German Forces

Down by the Birch Wood (3)

J-C Pressac/David Szmulewski (original author probably murdered)

Third 'photo taken by Sondercommando member who photographed the mass burning of bodies in a pit. The quality is a bit ropey; but it shows a group of women, waiting to be led to the gas chamber. The most interesting feature, however, is the Crematorium chimney that can be made out at the extreme right of the image. This is the chimney of Crematorium V. It shows no trace of smoke. As Pressac points out, this confirms that the cremation pit seen in the other 'photos was operation as a substitute for the Crematorium, rather than supplementing it (the Crematorium) was in "down time"). The fourth 'photo in the sequence is only of tree-tops; consequently, I do not propose to post it here. Best regards, JR.