Notorious female SS officer at Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen concentration camps, known for her brutal treatment and murder of prisoners, earning her the nickname "The Beast of Belsen".
Irma Grese, a former Nazi concentration camp guard, is notoriously known as the "Hyena of Auschwitz" for her brutal treatment and murder of Jewish prisoners at Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen concentration camps. Her heinous crimes earned her a death sentence at the Belsen trial, making her the youngest woman to be judicially executed in the 20th century under British law, at just 22 years old.
Born on October 7, 1923, in Wrechen, Germany, Irma Grese was the third of five children to Berta and Alfred Grese, both dairy workers. Her mother's suicide in 1936, following her father's affair, had a profound impact on young Irma's life. Her father remarried in 1939, and Irma's sister, Helene, later testified that Irma lacked the courage to fight and would often run away from confrontations.
In 1938, Grese left school at 14 and worked various jobs, including on a farm, in a shop, and at an SS-run hospital. Her desire to join the League of German Girls was initially met with opposition from her father, but she eventually moved to the SS Female Helpers training base near Ravensbrück, where she became an Aufseherin (guard or overseer) in 1940.
In March 1943, Grese transferred to Auschwitz-Birkenau, where her brutal behavior earned her the nickname "Hyena of Auschwitz." She was notorious for her sadistic cruelty, using her whip to lash prisoners, and for forcing them to perform cruel tasks, like cleaning latrines with their bare hands. In 1944, Grese was promoted to serve as warden of the women's section at Bergen-Belsen.
Following the liberation of Bergen-Belsen, Grese was arrested and put on trial for her crimes. The Belsen trial, which took place from September 17 to November 17, 1945, saw Grese convicted of crimes involving the ill-treatment and murder of Jewish prisoners. Her defense, which claimed she was merely following orders, was rejected, and she was sentenced to death by hanging.
Irma Grese's reign of terror during World War II left an indelible mark on history. Her brutal actions and sadistic nature have made her one of the most notorious female Nazi war criminals. Her legacy serves as a stark reminder of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust, and her punishment serves as a warning to those who would perpetuate such horrors.
Born in 1911
A notorious physician and captain who conducted inhumane experiments on prisoners, particularly twins, during the Holocaust, earning the nickname "Angel of Death".
Born in 1906
A high-ranking Nazi officer responsible for organizing the logistics of the Holocaust, overseeing the mass deportation of Jews to concentration camps during World War II.
Born in 1900
Leading the SS and Gestapo, he oversaw the Nazi regime's brutal security apparatus and implemented the "Final Solution," orchestrating the genocide of six million Jews during World War II.
Born in 1903
Austrian-German lawyer and general who served as the highest-ranking leader of the Nazi police forces, responsible for overseeing the Gestapo, SS, and concentration camps during World War II. He was a key figure in the Holocaust and other atrocities committed by the Nazi regime.
Born in 1904
A high-ranking Nazi officer and physician who oversaw the Nazi euthanasia program, responsible for the deaths of thousands of people with mental and physical disabilities.
Born in 1905
A physician and SS officer who oversaw Nazi human experimentation and was later convicted of war crimes. He's infamous for his involvement in the atrocities committed at Auschwitz and other concentration camps.
