What would you do if you learned the location of your grandfather’s grave, who died during World War II, was in fact known?
For 43 years I thought my grandfather died during the D-day invasion along the Normandy coast of northern France. I also thought his body was lost to history, no grave, no cemetery.
Two weeks ago I learned from my brother that his burial place is known. He is buried in a small cemetery for German soldiers who were not involved in the D-day invasion. He died a month after that fateful day in history and before another significant but little heard of battle at St. Malo.
On Sunday I begin a pilgrimage to his grave. I will join my brother to pay respect to our family’s history, our grandfather’s sacrifice and to the memory of our father, his son, who passed away last November. A son who never visited his father’s grave.
In a few days our grandfather will receive his first guests.
Join me on my journey.
Dearest Rebecca,
It is hard to describe what happened to me when I read your blog last week.
I also have a opa from Germany. He was born in Nordrhein-Westfalen.
Early 20th century he travelled from Germany to the The Hague-area in the Netherlands. He also ended up in the 657 Panzer Jäger Abteilung. He was MIA.
I have been looking for him for over 6 years now. Unfortunately I don’t have many leads to go on. Just last month I learned about the possibility that my opa was involved in Operation Market Garden (you mentioned something like that that too).
I don’t think that is so but eventually one thing let to another. I ended up on your blog. Reading about your opa felt like reading about my own opa. It felt like I found him.
Did your and my opa know each other? Did they talk about their families?
Your blog gave me hope. Hope of finding him. Just as you did. I’m truly excited.
And if you like to share some information…don’t hestitate!
Best regards,
Edwin
Hi Edwin,
I will email you with more info on how my Opa was found.
Best,
~Rebecca