NKWD-Lager Tost: Suche nach den Toten

From November 11th to 13th, 2024, Dieter Dombrowski, Federal Chairman of the UOKG (Association of Victims of Communist Tyranny), and Sybille Krägel of the “Initiative Group NKVD Camp Tost 1945” visited the site in Toszek (formerly Tost) in Upper Silesia, Poland. For years, they had fought for the right to investigate the grounds of the logistics company “Terminal Toszek,” which is located next to the memorial site for the NKVD camp. Sybille Krägel has been researching the history of the Soviet special camp and its victims for 35 years. She has identified the names of over 4,500 prisoners, of whom over 3,000 died within the seven months of the camp's existence – an unbelievable death rate of over 66%. Thanks to her initiative, the memorial on the adjacent property has already been established. However, the actual location of the mass grave remained inaccessible for decades. But now the time had finally come, and the two-day search could begin. The search for war dead abroad is organized with the help of the German War Graves Commission (Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge), which works on behalf of the German government. Arne Schrader from the Commission, who is already familiar with the case, was present in Toszek to conduct a new search using modern technology that was not available during the initial excavations in 2012. The team from the company "Georadar NRW" from Heek traveled specifically for this purpose to carry out the practical part of the investigations using a ground-penetrating radar system. On both days, ground probes were carried out at the locations specified by Sybille Krägel, which were identified as potential search areas through the combination of various pieces of information—aerial photographs as well as historical and current maps. The ground-penetrating radar can analyze the subsurface to a depth of 3.5 meters. Similar to airport radar, the device emits electromagnetic waves that are reflected in the ground and provide information about its structure. Ultimately, this facilitates the decision as to whether an excavation at a particular location is practical and worthwhile. However, the evaluation of the data obtained through ground-penetrating radar takes two to four weeks, so no more precise results are available at this time. Arne Schrader of the German War Graves Commission emphasized, however, that by comparing the available maps, witness statements, and current site visits, it can already be assumed that it is worthwhile to carry out concrete exploratory excavations on a specific part of the site where a sand pit was located, which was likely used as a mass grave in 1945. These excavations will most likely be carried out by the German War Graves Commission in 2025. We were very pleased by the presence of Honorary Consul Dr. Marcin Tyslik from Gliwice, who came to Toszek during the reconnaissance, as well as the Mayor of Toszek, Gregorz Kupczyk, who looked after the search team on site. Horst Zwiorek, a member of the "German Friendship Circle Tost e.V.", served as interpreter for the team. Many thanks to all involved for their efforts. At the end of the three days, everyone involved in the project is optimistic that the effort was worthwhile and that another step has been taken toward clarifying the whereabouts of the deceased from Toszek – even though there is still a long way to go. Now, negotiations must be held with the owners of the company premises regarding a permit, so that the excavations can hopefully begin in 2025. Lucas Hütter filmed the entire project in Toszek and published it on our YouTube channel, UOKGnews. We will keep you updated on further developments here and on our social media channels. The next trip to Toszek, including a memorial service, is tentatively scheduled for May 9–11, 2025, departing from and returning to Dresden. The program and further details will be announced by Ms. Krägel in due course.