Description:

REPORT ON THE GERMAN MURDER OF RUSSIAN PRISONERS IN NORWAY
Rare and important archive of documents, most being retained carbons, concerning the early postwar Allied investigation into the use of Russian slave labor in northern Norway, the horrible living conditions of the prisoners held there, and the starvation and outright murder of many shortly before the country's liberation on the day of Germany's surrender. The reports are part of a larger file (further described below) gathered by American Major Harold Anderson of the Army's Civil Affairs Division assembled with reports from camp guards, doctors, and civilians. Included is a preliminary report on claims by liberated Russian prisoners of German murders of prisoners, 2pp 4to., ca. May, 1945, in which it is stated that the prisoners had identified murderous guards and would be able to point out mass graves. Two 2pp. memos from May 27 and 28 organize the manner in which the camps and graves will be visited, bodies disinterred, etc. Also included is a 15pp. legal folio report, June, 1945: 'Investigation of War Crimes in area of Skibotn and Kevsmenes, Troms Fylke Norway'. The detailed report includes a description of the German plan to use Russian prisoners to help construct the defensive 'Lyngen Line' to hold back the Russian advance. With rations low and poor living conditions, prisoners increasing died, especially at Lager Mallnitz. Cannibalism appeared, as the Germans started to feed only those who appeared the strongest. By April, the healthiest workers were evacuated south while those remaining continued to work on fortifications until the last moment when they were starved, shot, or injected with poison. The bodies were then placed in unmarked graves. Following Allied occupation, German soldiers were used to exhume the bodies for autopsy. In all, eight barracks camps visited still held about 2,200 Russians, while the work camps were evacuated. The multiple appendices to the report describe autopsy results, with most having been shot while en route to work, others succumbing to disease, and some bodies showing signs of cannibalism. Three statements by German soldiers and officers are incorporated in the report, all side-stepping responsibility for the murders. A June 2 report is an eyewitness report on the prisoners' living conditions as viewed by the American officers, followed by a 3pp. report on the methods used to bury the bodies and conceal the graves. Reports of June 2-5, 7pp. legal folio, go into much greater detail as to causes of death, some descriptions very disturbing and graphic. About another 20pp. of notes further discuss the autopsies and camp, some notes in Norwegian. Also present are seven 12' x 14' b/w photos showing German soldiers carrying exhumed bodies, autopsies underway, and a prisoner's cannibalized thigh. Also included are several other reports, about 35pp. 4to., Apr. 8 – July 15, 1944 prepared by S.H.A.E.F. in anticipation of the capture or surrender of German forces in Norway. Fascinating insight into the process of liberating a Nazi-occupied country, including discussion of allowing local authorities to provide control, 'Liberation – not occupation', security, employment, health and safety of prisoners, anticipated black market, forgery and looting, military supply routes, ports and rail, public safety, etc. Finally, there are present about thirty copies of orders, transfers, etc. applicable to Maj. Anderson, and an Allied Joint Forces telephone Directory. An important informative grouping.

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September 10, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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