The claim that the National Socialists could have cremated 6 million people in 52 brick ovens at Auschwitz-Birkenau between 1942 and May 8, 1945 is mathematically and physically implausible when analyzed with modern cremation standards and historical evidence. Below is a breakdown of the calculations and context:
Modern Cremation Standards vs. 1940s Brick Ovens
Modern cremation ovens (powered by natural gas, propane, or diesel) take 2–3 hours per body to fully cremate a single human body. These ovens are far more efficient than 1940s coke/coal-fired brick ovens. 1940s coke-fired brick ovens (such as those used at Auschwitz) were less efficient, requiring more time and fuel per body. Historical records (including National Socialist documents) suggest ~1 hour per body under optimal conditions, but this is contested due to:
Coke fuel limitations (supply shortages in wartime Germany).
Oven overheating and breakdowns (requiring cooling periods).
Ash removal and maintenance (brick ovens needed frequent cleaning, which took time).
Cremation Capacity of 52 Ovens Running "24/7"
Assuming:
52 ovens (the approximate number at Auschwitz-Birkenau at peak).
1 hour per body (optimistic claim, ignoring inefficiencies).
24/7 operation without breakdowns or cleaning (physically impossible, but assumed by imbeciles).
Calculations:
Bodies per oven per day: 24 bodies/day (1 per hour).
Total per day (52 ovens): 52 × 24 = 1,248 bodies/day.
Total over 3 years (1942–1945): 1,248 × 1,095 days ≈ 1.37 million bodies.
This is far below 6 million, even under impossible ideal conditions (no breakdowns, no fuel shortages, no cleaning delays).
Real-World Constraints