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A very important Imperial WW1 KIA grouping

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    A very important Imperial WW1 KIA grouping

    Hi,

    I have kept this grouping to myself for 3 years now, but I finally feel the duty to get this properly researched and cataloged. I would like to put this in a book about a relationship between a man and his wife in wartime, told from 'the other side' so to speak. People over here are still really predudiced about Germany and somthing like this might show some other people the humanity invloved. Is it ethically right to publish private letters from a husband to his wife?

    I was very moved when I found this grouping, I was so moved I instantly wanted to do the Soldier justice and tell his full story. I would like to have it fully documented and wrote up by 2014.

    The grouping consists of:

    Militarpass and cover
    Erkennunksmarke
    Newspaper cutting
    Letters to his wife (What really prompted me to want to do this)
    Letters from another person to his wife

    The way the letters and death notice were bound together, presumably by his wife with a red ribbon really moved me.

    I have been toying with how to go about this.

    Shall I carefully remove the letters and list the date they are stored and research them that way, or chronologically?

    Should I concentrate on military career first and then private life or just do one or another?

    I will be doing this no matter what, but weather I should share it in the public domain then I would like you opinions on that.

    I would love to publish it and give any profits to the German War Graves Commision or similar.

    I would Love your opinions and would anybody like to assist me on the journey?

    Many thanks,

    Joe

    #2
    I feel this is important because it is the whole package.

    A soldier who signed up way before WW1, documents his service career and personal life. Puts a face to the name, very personal touches! Even his Erkennunsmarke, which was with him at the time of death.



    free image hosting

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      #3
      I havn't even started reading the letter yet (Not that my German is good!) as I don't know how to 'disturb' this group, or even where to start with it to be honest.

      The whole of somebodys life for 20 euro on a flea market


      image host

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        #4
        Hi Joe,

        Interesting grouping and research project.

        I am interested to see more of it.

        He died : "after he had rather recovered from his wounds, quite suddenly and unexpectedly....."

        yours friendly

        Eric-Jan

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          #5
          Hi Eric-Jan,

          Thank you for the interest and help.

          Shall I post the Militarpass first or list the letters in chronological order?

          I have no clue of the content of them but I am sure they will tell an interesting story of the war from a personal point of view.

          He was awarded an EKII on 2/7/16 so I am wondering if he was involved in the first battle of the somme?

          If I am going to write a book about it, should I copyright the photographs of it. I already have the title for the book, it came to me as soon as I seen the grouping.

          Thank you again,

          Joe

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            #6
            I love Imperial groupings like this, would like to see more of it. The fact that the gentleman concerned was from Westpreussen is the the icing on the cake for me.

            Go ahead and post the Militärpaß first and then the letters.

            BTW, Infanterie-Regiment (5. Westpreußisches) Nr. 148 was in Russia in July of 1916, I can give you much more detailed information if you wish. The MP should also point us in the right direction.

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              #7
              What an outstanding time capsule collection of this man's wartime career and unfortunate demise. It sounds like the letters will reveal a great deal of his personality, and the humanity of the German soldier, which is fantastic! It's so incredibly rare to see a grouping like this, thank you for sharing it with us. Congratulations!!!

              All the Best,

              Alan

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                #8
                Excellent grouping, can't wait to see what inside everything

                PG-

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                  #9
                  Thanks guys! I will be posting full scans when I'm home tomorrow

                  I am looking forward to seeing what's in it myself.

                  Thanks again,

                  Joe

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                    #10
                    I am imagining that the letters would be written in suetterlin script. If you want someone to read/translate a few, it would be good practice for me. Good quality scans will suffice! Glad if I can be any help!

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                      #11
                      Hi Joe,

                      I applause your new task researching this grouping
                      Sorry that I am unable to help (not my field), but I think you're doing the right thing.
                      Good luck!

                      Ace

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                        #12
                        Thanks very much for the words/offers to help.

                        Sorry there has been a delay in scanning (I have been getting my car road worth after some idiot crashed into it, long story

                        It will be done as an absolute priority,

                        Regards,

                        Joe

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