Protective Custody, Prisoner 34042 by Cernyak-Spatz Susan

Author:Cernyak-Spatz, Susan [Cernyak-Spatz, Susan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHT:

SCHREIBSTUBE

According to Danuta Czech’s Calendarium I came into the Schreibstube in July, 1943, after the opening of B1b, as the second part of the women’s camp, because I was transferred to the Schreibstube, Block 4 in B1b. It was once more like coming from hell to at least the lowest level of purgatory. I had survived probably the worst period of my camp time, from when I was sent back from the Stabsgebäude in March of 1943, until I was assigned to the Schreibstube in July 1943.

I was deloused in the Sauna, this time again with a real shower, and, of course, my head was shaved once more, and then probably sprayed or rubbed with some lotion that would kill the nits, the lice eggs still residing on my shaved head. The camp underwear, a shift and sort of boxer shorts, also blue and white stripes, were the first fresh garments I received since I had returned from the Stabsgebäude. The clothes I received back after the general delousing could not be counted as a fresh set of clothes because from such perfunctory mass delousings the fleas and lice were simply stunned and would awaken immediately to new life, as soon as the garment was on the prisoner.

I delighted in my clean clothes, the blue and white striped dress that went over the shift and boxer shorts, the black apron and a white kerchief, also shoes and stockings. I don’t remember what they were, but I am sure I got them, because the Schreibstube had shoes and socks in the summer, unlike the outside details, who went barefoot during the summer.

The Schreibstube and the living quarters of the work detail were all in one block: the back one-third contained single three-tiered bunks, with straw sacks, and even blankets; the second section was the day-room with long tables and benches; and the front, housed on the left side, (coming in) the Schreibstube, the administrative office, and on the right the graphic department and Zeichenstube (drafting office) where Zippi Spitzer reigned, and the private room of Katja Singer, the Rapportschreiberin (recording secretary), the highest-ranking Jewish prisoner in the woman’s camp.

The Schreibstube was the nerve center of the women’s camp. All the block reports and orders, whether coming through the SS or from the Schreibstube personnel, came from that center. All the organization of the women’s camp had been developed by Zippi Spitzer, and Katja Singer1

Katja had not only a private room; she also had her own chamber maid who was called Pani Zosha. She made sure that Katja’s clothes were ironed, her boots polished, and she would always have warm water for washing. Women from Kanada, the elite work detail, would supply Katja’s wardrobe, and Katja had the power to show her appreciation by listening to requests for transfers, sometimes even rescues from the gas, hospital stays, and other such vital favors.

That was also part of camp life. If we wanted something done for ourselves or a friend or relative, we bought ourselves that favor with a gift, to whomever had the power to grant it.

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