The Curiohaus Trials (Hardback)
Bringing the Nazis to Justice 1945 – 1949
Imprint: Pen & Sword History
Pages: 240
Illustrations: 20 mono illustrations
ISBN: 9781036111755
Published: 9th April 2025
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Mention war crimes trials to almost anyone and they will respond with one word, ‘Nuremberg.’ Most think there was only one trial following the Second World War, the International Military Tribunal, but this trial indicted only 24 defendants. They represented the most senior Nazis accused of conspiracy, crimes against peace, war crimes and crimes against humanity. But few were involved directly in any of the millions of individual atrocities. The victorious allies, the Soviet Union, the USA, Britain and France, tried hundreds of other cases in many different cities. The British trials took place in several locations in Germany, but most war criminals in British custody faced prosecution in one city. The Curiohaus Trials immerses readers in the untold story of war crimes trials that took place in a miraculously intact concert hall in war-torn Hamburg. Using freshly examined archive material, cross-referenced sources and information from the scenes of the crimes, this gripping account unveils the complex legal proceedings in courtrooms where orchestras previously played. Step by step, readers become immersed in the gathering of evidence, moving testimony and the intricate pursuit of truth. Amidst the search for justice, however, moral and ethical dilemmas arose. The book explores the challenges faced by prosecutors, defence lawyers and judges who had to navigate the fine line between seeking retribution and ensuring a fair trial in a shattered post-war society. It reveals an almost exclusive reliance on eye-witness testimony (even when physical evidence was available), a shocking decline in appetite to try those responsible for grievous atrocities and an astonishing absence of justice at the end of the process. The Curiohaus Trials is an essential read for those interested in modern history, international law and the search for justice.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
NetGalley, Brenda Carleton
To my shame, I had never heard of the Curiohaus Trials before reading this book. When in the context of war crime trials, my mind goes to Nuremberg. But only a few of the millions of war criminals were tried there. Most of those in British custody were tried in Hamburg at the Curiohaus. The Curiohaus trials were poorly documented (archives and transcripts went missing) but thankfully, the author of this book conducted meticulous research to piece the puzzle together. Fascinating photographs bring life and personality to those involved. In some cases, the evidence against these criminals was overwhelming but an astounding number were acquitted and/or released from prison, even when previously sentenced to death. Very few paid for their crimes and many lived out their natural lives all over the world.
"You did it, too" and "I was just following orders" were amongst the appalling excuses which were given, even by those who admitted to their roles in the Zyklon B Trial. They felt their actions were justified. One Nazi said he tried to feel for the pulse of a prisoner with his foot while wearing his boot on the unfortunate man's neck! Amongst other horrors, disabled German children were seen by Nazis as "useless eaters" and were therefore experimented on or murdered. Not only does the author highlight the heinous crimes and trials but also discusses the Soviets who went from allies to enemies, basically using scorched earth practices (and others).
Stories such as these are incredibly difficult to read, knowing they involved real people. On the one hand, millions of innocent people were ruthlessly hunted and murdered. On the other, the killers professed their justifications and often went free. My heart was crushed and my mind infuriated at the injustice. But this is a very, very important book to read. I am grateful for those brave survivors who told their stories and testified against their murderers. I cannot fathom that level of courage.
The Curiohaus Trials: Bringing the Nazis to Justice 1945–1949 is a well-researched account that illuminates the legal and historical dimensions of post-war justice.
NetGalley, Adam Burns
About Russell Kent
Russell Kent is a retired IT consultant. In a 35-year career, he owned and managed two companies which provided writing and training services to many of the world's largest users of digital technology. He has a degree in physiology from the University of London and is a published scientist. His interests in forensic medicine, modern history and law led him to the discovery that some victims of WW2 war crimes had been autopsied. Since then he has developed an enduring interest in how the British prosecuted hundreds of suspected war criminals in the 1940s. Russell lives in Cambridgeshire and The National Archives in Kew.
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