Lasker-Wallfisch, Anita (Oral history)

German Jewish civilian in Breslau and Berlin, Germany, 1933-1943; inmate in Auschwitz-Birkenau and Bergen-Belsen Concentration Camps, 1943-1945

REEL 1 Background in Breslau, Germany, 1925-1933: family; secular nature of family life. Recollections of period as civilian in Breslau and Berlin, Germany, 1933-1943: effects of Nazi takeover in 1933 including restrictions against Jews; moving to Berlin to study cello; Kristallnacht in Berlin, 11/1938; problems faced by her family attempting to emigrate; reaction to outbreak of Second World War, 9/1939; failure of family to emigrate to Italy; impact of war; work in toilet paper factory; living conditions; deportation of parents, 1942; forging papers for French workers in Breslau. REEL 2 Continues: attempt to escape to France on forged papers and arrest; reasons for helping French workers. Aspects of arrest, imprisonment and trial in Breslau, Germany, 1943: attempt at suicide after arrest; interrogation by Gestapo; transfer to Justice Department after twenty one days; conduct of Sondergericht trial, 5/6/1943; short imprisonment and return to Gestapo custody. Aspects of period as inmate in Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp, 1943-1945: processing on arrival; recruitment to womens’ camp orchestra. REEL 3 Continues: role of orchestra; organisation of orchestra. Recollections of period as inmate in Bergen-Belsen Concentration Camp, 1945: removal to camp; comparison between Auschwitz-Birkenau and Bergen Belsen camps; disorganisation of camp; remaining with friends from disbanded womens’ orchestra; liberation of camp; behaviour of Hungarian guards; her recuperation after liberation and work as interpreter; reaction of British troops to liberating camp. Aspects of period as inmate in Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp, 1943-1945: privileges for womens’ orchestra members. REEL 4 Continues: conditions for women’s orchestra; description of ‘Canada’ warehouse where inmate’s belongings were kept; reasons why Germans used music in camp.