traveltales: INFAMOUS NUREMBERG TRIAL

Sunday, June 17, 2018

INFAMOUS NUREMBERG TRIAL

ROOM 600

I always wondered why Nuremberg was selected for the infamous World War II trials. When visiting the city I learned that although the city center had been bombed during the war, the courthouse outside the city was unharmed. A prison next door connected to the courthouse by a tunnel provided the necessary security. Lastly the large courthouse containing 530 offices and 80 courtrooms was in the American zone.

I don’t know who our guide had to sweet-talk but on a Sunday morning we were able not to only visit the courthouse but to enter room 600 and learn a lot more. Awesome!

Seated in room 600 we were told, “For the trial, the back wall was moved back and a balcony added to accommodate the press and spectators. The trial took place long before instant communication and when the press used wire services. The tables were turned front to back rather than side by side. All windows were covered. When the trial was over it was returned to its previous size and configuration.”

Those on trial faced four charges: conspiracy, crime against peace, crime of war, and crime against humanity. Officially 24 were tried, but only 21 were present. One was old and too feeble to attend, one had committed suicide and one had simply disappeared. However, his body later was found and identified. American soldiers guarded the prisoners around the clock, 24 hours a day.

Instead of a jury, four judges, one from each Allied nation, made the judgements. On October 1, 1946 twelve were sentenced to death, three were acquitted, and seven were sentenced to life imprisonment.

The 218 day trial involved 236 witnesses and over 200,000 affidavits. People involved in the trial including translators, recorders, and secretaries numbered 1000.

Early in the morning on October 16,1946 eleven of the twelve sentenced to death were hung in the old gym. Herman Goring committed suicide the night before by swallowing a cyanide capsule. The source of the poison is unknown. The bodies were cremated in Munich and the ashes spread over the Isar River. In 1987 the last prisoner committed suicide at age 93. ..

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Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.