jan 27, 1945 - Liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, January 27, 1945
Description:
Auschwitz-Birkenau was the largest camp complex established by the Germans. The Auschwitz-Birkenau complex consisted of concentration camps, killing centers, and forced-labor camps. As Soviet forces began approaching the Auschwitz-Birkenau in early 1945, the SS began evacuating the camp complex. Nearly 60,000 prisoners were sent on death marches from Auschwitz to the west, and thousands more were sent to death in the days leading up the death marches. Soviet forces entered the camp on 27 January and liberated more than 7,000 remaining prisoners. Soviet forces met some resistance from withdrawing German units while attempting to occupy Auschwitz. Over 230 Soviet soldiers, including the commander of the 472nd Infantry Regiment, Semen Lvovich Bezprozvanny, died fighting to liberate the Auschwitz Main Camp and its surrounding areas. It is estimated that at minimum 1.3 million people were deported to Auschwitz-Birkenau between 1940 and 1945; of these, at least 1.1 million were murdered.
Added to timeline:
Liberation and Liberators, 1944-1945
GER 232 Group 3 Final Project
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