Part of the KB41 Remembers Series
KB41 Armistice Day post
Whilst Remembrance day is synonyms with the First World War in modern memory as it was from that conflict that the world took the time to reflect and remember those who gave their lives in active service for their respected country's. The act of remembrance can be argued that the Second World War doesn't get as much acknowledgement as it should despite being linked and so close to the First. The act of remembrance in the modern day of course encompasses all conflicts and those ongoing. It is with this that this post is dedicated to those who lost their lives in the Second World War on both sides (As seen here detailed in this post) But also to those involved in current conflicts.
The photograph here shows men of the Luftwaffe seen gathered for a funeral of a fallen kamerad. The date and exact location is unknown but is suggested to be somewhere closer to home, within Germany or the nearby occupied Reich. It is suggested to be this region and not a Western or Eastern front region due to the number of Luftwaffe Soldaten seen in addition to non military family members of the fallen.
The photograph depicts the a funeral service of a fallen Luftwaffe Soldat. The burial taking place in a graveyard that bears other crosses to the fallen, notably seen by the large Iron Cross headstone seen to the right of the burial (From the view of the photographer) The grave is seen open in the middle with the surroundings soil waiting to be backfilled. Flowers and memorial wreaths lay Infront of the open grave. Others can be seen waiting to the left of view with wreaths to be laid in memorial, to which the Abteilung leader of the Luftwaffe is seen laying a wreath in memorial. The suggested rank is Leutnant, with their crusher removed as a sign of respect. The rest of the fallen kameraden's Abteilung is seen standing at attention as they bear witness to the service and memorial of the fallen life. To the left of those in attendance is the higher ranks of the Abteilung of junior officers and NCO's. Only a few are seen wearing awards, one of which appears to have a marksman lanyard, and one seen wearing a M35 Tuchrock on the furthest right with a small feldspange (sadly to small and out of focus). The lack of visible awards, both combatant and non-combatant on show suggests a Early or even Pre-War period of when this photograph was taken. This in addition to the exact branch of Luftwaffe is unknown but is suggested to be Flak.
One of the most poignant parts of this photograph is seen to the right from the view of the photographer (Left from the grave) which shows a grieving family member, suggested to be the Mutti (Mother) of the fallen Soldat. The grieving mother stands in full black attire as she mourns the passing of her son, who died in active service for his country. The weeping Mutti, clenching a handkerchief in one hand links arms another young Luftwaffe Soldat. This is suggested to be the brother of the fallen Soldat and potential other son of the grieving mother or possible other family member or close friend as he stands and comforts her. In the background behind them can be seen others in black mourning dress, these possibly further family or friends who are in attendance of the service. Remembering the life of the young Soldat. It is also possible that it could be a mass grave to remember the fallen of a flight crew or group of kameraden and the other grieving family members of other fallen kameraden cannot be seen in shot.
Photographs like this were often taken during acts of remembrance either by those taken in the field to commemorate and remember fallen during service so that loved ones at home can remember their fallen kameraden. This photograph shows this same act of remembrance but closer to home in a more organised and professional ceremony of burial and remembrance. This photograph would be taken to show the commemoration of this Soldats life and the photograph in addition to possible Deathcards could be distributed to loved ones who were unable to attend and also to be placed in relevant family photo albums. This is a crisp photograph showing how the German Wehrmacht remembered their fallen, similar to many other nations from the period and others from different periods of history.
This post is dedicated to the memory of those in past conflicts show the mutual respect of fallen Soldiers of both sides.
We will remember them.
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