Auschwitz Sub Camps

About the Auschwitz Sub-Camps

Auschwitz expanded as a result of economic decisions that changed how the camp complex would operate. SS-Reichsführer Heinrich Himmler ordered the creation of agricultural and industrial plants in the vicinity of the camps towns and villages, thus meaning Auschwitz would have to be extended to accommodate the immediate increase of prisoners.

Small networks of branches under the Auschwitz Administration were soon built that became known as sub-camps. The first such places were within the interest zone of Auschwitz in villages such as Babice, Brzezinka, Budy, Harmęże, Pławy and Rajsko. Some camps such as Pławy, Brzezinka and Harmęże were within walking distance from Birkenau. Budy and Rajsko were a few kilometres further away.

Nevertheless, it was decided over time to ‘house’ prisoners at their place of work. One reason for this was the fatigued state of the prisoners on arrival at work who had to march up to 15km in all weathers wearing just wooden clogs and thin striped uniforms. Commandants of the sub-camps were put in place, however they still fell under the administration of Auschwitz.

In the Polish village of Monowice, the camp known as Auschwitz III Monowitz was established. This became known as the largest sub-camp of Auschwitz and went on to house over 10,000 prisoners. In 1943, there was a change of administration. The camp of Auschwitz