This photo was taken in Berlin-Friedenau in early August, 1914. It shows my grandfather, Eberhard Ochs, on the left, with his brother Albrecht in the middle and elder brother Wolfgang on the right. Being patriotic Berliners, they all volunteered for service with the 5. Garde Regiment zu Fuss, since their sister's fiancee was an officer in the regiment and put in a good word. Eberhard was severely wounded at Dixmude in November, 1914, being one of the first EM's of the 203 R.I.R to win the EK2. He was laid up in hospital, paralyzed, for over a year, and didn't see action again until late in the second war, fighting against the Russians at Koenigsberg. Albrecht served in the infantry until early 1917, when he transferred to the air service, serving with Bombengeschwader 7 and winning the EK1 and Ehrenbecher. He led 9. JG3 during the BoB 1940 as a Hauptmann, and ended the second war as Major d.R. Wolfgang served throughout the war in the infantry, winning the EK1 and silver wound badge. After the war he became a linguist and PhD before committing suicide in 1941. I think it's amazing that all three survived the war, especially since they were all volunteer 'Kriegsfreiwilliger'
lol.
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