IanA Posted 19 February , 2008 Posted 19 February , 2008 Although I do not usually collect such things, I have an aluminium nameplate which was pinned to a wooden cross in a German Cemetery. I bought it for the name 'Vogelsang' (Birdsong). It strikes me that he died 90 years ago today and I would just like to say 4708 Ernst Heinrich Vogelsang, Musketier 7/R.J.R.23 - Rest in Peace.
SiegeGunner Posted 19 February , 2008 Posted 19 February , 2008 From the VdK website: Vogelsang, Ernst, Musketier + 19.2.1918 Carvin, France Block 5, Grave 325 Ruhe in Frieden
Jack Sheldon Posted 19 February , 2008 Posted 19 February , 2008 RIR 23 was part of 22 Res Inf Bde, 12th Res Div. Unfortunately it does not have a regimental history, but those of the other regiments of the brigade: RIRs 38 and 51, are both good. In mid February 1918 the division relieved 17th Inf Div in the Acheville-Mericourt sector, not far to the east of Vimy Ridge. The division was deployed: RIR 23 right forward (north), RIR 38 centre and RIR 51 left forward (south). Their opponents seem to have been 3rd Canadian Division which, according to RIR 51, comprised soldiers of excellent quality who raided and patrolled incessently against them - always supported by copious amounts of artillery fire. The Germans, too, patrolled very actively. On 20 Feb 18, for example, RIR 38 had 2 NCOs and 2 men from their 8th Coy wounded in a patrol clash. So it would seem that your man was killed either on patrol, as a result of a raid, or was hit by supporting artillery fire. Jack
IanA Posted 19 February , 2008 Author Posted 19 February , 2008 Jack, what a great bit of unlooked-for history! I am very grateful. Mick, thanks for that look-up. I did do this some years ago but with my German language skills limited to phrases like 'Alle menschen mussen sterben' it was hard work and I've since forgotten where he was buried. I had the idea it was in the Lens direction.
IanA Posted 1 January , 2018 Author Posted 1 January , 2018 It is now approaching the centenary of the death of Ernst. I would very much like to pass this grave marker on to a descendant of his (assuming that he has any) but I have no idea if there's a route I could follow. Any suggestions would be gratefully received. Ian
depaor01 Posted 1 January , 2018 Posted 1 January , 2018 The Volksbund may have a relative on their records as they are in contact with soldiers' relatives (of both wars) to photograph graves and to place flowers. I have found them very helpful in the past. A very thoughtful gesture. Best of luck with it. Dave
IanA Posted 2 January , 2018 Author Posted 2 January , 2018 14 hours ago, depaor01 said: The Volksbund may have a relative on their records as they are in contact with soldiers' relatives (of both wars) to photograph graves and to place flowers. I have found them very helpful in the past. A very thoughtful gesture. Best of luck with it. Dave Thanks Dave. Worth a try.
Steven Broomfield Posted 2 January , 2018 Posted 2 January , 2018 Jut a thought, but not knowing where the 23rd regiment recruited from, is there any possibility of an appeal in the local paper? Also one might assume it's not a terribly common surname, so is there a sort of German Directory Enquiries you could peruse?
IanA Posted 2 January , 2018 Author Posted 2 January , 2018 Don't know, Steve. I have to admit I'm somewhat daunted by my lack of practical German (Wo ist der neugeborene Konig der Juden?) and the difficulties of finding descendants. There may be none and, if there are, they may not be interested. All a bit quixotic and I fear that I may be suffering from a touch of centenaryitis. Still, I'd give it up like a shot if a family member were found.
depaor01 Posted 2 January , 2018 Posted 2 January , 2018 Ancestry.de has a lot of occurrences of the name also, with the possibility of him appearing in a family tree with a living relative, but my subscription only allows me to view names with no further details. Dave
JWK Posted 2 January , 2018 Posted 2 January , 2018 (edited) If this is him on the Verlustliste of 18 march 1918, then you need to brush up your Polish: this Ernst was born in/came from "Schulitz, Bromberg", now Solec Kujawski, just east of Bydgoszsz in Northern Poland. *edit* The city's webpage is also available in English : http://www.soleckujawski.pl/en/page/contact Edited 2 January , 2018 by JWK
IanA Posted 2 January , 2018 Author Posted 2 January , 2018 48 minutes ago, JWK said: If this is him on the Verlustliste of 18 march 1918, then you need to brush up your Polish: this Ernst was born in/came from "Schulitz, Bromberg", now Solec Kujawski, just east of Bydgoszsz in Northern Poland. *edit* The city's webpage is also available in English : http://www.soleckujawski.pl/en/page/contact Good Lord!! I can sing the first verse and chorus of the Polish national anthem but there it stops! Thank you very much for this information. Very kind. Dank u wel. (I know enough Dutch to order chicken at a restaurant or ask for stamps at a post office!) Ian
charlie2 Posted 2 January , 2018 Posted 2 January , 2018 Ian, I think you are pushing your luck expecting a result in just four weeks. I wish you well and here is your starter for ten http://genwiki.genealogy.net/Kategorie:Adressbuch_für_Bromberg Charlie
JWK Posted 2 January , 2018 Posted 2 January , 2018 Vogelsang *could* be a Jewish name, see e.g. http://www.mrshea.com/germusa/customs/davies.htm In that case polin.pl the museum of the history of Polish jews may be an option? If not the local museum in Solec Kujawski?
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