Located in the town of Willebroek, Flanders, the National Memorial Fortress of Breendonk stands as a solemn testament to the horrors of Nazi occupation during World War II. Originally constructed between 1906 and 1913 as part of Belgium‘s National Redoubt defense line, the fortress took on a far more sinister role from 1940 to 1944 as the infamous Auffanglager, a Nazi prison camp.
From Military Fortification to Nazi Prison
Fort Breendonk was one of several fortifications built in the early 20th century to protect Belgium‘s neutrality and defend against potential invasions. The fortress, designed by Belgian military engineer Henri Alexis Brialmont, featured a central bombproof redoubt surrounded by a moat and several smaller bunkers. Its thick concrete walls and strategic layout made it a formidable defensive structure.
However, during the Nazi occupation of Belgium in World War II, the fortress‘s very design made it an ideal location for a prison camp. The central redoubt became the main detention area, while the smaller bunkers were used for torture, interrogation, and executions. The moat, once a defensive feature, now served as a barrier to prevent prisoners from escaping.
The Horrors of Auffanglager
From September 1940 to September 1944, Breendonk functioned as a transit camp, where prisoners were held before being deported to larger concentration camps such as Auschwitz, Buchenwald, and Mauthausen. The conditions at Auffanglager were inhumane, with prisoners subjected to torture, starvation, forced labor, and summary executions.
Prisoners were crammed into overcrowded dormitories, with little access to proper sanitation or medical care. They were forced to work long hours in the camp‘s workshop, producing goods for the Nazi war effort. The SS guards, led by commandant Philipp Schmitt, were notorious for their cruelty and sadistic behavior.
One of the most infamous features of Breendonk was the "torture bunker," where prisoners were subjected to brutal interrogations and punishments. Survivors have described being beaten, waterboarded, and subjected to electric shocks. Some prisoners were hanged from hooks in the bunker‘s ceiling, while others were forced to stand for hours in stress positions.
The Human Cost of Auffanglager
The suffering and loss of life at Auffanglager were immense. Of the approximately 3,590 prisoners known to have been detained at Breendonk, 303 died or were executed within the camp itself. Many others perished during deportation or in the larger concentration camps to which they were sent.
| Category | Number of Prisoners |
|---|---|
| Total Prisoners | 3,590 |
| Deaths at Breendonk | 303 |
| Deported to Other Camps | 2,060 |
| Survived | 1,227 |
Source: "Fort Breendonk: A Nazi Prison Camp in Belgium" by Patrick Nefors, 2019
Among the prisoners held at Breendonk were notable figures such as Belgian resistance leader Youra Livchitz and Jewish artist Felix Nussbaum. Livchitz, who helped organize a daring escape from a deportation train, was recaptured and executed at Breendonk in 1944. Nussbaum, whose haunting self-portraits from his time in hiding have become iconic images of the Holocaust, was deported from Breendonk to Auschwitz, where he was murdered in 1944.
Post-War Justice and Remembrance
After the liberation of Belgium in September 1944, Breendonk served briefly as an internment camp for collaborators before being transformed into a national memorial in 1947. In the immediate post-war years, several former Breendonk personnel faced trial for their crimes.
Commandant Philipp Schmitt was sentenced to death by a Belgian military court in 1949 and executed the following year. Other guards and administrators received varying sentences, from prison terms to the death penalty. These trials played a crucial role in exposing the atrocities committed at Breendonk and holding perpetrators accountable.
As a national memorial, Breendonk has faced the challenge of preserving and presenting its dark history in a meaningful way. In the early years, the focus was on honoring the resistance fighters who had been imprisoned there, with less attention paid to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust. Over time, however, the memorial has evolved to provide a more comprehensive and nuanced portrayal of the camp‘s history.
Today, visitors to Breendonk can explore the fortress‘s various buildings and exhibits, which offer a powerful and emotional insight into the experiences of the prisoners. The former dormitories, workshops, and torture bunker have been preserved, allowing visitors to witness the cramped and inhumane conditions firsthand. Informative displays and audio guides provide historical context and personal stories from survivors.
The Importance of Remembrance
As the years pass and the last survivors of the Holocaust fade from living memory, sites like the National Memorial Fortress of Breendonk become increasingly vital in preserving the lessons of this dark chapter in human history. By bearing witness to the atrocities committed at Auffanglager and honoring the lives lost, we ensure that their stories are never forgotten.
Breendonk serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of fascism, racism, and totalitarianism. It stands as a warning of what can happen when hatred and intolerance are allowed to flourish unchecked. In a world where far-right extremism and anti-Semitism are on the rise, the lessons of Breendonk are more relevant than ever.
As historian Patrick Nefors notes in his book "Fort Breendonk: A Nazi Prison Camp in Belgium," "Breendonk is not just a place of remembrance, but also a place of education. It is a reminder of the fragility of democracy and the need for constant vigilance against the forces of hatred and oppression."
Visiting the National Memorial Fortress of Breendonk is a deeply moving and thought-provoking experience. It is a journey into one of the darkest chapters of human history, but also a testament to the resilience and courage of those who endured unimaginable suffering. By preserving this history and sharing its lessons with future generations, we honor the memory of the victims and ensure that their sacrifices were not in vain.
For more information on visiting the National Memorial Fortress of Breendonk, please consult the official website at http://breendonk.be/EN/.
