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

(132) DEPOSITION OF HANKA ROZENWAYG (Pole, aged 24)

2. On 22nd June, 1945, with my friends, Ewa Gryka and Sonia Watinik, I was in Camp 3, Belsen Camp, when I saw a woman whom I recognised as a Kapo at Auschwitz Camp. I did not know her name, but have since been told that it is Ilse Lothe. My friends and I brought Lothe to the office of No. 1 War Crimes Investigation Team.

3. In July, 1943, whilst at Auschwitz, I was employed digging ditches outside the camp. Whilst so employed I laid down my shovel for a rest, and Lothe, who was in charge of my working party, saw me. I saw her go to the woman S.S. guard and I heard her ask the S.S. woman to set her dog on me. I recognise this S.S. woman as No. 2, on photograph Z/4/2. I did not know her name, but have since been told that it is Irma Grese. Grese set her dog on to me and as a result I was bitten by the dog on my right shoulder. I still have a scar on my shoulder where the dog bit me. I was made to continue working and I had to dress the wound myself after I had returned to my block. I returned to work the following morning because if l had remained away from work I should have been taken to Block 25, and then to the gas chamber. During the time I was at Auschwitz I was beaten at least once a week by Lothe because I talked to my fellow prisoners.

4. In November, 1943, whilst still at Auschwitz, I saw Lothe beat another woman named Schendla Wideletz with a stick. Lothe beat her on the head and body until the woman collapsed, and then Lothe kicked her. Although still very ill, Wideletz worked on the following day. She worked because it was general knowledge in the camp that if you were unable to work you were sent to the gas chamber. I know that this same girl was sent to the gas chamber about six months later because she was sick and could not work.