Do you see this stone sculpture? It is a memorial. It marks the spot of the Mahnmal KZ Neuengamme Außenstelle Misburg. This was once a satellite camp of the Neuengamme concentration camp. Let’s delve into the story of this place.
The Mahnmal KZ Neuengamme Außenstelle Misburg stands as a stark reminder. It recalls a dark chapter in Hanover’s history. The camp existed from June 26, 1944, to April 6, 1945. It was an Außenlager or external camp of the larger Neuengamme concentration camp.
In the summer of 1944 the first prisoners arrived. They were forced to build the camp themselves. The location was near the Deurag-Nerag oil refinery. This refinery was a crucial supplier of aviation fuel. Allied air raids heavily damaged it.
After bombings the prisoners had to clear debris. They also did construction work. Conditions were brutal. Initially prisoners lived in tents or holes in the ground. Later, wooden barracks were built but life remained harsh.
Around 1,000 male prisoners were housed here. Most came from the Soviet Union, Poland, and France. Smaller groups came from the Netherlands, Belgium and other countries. About 30 German inmates served as functional prisoners.
The prisoners toiled for the Deurag refinery. They worked to repair damage from air raids. Their work week was 67 hours. Food rations were meager. The prisoners suffered greatly. Between June 1944 and April 1945 at least 55 deaths were registered at the Mahnmal KZ Neuengamme Außenstelle Misburg. The true number is believed to be higher.
As Allied forces advanced the camp was evacuated. On April 6, 1945, prisoners were sent on a death march. The destination was Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. Sick prisoners were transported by truck. They arrived on April 8.
The Mahnmal KZ Neuengamme Außenstelle Misburg was guarded by Wehrmacht soldiers. Also, some SS members were present. Karl Wiedemann and Hans Gehrt were Lagerführer or camp leaders.
After the war the barracks were torn down. They were infested with vermin. Some foundations were used for refugee housing. Later, these too were removed.
In 1975, a former mayor proposed a memorial plaque. In 1989, this monument by Eugène Dodeigne was erected. In 2024, the area was named “Park of Remembrance”.
The Mahnmal KZ Neuengamme Außenstelle Misburg reminds us of the suffering. It honors the victims. May we never forget.