Gedenkstätte Deutscher Widerstand

[stgeorge64]

I have always wanted to visit the 'Gedenkstätte Deutscher Widerstand' in Berlin however, even though I have visited Berlin several times, for one reason or another it was not until last week that I paid a long overdue visit. I have always been deeply interested in the 20 July 1944 bomb plot, and in particular, Oberst Claus von Stauffenberg.

With the clock running against the scheduled departure flight, I finally made the visit last tuesday, 17 July 19.

Walking from Brandenburg Tor, I was really conscious of the time and was determined to make the most of this opportunity. Stopping to confirm directions with the Polizei on duty outside the South African Embassy, I asked the location of the Bendlerblock and was met with a blank stare. When I mentioned 'von Stauffenberg' the response was instant, he literally straightened up and enthusiastically pointed us in the right direction saying what a inspirational man he was and wished us well on our visit. A short distance away was the signpost 'Stauffenbergstrasse'.......

[stgeorge64]

Right on cue, despite re-booting twice and attempting several times, WAF technical issues have starred again and I cannot upload pictures........great.

[stgeorge64]

(Finally it appears I can post images again, although I am still being met with frequent 500 Timeout screens, so if there is another delay it is because WAF is a technical black-hole these days).


......from which a further signpost indicated the 'Gedenkstätte Deutscher Widerstand' 250 m.....

.....as you can by the image that preperations were underway to mark the 75th anniversary of the 20 July 1944 bomb plot.....(it had originally been my intention to post these images on July 20th)....I have to say that it is a very impressive building.....

.....on entering through the archway, you are met with this inscription on the right hand wall..........

[stgeorge64]

.....and through the archway and into the courtyard.....and site of the executions.....and memorial and plaque.......

[stgeorge64]

......and a memorial on the left hand side of the courtyard to men executed on that fateful night......

[stgeorge64]

......it was Oberst Claus von Stauffenberg's office that I was really interested in seeing.....this life-size photo greets you through the entrance.......

[stgeorge64]

.....I have read that there is some argument over the positioning of the radiators now compared to surviving photographs from the period.......as would be expected the walls are adorned with wall mounted boards depicting the events on 20 July 1944......

[stgeorge64]

.....the picture boards on the opposite side.......it was incredible to think this was where Oberst Claus von Stauffenberg worked.....

[stgeorge64]

......next I wanted to visit Fromm's office and see where the plotters undertook 'Valkyrie' from.......a picture board with a wartime image of Fromm's office and the view looking towards the windows......

[stgeorge64]

......the right hand-side the Fromm's office showing the site where Beck met his end, and information board to that effect......

[stgeorge64]

.....information boards on the right-hand and left hand side of Fromm's office......

[stgeorge64]

.....the right-hand side of Fromm's office led to a further exhibit......

[stgeorge64]

......I had read these words attributed to Oberst Claus von Stauffenberg before however, to see them in this context within the site of the actions of 20 July 1944 certainly warranted some reflection.....

.....this very imressive bust of Oberst Claus von Stauffenberg sits in his former office......

[stgeorge64]

......with the summary court martial over, Oberst Claus von Stauffenberg and his compatriots were led down this staircase.......where they were summarily executed by firing squad......

[stgeorge64]

......the view looking back accross the courtyard......and the final image showing the memorial on the exact site of the executions.

Hopefully these images might prove of interest, even though time was tight it was well worth making the effort and I can highly recommend a visit to anyone who has a chance to do so.

The 'Gedenkstätte Deutscher Widerstand' consists of 3 floors of exhibits. The lower floors cover resistance to National Solcialism in general, the 1st floor is the actual site of the events on 20 July 1944 and the top floor covers those who provided protection and safe passage for the Jewish population.