The brothel at the Stammlager

Another strange building was block 24, the Brothel. Block 24 is located just inside the main gate at the Stammlager. And apparently this was not an isolated incident with several brothels across the concentration camp complex. There is not a lot written about who the women were who worked in the brothel. Apparently they were treated better than the other prisoners including better food, so although they were forced to work in the brothel by the SS guards this may have been the difference between life and death. There is no clear reason given for why the brothels exist just many speculatory superstitions. Himmler may have thought that the brothels was an effective incentive to promote hard work. Other theories included making homosexuals to have sex with women would cure them and prevent the spread. Both SS guards and prisoners (but not Jews) used the brothel.

Here are some of pictures of the brothel entrance of Block 24 at the Stammlager:

Above: Block 24 near the main gate from outside the main camp

Left and below: the main entrance of block 24