Holocaust & POWs

Kovno Ghetto, Kaunas, Lithuania

Remarkedly good coverage of the Kovno (Kaunas) Ghetto from April 1944 showed the area while it was still partially occupied. Formed in August 1941, the Ghetto went through several reductions. The first of these took place in October 1941 when the western section --the so-called ‘Small Ghetto’ -- was cleared and its residents were executed at nearby ‘Fort IX.’ In March 1944, 2500 people, including 1600 children, were murdered in what became known as the ‘Kinder Aktion.’ During its existence, people in the ghetto worked as forced laborers and produced items for the Wehrmacht in a workshop.

aerial photo of Two of the Original Gates to the Kovno Ghetto, Kaunas Lithuania in April 1944

The Mass Grave at 'Fort IX' Kovno, Kaunas Lithuania in April 1944

On 24 April 1944 the east-central part of the Kovno Ghetto was still occupied -- identified by numerous basins (cesspits or wells) around houses (Graphic). The original Ghetto gates could still be seen, as well as the former location of site of the former bridge between the two sections.

Fort IX and the mass graves from the earlier executions were also covered on 24 April. Interestingly, the dirt from the mass grave showed signs it had been disturbed, probably as result of the reported November 1943 exhumation and burning of the victims.