Archaeological excavations at the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site in Germany have uncovered the well-preserved remains of an SS dog-handler compound, along with layers of ash containing bone fragments believed to be human remains from the camp's crematorium.
The discoveries were made during archaeological investigations ahead of a planned redevelopment of the memorial site.
Excavations next to the former crematorium area revealed numerous structures associated with the SS guards, including the foundations of at least 35 dog kennels.
Further historical research has also established that the same area contained the crematorium administration, which organised and documented the systematic cremation and disposal of the bodies of prisoners who died or were killed at Dachau.
At least 35 SS dog kennels uncovered
The newly exposed foundations belonged to an area used by SS dog handlers.
Dogs trained by the SS were deployed to guard the concentration camp and intimidate prisoners, who feared attacks by the animals.
According to Dr Gabriele Hammermann, director of the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site, the archaeological evidence provides new information about this part of the camp and its relationship with the nearby crematorium complex.
“The foundations of the dog-handler area uncovered during the latest archaeological excavations expand our knowledge of the dogs trained by the SS, which were used for guarding and intimidation and were feared by concentration camp prisoners,” Hammermann said.
“The crematorium area and the dog-handler area formed a closely connected functional unit as places of terror.”
The discovery of at least 35 kennels provides physical evidence for the scale of the SS dog-handler facilities that once operated in this part of Dachau.
Ash and bone fragments discovered
Archaeologists made a particularly sensitive discovery at several locations within the excavation area.
Layers of ash containing slag and fragments of bone were identified in the soil.
Investigators believe the material is likely to contain human remains originating from the crematorium ovens, although the source describes this identification as an assumption rather than a conclusively established result.
The discovery raises questions about how the remains should be treated, conserved and commemorated.
“The sensitive discovery of human remains requires careful handling, in close consultation with the communities of remembrance, which has already begun,” Hammermann said.
The memorial is now considering how the archaeological evidence should be incorporated into the site and how those whose remains may be present can be appropriately commemorated.
Crematorium administration identified
New historical research conducted alongside the archaeological investigation has provided further information about the function of the area.
Researchers established that the crematorium administration was located within the same complex.
The administration was responsible for organising and documenting the systematic cremation and disposal of bodies at the concentration camp.
Its proximity to the SS dog-handler facilities demonstrates how different elements of the camp's infrastructure operated alongside one another.
The archaeological evidence therefore adds information that could not be reconstructed completely from surviving photographs, documents and other historical records alone.
Archaeology documents evidence of Nazi crimes
Professor Mathias Pfeil, Conservator General of the Bavarian State Office for Monument Protection, said archaeology is becoming increasingly important for investigating sites associated with Nazi persecution and mass murder.
“As the voices of contemporary witnesses grow quieter, the role of archaeology becomes increasingly important in investigating the sites of coercion and extermination under the Nazi regime and enabling us to determine how they should be treated,” Pfeil said.
According to Pfeil, the discoveries at Dachau demonstrate that historical photographs and written documents cannot provide a complete picture of what occurred at such sites.
“The important thing is to bring all the surviving evidence together,” he added. “The ground thus becomes the final and incorruptible witness to Nazi crimes.”
Future of the site
The archaeological investigations were commissioned by the Freising State Building Authority with advice from the Bavarian State Office for Monument Protection.
A separate academic teaching and research excavation was carried out on behalf of the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site by a team from the University of Münster, in coordination with the Bavarian heritage authorities.
Attention will now focus on how the newly discovered structures and suspected human remains should be treated within the planned redevelopment of the memorial.
The Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site is consulting remembrance communities over how the area can be appropriately preserved and interpreted.
The discoveries could ultimately allow a previously less understood part of the camp to become part of the memorial landscape, while ensuring that the suspected human remains are treated with appropriate dignity and that the victims are commemorated at the place where their remains may have been deposited.
Sources : BLFD