The Holocaust Historiography Project
Auschwitz, by J.-C. Pressac
18. Gas[s]dichtenfenster versetzen / fit gas-tight windows [1st mention]
[File BW 30/28, page 73]
[Photos 22 and 23]
The civilian firm Riedel & Son of Bielitz participated in the construction of Krematorien IV and V. One of its foremen, in his timesheet forSunday 28th February 1943, concerning “Einäscherungsanlage 4” ["cremation installation” or Krematorium IV], indicates under “work done”, point 5. “Gassdichtenfenster versetzen / fit gas-tight windows”. The lack of labels for certain rooms on the definitive plan of Krematorium IV meant that the Riedel foreman had to use general ternis for the places where his men were working. For example, on 25th, 26th and 27th February, the future morgue/undressing room, nearing completion. was referred to as “die grosse Raum / the big room”. On 28th, the work was in the eastern part of the building (explicitly mentioned) and in the western part (as can be deduced from the work carried out on succeeding days).

Photo 22 Photo 22

Photo 23 Photo 23