Opening The Gates of Hell

The untold story of Herbert Kenny, the man who discovered Belsen

By: Mark Hodkinson

Write A Review

Paperback | 27 March 2025 | Edition Number 1

At a Glance

Paperback
352 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
19.7 x 12.9 x 2.5

Paperback

RRP $24.99

$23.75

or 4 interest-free payments of $5.94 with

Ships in 10 to 15 business days

Herbert Kenny, an army dispatch rider, was the first ally to push open the gates at Belsen Concentration Camp, in April 1945.

He kept his story from the world until a chance correspondence with a trainee journalist brought it to light. Now, forty years on, that reporter is ready to share Herbert's incredible tale with the world.

With unprecedented access to Herbert's diaries, letters and interviews, Mark Hodkinson brings to life the harrowing conditions of Bergen-Belsen and its eventual liberation. From the events leading up to its gruesome discovery, to the trauma Herbert faced and his abandonment in the aftermath, this is a testament to the power of one person in the face of unimaginable darkness.

This is the tale of an ordinary man thrown into an extraordinary, life-changing situation. How can a person cope when they come face-to-face with history's darkest moment? Herbert Kenny was that man. This is his story.

About the Author

Mark Hodkinson is an experienced investigative journalist and author, having written for The Times for two decades. He has contributed to The Observer, The Guardian, FourFourTwo, among others. He has published several acclaimed football books, including Blue Moon: Down Among the Dead Men with Manche

Shipping

	Standard Shipping	Express Shipping
Metro postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Regional postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Rural postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95

Orders over $0.00 qualify for free shipping.

How to return your order

At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.

Additional postage charges may be applicable.