A small group of crippled prisoners were among the survivors at KL-Mauthausen. They were predominantly Poles and Soviet POWs. Some of the crippled prisoners had suffered from severe frostbite and had their feet amputated in the camp. Given the KZ SS view on exploitation of members for their slave labour workforce, i.e. the need for prisoners to be able to perform some form of work detail, it is a near miracle that these inmates survived. This private image below was taken at the main camp shortly after the US forces liberated around 40,000 survivors at the Mauthausen-Gusen camps.
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WOW!! that is a phenomenal photo!! -
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the will to survive is great!!Comment
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Indeed it is and to survive in that state anywhere requires great will...but to do so within the confinement of such a harsh environment as KL-Mauthausen, is truly amazing. That particular camp was one of only two Konzentrationslagers to officially receive the highest grade (Category-III KL). Conditions in the Mauthausen-Gusen camps were extremely harsh.Originally posted by toot View Post
CarlComment
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I can't even to imagine how he could have survived with the loss of both feet? the infections that he would have had to deal with?Comment
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Not to forget the near total lack of medical care available to prisoners either...Originally posted by toot View Post
Truly a testament to the individual's resolve.Comment
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carltiger, not only physically scared but mentally also!Comment
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