Prisoners' barracks

The prisoners' barracks were made of standardised wooden parts. However, because of the poor insulation, the barracks were not suitable for housing people over a long period of time.

A barracks was divided into three sections: an A- and B-wing enclosed a washing place. Each prisoners' barracks was initially built to house some 250 prisoners. Later, however, 1,000 to 1,200 people were crammed into the same barracks with an area approximately 50 metres long and 8 metres wide. The lack of space deprived the prisoners of all privacy. In addition, the unhygienic conditions prisoners had to live in, led to epidemics and all sorts of diseases. Up to four prisoners had to share one bedstead. This made a good night's rest impossible. Furthermore, prisoners were prohibited to wear their camp clothes during the night. They had to cover themselves with what they found.

It often happened that people who were totally exhausted because of the many diseases, just relieved one selves in their beds. It even occurred that bunk beds with three levels simply subsided, with all its consequences.

In the early morning, everyone was awoken with strokes and howls. The bed had to be made up and prisoners had to stand to attention in the front of the bed. Prisoners who wore a green triangle examined the beds and woe betide anyone who had not done this perfectly.

Every block (wing of a barracks) had a block leader, a German-speaking prisoner appointed by the SS, who had to maintain order and discipline and had to enforce the camp rules.

After 1945 the barracks were used as a camp for prisoners of war, then later as accommodation for victims of Nazi persecution and finally for displaced people.

From the mid-50s onwards, houses were built on the site.

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