Among the grim roster of Nazi war criminals, Gerda Steinhoff’s name stands out for the cruelty she inflicted upon prisoners at the Stutthof concentration camp.
As one of the camp’s female guards, Steinhoff participated in horrific acts of brutality against men, women, and children who were imprisoned under the Nazi regime. Her reign of terror ended with her arrest and eventual execution, which was carried out in a manner that reflected the depth of hatred for her crimes.
Gerda Steinhoff’s Role in the Stutthof Atrocities
Stutthof, located near Gdańsk, Poland, was a notorious concentration camp where thousands of Jews, Poles, and other perceived enemies of the Nazi regime were imprisoned and murdered. Gerda Steinhoff joined the camp as a guard in 1944, motivated by the ideology of the Third Reich and the allure of power within the camp hierarchy.
At just 23 years old, Steinhoff quickly gained a reputation for her sadistic behavior. Witness testimonies described her as a brutal enforcer, known for merciless beatings, arbitrary executions, and her role in selecting prisoners for the gas chambers.
Acts of Sadism
Beatings and Whippings: Steinhoff was infamous for lashing prisoners, leaving many with permanent injuries or leading to their deaths.
Selection for Death: She actively participated in "selections," where she decided who would be sent to the gas chambers.
Torture of Women and Children: Survivors recounted how she took particular pleasure in tormenting women and children, often using her position to inflict psychological and physical suffering.
Her involvement in the camp’s extermination processes and her active participation in the killings of prisoners cemented her as one of the most despised figures among the camp guards.
The Collapse of the Nazi Regime and Steinhoff’s Capture
As the war drew to a close and the Red Army advanced, the Nazis evacuated Stutthof, forcing prisoners on death marches in an attempt to conceal the atrocities. Steinhoff fled but was captured by Allied forces in May 1945.
Her trial took place in Gdańsk in 1946, where she, alongside other Stutthof personnel, was prosecuted for crimes against humanity. Survivors of the camp testified against her, detailing the horrific acts she committed. Steinhoff showed no remorse during the proceedings, which only deepened the anger and hatred toward her.
The Execution of Gerda Steinhoff
On July 4, 1946, Gerda Steinhoff and 10 other convicted war criminals were publicly executed in Gdańsk. The executions were carried out by hanging, a sentence meant to reflect the gravity of their crimes.
A Public Display of Justice
The execution took place in a public square, with thousands of onlookers gathered to witness the event. The large crowd included survivors of Stutthof and family members of those who perished under Steinhoff’s watch.
Wooden Gallows: The condemned were hanged on makeshift wooden gallows, a stark and symbolic structure. Each individual was brought forward, their crimes announced, and the execution carried out.
Steinhoff’s Fate: Wearing her SS uniform, Steinhoff was led to the gallows. Witnesses reported that she appeared defiant until the end, a demeanor that only heightened the crowd’s disdain for her.
The Crowd’s Reaction
As Steinhoff was hanged, the crowd erupted into a mix of cheers and tears. For many, her execution was not only justice for her crimes but also a cathartic moment after years of suffering and loss.