Last WWI German Vet Dead at 107

JCFalkenbergIII · #1 (**permalink**) January 29th, 2008, 12:27 AM

<H2 class=posttitle>E. Kaestner, 107, Last German WW I Veteran, Is Dead</H2>Source: AP (1-27-08)
Erich Kaestner, believed to be the last German veteran of World War I, died Jan. 1 in Cologne. He was 107.

No organization keeps track of remaining veterans in Germany, and his death was not in the news until last week. It was confirmed Friday by his son, Peter.

“That is the way history has developed,” the son told The Associated Press in a telephone interview. “In Germany, in this respect, these things are kept quiet — they’re not a big deal.”
Posted on Monday, January 28, 2008 at 3:33 PM

JCFalkenbergIII · #2 (**permalink**) January 29th, 2008, 12:30 AM

I know it isn't WWII but I thought people might be interested in his passing. Another link to the past gone.

Asterix · #3 (**permalink**) January 29th, 2008, 01:47 AM

R.I.P.

Very soon now, we will be living in a world without those who survived the ordeal. I'm very proud, homored and moved to say that I've known a few of them during my short 35 years on this Earth.

JCFalkenbergIII · #4 (**permalink**) January 29th, 2008, 02:16 AM

Ive know a few also. I have also known quite a few WWII Vets. Two of my teachers in High School and one Boss were all B-17 pilots over Europe.

Skipper · #5 (**permalink**) January 29th, 2008, 04:11 AM

Herr gib ihm die ewige Ruhe! R.I.P.

sommecourt · #6 (**permalink**) January 29th, 2008, 11:09 AM

Personally, I doubt if he is the last German Great War veteran. The size of the German Army in 1918, and the fact that it was using conscripts from the Class of 1920 in the Last 100 days, logically means that a few more should be alive. The reasons why they are not feted like they are in the UK or US is another thing altogether, of course.

JCFalkenbergIII · #7 (**permalink**) January 29th, 2008, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sommecourt

Personally, I doubt if he is the last German Great War veteran. The size of the German Army in 1918, and the fact that it was using conscripts from the Class of 1920 in the Last 100 days, logically means that a few more should be alive. The reasons why they are not feted like they are in the UK or US is another thing altogether, of course.

Well the article does state he was "believed" to be the last one.

C.Evans · #8 (**permalink**) January 29th, 2008, 11:04 PM

Speaking of lasts, the last French vet passed away just over a week ago. He was: Louis de Cazanave.

Also, there are three US WWI vets still living as of the last I heard. Two are living in the Washington/Oregon area.

The last "original" Anzac died within the past 5 years.

I was priviledged to have known and corresponded with one WWI German vet by the name of: Fridolin von Spaun. He was 106 at that time and he was also known as the last survivor of Freikorps Oberland. Sadly, this Gent is now gone as of about 4 years ago.