The camp was situated at the Besthemerberg [nl] hill near Ommen, in the East of the Netherlands.

The camp was designated mostly for Dutchmen convicted of black market trade or resistance to occupational authorities; only eight Jews were detained here.

The camp was notorious for the brutal behaviour of its personnel, leading Dutch judges to refuse to send convicts there in 1943.

He served as a guard at the Erika prison and work camp.

He received his nickname due to his brutal behaviour at the prison camp.