SOBIBÓR - Holocaust Handbooks

118 J. GRAF, T. KUES, C. MATTOGNO, SOBIBÓR
our own calculations we will therefore assume the total number of hypothetical
victims cremated without prior interment to amount to
([101,370 – 80,000] + 67,795 =) 89,165.
5.2.3. Mass Graves Identified by Kola
In his description of the discovered mass graves Kola provides precious
little data, qualitative or quantitative, on the actual contents of the
grave pits as revealed by the relevant drilling samples. As at Be��ec,
none of the mass graves was excavated, and no attempt whatsoever was
made to quantify the amount of human remains present in them. The
only real quantitative statement regarding the contents of the graves is
found in the following passage: 304
“[…] altogether there were 1,805 drillings made on 4 hectares.
In 1,107 of these a natural, anthropogenically unspoilt stratigraphy
was discovered, where underneath a newer layer of humus (0-30 cm
on average) natural, yellowish sand (archeologically barren) occurred.
Grave remnants were found in 128 drillings. They are accumulated
in seven pronounced groups that can be assumed as being
separate pits which contain remains of mass murder victims. Most of
these graves contain cremated human bones. The grave bottoms
reached the depth of approx. 4 meters from the surface. Only in one
case (grave No. 3) the bottom reached a depth of 5.80 m. Particularly
noticeable traces of cremation occurred in the lower parts of the
graves where distinct layers of scorched bones, with a thickness up
to 40-60 cm, could be identified.”
One should note here that Kola does not provide a clear definition of
what he means by “distinct layers.” Are we talking of strata more or
less exclusively containing ashes, or of ashes mixed with sand or other
material? Further one would like to know how many of the 128 drillings
actually turned up significant amounts of human remains, and not only
evidence of soil disturbance.
Kola next goes on to briefly describe the characteristics of the individual
mass graves: 304
“Grave No. 1 was found in the northeastern part of hectare XVII,
directly to the west of the monument mound which commemorates
the victims. The grave was localized by 27 drillings. The approximate
dimensions of the outline are 20 × 20 m with the depth reaching
around 4.30 m. It contains remains of cremated corpses.