Le Struthof: France's Only Concentration Camp
Le Struthof was the only concentration camp on French soil during the
Second World War. The three départments of Alsace-Lorraine
(Haut Rhin, Bas Rhin and Moselle) were annexed and
incorporated into the Third Reich.
As the network of concentration camps in occupied Europe grew, this
newly annexed part of the Nazi empire found itself home to a
concentration camp of its own.
Much of the camp is still intact like the blocks in this picture.
The gallows, where many of the prisoners were hanged are also visible. Prisoners were routinely beaten for minor infringements of the camp's regulations. In the case of more serious violations of the rigid laws of the camp régime, like attempting to escape, prisoners were flogged before being held in cramped solitary confinement and then publicly hanged. The position of the gallows at the top of the slope and clearly visible to all was significant as it was important to set an example to other detainees.
The prisoners were stripped of their individuality and forced to wear the striped, regulation uniform.
For more images of the camp click here. Web pages on Le Struthof can be found at:
Enseigner la mémoire: Natzweiler-Struthof.Le camp de concentration de Struthof (Bas-Rhin) (recommended - French only)
Concept & Text: Tony McNeill
The University of Sunderland
Last Update 3-Sept-98