Sonderkommando uprising
Prisoners had to work at the gas chambers and crematoria to cremate the dead. These groups were referred to by the SS as the "special detachment" (Sonderkommando). On October 7, 1944, there was an armed revolt by members of the Sonderkommando at Crematorium III/IV. One crematorium was damaged, but the prisoners' attempt to escape failed. Hundreds of prisoners were shot.