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Reconstruction of the Death Camp (Continued)Annotation D is a large rectangular scar, with a smaller square appendage extending to the south. The larger area measures roughly 27 meters [88 feet] on a side. The size as well as the orientation of this feature initially points to this as possibly being the site of the footings for the large gas chamber building. The pattern of this area is one that would be expected as the result of an excavation made to allow the demolition and removal of a building's foundations. It cannot, however, be explained why the scars from the removal of this building should persist so clearly, while those from the grave pits became overgrown. In the figure, light tones are representative of sterile soil and dark tones are indicative of soil that supports more vigorous plant growth. It became clearer after studying other sources, that this area could not be the site of the gas chambers. It was concluded that it was rather the area where the grates for burning the victim's corpses had been. The key to resolving the question concerning the location of the gas chambers was found in Yacob Viernik's map*, previously presented in Methods and Materials, Figure 13) Viernik worked in the 'Totenlager', and drew the map in Warsaw shortly after his escape in 1943. Important elements of the map are verifiable on the aerial photos as is demonstrated in Figure 33.
Viernik was a unique survivor. He was present early in Treblinka's existence. He worked on building the new, large gas chambers. By virtue of his value as an artisan, the SS gave him access to both the 'Totenlager' and the living camp. His description of his stint during the building of the new, larger gas chambers gives insight to the location of that structure. He wrote in A Year in Treblinka:
*The folowing dialog comes from a transcript of the Eichmann Trial in 1962:
Judge Halevi: [to witness] When you were a member of the Armia Ludowa, was
it then that you drew this sketch?
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Last modified: May 31, 2003
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