WŁADYSŁAW CIESIELSKI

Polish Mission for the Prosecution of War Crimes
Polish War Crimes, Liaison Group, Team Brunswick

Hildesheim, 17 October 1946

Present:
Investigating Judge: Major R. Zdankiewicz, District Court Judge
Reporter: U. Egler, secretary
In the case against: Orlowski

There appears a witness, who having been advised of the criminal liability for making false declarations and duly sworn, testifies as follows:


Name and surname Władysław Ciesielski
Age 22 years old
Religion Roman Catholic
Marital status unmarried
Occupation butcher
Relationship to the suspect none
Criminal record for perjury none
Present place of residence Trillke-Werke camp, Hildesheim
Place of residence in Poland Nieborów village, Łowicz district

I was arrested by the Germans in February 1944 and incarcerated in the Auschwitz concentration camp, where I remained up until May 1944. Next, I was deported to a concentration camp in Germany.

In Auschwitz, I worked for about two and a half months in the kitchen, and later for a short time in the potato room.

I met the German woman by the name of Orlowski, who wore an SS uniform and carried side arms, because she would come from time to time, either alone or with other women, to take food from the kitchen. Orlowski never hit me, and since I worked in the kitchen, I didn’t have any opportunity to witness her beat someone else. Nevertheless, I heard from many people that Orlowski beat Häftlings [prisoners].

Since I was imprisoned in Auschwitz for a short time and didn’t have much to do with Orlowski, I cannot provide detailed information as to whom and when she beat or whom she tortured.

I have presently recognized Orlowski both by her voice and posture. If I am not mistaken, back then she had a different hair color and was slightly thinner. I would like to emphasize once more that I don’t have any doubt as to the fact that present suspect Orlowski is the same SS woman about whom I have just testified.

At this I conclude my testimony. The report was read out before signing.