Remembering Auschwitz: A special Old British News item: 80 Years Since Liberation here on this page
Sunday Express – Sunday 28 January 1945
At murder camp
RUSSIAN troops have reached Auschwitz, one of the most notorious German concentration camps, 32 miles west of Cracow, admitted Colonel von Hammer, German radio military commentator last night.
Last June 7,000 Czechoslovak Jews were murdered in the gas chambers of Auschwitz camps.
Explanation:
This article, published by the Sunday Express on 28 January 1945, reports that Soviet forces had reached the Auschwitz concentration camp, a key event in World War II. Auschwitz, located in Nazi-occupied Poland, was one of the most infamous extermination camps operated by the German Third Reich. The article refers to Auschwitz’s notorious reputation and provides specific details of mass killings, mentioning that in June 1944, 7,000 Czechoslovak Jews were killed in the camp’s gas chambers.
The mention of Colonel von Hammer, a German radio military commentator, suggests that even German sources were forced to acknowledge the advance of Allied forces and the atrocities committed in the camp.
Further Research:
- Auschwitz Liberation
The Soviet Red Army liberated Auschwitz on 27 January 1945, which later became International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The discovery of the camp exposed the full extent of Nazi war crimes, including mass extermination, forced labour, and medical experiments. - Nazi Atrocities in Auschwitz
Auschwitz consisted of multiple sub-camps, with Auschwitz II-Birkenau serving as the primary extermination site, where over 1.1 million people—primarily Jews—were murdered. - Historical Context
By early 1945, the German war effort was collapsing on multiple fronts. The Eastern Front, where the Soviet Army was advancing, saw the rapid retreat of German forces. As the Soviets neared Auschwitz, the Nazis attempted to evacuate prisoners in what became known as the death marches, leading to thousands more deaths.
Sunday Sun (Newcastle) – Sunday 28 January 1945
Berlin Says—
GERMANS ADMIT RETREATS
COLONEL VON HAMMER, of the German Official News Agency military commentator, said last night, reports the British United Press, that Russian troops had reached Auschwitz, a notorious German concentration camp 32 miles west of Cracow.
“Further to the north, in the industrial region, the situation has become more serious. Despite the dogged efforts of the German troops and the Volkssturm Russian troops are now fighting in the suburbs of towns and blast furnaces,” he added.
North of Beuthen the Russians were “driven back to their original positions. The attack on Hindenburg collapsed on the eastern outskirts of the town.”
In the area of Poznan the Russians have so far failed to launch their expected all-out attack. They have only pushed further west with single tank columns on either side of the town.
Breslau Battle
The German war reporter Walter Henke, says Reuter, sent this report from Breslau last night.
“The enemy is at the gates. The fortress of Breslau will be defended to the last.
“I am standing on the Tauentzien Platz, Breslau’s main square. Panzers in white camouflage are emerging from one street while a convoy of peasant carts with refugees from the surrounding countryside crosses the square at the other end.
Loudspeakers in the square from time to time shout out their ‘Achtung, Achtung,’ and broadcast the orders from the local party propaganda office.
The Volkssturm are mobilised. The aged in their grey wall uniforms of 16 and long rugged columns of 14 and 50-year-olds show it.
That is the picture of Breslau as I speak.”
Crowds in Flight
German women and children were last night fleeing along the highways of the Reich, reported Hans Fritsche, chief political correspondent of the German radio network.
In a nation-wide broadcast he said: “Now it is our women and children whom we see fleeing before the war. It is our highways which are thronged with an endless string of refugees.
“Our eyes have grown accustomed to this pitiful spectacle on roads in foreign countries. It is our people who have to suffer this hard fate till now borne by foreigners who felt threatened by our advance.”
The measures of the German High Command cannot possibly admit warding off this threat to millions of persons. The Supreme Command can only consider the situation threatens the State as such.
We have seen Britain, in a hopeless situation, weather a crisis which shook it to its very foundation. We must be determined, disciplined, ready to make sacrifices and exertions, to master this our crisis.”
U.S. WAR CRIME COMMISSION
The War Crimes Commission was further weakened yesterday by the resignation of Mr. Herbert Pell, the U.S. representative, because of opposition to his belief that Nazis should be punished for crimes committed against their own nationals.
The United States has paid its share of the Commission’s expenses until next March, but last December the Appropriations Committee of the House of Representatives refused to vote an appropriation of £7,500 to continue participation in its work.
Mr. Joseph Grew, Under-Secretary of State, then announced that Mr. Pell would not return to London as the State Department lacked funds to pay his salary. Mr. Pell, however, said he would give his services free.—British United Press.
Explanation and Context:
This article, published by the Sunday Sun (Newcastle) on 28 January 1945, captures key developments towards the end of World War II.
- German Admission of Retreats:
The German military, through their official news agency, admitted that Russian troops had reached Auschwitz, a major concentration camp, while also highlighting ongoing battles in regions like Poznan and Breslau (modern-day Wrocław, Poland). Despite attempts to resist, the advancing Soviet forces were making significant gains. - Battle of Breslau:
The city of Breslau was declared a fortress and heavily defended by the German Volkssturm (militia of older men and young boys). The article vividly describes the scene in the city, where German forces in white camouflage prepared to resist, and civilians fled the area. Breslau ultimately held out until May 1945 before surrendering to Soviet forces. - Crowds in Flight:
This section describes the mass movement of German civilians fleeing the advancing Soviet forces, drawing a parallel to previous wartime refugee crises in other countries. The tone of the report reflects the growing desperation within Germany as the war turned against them. - U.S. War Crime Commission:
The resignation of Herbert Pell from the War Crimes Commission highlights political difficulties surrounding the prosecution of Nazi crimes, especially concerning crimes against German nationals. The U.S. Congress’s reluctance to continue funding underscores the complexities of post-war justice.
Further Research:
- The Fall of Breslau:
- The siege of Breslau lasted from February to May 1945, resulting in massive destruction and civilian casualties. It was one of the last cities to surrender in the European theatre.
- Auschwitz Liberation:
- Soviet troops liberated Auschwitz on 27 January 1945, uncovering the horrors of the Holocaust to the world.
- German Refugee Crisis:
- As Soviet troops advanced, millions of German civilians fled westward, leading to one of the largest forced migrations in European history.
- U.S. Role in War Crimes Trials:
- The reluctance of some U.S. lawmakers to allocate funds for war crime prosecutions reflected tensions over how post-war justice should be pursued, particularly regarding German citizens.
Remembering Auschwitz: 80 Years Since Liberation
Today (27th January 2025) marks 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, one of the darkest symbols of human cruelty and genocide during the Second World War. Survivors, world leaders, and international officials are gathering to honour the memory of the millions who suffered and perished in the camp and to reaffirm the commitment to “never forget.” This solemn anniversary serves as both a remembrance and a warning against the horrors of hatred and intolerance.
The Significance of Liberation in 1945
On 27 January 1945, Soviet troops liberated Auschwitz-Birkenau, revealing to the world the full scale of Nazi atrocities. The discovery of the camp exposed the industrialised killing that took place within its barbed-wire confines. It is estimated that over 1.1 million men, women, and children—predominantly Jewish victims—were murdered in the gas chambers, through forced labour, starvation, and disease.
The news of the liberation, reported by Allied media outlets and publications such as the Sunday Express and the Sunday Sun (Newcastle), brought the appalling reality of the Holocaust to the forefront of global consciousness. These reports described the unimaginable conditions of the camp: piles of corpses, emaciated survivors, and evidence of the Nazis’ desperate attempts to cover their crimes as Soviet forces approached. The press played a critical role in ensuring the world bore witness to what had happened within Auschwitz’s fences.
The Importance of News Coverage in 1945
At a time when communication was slower and less instantaneous than today, news coverage of Auschwitz’s liberation was vital in shaping public awareness and policy. Newspapers, radio broadcasts, and official government communications documented the shocking revelations in detail, ensuring that the Holocaust could not be dismissed or ignored. For many, it was the first time they grasped the sheer scale of the genocide, as previous reports and rumours had often been met with scepticism or disbelief.
British newspapers provided detailed accounts of the camp’s liberation, ensuring that the British public and policymakers understood the horrors endured by the victims. The images and testimonies that emerged from Auschwitz were instrumental in shaping post-war efforts to hold Nazi perpetrators accountable, leading to the Nuremberg Trials and the establishment of frameworks for human rights protections.
A Moment in Appalling History
Auschwitz stands as a chilling testament to the depths of human depravity. The camp was a key part of the Nazi “Final Solution,” a systematic attempt to exterminate the Jewish people and other targeted groups, including Romani people, Poles, Soviet prisoners of war, and those deemed undesirable by the Nazi regime. The camp operated from 1940 until its liberation in 1945, during which time it became a place of unimaginable suffering.
Survivors’ testimonies continue to serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. Many who lived through the horrors have dedicated their lives to educating future generations, ensuring that the lessons of Auschwitz are not forgotten.
The Special Day: 80 Years On
Today’s commemorations mark a poignant moment in history. Survivors, now in their 90s and beyond, will stand alongside world leaders at the Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial site to honour the memory of those lost. Events will include moments of silence, speeches, and the lighting of candles in remembrance.
The significance of this milestone cannot be overstated. As the world faces rising antisemitism and other forms of hatred, the message of “never again” takes on renewed urgency. Education, remembrance, and vigilance are critical in ensuring that such atrocities are never repeated.
Lessons for the Present and Future
Eighty years on, the liberation of Auschwitz serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked hatred and totalitarian ideology. The lessons of the Holocaust remain relevant in today’s world, where extremism, racism, and genocide still persist in various forms. International efforts to combat these forces through education, legislation, and remembrance are essential to preventing history from repeating itself.
In the UK, Holocaust Memorial Day provides an opportunity to reflect not only on Auschwitz but also on subsequent genocides and acts of hatred around the world. Schools, community groups, and public institutions continue to honour the victims and commit to upholding the values of tolerance and human dignity.
Conclusion
The 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz is not just a commemoration of the past; it is a call to action for the present and future. The stories of those who perished and those who survived must continue to be told, ensuring that their suffering was not in vain. As we remember this sombre chapter in history, we must strive to build a world in which such horrors can never take root again.
The news coverage in 1945 played a crucial role in exposing the truth and ensuring accountability. Today, as we mark this solemn occasion, we acknowledge the power of truth and the responsibility we all share in preserving history and safeguarding humanity.
Reflecting on 80 Years Since Auschwitz’s Liberation: The Role of 1945 News Coverage
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