… you fly past one camp after the other. From the autobiographical novel by François Cavanna
In July, 1942, an excursion for Soviet forced labourers was organised and carried out.
Most Poles were not allowed to ride the S-Bahn. Barbara Michalska talks about an illegal journey.
A ride on the S-Bahn gave a view over the countless barrack camps in the city. The exclusion of the foreigners could not be overlooked.
The Frenchman François Cavanna was put to work at the Ehrich und Graetz Company in Treptow within the “S.T.O.” (Service du travail obligatoire) compulsory work scheme. Later he wrote the novel “Les Russkoffs” (“Das Lied der Baba”) on his experiences.
Address:
In der S-Bahn
in Berlin
Directions:
S Tiergarten, S Bellevue, S Hauptbahnhof
Sources:
“Eastern Workers in the Tramway”: Willy Pragher, Staatsarchiv Freiburg, W 134 Nr. 017028d, W 134 Nr. 017031b, W 134 Nr. 017031d, W 134 Nr. 017041
“With the ‘P’ in the S-Bahn”: Interview with Barbara Michalska, 2005, and private photo, Private archive Martin
Station