In Peenemünde, the Historisch-Technische Museum has inaugurated a new memorial site dedicated to the former inmates of the concentration labor camp Karlshagen II. The opening ceremony was attended by Bettina Martin, the Minister of Culture of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, who emphasized the importance of remembering those who endured forced labor and suffering in Peenemünde. The initiative aims to commemorate the victims and honor their memory.
During the Nazi regime, Peenemünde played a significant role in the ambitious plans of the National Socialists. The Heeresversuchsanstalt in Peenemünde was instrumental in the research and production of the worlds first cruise missiles and operational large rockets, employing forced laborers from concentration camps, including those stationed at the Karlshagen I and Karlshagen II camps on Usedom Island. Karlshagen II, located in the manufacturing plant, was crucial in laying the groundwork for the serial production of the V2 rocket, housing 604 men.
The night of August 17-18, 1943, marked the „Operation Hydra“ bombing by the British Royal Air Force, prompting the Nazis to relocate the project to Thuringias underground KZ complex Mittelbau-Dora. Unfortunately, only a minority of the forced laborers transferred from Peenemünde to Thuringia survived until the end of the war. Hundreds of individuals perished in Peenemünde, emphasizing the tragic and destructive nature of the sites activities during that period.
Minister Martins speech at the commemoration site highlighted the misconception of Peenemünde being associated solely with technological advancement or space exploration. She reinforced that the primary objectives were driven by a delusion of conquest, racism, and anti-Semitism, utilizing war, submission, and scientific advancements. In this context, Peenemünde stands as a stark symbol of hubris and contempt for humanity, reflecting the perversion of science and technology for malevolent purposes. The establishment of this new memorial site serves as a poignant reminder of the atrocities committed and the imperative to acknowledge and remember the victims of such historical injustices.