Johannsdorf: a Forgotten Forced Labor Camp For Jews in Western Upper Silesia, 1940–1943

Abstract

Based on sources from several countries, this paper presents a microhistory of the camp in Johannsdorf (Upper Silesia) and also advances knowledge of the two systems of forced labor camps for Jews in Silesia and adjoining areas. From October 1940 to the summer of 1942, Johannsdorf was among the 25 Reichsautobahnlager run by the Reichsautobahn office in Breslau. For a year afterwards, it was one of approx. 170 camps administrated by Organisation Schmelt. Aspects discussed include transports, work, access to food, helpers, medical care, camp hierarchies, female inmates, and mortality.