Where the Two Armies Met

Theriesenstadt is actually a former Czech fort that the Germans used as a shipping point for Jews going to extermination camps.  They also used it as a ruse to fool the Red Cross that they were actually treating Jews very well.  They spruced the place up and sent many to Auschwitz to reduce overcrowding before the Red Cross arrived.  The Red Cross found shops, libraries, play fields, etc. They were fooled.

Outer wall of what was called the Small Fortress where the Jews and Czech prisoners were kept.

Entrance to the Camp.

Processing yard for incoming prisoners.

Prisoner intake office.

Records section.

Shower room - not gas chamber.

Washroom.

As too many people were in the fort, they opened new “Cell” rooms that

one has to

see to believe.


Guardhouse

above the

gate. 

Creation of additional solitary cells as overcrowding happened.

As many as 5 people in each cell.

The fort had hidden tunnels in all the walls to allow troops to get to other parts very quickly if needed.

Memorial to the many who were lined up and shot in front of this grassy bank.

The Gallows was also used right next to the execution grounds.

James Holland recording thoughts and photos of this camp.

Memorial to the fallen at Theriesenstadt

Czech high school students on a guided tour.  This is required curriculum in the Czech Republic.

Entrance to the Jewish Cemetery and the Incinerator used at this camp.

Entrance to Theriesenstadt’s Incinerator Building.

There are four big furnaces to burn the bodies of the Jewish and Czech prisoners who died or were killed.

                           The Jewish Cemetery.


The final act:  We go to Torgau where the two armies met.