Deutschland, Deutschland über alles!

[Robert T.]

The Soldatenfriedhof monumental entrance building is constructed with red Weser sandstone and can only be described as cold and dreary. Behind the fretwork screens of a cast iron gate is a chapel memorializing the students and some of the reservists slain here in 1914. The official register notes that there are 6,313 names on the Oakwood panels of that sombre room.
If you look around in the dark chapel you will ultimately find Hermann’s name – another small trace of him...

[Robert T.]

A meaningful coincidence




I have recently experienced synchronicity to the utmost heightened level; my experience has rendered me almost speechless.
Here's a meaningful coincidence that I'd like to bring to the sharing table:

The first two photographs that Filip Debergh had sent me did not illustrate a stone wall near Hermann’s grave site and could not be compared with the grouping’s original picture that showed a wooden cross decorated with flowers. I then asked Filip if he would be kind enough to take one more photo while facing the nearest surrounding wall, he replied that I would get it within ten days.

Shortly afterwards, I got an email from WAF member “rijke88” telling me that he had found by chance a photo of Ritterktreuzträger Erwin Koopmann (Hermann’s brother) on eBay, I got all exited when I positively recognized Erwin resting on a large chair. Roger (rijke88) then proceeded to deal with the seller and managed to buy the picture along with the rest of the desecrated 2./IR90 album.

Roger subsequently sent me an additional scan featuring Erwin koopmann; he was at the Langemarck cemetery, paying respects to his fallen brother!!! For a moment, time stood still… I was astounded and tears came to my eyes.

I received Fillip Debergh’s new photo two days later and was able to assemble this miraculous “THEN AND NOW”.

________________
Robert Tremblay

[Robert T.]

“…and the summer will sing over you
of your glory and our gratitude.”

The cemetery grounds are punctuated by several large oak trees which cast an oppressive shade on the scene.
Hermann’s grave location is circled in red.

[Robert T.]

Although it has been nearly destroyed by another collector, the 2./IR90 album (see post #92) still contains some inspiring scenes. It originally belonged to a soldier that served with Oberleutnant Erwin Koopmann in Belgium and France, there are several photos of his Kompanie Chef and other comrades.

Many thanks to WAF member “rijke88” for letting him rejoin Erwin…

___________________

Lost comrades


These images reside untouched in the back of my mind;
My comrades, laid to rest in foreign soil,
Baptized by blood and tears of sorrow,
Never to return to their unpredicted, unfinished lives.

They sacrificed themselves willingly,
Unable to see their family and loved ones,
They bravely marched through the dark gate,
Never to return as mere mortals, but as wandering souls.

Onward through the mists of time,
They will struggle to perceive the light
Of the candles softly flickering in the darkness,
As they are forgotten, seeping into the earth,
Never to hear, see, and feel again.

______________
Robert T.

[Robert T.]

The Soldier’s Dream


By Thomas Campbell (1777-1844)


Our bugles sang truce, for the night-cloud had lowered,
And the brightest stars set their watch in the sky;
And thousands had sunk on the ground overpowered,
The weary to sleep, and the wounded to die.

When resting that night on my hard bed of straw,
By the wolf-scaring fire that guarded the slain,
At the dead of the night a sweet vision I saw;
And twice more in the morning I dreamt it again.

Far away from the battle-fields dreadful array
Far, far I had roamed on a desolate track:
It was Autumn, and sunshine arose on the way
To the home of my family, that welcomed me back.

I flew to the pleasant fields wandered so oft
In life’s morning walk when my body was young;
I heard my own sheep who were bleating aloft,
And I knew the sweet music that farm workers sung.

Then shared we the wine-cup, and fondly I swore
From my home and my weeping friends never to part;
My little ones kissed me a thousand times over,
And my wife sobbed aloud in her fullness of heart.

“Stay, stay with us! Rest! You are weary and worn!”
And glad was their war-broken soldier to stay;
But sorrow returned with the dawning of morn,
And the voice in my dreaming ear melted away.

[DDD777]

Fantastic grouping and story, Robert! Thank you!

[Robert T.]

Fantastic grouping and story, Robert! Thank you!

Thank you very much for your nice comments.

_______________

When I initially posted this thread, I mentioned that the Deutsche Dienststelle (WASt) had never replied to my inquiries concerning Erwin Koopmann, but three months later they shared with me these 3 recorded messages:

• His transfer to IR90 (Western Front) in March 1940

• Wounded near Borowik on Nov. 5th 1941

• His death near Ulschka on November 10th 1943 and his promotion to Oberstleutnant (Nov. 1st 1943).

Cheers,
__________
Robert

[MikeW]

I enjoyed this, however was his final resting place in Russia? If so I would imagine it wouldn't exist today.

[Robert T.]

I enjoyed this, however was his final resting place in Russia? If so I would imagine it wouldn't exist today.

Mike,

From the German War Graves Commission “Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge” web site:

Dienstgrad: Oberstleutnant
Geburtsdatum: 01.01.1900
Geburtsort: Oldenburg/O.
Todes-/Vermisstendatum: 10.11.1943
Todes-/Vermisstenort: Ulschka

Erwin Koopmann wurde noch nicht auf einen vom Volksbund errichteten Soldatenfriedhof überführt oder konnte im Rahmen unserer Umbettungsarbeiten nicht geborgen werden. Nach den uns vorliegenden Informationen befindet sich sein Grab derzeit noch an folgendem Ort:

Uljaschka u. Ulijschka – Ukraine

“Erwin Koopmann isn’t buried in one of the Volksbund graveyards or his remains haven’t been transported to one yet. According to our information, his grave is still at the following location:

Uljaschka u. Ulijschka – Ukraine”


In other words, his grave has not been found or it has been destroyed by the Communists.


Best regards.
________
Robert

[mdj]

Robert,

A stunning Thread and what a wonderful research you did/are doing...I take my hat off (if I had one)

Good luck in finding more information.

Martin

[Robert T.]

Robert,

A stunning Thread and what a wonderful research you did/are doing...I take my hat off (if I had one)

Good luck in finding more information.

Martin

Martin,

Thanks for the very nice comments,

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=357048

The Division history (20. Infanteriedivision mot.) is being translated from German by WAF member “rijke88” and will be published in English, it is highly detailed (4 books!!). Some of the documents shown in this thread will also be in the books, it will be the ultimate source of information for the collectors and historians.

Regards,
_________
Robert

[HouweTrouwe]

An amazing and stunning thread! The history of the Koopmann family and Erwin Koopmann just thrilled me. As you said when your time stood still and got tears in your eyes, almost happened the same to me, just seeing that photo where Erwin Koopmann stands in front of the cross of his fallen brother in the Langemarck cemetery. That photo is gold!

I am very interested in the Wolchowbattle. Did Oberstleutnant Erwin Koopmann took part in the battle together with his regiment?

Robert T. all my respect!

Many thanks
Yours sincerely,
Bart Verstraeten

[Robert T.]

An amazing and stunning thread! The history of the Koopmann family and Erwin Koopmann just thrilled me. As you said when your time stood still and got tears in your eyes, almost happened the same to me, just seeing that photo where Erwin Koopmann stands in front of the cross of his fallen brother in the Langemarck cemetery. That photo is gold!

I am very interested in the Wolchowbattle. Did Oberstleutnant Erwin Koopmann took part in the battle together with his regiment?
Robert T. all my respect!

Many thanks
Yours sincerely,
Bart Verstraeten

Bart,


The Volkhov pocket or “The valley of death”

On November 5th 1941, while fighting near Borowik, to the southwest of Tikhvin, Erwin got badly wounded to the right arm. The wound was so severe that he was transported back to Germany for a long convalescence; he rejoined his regiment on July 1st 1942 and did not participate in the reduction of the Volkhov pocket which was later called “The valley of death”….

Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

Cheers,
_________
Robert

[HouweTrouwe]

Thanks for the answer, Robert.

[Douglas Jr.]

The best topic I ever read on WAF.
Congratulations.

Douglas