The Inmates' Mental Reactions to Camp Life

Three phases of the inmates mental reactions to camp life become apparent. The period following his admission, the period when he is well intrenched in camp routine, and the period following his release and liberation. Under certain conditions, shock may even precede the prisoner's formal admission to the camp. I shall give as an example the circumstances of my own admission. 15 hundred persons had been travelling by train for several days and nights. There were 80 people in each coach. All had to lie on top of their luggage, the few remnants of their personal possessions. We did not know whether we were still in silesia or already in poland. Every one expected the train to head for some munitions