War Crimes Trials - Vol. II The Belsen Trial. 'The Trial of Josef Kramer and Forty Four Others'

(92) DEPOSITION OF MIRIAM WEISS (Yugoslav, aged 24)

3. I recognise Elisabeth Volkenrath as No. 6 on photograph 22 and remember her as an S.S. 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.

(92) FURTHER DEPOSITION OF MIRIAM WEISS

2. I recognise No. 8 on photograph Z/4/3 as an internee at Belsen who was taken by the S.S. 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 Lohbauer. 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 Lohbauer 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.