Berga Stalag IX-B
Also known as Bad Orb Concentration Camp
Hammersbach, Main-Kinzig-Kreis, Hessen, Germany
In January 1945 the commandant ordered all Jewish prisoners to step forward out of the daily line-up. At first none did. But after being kept standing for several hours 130 came forward. However the commandant had been requested to provide 350 for the transport. Troublemakers, including PFC J.C.F. "Hans" Kasten, the elected camp leader (born in Hawaii of German-American parents), were then selected, including anyone who "looked Jewish". The group was taken by train to the Berga slave labor camp.
The camp was liberated on April 2, 1945 by a task force comprising the 2nd Battalion, 114th Regiment, U.S. 44th Infantry Division, reinforced with light tanks and armored cars from the 106th Cavalry Group and 776th Tank Destroyer Battalion. They broke through the German lines and drove north over 60 km (37 mi) through enemy held territory to Bad Orb and liberated Stalag IX-B.
Post-war the camp was used as a camp for refugee and displaced Germans until 1969, when it reverted to its pre-war role as a camp for children. It currently operates under the name Schullandheim Wegscheide.
In January 1945 the commandant ordered all Jewish prisoners to step forward out of the daily line-up. At first none did. But after being kept standing for several hours 130 came forward. However the commandant had been requested to provide 350 for the transport. Troublemakers, including PFC J.C.F. "Hans" Kasten, the elected camp leader (born in Hawaii of German-American parents), were then selected, including anyone who "looked Jewish". The group was taken by train to the Berga slave labor camp.
The camp was liberated on April 2, 1945 by a task force comprising the 2nd Battalion, 114th Regiment, U.S. 44th Infantry Division, reinforced with light tanks and armored cars from the 106th Cavalry Group and 776th Tank Destroyer Battalion. They broke through the German lines and drove north over 60 km (37 mi) through enemy held territory to Bad Orb and liberated Stalag IX-B.
Post-war the camp was used as a camp for refugee and displaced Germans until 1969, when it reverted to its pre-war role as a camp for children. It currently operates under the name Schullandheim Wegscheide.
Nearby cemeteries
Bad Orb, Main-Kinzig-Kreis, Hessen, Germany
- Total memorials3
- Percent photographed100%
- Percent with GPS0%
Bad Orb, Main-Kinzig-Kreis, Hessen, Germany
- Total memorials4
- Percent photographed0%
- Percent with GPS0%
Alsberg, Main-Kinzig-Kreis, Hessen, Germany
- Total memorials67
- Percent photographed100%
- Percent with GPS0%
Wächtersbach, Main-Kinzig-Kreis, Hessen, Germany
- Total memorials0
- Percent photographed0%
- Percent with GPS0%
- Added: 23 Jan 2014
- Find a Grave Cemetery ID: 2527900
Success
Uploading...
Waiting...
Failed
This photo was not uploaded because this cemetery already has 20 photos
This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 5 photos to this cemetery
This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 5 photos to this cemetery
Invalid File Type
Birth and death years unknown.
1 photo picked...
2 photos picked...
Uploading 1 Photo
Uploading 2 Photos
1 Photo Uploaded
2 Photos Uploaded
Size exceeded
Too many photos have been uploaded
"Unsupported file type"
• ##count## of 0 memorials with GPS displayed. Double click on map to view more.No cemeteries found