The three principal camps in the Auschwitz complex photographed on June 26th, 1944 by a Mosquito of the No 60 Squadron SAAF (Sortie no. 60PR/522) took off from San Severo Airfield, Apulia, Southern Italy. In this photograph, which gives a comprehensive view of the three camps, is also visible the IG Farben factory (SS War Industries), the Vistola river and two other rivers of the zone, the SS Barracks (in high near Birkenau) and the swamps next to Birkenau (high on the left) into which were thrown the ashes of those murdered in the camp. Note the Auschwitz’s Polish name: Oswiecim. Victor Sierra

The Auschwitz complex

Enlargement of one photo of Auschwitz-Birkenau taken on 25 August 1944 by a Mosquito of the No 60 Squadron South African Air force (Sortie no. 60PR/694) on behalf of the USAAF. The selection process of a recently arrived transport visible on the ramp has been completed, and those selected to die are being taken to Crematorium II. Also visible is a cultivated garden in the courtyard of Crematorium II, the open gate into it, and Crematorium III. The basement undressing rooms and gas chambers of both complexes can also be seen. This image was released by the Central Intelligence Agency in 1979. Victor Sierra



Auschwitz-Birkenau, 25 August 1944

Netherlands cycle troops, 1939-'40.  The Netherlands Army in 1940 was particularly ill-equipped, not particularly well-trained, and short on numbers to meet a German invasion.  The clear hope was that, in the event of war between France and Germany, the Netherlands would manage to remain neutral, as they had in WW1.  This hope might well have been realised - Holland was not included in early versions of the plans for "Fall Gelb", and was included, apparently, on the insistence of the Luftwaffe, which thought that Dutch bases would be useful to them in a campaign against France and, later, against Britain (another unfounded appraisal).  In return, the Luftwaffe, its paratroops and airborne Heer units were afforded the lead role in the invasion of the Netherlands.  The Dutch national defence plan - based on the establishment of a national redoubt based in Zeeland - proved inadequate to meet the German assault pending the (implicit) expectation of the arrival of French/British forces to assist.  Nonetheless, the Netherlands soldiers fought bravely and (within their limits) effectively in the couse of their gallant, but brief resistance.  On the German side, the campaign, though successful, did not go particularly well, and raised new questions as to the effectiveness both of the panzer force and of independently operating airborne forces.  Best regards, JR.