Thread: This is Hermann Dittscheid. He fell on the Ostfront in 1943, and this death card was one of several produced and distributed during a memorial mass for him.
This thread will offer an insight into Dittscheid’s service, as well as Catholic views on those in the Wehrmacht.
This thread will offer an insight into Dittscheid’s service, as well as Catholic views on those in the Wehrmacht.
This thread will contain quotes from the death card.
"Hermann was born in Asbach on 23 January 1917 to Johann Dittscheid and Christine Becker. Guided by the strong hand of his parents, he grew up in the circle of his siblings into a young Christian of strong character, and in his father's business into a capable craftsman."
"In the spring of 1939, he joined the Reich Labour Service, only to be taken over by the Wehrmacht soon after the outbreak of war."
"Wherever duty called him during these years of service to the people and the fatherland, he did his best, quietly and faithfully, to meet all the requirements."
"Since April 1942, he was on frontline duty in the East. In all the hardships and dangers, he proved himself to be a Christian of great truthfulness. In his letters to his family he repeatedly said: 'Our fate rests in God's hand'."
"On 28 July 1943, he was wounded several times in the field hospital in Sudimir, which led to his early death. His mortal remains were buried in a cemetery of honour in the presence of the Catholic military priest."
Dittscheid was an Obergefreiter in 3. Kompanie, Grenadier Regiment 330, 183. Infanterie Division.
On 27th July 1943, he was heavily wounded when a shell splinter struck his upper thigh near Tupik.
He was taken to Feldlazarett 622 (mot), where he died a day later on the 28th.
On 27th July 1943, he was heavily wounded when a shell splinter struck his upper thigh near Tupik.
He was taken to Feldlazarett 622 (mot), where he died a day later on the 28th.
Dittscheid is still buried somewhere in the area of this village, Sudimir, where Feldlazarett 622 (mot) was once stationed. This village is several miles south of the operations map above. The Volksbund haven't yet recovered his body, but they aim to do so.
"Parents and siblings - two brothers, three sisters - bore the heavy burden of the loss of their son and brother, who had brought them only joy in life. Much hope for the future sank into the grave with him."
"But they submit to God's unfathomable plan and, together with the other relatives, have only one request: that the priests remember their dear deceased at the Holy Mass and the faithful remember him in their prayers, so that he may rest in eternal peace with God and his saints."
Biblical quotes included on the card:
"The righteous, even if he should be overtaken by death before the time, will be in refreshment". Wisdom 4.7.
"The Lord gave him, the Lord hath taken him away, the name of the Lord be praised". Job 1:21.
"The righteous, even if he should be overtaken by death before the time, will be in refreshment". Wisdom 4.7.
"The Lord gave him, the Lord hath taken him away, the name of the Lord be praised". Job 1:21.
I hope this has provided an insight into how a German Catholic family responded to the death of their family member, who died serving in the Wehrmacht. The relationship between the Third Reich, the Vernichtungskrieg in the East, and Catholicism is too complex an issue for Twitter
Thank you to @KevinHuckfield for providing me with Dittscheid's casualty record!
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