Military funerals during Third Reich
Posted: Sun Oct 18, 2009 5:59 am
Hello folks,
I have some questions about military funerals during Third Reich and I hope someone could help me.
1. For decorated soldiers or officers who were killed in the line of duty, during the funerals, is it true that soldiers of officers of the same rank should be the coffin bearers? I noticed that funerals for RKTs normally would have 6 equal RKTs to carry the coffins? I believed this custom was extended even after the war when a distinguished officer passed away and his coffin would be carried by 6 distinguished veterans. For example, during the funeral of Sepp Dietrich, I believed the 6 coffin bearers would have at least an Oakleaves to their RK
2. Why certain officers' funeral where his coffin were placed on the gun carriage and were pulled by a truck? If I am not mistaken, I recall reading that an officer's coffin were even placed on a panzer III during a funeral. Any significance of this symbolism? Rommel's and Heydrich's funerals, their coffins were placed on a gun carriage
3. What is the symbolism of carrying a pillow with the deceased's decorations and awards during the funeral?
Many thanks
Panzermahn
I have some questions about military funerals during Third Reich and I hope someone could help me.
1. For decorated soldiers or officers who were killed in the line of duty, during the funerals, is it true that soldiers of officers of the same rank should be the coffin bearers? I noticed that funerals for RKTs normally would have 6 equal RKTs to carry the coffins? I believed this custom was extended even after the war when a distinguished officer passed away and his coffin would be carried by 6 distinguished veterans. For example, during the funeral of Sepp Dietrich, I believed the 6 coffin bearers would have at least an Oakleaves to their RK
2. Why certain officers' funeral where his coffin were placed on the gun carriage and were pulled by a truck? If I am not mistaken, I recall reading that an officer's coffin were even placed on a panzer III during a funeral. Any significance of this symbolism? Rommel's and Heydrich's funerals, their coffins were placed on a gun carriage
3. What is the symbolism of carrying a pillow with the deceased's decorations and awards during the funeral?
Many thanks
Panzermahn