The Spy Who Infiltrated Auschwitz | The Volunteer | Episode 1

Host: Indira Varma and Raza Jaffrey
Release Date: January 27, 2025
Podcast: The Spy Who by Wondery

Introduction: A Hero Among Heroes

Raza Jaffrey sets the stage by introducing the harrowing reality of Auschwitz during World War II. On January 27, 1945, Soviet soldiers liberated Auschwitz Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp where 1.3 million people, predominantly Jews, were murdered. Amidst this dark history emerges Witold Pilecki, a Polish resistance fighter who volunteered to infiltrate Auschwitz to gather intelligence and organize internal resistance.

Witold Pilecki: The Reluctant Warrior

August 26, 1939 – The Eve of War
Pilecki, a 39-year-old Polish cavalry officer, is depicted in his manor house near Krupa, eastern Poland. Preparing his cavalry horse, Baika, Pilecki demonstrates his dedication to defending his homeland. His farewell to his family encapsulates his sense of duty:

“Men, today we march to defend our Poland, our fatherland. We will drive out these German dogs, then the Soviets and anyone else who threatens our nation now march for our freedom and yours.”
(00:00:00)

One month after his command leads to a devastating defeat, Pilecki refuses to abandon his oath to Poland. Encouraged by Major Jan Wodakievich, he decides to join the underground resistance in Warsaw, laying the groundwork for his audacious mission to Auschwitz.

The Bold Mission: Infiltrating the Heart of Darkness

September 1940 – Preparing for the Mission
In a tense conversation with his sister-in-law Eleonora, Pilecki accepts his mission to infiltrate Auschwitz under the alias Tomasz Serafinsky. Eleonora emphasizes the grave risks involved:

“You will be shot immediately.”
(00:04:21)

Despite the fears, Pilecki’s resolve remains unshaken as he steps into his new identity, understanding that his actions could save countless lives by exposing the atrocities within the camp.

Arrival at Auschwitz: First Impressions and Brutal Realities

September 21, 1940 – The Beginning of Infiltration
Pilecki’s first day at Auschwitz is a nightmare. Surrounded by fellow prisoners, he witnesses the merciless brutality of the SS and the grim efficiency of the camp’s machinery:

“It's easy to differentiate the new arrivals from those who have been here for weeks. The older prisoners are rail thin, with a distant, terrified look in their eyes.”
(00:20:51)

He perceives the division sown by the capos and the systematic dehumanization of prisoners, setting the stage for the immense challenges ahead.

Building the Resistance: Allies Within the Camp

Early October 1940 – Forming Alliances
Determined to enact change from within, Pilecki meets Dr. Dering. Their clandestine conversation lays the foundation for a covert resistance:

“We have to try. At the very least, we have to get word out.”
(00:20:29)

Together, they devise strategies to sustain morale, distribute information, and lay the groundwork for potential uprisings. Their collaboration signifies the flicker of hope amidst pervasive despair.

The Critical Breakthrough: Sending a Message Home

Late October 1940 – The Message to Warsaw
A pivotal moment occurs when Pilecki, with the help of his recruit Michal Romanovic, orchestrates a plan to communicate the horrors of Auschwitz to the Resistance in Warsaw. As Alexander, another prisoner, is about to be released, Pilecki urgently instructs him:

“You must memorize everything. Can you do that?”
(00:20:51)

This risky maneuver aims to inform the wider world about the camp’s atrocities, hoping to garner Allied support and intervention.

Unanswered Prayers: The Reluctant Allies

January 1941 – A Grim Reality
Despite their efforts, the message reaches London, but the British Air Staff, led by Charles Portal, dismiss the request to bomb Auschwitz:

“No, no, it won't do it all. We must concentrate our fire on German military production.”
(00:54:09)

This rejection underscores the tragic lack of timely intervention, leaving Pilecki and his network to fend for themselves against the relentless machinery of death.

Continuing the Fight: Resilience in the Face of Despair

January 1941 – Sustaining the Resistance
Undeterred by the lack of external support, Pilecki intensifies his efforts within Auschwitz. Utilizing a newly acquired radio, he and Dr. Dering attempt to maintain connection with the outside world:

“But there is not a word about Auschwitz.”
(00:54:09)

Realizing the gravity of their situation, Pilecki focuses on sustaining the underground network’s morale and survival, emphasizing the importance of collective resilience:

“We must find a way to get a message out.”
(00:54:09)

Conclusion: The Unyielding Spirit of Resistance

As the episode concludes, Witold Pilecki remains a beacon of hope and determination within Auschwitz. Despite overwhelming odds and the absence of Allied support, his unwavering commitment to truth and resistance exemplifies the extraordinary courage of those who fought against unimaginable evil from within the heart of darkness.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Pilecki’s Oath to Poland:

  “Men, today we march to defend our Poland, our fatherland. We will drive out these German dogs, then the Soviets and anyone else who threatens our nation now march for our freedom and yours.”
  (00:04:21)

• The Harsh Reality:

  “If anyone tries to escape, 10 will be shot.”
  (00:20:51)

• Desperate Resilience:

  “You cannot let this place defeat you so easily.”
  (00:53:37)

• Hope Amid Despair:

  “We have to try. At the very least, we have to get word out.”
  (00:20:29)

Further Information and Resources

For those seeking to delve deeper into Witold Pilecki’s story and the history of Auschwitz, the podcast references valuable resources such as:

• Books:

  • The Volunteer by Jack Fairweather
  • Witold's Report from Auschwitz by Witold Pilecki

• Websites:

  • Auschwitz.org – Comprehensive information and survivor testimonies.

Produced by: Vespucci and Yellow Ant
Written by: J.S. Raffaelli
Research by: Luigi Louise Byrne
Special Thanks to: Jakub Chachrudka
Executive Producers: Johnny Galvin, Daniel Turkan, Tristan Donovan, Theodora Luludis, Rachel Sibley, Estelle Doyle, Chris Bourne, Morgan Jones, Marshall Newey

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