The White Buses - One of the most dangerous rescue operation of the Second World War| DW Documentary

Key Concepts

• White Buses: A fleet of buses used in a rescue mission to save concentration camp inmates in the final weeks of World War II.
• Folke Bernadotte: Count of Wisborg, a Swedish diplomat and nephew of the Swedish King, who negotiated with Heinrich Himmler for the release of Scandinavian prisoners.
• Theresienstadt: A concentration camp and ghetto used by the Nazis as a "model camp" for propaganda purposes, but in reality, a transit camp to death camps.
• Neuengamme: A concentration camp near Hamburg, known for its terrible conditions, where the White Buses were forced to transport prisoners, leading to indirect responsibility for deaths.
• Danish Rescue of Jews: The operation in October 1943 where the Danish population, with the help of resistance groups and fishermen, evacuated almost all Danish Jews to neutral Sweden.
• "Whipped Cream Front": A nickname for Denmark during the Nazi occupation, referring to the relatively lenient conditions compared to other occupied territories.

The White Buses Rescue Mission

• The Mission: In the final weeks of World War II, a fleet of small white buses embarked on a mission from Denmark to rescue inmates from Nazi concentration camps.
• Ruth's Story: Ruth, a 17-year-old Danish Jew, was rescued from Theresienstadt after being held for 18 months. Her daughter, Marianne, seeks to understand her mother's experiences.
• Scale of Rescue: Approximately 20,000 people were rescued by the White Buses, including Scandinavian Jews and others.
• Swedish Neutrality: Sweden remained officially neutral during the war but maintained economic ties with Germany, a controversial decision.
• Conditions on the Buses: Survivors were often in extremely poor health, starved, and barely able to walk. Buses were overcrowded, with three people squeezed onto seats meant for two.
• Celebration Upon Return: The return of the rescued prisoners was met with joyous celebrations in Denmark, with crowds cheering and offering flowers.

Negotiation and Planning

• Himmler and Bernadotte: Heinrich Himmler, head of the SS, met with Count Folke Bernadotte of the Swedish Red Cross in February 1945. Bernadotte sought the release of Scandinavian prisoners.
• Himmler's Motives: Himmler, sensing the impending Nazi defeat, saw an opportunity to gain favor with the Allies.
• Focus on Scandinavian Prisoners: Initially, Himmler only agreed to release Scandinavian prisoners, but pressure from the Jewish community led to the inclusion of Jews.
• Swedish Government Involvement: The Swedish government provided the Red Cross with 78 buses and trucks for the mission.
• Axel Molin: Bernadotte chose Axel Molin to lead the rescue mission. Molin's transit permit from the SS was a significant document.
• Conditions of the Agreement: Sweden had to cover the costs of the operation, and the press was to be kept in the dark. Only 250 people were allowed.
• Route and Preparation: The target camps were Neuengamme, Ravensbrück, Braunschweig, Dachau, and Theresienstadt. The buses were painted white to ensure safety from Allied bombing.

Theresienstadt: A "Model Camp" Deception

• Propaganda Tool: Theresienstadt was presented as a "model camp" to the international community and Red Cross inspectors.
• Reality of Theresienstadt: In reality, it was a transit camp on the way to extermination camps.
• Ruth's Life in Theresienstadt: Ruth was registered as a seamstress and lived in overcrowded conditions with 70 other women. She worked in the laundry and cared for children.
• Yellow Star: Jews in Theresienstadt were forced to wear the yellow star, a humiliating experience.
• Survival: They survived on meager rations and Red Cross packages. Heads were shaved to humiliate the prisoners.
• Synagogue: Despite the harsh conditions, Jews attempted to maintain some semblance of normalcy, including religious practices.
• Waiting for Rescue: Ruth and other Danish Jews waited for the White Buses in April 1945, but the buses initially did not arrive.

The Dark Side: Neuengamme and Forced Transports

• Expansion of the Rescue: From mid-March to late April, the White Buses traveled to various concentration camps, including Buchenwald, Dachau, and Ravensbrück.
• Neuengamme Stop: The Nazis ordered the buses to stop at Neuengamme, a camp with a terrible reputation.
• Heinous Deal: The SS forced the Swedish drivers to transport sick and frail prisoners from Neuengamme to other camps to make room for Scandinavian prisoners.
• Swedish Complicity: Despite initial resistance, the Swedish government ordered the drivers to comply, making them indirectly responsible for prisoner deaths during transport.
• Horrific Conditions: The prisoners were in miserable condition, suffering from diseases like diphtheria, typhoid, and typhus.

The Danish Rescue of 1943

• Raids and Escape: In 1943, raids were common in Nazi-occupied Denmark. Many Danish Jews, including Ruth and her sister Eva, attempted to flee to Sweden.
• Betrayal: Ruth and Eva were betrayed by a Danish Nazi soldier, Poul Hveger, and captured.
• Theresienstadt Transport: They were transported to Theresienstadt along with 450 other Danish Jews.
• Charlotte Thalmay's Story: Charlotte Thalmay's family escaped to Sweden with the help of Danish fishermen.
• Warning and Evacuation: A German official leaked information about the impending deportation of Danish Jews, prompting a mass evacuation.
• Swedish Support: The Swedish government offered refuge to all Danish Jews who could reach Sweden.
• Fishermen's Role: Danish fishermen risked their lives to transport Jews to Sweden for a price.
• Conditions on the Boats: Refugees were hidden under fish and endured cramped, fearful conditions.
• Swedish Reception: Upon reaching Swedish waters, they were met by Swedish warships and provided with safety and comfort.
• M-20 Minesweeper: The M-20 minesweeper played a crucial role in rescuing fleeing people.

Factors Contributing to the Danish Success

• "Whipped Cream Front": The relatively lenient conditions in Denmark during the early years of the occupation allowed Jews to live relatively freely.
• German Apathy: Some Germans were pleased to be stationed in Denmark rather than on the Eastern Front.
• Swift Action: The Danish resistance and fishermen acted quickly to evacuate the Jews before the Nazis could effectively implement their plans.

A Missed Opportunity and Lasting Impact

• Police Interrogation: During the interrogation of Ruth and Eva, a policeman suggested that Ruth might not be Jewish due to her blonde hair, potentially offering her a chance to escape.
• Loyalty: Ruth refused to abandon her sister and chose to remain with her.
• Post-War Lives: Eva and Ruth remained close throughout their lives, marrying around the same time and raising families.
• Legacy: The courageous rescue effort of the White Buses saved nearly 20,000 people from certain death.

Conclusion

The story of the White Buses and the Danish rescue of Jews is a complex one, filled with bravery, sacrifice, and moral ambiguity. While the White Buses saved thousands of lives, the forced transports at Neuengamme cast a shadow on the mission. The Danish rescue of 1943 stands as a testament to the courage and solidarity of the Danish people, who risked their lives to save their Jewish neighbors. The personal stories of Ruth, Eva, and others highlight the human cost of the Holocaust and the enduring impact of these events on future generations.