Gerhard Buhtz Professor at the University of Breslau, a renowned forensic expert Date of Birth: 24.02.1896 Country: Germany

1. Professor Gerhard Buhtz, a Leading Forensic Expert
2. World War II and the Katyn Investigation
3. Establishment of the Buhtz Commission
4. Findings of the Buhtz Commission
5. Soviet Response and Recognition of Responsibility

Professor Gerhard Buhtz, a Leading Forensic Expert

Professor Gerhard Buhtz, a renowned forensic expert, was a professor at the University of Breslau. He also held the position of Director of the Institute of Forensic Medicine and Criminology at the same university.

World War II and the Katyn Investigation

During World War II, Buhtz served as the head of the forensic laboratory for Army Group Center with the rank of captain. He also led the "Special OKW Commission for the Investigation of Bolshevist Atrocities and Actions Violating International Law." In 1943, Buhtz became the chairman of the German commission investigating the Katyn Massacre.

Establishment of the Buhtz Commission

On March 1, 1943, Buhtz received a report regarding the discovery of mass graves of Polish officers executed by the NKVD in the Katyn Forest in 1940. After examining the evidence, Buhtz initiated a full-scale investigation.

Findings of the Buhtz Commission

From March 29 to June 3, 1943, the Buhtz Commission exhumed 4143 bodies. Of these, they identified 2815, including 2 brigadier generals, 2250 officers of various ranks, 156 medical and veterinary personnel, 406 unidentified personnel, and one military priest. The commission concluded that all victims had been shot in the back of the head at close range with a 7.65-caliber pistol.

The commission found that many victims had their hands tied behind their backs. Evidence of torture and beatings was also present. Pathological evidence and witness statements indicated that the bodies had been buried for approximately three years.

Soviet Response and Recognition of Responsibility

The Soviet Union initially denied the German accusations and published counter-arguments. However, in 1990, the USSR officially acknowledged responsibility for the Katyn Massacre. The Main Military Prosecutor's Office of the USSR conducted an investigation, which concluded in 2004 that the NKVD was responsible for the executions. Despite this, the Soviet Union was never legally convicted due to the lack of a court trial.