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Geschrieben von Joe Potter am 01.01.2012 um 12:17:

  Unmarked Luftwaffe Grave in England

Hi,
Two Luftwaffe Officers, Oblt Horst von der Groeben and Oblt Gerhard Müller, who both died on 13.08.1040, are buried together in a completely unmarked grave in Whitstable Cemetery, Kent.
The VDK have known this fact for several years, but cannot find the money for the legal costs involved in exhuming them, and their reburial at the German War Cemetery, Cannock Chase.
How can this very sad situation be resolved?
Joe

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Geschrieben von Heike 777 am 01.01.2012 um 23:48:

 

Hallo Joe,

very sad story ........... but not unusual. At the moment the main efforts of the VDK are in eastern regions; so this twis two soldiers are not so important.

But I have an other question to you. Can you tell me something about cremated soldiers in UK? I´ve heard that soldiers were cremated! Why was it done ?

Heike

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Geschrieben von Alexander am 02.01.2012 um 10:05:

 

Hi Joe,

have you also contacted the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) concerning this case? Possible that the CWGC can make the exhumation instead the VDK. I don't think that the money is the reason for this situation because the UK Government pay compensation for all arising costs (don't know if exhumation is included).

Have you a written statement from the VDK to this case? Can you upload a scan from this here in our forum?

I think a good place to go is also the German Embassy in London (http://www.london.diplo.de/Vertretung/london/en/Startseite.html | The Defence Attaché Staff) or the British Embassy in Berlin (http://ukingermany.fco.gov.uk/en/)
Because I think a offical Inquiry from a foreign administration looks more important than from a individual.

Best regards and and good luck,
Alex

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Geschrieben von Joe Potter am 03.01.2012 um 16:29:

 

Hi Alex,
I have tried all that you suggest, but no luck, I have a copy of the original British/German agreement on war graves, dated 16.10.59. in article 7/3, it clearly states "No expenses incidental to any such exhumation and transfer shall be the responsibility of the Government of the United Kingdom or of the (THEN) Imperial War Graves Commission" so it looks like its all down to the VDK.
These guys are buried in "Consecrated Ground" if you Google this, you will see just how complicated any exhumation would be.
BUT, It is possible to make a donation to the VDK for this specific case to be resolved, just an idea.
REgards
Joe

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Geschrieben von Alexander am 03.01.2012 um 20:34:

 

Hi Joe,

you got PN.

Best regards,
Alex

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Geschrieben von Joe Potter am 03.01.2012 um 20:41:

 

Alex,
Not sure, but you should be able to email me.
Joe

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Geschrieben von Alexander am 03.01.2012 um 21:39:

 

Look at the PN-Box at the top of the site. In my message I sent you my mail adress

Best regards,
Alex