Mil News Last German soldier to fight in WWI dies without fanfare

[Drone_pilot]

The last German soldier to have fought in the First World War has
passed quietly away at his home without a hint of fanfare or a
newspaper headline to mark his death.

Recently the second-to-last French soldier from the conflict died and made
headlines around the world. But Erich Kaestner, who passed away at the age

of 107 in Hanover, was simply marked by a remembrance notice posted by his family.

Germany keeps no official records on its veterans from the two world wars
but Dr. Kaestner was understood to be the last member of the field-grey
legions who marched on Belgium and France in 1914 at the start of the
bloodletting that was to cost nine million lives, according to Der Spiegel
newspaper.

He was posted to the western front in July 1918, four months before the
war ended, seeing service against the British as the German line crumbled.

Daily Mail Read More

 

[John A Silkstone]

He may have been classed as the enemy. However, he fought for his country as we fought for our.

Rest in Piece Dr. Kaestner, you’ve spent a long time mentally suffering.

Silky

 

[Reloader]

A soldier is a soldier, is a soldier no matter what uniform is worn, or of which nationality.
For all we know, Erich Kaestner was an honest soldier who was part of an Army which was carrying out the will of his country, at a different time, with different attitudes. For that reason alone, he deserves to be remembered with honour and allowed to Rest In Peace.

 

[Cutaway]

Once again knowledge of a subject changes from memory to history.
Go Well Dr Kaestner.

There is apparently one survivor of the Imperial German Army left in Austria, but we are seeing the passing of the last witnesses to one of the most momentous changes in the world's social history.

The last German soldier to have fought in the First World War has passed quietly
away at his home withot a hint of fanfare or a newspaper headline to mark his death.

Recently the second-to-last French soldier from the conflict died and made
headlines around the world. But Erich Kaestner, who passed away at the age

of 107 in Hanover, was simply marked by a remembrance notice posted by his family.

Germany keeps no official records on its veterans from the two world wars
but Dr. Kaestner was understood to be the last member of the field-grey
legions who marched on Belgium and France in 1914 at the start of the
bloodletting that was to cost nine million lives, according to Der Spiegel
newspaper.

He was posted to the western front in July 1918, four months before the
war ended, seeing service against the British as the German line crumbled.

Daily Mail Read More

Der Speigel may have made a small error here as Dr. Kaestner would onlyhave been fourteen years old in 1914.

Aha !

Kaestner was a middle class boy who answered his country's call in July 1918.

 

[03Fox2/1]

I assume that in the Great War, like all wars before and since, there are many volunteers that fall outside the age limits. More often then not many that are too young to enlist, do so anyway. If a longer war is going badly the government usually requires men of all ages and physical condition to give their body and soul to the cause and if the war is new and the expectations are unrealistic with patriotic fervor and most believe it will be a quick and decisive war, many volunteer with the idea of not missing it, something they may regret later. This may be the case with the once very young soldier Erich Kaestner. Whatever his age doesn't distract from his participation in the Great War and it certainly doesn't demean his service or his notoriety to me as possibly the last German soldier to fight in World War I. I too believe that this soldier should be recognized by his own country for his sacrifice and courage displayed in his military service in World War I. It makes no matter if the war was won or lost, what matters is his personal conduct and integrity and the honor of his service deserves the same honor returned to him by a grateful and humble nation.
Semper Fi