The mine was founded in 1939 during the war under the name “Zinnbergwerk Sudentenland GmbH” and finally went into operation in 1943 with the help of several hundred prisoners of war.
On one side is the ore factory and on the other side of the street was a prisoner of war camp divided into two parts. One was for the Soviets, they had much harsher conditions than the prisoners in the other, who were French, Italian, Greek and others. In all there were about 3,000 people, including 500 Ukrainian Nazis, who were more cruel than members of the SS. However, data on the number of prisoners varies and their post-war fate is unknown.
Rolava POW Camp - Interesting Facts We find it hidden in the forests of the Karlovy Vary region, near heaths and swamps near Přebuz. Construction of the complex began in 1940 and was completed in 1942. The complex is separated by a road, on one side there was an ore processing factory, a sewage treatment plant, a sludge thickening tank, a mining tower, a transformer station, but also locksmith and electrical workshops, a blacksmith shop, a tailor's and shoemaker's workshop, a stable, an administrative building and other buildings. Across the street was a prisoner of war camp divided into two parts. One was for the Soviets, they had much harsher conditions than the prisoners in the other, who were French, Italian, Greek and others. In all there were about 3,000 people, including 500 Ukrainian Nazis, who were more cruel than members of the SS. However, data on the number of prisoners varies and their post-war fate is unknown. It was mined here at a depth of up to 176 meters and there are 14 km of underground corridors. There are also unfounded legends about this place. It is said that components for V2 rockets were made in the local secret underground workshops. Another myth says that experiments were conducted on local prisoners and that a tank drowned in nearby swamps. What is new is the story of how socialist border guards got the message that a car with a West German number plate was heading towards the camp. When the patrol arrived at the camp, they found a newly dug pit at one point. The Rozvadov border crossing confirmed that a loaded car had recently passed here. What the car crew took from Rolava remains a mystery. But the facts about the mine are clear. The method of completing the mining and the work in general can also be documented. At the end of the war, the demarcation line advanced across the Sauersack. At that time there was a rapid mass flight of guards, and then prisoners. The hoppers are full of silent witnesses to this quick escape and the use of the regained freedom. Currently paintball and airsoft players use the place as a shooting range. When visiting the complex, pay attention to your children and four-legged friends.
Translated by Google •
Sign up for a free komoot account to get 3 more insider tips and takes.