Love for a child's protection will prevail, 1944

Love for a child's protection will prevail, 1944

Meet Karl-Heinz Rosch, a German machine gunner during WW2. Despite a troubled upbringing, Karl showed courage and compassion. Drafted into the Wehrmacht Armed Forces after graduation, fate had other plans for him. In October 1944, amidst Allied artillery fire on a farm, Karl noticed two children playing in the yard, seemingly unaware of the danger. Without hesitation, he rushed to their aid, leaving his rifle behind, and safely carried the children to the basement. However, tragedy struck when he returned for his weapon, as he was hit by a grenade, resulting in a devastating and gruesome end. Surprisingly, for 60 years, Karl's selfless act remained hidden, concealed by his status as an enemy soldier. Not even his family knew the details of his sacrifice. It was only when the rescued children came forward with their testimonies that the public learned about the young German soldier's bravery. Due to his allegiance to the enemy, the authorities initially denied funding for a memorial. Nevertheless, in 2008, the community banded together, raising funds to honour Karl's memory. Remarkably, this memorial stands alone in Europe and the world as the only one dedicated to a German soldier, supported by former enemies. Another similar memorial exists for Friedrich Lengfeld, who died while trying to save a wounded American soldier during the Battle of Hürtgen Forest. The inscription on Karl Heinz Rosch's memorial poignantly sums up the sentiment: "This statue is a tribute to him and all who do good in evil times." He died 3 days after his 18th birthday.

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