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Letter from General von der Marwitz to the father

Event ID: 666

Categories: 

Ein Heldenleben, Ullstein & Co, 1920

24 April 1918

50.82810009440966, 3.264787195456849
Kortrijk

Source ID: 55

Ein Heldenleben, Ullstein & Co, 1920 p.  276 

Dear Mr. von Richthofen,

What had long filled us with anxious concern—the possibility of losing your heroic eldest son—has now become a reality. I personally made contact with him and his squadron and was delighted by the freshness and unreserved trust with which his subordinates looked up to their leader, as well as by his personality. Losing your son meant losing a power for the air force that was irreplaceable, depressing for our own side and boosting the enemy’s arrogance. In view of these circumstances, I wanted to approach the D. H. L. with a request to withdraw your son from active flying. Then came the transfer of the entire squadron to another theatre of war; at first, however, this was impossible because the weather was not suitable for flying, and after a few days the transfer order was revoked. Your son was with me, and I saw how pleased he was; he wanted to stay with us. Before I could return to my intention to make the request, we had to give him up. I have been deeply affected by this irreplaceable loss, and my letter is intended to show you, dear Mr. von Richthofen, how deeply we mourn with you the death of your heroic son. His fame extends far beyond the borders of his homeland, and I am convinced that even his enemies had the utmost respect for his heroism. This is also evident from the report that he was given a full military funeral. All this will do your heart good, but it cannot take away the pain of losing your son. I feel the need to assure you of my deepest condolences, not only mine, but those of the entire staff of the A. D. K., and to tell you that the heroic name of your son will never be forgotten. May the
faithful God help you to bear this heavy loss, and may He keep your younger son, who also shed blood for his country, in good health. This is the sincere wish of your most devoted

von der Marwitz
General of the Cavalry,
Adjutant General and Commander-in-Chief”

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