| The open space where the camp prisoners faced roll call
was entered through a small gate flanked on both sides with stone plaques inscribed with
"Camp for Protective Custody" and "Freedom can be Won by Work". This
cynical slogan had been introduced from Auschwitz when the camp director, Karl Fritzsch,
was transferred from there. This mustering place, or large storage area, measured 120 by
40 metres was located in the lowest area of the camp, directly in front of the
commandant´s building. As if raised on a stage, this building showed the absolute power
of the SS over the prisoners. |
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| After rising at 4 o’clock (in winter an hour
later), washing, taking a meagre breakfast and facing the dreaded "bed-making",
came the roll call at 5:15. Following the assignment of work there began at 6 o’clock
a long, hard work day which included the march to and from work and a one hour lunch pause
and lasted until 6:30 p.m. Then the roll call was repeated with the same meticulousness.
It took some time until all the blocks were checked. The prisoners stood at attention, in
wooden shoes or barefoot, in five columns, sometimes for hours on end, even when the
ground was frozen or covered with snow. After this supper was served. That left little
time until lights-out at 9 p.m. |
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