KZ Fencing

[CARL]

Further to the recent http://www.warrelics.eu/forum/after-...towers-255291/ thread, here are some images from various locales within the Konzentrationslager system, showing perimeter fencing.

Firstly, KL-Gross-Rosen.

The first view shows a length of original perimeter fencing, that runs along the border with the unfinished "Auschwitz" compound, so called due to the similarity in appearance of the brick blocks that were being constructed, as an extension of the Gross-Rosen camp. Had the buildings been completed, the resemblance to the Stammlager (Main Camp) at Auschwitz-I, would have been clear. In the background, a modern stone quarry is visible. The quarry utilised by the SS/DEST collaboration during the camp's existence, is located almost directly behind the point from where the photograph was taken. Indeed, KL-Gross-Rosen was a camp that had characteristics of the Category-III Konzentrationslager, that is one of the camps known as Knochenmühlen (bone mills), due to their direct connection to a stone quarry and harsh day-to-day regime. Others with such standards included KL-Natzweiler and KL-Floßenbürg, although only KL-Mauthausen was officially recognised as a Category-III.

Next, we can see a section of period fencing that still stands in the vicinity of the Krematoria.

Finally, a close up image.

[CARL]

KL-Flossenbürg...

Two images showing some of the original posts. These images were taken near the Krematoria, located toward the rear of the camp grounds.

[CARL]

Moving on, we see images of original perimeter fencing found at KL-Buchenwald, Weimar.

The period posts shown in the attachments, are all located at the far side of the camp, that is the section farthest from the main entrance area.

The final image shows the length of the SS guard detail, running along the perimeter of the camp.

[CARL]

KL-Breendonk, a transit camp that utilised a former fort near Antwerp, Belgium...

Much of the perimeter fencing has this distinctive form, which is not common among Konzentrationslager fencing. In addition to the perimeter fencing at Breendonk, a moat with an average depth of 2.75m, surrounds the main structure. One story related to the moat, was the fate of the young Jewish worker who after finishing his labour detail, was barely able to walk due to exhaustion. The man was beaten by the SS guards, who ridiculed his weakness, before throwing him into the moat. Despite being unable to swim, the young man struggled for approximately 10 minutes, before finally drowning.

[Tango]

I'm not up on my fencing!! lol But that was all very interesting..Thanks for posting..Cheers Terry.

[CARL]

Auschwitz-I, Stammlager (main camp).

The level of security is apparent at the most infamous of all Konzentrationslagers, Auschwitz. Below, rows of electrified fencing that separated the inmates from the outside world are visible.

Previously used as a military barracks by Polish armed forces, the site underwent drastic transformation when the Nazis took over. Kommandant Rudolf Höss immediately ordered vast amounts of barbed wire and electrified fencing to be erected, much of which can still be seen today.

The first image was taken near the kitchen block, looking toward blocks 25, 26, 27 and 28.

Next, two images show lengths of electrified fencing that run through the Stammlager compound.

An imposing corner post, covered in electric insulators is seen in the next photograph, before finally, a close up image.

[CARL]

The largest of all concentration camps, Auschwitz-II, Birkenau.

Images 1 and 2 show close ups of the typical fencing present at many of the camps. The first photograph was taken looking down one of the many camp roads at Birkenau.

The third image is a view towards the entrance gate and main SS watchtower building. A guard tower stands to the fore, with the wooden office structure near the selection area visible further on. To the right of the picture, the women's camp, BI is visible.

Image 4: A view of the outer perimeter fencing and watchtowers, looking towards the large Kommandantur complex and camp BIII, "Mexiko".

The final photograph was taken within the Krematoria compound, as dusk fell on Birkenau.

[Larry C]

I think out of all the internal horror of all the KL camps,,I would have to say just seeing the bent cement posts laced with barbed wire has to be the most intimidating and unnerving first view to see before leading into that internal Hell. I think at first sight it would unravel anyones nerves,,knowing that there is more to come.
These are some great photos Carl and with each fence with its own characteristics to match the name of the camp. I am sure those who survived that horror can remember what those posts looked liked. These also brings a chill and an already coldness to what has happened and never be forgotten. Great work Carl Regards Larry

[Wagriff]

In the 1st photo in Post #7- has this wire been replaced? It seems almost brand new?

[CARL]

In the 1st photo in Post #7- has this wire been replaced? It seems almost brand new?

Yes William, at certain vantage points frequented by photographers, small sections of fencing did seem to have been replaced. The vast majority though, is original.