charlotte Duschenes."

COLONEL BACKHOUSE: 160 is the next one.

(Deposition of Edith Trieger is marked Exhibit 87, signed by the President and attached to the proceedings).

CAPTAIN STEWART:

"Deposition of Deposition of Edith Trieger (female) late of 4 Murarska Strasse, Presov, Slovakia, sworn before Major Savile Geoffrey Champion, Royal Artillery, Legal Staff, No. 1 War Crimes Investigation Team.

1. I am 20 years of age and I was arrested by the Gestapo on 20th March 1942 because I am a Jewess. After staying at Poprad concentration camp, Slovakia, for two weeks I was transferred to Auschwitz, where I remained until I came to Belsen on 3rd November 1944.

2. At Auschwitz I knew an SS woman by the name of Grese and I identify her as No. 2 on photograph Z/4/2. I have now been told that her full name is Irma Grese. Grese was at Auschwitz from about June 1942, until 31st October 1944. Until May 1944 Grese was in charge of working parties of women but from that date onwards until she left the camp she was a Rapportführerin. I also saw Grese in Belsen after I left Auschwitz.

3. In August 1944 I saw this SS woman Grese at Auschwitz shoot a Hungarian Jewess who was aged about 30 years. I saw this incident from my block. At this time a transport of prisoners was arriving at the camp by train and when prisoners arrived all prisoners in the camp were confined to their blocks. The Hungarian woman stood outside the block watching the transport arrive when Grese approached the woman on her bicycle. She stopped and got off her bicycle about five metres away from the woman, and shouted to the woman "Get in your block." Then without giving the woman an opportunity to go to her block Grese produced a revolver from a holster she was carrying, aimed at the woman and fired. The woman fell to the ground and stayed there unconscious. Grese rode away on her bicycle leaving the woman there. I saw all this occur from the distance of about 50 metres. After about a quarter of a hour the transport passed by and Grese disappeared from view. I then went to the woman who had been shot and found that she had a bullet hole through the left breast. I pulled her clothes open and saw the hole where the bullet had penetrated and left the body. There was a pool of blood on the ground and the woman’s clothing was soaked in blood. The woman was dead. I am quite certain of this as I put a mirror to the woman's mouth to test whether she was breathing and it did not cloud over. After satisfying myself that the woman was actually dead I returned to my block. No one else came to see the body at that time as we were still confined to our blocks. The body lay in the road for another hour and then other prisoners came out and carried the body away to a spot behind a hut and covered it with a blanket. I did not see the body after that.

4. One day in the beginning of October 1944 a selection to choose people for the gas chamber was made inside the block in which I lived. Selections were sometimes made outside and sometimes inside the block. The selectors were Kommandant Kramer, Dr. Mengele, SS woman Drechsler and SS woman Mandel. Doctor Mengele was in charge of the selection. The woman Grese was present moving about the block in the passage and round the door of the block. All the women in the block had to undress. I was excused as I was a Block Leader. Those selected were taken to my room to await removal to the gas chamber and I was ordered to keep those selected in my room. Drechsler stood near to me all the time and I was made to stand in front of the doorway of my room with my hands outstretched. The selected persons endeavoured to escape by passing under my arms and between my legs. When an opportunity occurred I let them do so and they ran out into the street. Grese saw this. One or two got away, but Grese caught the majority and beat them with her hands and kicked them until they were forced back into the room. All the girls were naked.

5. I saw many selections in Camp C at Auschwitz and Grese was invariably present. At the smaller ones I have seen Grese sort out the weaker women and send them off for removal to the gas chamber. I have also seen Grese beating women prisoners at the camp every day, sometimes with her hands, sometimes with a rubber stick and sometimes kicking them.

6. I recognise Hilde Löbauer, who I know by name, as No. 3 on photograph Z/4/2. This woman was at Auschwitz from March 1942 and was still there when I left. I later saw her at Belsen. Löbauer was a German Aryan who had been arrested as an undesirable element. At first this woman used to work as an assistant supervisor to parties of women prisoners going out of the camp to work. Later she worked in the camp selecting prisoners for working parties. I have frequently seen this woman beat other women prisoners, sometimes with her hands and sometimes with a wooden stick. Beatings by this woman occurred daily. She would beat women for not lining up quickly on parade or for any trifling offence. Sometimes she would beat other women for no reason at all except that she did not like them. She was very sadistic. During the daytime Löbauer, after selecting working parties, patrolled the camp as a police guard, striking women for small of offences or because they did not satisfy her. I have seen Löbauer beat women across the head, shoulders and body often making them bleed. I did not see her kill anyone or knock anyone unconscious but I have been told by other prisoners that some of the victims had to be taken to hospital for treatment as the result of injuries inflicted on them by this woman. I cannot recall any particular incident as beatings by this woman were a daily occurrence.

7. I recognise Elisabeth Volkenrath, who I know by name, as No. 6 on photograph 22. I have seen Volkenrath at Auschwitz frequently beating women prisoners on all parts of the body with a rubber stick. At selection parades for the gas chamber I have seen Volkenrath make selections herself of persons who were to go. I myself was picked out by Volkenrath on a selection parade for the gas chamber but managed to escape at an opportune moment. Others selected by Volkenrath were sent to Block 25 of Camp A for transfer to the gas chamber. Persons so selected and sent to this block were not seen again. "

The next paragraph refers to Frieda Walter, and the photograph is S.G.C.12.

"8. I identify No. 2 on photograph 37 as an SS supervisor of Kitchen No. 2 at Belsen. I have now been told that her name is Frieda Walter. I have seen this woman beating women prisoners who approached the kitchen practically every day. I have seen her beat prisoners, usually over the head and face, with her hands, with a hosepipe or anything handy at the time, and sometimes kick them. I did not see anyone killed or rendered unconscious by this woman.

Sworn by the said deponent Edith Treiger at Belsen this 4th day of June 1945.

Signed Edith Treiger.

Before me.

Signed S. G. Champion, Major, R.A.

I hereby certify that, the said deponent not understanding English, this affidavit was translated in my presence before swearing and I am satisfied its contents were fully understood by the said deponent.

Dated this 4th day of June 1945.

Signed S. G. Champion, Major, R.A.

I hereby certify that I have accurately translated this affidavit to the said deponent.

Dated this 4th day of June 1945.

Franke [Traute] Neumann. Civilian Interpreter.

CAPTAIN STEWART: The next is 162. There are three together here so it may be convenient to put them in together.

THE PRESIDENT: Which are you putting in?

LIEUTENANT COLONEL GENN: 162, 163, 164 and 165.

THE PRESIDENT: 166 is not being put in?

LIEUTENANT COLONEL GENN: No.

COLONEL BACKHOUSE: I understand the Defence would like the first paragraph read of 166 so I will put it in.

LT COLONEL GENN:

"Deposition of Luba Triszinska of Derevna, Zamosti, Gorod Kamenitz, Litovsk, Brestitovsk, Russia, 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 aged 26. I am a Jewess of Russian nationality. I was arrested in May, 1941, and went to Auschwitz camp in November, 1942. I was sent to Belsen camp in November 1944. In Belsen Camp I was employed as a nurse to Dutch babies. I was not ill treated. In the course of my duties I had to go daily to the kitchen for food for the children. In consequence I was in a position to see how the internees working in the kitchen were treated.

3. I name in particular SS Nikolas Jenner whose photograph has been shown to me, No. 24 and whom I identify as No. 4 on such photograph, who was one of the chefs in the kitchen. The beatings he gave were because starving people tried to get scraps of food from the swill tub. In addition I saw him on the 15th of March, 1945, kill a woman by shooting her because she came and collected scraps outside the kitchen.

4. I name also Charlotte Klein whose photograph has been shown to me, No. 22, whom I identify as No. 1 on such photograph as being personally responsible for deaths by beatings. Internees pulled a cart of bread from the main store to other stores under her supervision and were beaten for stealing bread.

5. I name also as persons whom I have seen severely beating internees and thereby causing their ultimate deaths SS woman Marta Linke, whose photograph has been shown to me, No. 25 and whom I identify as No. 5 on such photograph. She was in charge of the vegetables. I say the same also of two other SS. women in charge of the kitchen namely Frieda Walter and Irene Haschke whose photographs have been shown to me Nos. 37 and 35 and whom I identify on such photographs as Nos. 2 and 3 respectively. The beatings to which I refer were given with a heavy stick.

Sworn by the above named Luba Triszinska this 5th day of May 1945 at Belsen Camp.

Signed Tryszynska, Luba.

Before me the said Major P Ingress Bell

Signed P. Ingress Bell.

Then follows the usual certificate by the interpreter.

"Further Deposition of Luba Triszinska (female) late of Samosta, near Brest-Litevsk, Russia, sworn before Major Savile Geoffrey Champion, Royal Artillery, Legal Staff, No. 1 War Crimes Investigation Team.

1. Further to my depositions of 5th May, 1945, and 1st June, 1945.

2. I recognise No. 2 On photograph Z/4/2 as a woman who was in charge of an Arbeitskommando at Auschwitz, of which I was a member for about five weeks. I have now been told that her name is Irma Grese. Often we had to march about 15 km to a place where we had to pick herbs for the kitchen. Grese would ride a bicycle and would be accompanied by her big dog. Some of the prisoners were too weak to keep pace with the main column and when they fell behind Grese would order her dog to bite them, at the same time hitting them with a short wooden stick. Those beaten were so injured and weak that they had to be carried by the strongest of the prisoners all the way to the work site and then back to the camp. On arrival at the camp the injured and weak had to report to Block 25 which was the block to which prisoners destined for the gas chamber were sent. I have been present when Grese has been chasing and driving out of their hiding places women internees who were trying to avoid being sent to the gas chamber. She would beat and pull them. I have also seen Grese at Block 25 assisting and using force to load the women into the lorries which were taking them to the gas chamber.

3. I recognise No. 3 on photograph Z/4/2 as an internee at Auschwitz. I have now been told that her name is Hilde Löbauer. She wore a black triangle on her blouse denoting her to be a social outcast. In her case I believe she was a prostitute. She was employed in the Arbeitsdienst and it was part of her job to select people for the working parties. My post, as hospital guard, was about 10 metres from the office where all the Arbeitskommandos had to report when returning from work. I have often seen Löbauer search these prisoners and if she found vegetables etc. on them she beat them with a wooden stick or rubber stick. I have also seen her outside Block 25, Auschwitz Camp, chasing into lorries those, people selected for the gas chamber.

4. I recognise No. 22 on photograph Z/4/8 as an SS Aufseherin at Belsen, employed in Kitchen No. 2, men’s camp. I have now been told that her name is Anna Hempel. At the beginning of March, 1945, I was acting as nurse to Dutch children and had to fetch meals from this kitchen for them. I was present when Hempel caught a male internee stealing turnips. First she beat him with a rubber truncheon, using all her strength. When she grew tired she called a Rottenführer (whose name I have forgotten, but he acted as supervisor in the kitchen) to assist her. Both then made the prisoner lean with his back against a door and then the Rottenführer kicked him in the stomach until the prisoner was unconscious and had to be carried away.

5. I recognise No. 23 on photograph Z/4/8 as an SS woman also employed in No. 2 kitchen, men's camp, Belsen. I have now been told that her name is Gisella Koblischeik. She was in charge of the vegetable stores. I have never seen her ill-treat anyone and I know that she has often 'turned a blind eye' when prisoners have stolen vegetables.

Sworn by the said deponent Tryszynska Luba at Belsen this 8th day of June, 1934 [1945].

Signed Luba Tryszynska.

Before me

Signed S.G. Champion, Major, R.A."

Then follow the usual certificates.

"Further Deposition of Luba Triszinska (female) late of Dervena, Zamosti, Gorodkamenitz, Litovsk, Brest Litovsk, Russia, sworn before: - Major Savile Geoffrey Champion, Royal Artillery, Legal Staff, No. 1 War Crimes Investigation Team.

1. Further to my deposition dated 5th May, 1945. In paragraph 5 of that deposition I refer to the beatings and subsequent deaths of prisoners by SS woman Marta Linke. At the time of making my previous deposition I did not know this woman's name and was told that it was Marta Linke when I identified the person responsible as No. 5 on photograph 25. I now understand that the woman's name I identified by photograph is Herta Bothe.

Sworn by the said deponent Luba Triszinska at Belsen this 1st day of June 1945

Signed Luba Triszinska

Before me

Signed S.G. Champion, Major, R.A."

Then follow the usual certificates.

THE PRESIDENT: I do not see why the first paragraph of 166 should be read as it is exactly the same as the first paragraph of 162 - word for word.

COLONEL BACKHOUSE: Yes, it is simply repetition. The officer who wanted it has gone out.

MAJOR CRANFIELD: I do not think it is needed.

THE PRESIDENT: Very well, we will leave it.

(Three depositions of Luba Triszinska are marked Exhibit 88, signed by the President and attached to the proceedings.

MAJOR MURTON-NEALE: The next is No. 167, the deposition of Estera Wajsblum; it refers to the accused Ansgar Pichen and the photograph S.G.C.3.

(Deposition of Estera Wajsbum (Female) late of 19 Radoszewskiego, Starachowice, near Radom, Poland, sworn before Major Savile Geoffrey Champion, R.A., Legal Staff, No. 1 War Crimes Investigation Team.

"1. I am 22 years of age. I was arrested in the summer of 1940 because I am a Jew, and taken to the Ghetto at Starachowice. In the summer of 1941 I was transferred to a labour camp in the same town and at the end of 1943 to Auschwitz. I came to Belsen in December, 1944.

2. I recognise No. 3 on photograph 5 as an SS kitchen chief in No. 1 Kitchen at Belsen, where I was employed. I have now been told that his name is Ansgar Pichen. About three weeks before the English [British] came, a male prisoner whose name I do not know, was working next to the wire separating No. 1 Kitchen from the men’s camp at Belsen. I was in the kitchen at the time and I saw Pichen leave the kitchen. He went up to this prisoner and searched him. He then returned to the kitchen with some foodstuffs he had found on the prisoner. He then accused the girls working in the kitchen that one of them had given the stuff to the prisoners, but we all denied having done so. Pichen then left the kitchen again and went towards the prisoner. When about five metres from him he pulled his pistol out of the holster and shot him. He fell down bleeding from the chest and I was of the opinion that he was dead. Pichen then ordered other prisoners to take the body away and this was done. The next day I was told by some male prisoners who came for food that the man shot by Pichen was dead.

3. About 13th or 14th April, 1945, all girls working in No. 1 Kitchen were ordered by Pichen to leave the kitchen and wait outside whilst he attended a parade of SS men, which was being held in the vicinity of the SS quarters. There was only one SS man left behind and he did duty at the guard tower. Many male prisoners who were starving, took the opportunity of obtaining turnips which were piled up outside Kitchen No. 1. After about half an hour Pichen and an SS Rottenführer who worked in the kitchen returned. I do know the name of the Rottenführer except that his first name was Josef. When they saw the prisoners, who numbered about 50, stealing the turnips, they ran towards them, firing as they ran. They opened fire from about 30 metres. I saw many of these prisoners fall down. When they, Pichen and Josef, reached the kitchen, Josef went inside, but Pichen continued firing at the prisoners who were trying to escape. To escape from the firing we, the girls working in the kitchen, went inside the kitchen immediately it was open. I would estimate that a total number of men shot by Pichen and Josef was between 10 and 15. After about half an hour I saw other prisoners take away those who had been shot. The prisoners dragged those who had been shot by the ankles which was the usual method of taking corpses away for burial.

Sworn by the said deponent Estera Wajsblum at Belsen this 11th day of June, 1945

Signed Wajsblum Estera

Before me

Signed S.G. Champion, Major, R.A."

Then follows the usual certificates.

CAPTAIN STEWART: The next one is 169, the deposition of Sonia Watinik.

(Deposition of Sonia Watinik is marked Exhibit 90, signed by the President and attached to the proceedings.)

"1. I am 22 years of age and, because I am a Jewess, I was arrested by the Germans on 4th January, 1942, and taken to Auschwitz where I remained until November, 1944. I was then transferred to Belsen.

2. During the summer of 1943, whilst at Auschwitz, I was employed digging trenches. One day, I cannot remember the day or the month, but it was during the summer while I was digging, I saw my male cousin, Tevel Schadrowski passing near where I was working. He threw a piece of bread towards me but it fell a short distance away. I went to pick it up but before I could do so a woman Kapo picked it up and kept it for herself. She hit me twice with her fist knocking out one of my teeth, and then made me continue working.

4. On 22nd June, 1945, with my friends Hanka Rozenwayg and Ewa Grika, I was in Camp 3, Belsen Camp, when I saw a woman whom I recognised as the Kapo who had beaten me at Auschwitz. 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.

4. I saw Lothe beat my friend Ewa Grika. With her fists she hit Ewa in the face making her nose bleed. I also saw Lothe beat a woman prisoner named Ruschla Grunwald because she left her work to go to the lavatory. For this beating she used a wooden stick and carried on beating her until the woman collapsed. I was also present and heard Lothe ask an SS woman, whose name I do not know but whom I recognise as No. 2 on photograph Z/4/2 and whose name I have now been told is Irma Grese, to set her dog on my friend Hanka Rozenwayg. I saw the dog bite Hanka in the shoulder.

5. I have seen Lothe beat many prisoners with a stick. Some of these prisoners were beaten so badly that they were unable to work owing to the injuries inflicted upon them by Lothe. Because they were unable to work they were taken to Block 25. It was common knowledge in the camp that people who were taken to Block 25 were destined for the gas chamber. I have never seen any of these people who were removed to Block 25 again.

Sworn by the said deponent Sonia Watinik at Belsen this 28th day of June, 1945

Signed Watinik, Sonia

Before me

Signed S.G. Champion, Major R.A."

Then follows the usual certificate.

(Deposition of Margit Weiss is marked exhibit 91 signed by the President and attached to the proceedings).

LIEUTENANT COLONEL GENN: The next is number 170 and 171.

"Deposition of Miss Margit Weiss late of Cakovec, Yugoslavia, sworn before me Major Geoffrey Smallwood (Legal Staff) Judge Advocate General's Office.

I was first arrested on the 26th April 1944 when the Jews were rounded up in our locality. My only crime was being a Jew. I came to Belsen on 7th November 1944.

During about January of February 1945 Rottenfuhrer Muller used to come into our block about 5 a.m. and beat women without any cause with a big stick. This happened many times.

About the end of February 1945 I was present when a Polish prisoner who had been put into the camp as a spy and was found wearing round her neck the photograph of an SS man. She was brought into a room where there were four SS women including the Rapportführerin, one S.S man and four Blockältesten who were prisoners. She was made to undress and was savagely beaten with a stick by the Rapportführerin and by one of the Blockältesten who was a Pole. The whole floor was covered with blood and she could not walk but had to be carried away. The name of the victim was Korperova. The name of the Rapportführerin was Gollasch, and the name of one of the other SS women was Ehlert.

The last week before the English [British] came I saw the chief cook, an SS man Traur, drown in a sort of stone tank a sick woman who asked him for water. After the English [British] came this man was still here and forced to work.

Sworn by me the above named Margit Weiss.

Before me the said Major Geoffrey Smallwood.

Signed Geoffrey Smallwood, Major."

Then there is the usual interpreter's certificate.

"Further deposition of Miss Margit Weiss (female late of Cakovec, Yugoslavia, sworn before me Major Savile Geoffrey Champion, R.A. Legal Staff, No. 1 War Crimes Investigation Team.

Further to my deposition of 3rd May 1945 I identify Herta Ehlert, No. 5 on photograph 22 as one of the SS women who was present when the beating, which I refer to in paragraph 3 of my previous deposition, took place. I should add that I was in the room when this beating took place and I saw the girl carried away unconscious.

Sworn by the said deponent Margit Weiss at Belsen this 1st day of June 1945

Signed Margit Weiss

Before me

Signed 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 1st day of June 1945

Signed S.G. Champion, Major"

Then again comes the usual interpreter's certificate.

(Depositions of Miriam Weiss are marked exhibit 92 signed by the President and attached to the proceedings.

COLONEL BACKHOUSE: The next one is number 172 and 174. I propose reading only paragraphs one and three in deposition number 172.

"Deposition of Miriam Weiss (female) late of SV. Save, 6, Srem, Mitrovica, Yugoslavia, sworn before Captain Alfred James Fox, General List, D.A.P.M. 86 Special Investigation Section, Corps of Military Police.

I am 24 years of age and was arrested on 3rd May 1943 because I was a Jewess. I was taken to Zagreb prison and transferred to Auschwitz on 13th May 1943. I came to Belsen on 30th November 1944.

I recognise Elisabeth Volkenrath as No. 6 on photograph 22 and remember her as an SS woman at Belsen. On 16th April 1945 (the day after the English [British] arrived) all the internees had been confined to their blocks, but I was allowed out to collect rations for my block. Whilst I was out I saw another prisoner who was in a very poor state of health and could hardly walk. Volkenrath approached this girl and asked her if she did not know that she was confined to her block. She then struck the girl very hard several times with her fist and the girl fell to the ground and did not move. Volkenrath then went away leaving the girl lying on the ground.

Sworn by me the said deponent Miriam Weiss at Belsen Camp this 28th day of May 1945

Signed Miriam Weiss

Before me

Signed A. J. Fox, Captain.

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 May 1945

Signed A. J. Fox, Captain."

Then follows the usual interpreter's certificate.

"The deponent Miriam Weiss who made the attached affidavit was at Belsen this 31st day of May 1945 examined by me, and resworn by me,

Signed S.G. Champion, Major, R.A. Legal Staff, No. 1 War Crimes Investigation Team.

Signed Miriam Weiss"

"Further deposition of Miriam Weiss (female) late of SV. Save, 6, Srem Mitrovica, Yugoslavia, sworn before Major Savile Geoffrey Champion, Royal Artillery, Legal Staff, No. 1 War Crimes Investigation Team.

I am 24 years of age and was arrested on 3rd May 1943 for being a Jewess. On that date I was taken to Zagreb prison where I remained until 13th May 1945 [1943] when I was transferred to Auschwitz. On 30th November 1944 I was sent to Belsen.

I recognise No. 8 on photograph Z/4/3 as an internee at Belsen who was taken by the SS to do police duties in the women's camp, Belsen, shortly before the British came. I am now told his name is Erich Zoddel.

3. I recognise No. 2 on photograph Z/4/2 as a woman who was an Oberaufseherin or Rapportführerin during 1943-44 at Auschwitz. I also remember her being at Belsen. I am now told her name is Irma Grese.

4. I recognise No. 3 on photograph Z/4/2 as a woman internee at Auschwitz who was employed in the Arbeitsdienst. I also recognise her as a supervisor for the working parties at Belsen. I am now told that her name is Hilde Löbauer. One day during March 1945, while I was at Belsen, we were all confined to our blocks because a commission was expected from Berlin. I went out, however, to carry food back to the kitchen and Löbauer saw me. She beat me on the face with her fists so hard that I had ear trouble for several days. I have also seen her beat other prisoners in a similar manner.

Sworn by the said deponent Miriam Weiss at Belsen Camp this 4th day of June 1945

Signed Miriam Weiss

Before me

Signed 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 4th day of June 1945

Signed S.G. Champion, Major R.A."

Then comes the interpreter's certificate.

(Statement of Dr. Zdenek Wiesner is marked exhibit 93 signed by the President and attached to the proceedings).

CAPTAIN STEWART: This is number 175.

"Statement of Dr. Zdenek Wiesner, Czech Nationality; 48 years old. Profession: Surgeon. Qualified at Prague University.

I have been in this camp (Belsen) for one year. Previously I had been in camps at Dachau, Lublin and Auschwitz. It is about 5 years since I was first put in a concentration camp.

Kramer used to be leader in another camp named Natzweiler. Another Czech inmate named Bellunek used to be in Natzweiler. I was sent here from Auschwitz as a doctor to deal with an outbreak of typhus. There were between 400 and 500 cases of typhus. I am a specialist in typhus. Kramer was not the Kommandant of this camp when I arrived here. I have forgotten the name of the former Kommandant. It is difficult to keep count of time, so that I do not know exactly on what date Kramer actually took this camp over. I gave certain patients what treatment I could, but I had no vaccine, and my treatment was mainly confined to strengthening the heart. In many cases I saw injections of petrol and creosol being given by the SS orderlies. In some cases big lumps were caused by these injections being given by untrained men. I was called in to operate on these lumps in three cases. As a doctor I can positively say that the liquid with which these persons were injected was petrol or creosol. Furthermore, on one occasion a bottle of petrol was lost and I was personally threatened with an injection of petrol, as it was thought that the loss of this petrol was due to sabotage. I was also asked on another occasion by the Lageraltester (who was the Camp Leader appointed by the Kommandant) whether I would take part in these petrol injections. Dr. Jäger, an S.S, doctor, was the head doctor at that time. Later on, Dr. Jäger left and was succeeded by Dr. Klein who was in the camp when the camp was taken.

After the outbreak of typhus there was an outbreak of Erysipelas in which I again was asked to finish off injected persons by these injections. There were about 10 to 15 cases. Another doctor, a Russian named Larion Michailowski of Kiev was present when I received this request. I only dealt with men. I had nothing to do with women.

I cannot give an estimate of the deaths that occurred during the whole year I was here, as conditions grew worse and worse as other camps were evacuated into this camp. I estimate that during the last three months there were 25000 deaths. In many cases half of the prisoners were dead in the railroad carriages that brought them here. I am afraid the figure of deaths as given for the last three months is even too low, considering the increasing mortality rate which towards the end was between 500 and 1400 per day. There was a gradual increase of typhus, but the majority of deaths was due to hunger. During the last 12 days we had no bread, but only swedes boiled in water. Before that there was a period during which we had only a ration of 50 grams of bread per day.

On one occasion I think it was in January or February 1945, at any rate during the winter months, a transport arrived from another camp, I think Natzweiler, containing about 2000 prisoners. These 2000 were in quarantine for typhus and put in one building and not allowed out. This building had a concrete floor and holes in the roof, and I personally saw prisoners lying on that floor without bedding of any sort. I do not think that there were any survivors of these 2000 prisoners. I personally accompanied a Dr. Horstmann who used to be in Sachsenhausen or Oranienburg and protested to him about these conditions.

Owing to the prevailing hunger many people tried at night to get into the food stores to get potatoes or swedes and were shot. I personally saw the bodies lying on the ground and it was said in the camp that the shooting was a sport enjoyed by the guards and that Kramer himself took part in it. On one occasion there were said to be 52 bodies, but I personally saw only 45.

I personally witnessed many floggings and the number of strokes varied from 25 to 50. Deaths occurred as a consequence of these floggings. I personally have seen about 20 bodies with either the ears, the liver or other intestines or the scrotum or the penis cut out by a knife. This was strictly forbidden, but I actually saw a man produce from his coat a human liver and eat it. Some people were caught and shot for this. The liver was the part usually cut out.

Signed Z. Wiesner."

(Deposition of Miriam Winter is marked exhibit 94 signed by the President and attached to the proceedings).

LIEUTENANT COLONEL GENN: This is number 177.

"Deposition of Miriam Winter (female) late of 18 Hermann Goering Strasse, Miszkow, Poland, sworn before Major Savile Geoffrey Champion, Royal Artillery, Legal Staff, No. 1 War Crimes Investigation Team.

I am 23 years of age and because I am a Jewess I was arrested on 25th September 1943 and taken to Birkenau Camp where I remained until I was transferred to Belsen in January 1945.

I identify No. 21 on photograph Z/4/7 as an SS chief of No. 1 Kitchen at Belsen. I have now been told that his name is Erich Barsch . A few days before the English [British] arrived at the camp I was working in the vicinity of No. 1 Kitchen. I saw this man Barsch walk towards girl who was standing near a pile of turnips. When Barsch was about three metres from the girl he fired two or three shots at her, from a pistol he was carrying in his hand. I saw the girl fall to the ground, with a wound in her head, and I saw blood streaming from it. The girl did not move and in my opinion she was killed. The only reason I can give for this shooting was that the girl may have attempted to take some of the turnips. I saw another girl who had been watching the incident called over by Barsch . I heard Barsch ask her if she was thirsty and the girl said she was. Barsch then told her she could drink the dead girl’s blood. Cesa Silberberg was also present when this shooting took place.

Sworn by the said deponent Miriam Winter at Belsen this 11th day of June 1945.

Signed Winter, Miriam.

Before me

Signed S.G. Champion, Major, R.A."

Then there is the usual certificate as to the translation signed by Major Champion, and the certificate signed by the interpreter.

(Deposition of Benec Zuckermann is marked exhibit 95 signed by the President and attached to the proceedings).

MAJOR MURTON-NEALE: This is 181.

Deposition of Benec Zuckermann (male) late of 28, Pilsudski Street, Starachowicze, Poland, sworn before Major Savile Geoffrey Champion, Royal Artillery, Legal Staff No. 1 War Crimes Investigation Team.

I was arrested in January 1940 because I am a Jew and was imprisoned in Radom for two months. In April 1940 I was transferred to the labour camp at Starachowicze and remained there until the summer of 1943 when I went to Auschwitz. In October 1944 I went to camp Stutthof, near Danzig where I remained for six weeks when I was transferred to Taflingen Camp, near Stuttgart. I remained there for six months and was then sent to Schomberg, near Stuttgard where I remained until March 1945 when I was sent to Belsen.

I identify No. 8 on photograph Z/4/3 as an internee Lagerältester in No. 2 Camp, Belsen. I have now been told that his name is Erich Zoddel. He wore a green triangle on his blouse which denoted that he was a criminal. He was very brutal and always walked around carrying a wooden stick with which he used to beat other prisoners. One day in March 1945, after the food had been served in the open in No. 1 Camp, Belsen, I tried to get a second helping. Zoddel was standing next to the food containers watching the food distribution. When I approached the food containers he jumped on me and with the stick which he was carrying struck me several times, very hard and mostly on the head. Then I started to run but being very sick I could not go very fast. Zoddel ran behind me through the courtyard of the camp beating me the whole time. I was bleeding heavily and blood was running all over my head and face. I was later bandaged by the camp doctor and had to remain in bed for three days as a result of this treatment.

On many occasions I have seen Zoddel beat sick internees for no apparent reason. I have seen them fall to the ground. Some of these victims were merely unconscious but others, I know, died as a result of this brutal treatment, because I have later seen their corpses collected.

Sworn by the said deponent Benec Zuckermann at Belsen this 8th day of June 1945.

Signed Zuckermann, Benec,

Before me

Signed S.G. Champion, Major, R.A.

I 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 8th day of June 1945.

Signed S.G. Champion, Major, R.A.

I hereby certify that I have accurately translated this affidavit to the said deponent."

The signature is the Polish version of the deponent's name.

Signed Robert Coles. Corporal. Pioneer Corps."

THE JUDGE ADVOCATE: Is not No. 185 the one we never had?

COLONEL BACKHOUSE: I rather thought that is one which was produced by somebody.

THE JUDGE ADVOCATE: Is it not Exhibit "9"?

COLONEL BACKHOUSE: I am sorry, that is quite right. The photograph concerned is S.G.C.4 and the accused is Oscar Schmedidzt.

"Deposition of Vaclav Jecny (Male) late of Zlabec, Posta, Tatobity, near Semily, Bohemia, sworn before Major Savile Geoffrey Champion, Royal Artillery, Legal Staff, No. 1 War Crimes Investigation Team.

1. I am 33 years of age and I was arrested on 30th June 1939 because I was a supporter of President Benes. I was taken to a prison in Prague and in December 1939 transferred to Dachau where I remained until June 1941 when was transferred to Buchenwald. In October 1941 I was transferred to Auschwitz, in October 1942 to Neuengamme, in January 1943 to Braunschweig and finally to Belsen on 11th April 1945.

2. I identify No. 2 on photograph No. 7 as an SS man at Belsen. I have now been told that his name is Oscar Schmedidzt (Schmitz). On 13th or 14th April 1945 I was standing near my block in the men's camp in Belsen. A group of prisoners were standing near the barbed wire which separated the block from the main street. Across this street was No. 1 Kitchen and near by was a pile of turnips. It was no doubt the intention of the prisoners to get through the barbed wire and cross to steal a few turnips. While they were standing there Schmedidzt appeared on his bicycle and apparently realised the intention of the men. He pulled out his pistol and fired several times into the group of prisoners. It was the usual custom for Schmedidzt to fire his pistol whenever he saw a group of men standing near this wire. When Schmedidzt fired his pistol three men fell to the ground and the rest ran away. Schmedidzt carried on cycling and I went into my block. I later heard from other prisoners that the three men I saw fall to the ground were dead. I was told that they had been taken by other prisoners to the Hospital Block and put on the existing pile of corpses."

That is prepared for signature, but of course the various people have not signed it.

"This is the Exhibit marked 'E.D.' now produced and shown to Edward Dinsdale and Charlotte Duschenes and referred to in the respective affidavits of the said Edward Dinsdale and Charlotte Duschenes sworn as to the said Edward Dinsdale and Charlotte Duschenes on the 20th June 1945.

Before me

Signed Alexander Mackinley Forbes, Captain, R.A."

It was in fact produced to the Court by Dinsdale himself. I do not think it is necessary for me to read 184, which is an affidavit of the interpreter, in view of the live evidence that we had from Dinsdale.

The next are 190 and 191. I had forgotten to put them to Sergeant Scamans, but I have an affidavit of Margaret, and I propose to put that in subject to any objection my friend makes.

MAJOR CRANFIELD: it is a matter for the Court, but I submit that it is not proper to prove the statement on 191 by the affidavit on 190, when Sergeant Scamans who proves it on page 189 was before the Court and the Prosecution had an opportunity of getting him to prove it, if he could so so, as a live witness. You will see on page 189 he makes an affidavit proving the statement on page 191, which is exhibited as "C.A.S.2". The on page 190 his Interpreter makes another affidavit. The point is that, in my submission, Sergeant Scamans should have been asked to prove the statement on page 191 and it should not be left to the Interpreter.

COLONEL BACKHOUSE: If my friend insists, I will recall Sergeant Scamans, as I have not closed my case, but I think it is rather necessary to bring him back. The Court can see what happened. There were two affidavits. I examined him on the first and I did not notice there was a small technical affidavit on the other side. I think by far the simplest way of doing it is this. I propose to tender to the Court an affidavit from Margaret Jelinek and unless they rule that it is inadmissible I put it forward to be put in. Jelinek is obviously the person who can say what Michal Promsky said because all Sergeant Scamans knows about it is what Margaret Jelinek translated to him.

(The Court confer)

THE JUDGE ADVOCATE: I must say I am extremely muddled with all these things, but I would have thought the proper thing was to call Margaret Jelinek, who would say, "I was present and the witness said certain things. That was reduced to writing and whatever is produced i writing is what the witness said", and then that could be produced. Is that what you want to do?

COLONEL BACKHOUSE: I agree with you that is the proper way to prove this affidavit, but Jelinek being in Prague I therefore put her affidavit before the Court instead of calling her.

THE JUDGE ADVOCATE: I think you will have to put that in and then carry on with the other ne.

COLONEL BACKHOUSE: That is what I propose to do. I cannot see any conceivable objection to it.

THE JUDGE ADVOCATE: What do we do - put in 190; is that it?

MAJOR CRANFIELD: The effect of it is that instead of having a chance of cross examining Sergeant Scamans about this statement, it goes in under an affidavit.

COLONEL BACKHOUSE: My friend has had an opportunity of cross examining. He has been before the Court and he could have been cross examined. My friend obviously forgot to cross examine and says: "I have not had the opportunity of cross examining." We have both had the same opportunity.

MAJOR CRANFIELD: I think the situation was that when I heard the Prosecutor not put the questions to Sergeant Scamans it never crossed my mind for a moment that he had forgotten.

COLONEL BACKHOUSE: He does not say a word about anybody except a man called Ostrowoski whom my friend does not represent.

THE JUDGE ADVOCATE: To get this straight - it seems extremely muddled - I should have thought you ought to have the deposition of Margaret Jelinek read and then have the affidavit of Michal Promsky. You could then have an application by the Defence, if they want to make it, to have Sergeant Scamans back to cross examine. That sorts out the tangle.

COLONEL BACKHOUSE: I think so.

(Depositions of Margaret Jelinek and Michal Promsky are together marked Exhibit 96, signed by the President and attached to the proceedings).

"Deposition of Margaret Jelinek, late of Prague II, Ped Slovany, 13, at present employed as a civilian interpreter with No. 1 War Crimes Investigation Team, sworn before Captain Alexander Mackinley Forbes, Royal Artillery, Legal Staff, No. 1 War Crimes Investigation Team.

1. I am at present employed as a civilian interpreter by No. 1 War Crimes Investigation Team, Belsen Camp.

2. on 14th June 1945 I acted as interpreter at the interviewed by No. 14604094 Sergeant Cyril Albert Scamans, 86 Special Investigation Section, Corps of Military Police, of Michal Promsky, as a result of which interview the said Cyril Albert Scamans prepared a deposition of the said Michal Promsky. The said deposition of the said Michal Promsky is now produced and shown to me marked exhibit 'C.A.S.2'. The said deposition marked as aforesaid is a true and accurate translation of all the statements made by the said Michal Promsky.

Sworn by the said deponent Margaret Jelinek at Belsen this 25th day of June 1945.

Signed Jelinek, Margaret.

Before me

Signed A.M. Forbes, Captain, R.A."

Attached to that is the exhibit C.A.S.2:

"Deposition of Michal Promsky (male) late of 34, Semashko Road, Feodosiya, Russia [Ukraine], sworn before" -

and then it is left blank because, of course, it was never completed -

1. I am 21 years of age and was taken prisoner by the Germans on 7th August 1942 whilst serving in an Artillery Regiment of the Russian Army, near Stalingrad. I was taken to a POW camp at Milerowo and after passing through various camps I arrived at Koenigshutte [1922 until 1934 Królewska Huta, now Chorzów]. Here I was made to work in the mines until I escaped in May 1943. I was recaptured in July 1943 at Rulnashowo, Poland, and taken to a general prison in Tarnow, Poland. In September 1943 I was transferred to Auschwitz and in October 1944 to Sachsenhausen. I came to Belsen in January 1945.

2. Whilst at Belsen I lived in Block 19. On 5th April 1945 a Polish kapo arrived at Belsen and became block leader of Block 19. On 15th June 1945 I was shown by Sergeant Scamans, 86 Special Investigation Section, Corps of Military Police, a man whom I recognise as the Polish capo I have referred to. I have now been informed that his name is Vladislav Ostrowoski.

3. From the day that Ostrowoski arrived at Belsen until the British arrived, I saw him beat many of the internees of Block 19. These beatings were given because prisoners did not hurry on to a parade at Appell time or at meal times. Ostrowoski beat these prisoners sometimes with a wooden stick, sometimes with a rubber truncheon and sometimes with a spade. All the prisoners were so weak that they could hardly walk. Ostrowoski did not seem to care what part of the body he hit them and the prisoners being so weak soon fell to the ground. He would then kick them as they lay on the ground, mostly in the region of the neck. Many of the prisoners died as a result of these beatings and I have seen the bodies of victims picked up some hours afterwards and carried away. There were so many prisoners in the block and so many beatings by Ostrowoski that I am not able to give the names of any of the victims."

Then there are the usual certificates unsigned, and at the bottom appears the exhibit:

"This is the exhibit marked 'C.A.S.2' now produced and shown to Cyril Albert Scamans and Margaret Jelinek and referred to in the respective affidavits of the said Cyril Albert Scamans and Margaret Jelinek sworn as to the said Cyril Albert Scamans and Margaret Jelinek on 25th June 1945 before me

Signed A.M. Forbes, Captain, R.A."

That concludes the affidavits in the bound volume. There are a number of others which have been served as supplementary affidavits in addition. There are also, of course, the statements of the accused. I proposed to take the additional statements first, if you agree, before we take any of the statements by the accused, as various objections I know are going to be raised to various of these.