Last German World War I Veteran Dies
THE last German WWI veteran is dead:
The last surviving German army veteran of World War I is reported to have died in Hanover, aged 107. No official confirmation was available nor is it ever likely to be. Germany keeps no official records on its veterans from the two world wars.
Dr. Erich Kästner, who was born on March 10, 1900, died on January 1, 2008, according to an announcement posted by his family in the Hannoversche Allgemeine newspaper.
Bernhard Chiari, spokesman for German army’s Military Research Institute, says: “Any form of commemoration of military events is seen as problematic here. Our veterans only take part in public ceremonies when they are invited abroad to join commemorative events with veterans from other countries. World War I is seen as part of a historical line that led to World War II. You can’t equate the two but there is much debate about it.”
February 5th, 2008 at 11:48 am
hi, i have been emailed the photograph of the late Erich Kaestner, whom died on 1st January 2008, as a joke.This is because EVERY facial feature of Erich’s, is the same as my fathers. From the dimple on the chin, to one frown line being longer then the other!
I have also just found out that my fathers mother was ‘rejected’ by her real parents, and was bought up by her grandparents, but the reasons for this are unknown!(and im a little worried to ask her)
I am completely convinced that i am related to Erich Kaestner in some way! Could you possibley help me to dig deeper and find if i am right? or is there any way of finding out that you can recommend?