The process of selection which took place on the unloading ramps at Auschwitz was rich in incident

The separation of the men from the women and children would spread anxiety through the whole transport​

Sometimes the confusion was so great that the selections had to be started all over again

and it was necessary to use force to restore order.​

Hand-in -Hand

One night in December a particular train arrived.
Somehow the Jews knew what was coming.

A group of them tried to escape.
There was shouting  and shots were fired.

We were ordered to search the area.
I remember it was dark and very cold.

After an hour we thought we’d got them all
and could go and get some sleep.

Then I noticed two boys hiding under a bush.
I’d say they were brothers, about four and seven.

I said,  Now come along kids!  Its cold out here!
Over there’s a big fire and I’ll take you there.

The older one was suspicious and wouldn’t move
but the young one started to pester him.

He kept saying,  Let’s go with the uncle to the fire!
Finally the older one agreed and they crawled out.

I wasn’t surprised the kid changed his mind.
I could see he didn't like it under the branches.

They took me by the hand, one on each side,
and I brought them back without having to use force.