Irving v Penguin Books & Lipstadtcase 1996‑I‑1113 · QBD
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Professor Robert Jan van Pelt

Expert witness

Professor Robert Jan van Pelt, professor of cultural history at the University of Waterloo and one of the leading Auschwitz scholars. Defence expert on the architectural and forensic evidence of mass killing at Auschwitz-Birkenau; the second half of the trial turns on his report.

Where they spoke

DayDateTurnsFirst lineChapters spoken in
Day 09 25 Jan 563 L0144 Van Pelt's evidence-in-chief (Rampton examining)Irving cross-examines van Pelt — morning sessionIrving cross-examines van Pelt — afternoon session
Day 10 26 Jan 685 L0025 Krematorium II photographsThe 'roof holes' argumentOlère drawings + the survivor witness thresholdThe Bimko / Polivoy / Tauber lineupThe Tauber reportZyklon-B truck deliveriesAfternoon: Mulka and the driving permitsZyklon-after-delousing arithmeticArchitectural drawings and the computer modelTopf correspondence on prewarmingAir-raid-shelter codes + bottleneck arithmeticDeborah Dwork + which Auschwitz archives van Pelt used
Day 11 28 Jan 639 L0062 Van Pelt continues — blueprint walkthroughBlueprints and door alterationsVentilation of the gas chambersWartime economy qualification + first Allied air raidPhotographic evidence — Auschwitz aerial printsHydrogen cyanide release mechanism + roof modificationsRampton re-examines van PeltClosing exchange on the gas chamber mechanism
Day 13 1 Feb 52 L0019 Procedural opening + brief van Pelt continuation
Day 14 2 Feb 74 L0019 Procedural opening + residual bundle organisation