Auschwitz-Birkenau.
Posted: Wed May 21, 2008 7:50 pm
Auschwitz-Birkenau , visited it two years ago driving down from Prague.
The camp is on two sites Auschwitz 1 the old Polish barracks developed by the SS into a camp for Polish political and later Soviet POWs.
There are a number of Museum type displays open to the public showing the history and development of the camp / site.
The first gas chamber employed is on this site although it was used for a relatively short time.
A small shop exists on site as well as several book shops prices are very good for overseas buyers.
Be advised if you are visiting the site best to bring your own food.
If your images of Auschwitz are coloured by wooden huts , this site will be something of a surprise.
Birkenau is approx. 2 miles from Auschwitz 1.
This was the real killing centre which with the demise of the "Reinhard camps" expanded and accepted a dual role camp system.
The platform / "ramp" was moved into the camp in May 44 - as seen in thse photos , prior to that the "ramp" for arrivals was approx half a mile from the camp.
On the left is the womens camp buildings there are brick built , on the right the male camp , the "family camp".
At the top end apprx half a mile from the main gate - Krema ( Gas Chamber) units 2 and 3 , "The Sauna" , "Kanada" (the storage and sorting house for belongings brought to the camp - sorted before being returned to Germany) and Krema( GCU) units 4 and 5.
Open air cremation took place near 4 and 5 in Summer of 44.
Still to be found in the surrounding area the industrial units which obtained workers from the camp.
Around 4 and 5 the "Birch wood" from which Birkenau derives its name - a well known series of photos show those selected for "Special treatment" waiting unaware of what awaited them. The same trees which still stand there and when the wind moves through their leaves it is as if the dead are whispering , this place as an atmosphere of all of its own.
If visiting these two sites best to make a day of it to cover both sites a whole day would be required.
Although it might seem that there is less to see at Birkenau it is the most striking of the two sites.
Auschwitz 1
Birkenau , looking towards the main gate and tower looking "out".
looking towards the ramp and units 2 and 3 .
Krema unit 3 , the steps have been built up to enclose the cement fence posts which once surrounded the unit.
The undressing room of Unit 3 , totally destroyed by explosives when the guards left the camp in Jan 44.
A memorial stone adjacnet to units 4 and 5.
If you are familiar with the history of the camp and the surviving images , this area will need no explaination.
The Birch Wood , now a peaceful place upon which the chill of death still hangs.
The camp is on two sites Auschwitz 1 the old Polish barracks developed by the SS into a camp for Polish political and later Soviet POWs.
There are a number of Museum type displays open to the public showing the history and development of the camp / site.
The first gas chamber employed is on this site although it was used for a relatively short time.
A small shop exists on site as well as several book shops prices are very good for overseas buyers.
Be advised if you are visiting the site best to bring your own food.
If your images of Auschwitz are coloured by wooden huts , this site will be something of a surprise.
Birkenau is approx. 2 miles from Auschwitz 1.
This was the real killing centre which with the demise of the "Reinhard camps" expanded and accepted a dual role camp system.
The platform / "ramp" was moved into the camp in May 44 - as seen in thse photos , prior to that the "ramp" for arrivals was approx half a mile from the camp.
On the left is the womens camp buildings there are brick built , on the right the male camp , the "family camp".
At the top end apprx half a mile from the main gate - Krema ( Gas Chamber) units 2 and 3 , "The Sauna" , "Kanada" (the storage and sorting house for belongings brought to the camp - sorted before being returned to Germany) and Krema( GCU) units 4 and 5.
Open air cremation took place near 4 and 5 in Summer of 44.
Still to be found in the surrounding area the industrial units which obtained workers from the camp.
Around 4 and 5 the "Birch wood" from which Birkenau derives its name - a well known series of photos show those selected for "Special treatment" waiting unaware of what awaited them. The same trees which still stand there and when the wind moves through their leaves it is as if the dead are whispering , this place as an atmosphere of all of its own.
If visiting these two sites best to make a day of it to cover both sites a whole day would be required.
Although it might seem that there is less to see at Birkenau it is the most striking of the two sites.
Auschwitz 1
Birkenau , looking towards the main gate and tower looking "out".
looking towards the ramp and units 2 and 3 .
Krema unit 3 , the steps have been built up to enclose the cement fence posts which once surrounded the unit.
The undressing room of Unit 3 , totally destroyed by explosives when the guards left the camp in Jan 44.
A memorial stone adjacnet to units 4 and 5.
If you are familiar with the history of the camp and the surviving images , this area will need no explaination.
The Birch Wood , now a peaceful place upon which the chill of death still hangs.