“Did you know that this very spot once housed a hospital?” I ask. We stand before the Reichspräsident-Ebert-Kaserne a significant military site in Hamburg-Iserbrook. This isn’t just any barracks. It boasts a rich history stretching back far beyond its current function.
The Reichspräsident-Ebert-Kaserne’s story begins in the mid-1930s. Before it became a military base it was the Landrat Scheiff Hospital. This hospital was transformed expanded and repurposed for the Wehrmacht’s growing needs. Initially it housed anti-aircraft units of the Luftwaffe.
Following World War II the British Rhine Army occupied the base. It was renamed Reading Barracks and used by various units of the Labour Service. The Bundeswehr took over in 1957. They completed the takeover on April 1 1958. Since then various units and departments have been stationed here. The Bundeswehrfachschule a military school has been a long-term resident since 1958. The Landeskommando Hamburg also called this base home. The Führungsakademie der Bundeswehr the German Armed Forces’ leadership academy was also located here for a time. For almost four decades the Logistikschule der Bundeswehr the Bundeswehr’s logistics school was the main user.
A fascinating detail many may not know: In 1965 the base was renamed in honor of Friedrich Ebert the first Reichspräsident of the Weimar Republic. This renaming celebrated the 40th anniversary of his death. It highlighted the concept of the ‘citizen in uniform’ emphasizing the Bundeswehr’s commitment to democratic traditions.
Remarkably many of the current buildings at the Reichspräsident-Ebert-Kaserne date back to the original construction in the 1930s. Some buildings in the southern part are even older. They were originally part of the hospital complex built in the 1900s. This shows that the Reichspräsident-Ebert-Kaserne has a complex history. It reflects Germany’s military history since the early 20th century. The barracks’ architecture reflects this heritage. Parts of the complex are now protected under Hamburg’s heritage laws because of their well-preserved condition and historical significance.
Today the Reichspräsident-Ebert-Kaserne stands as a testament to the changing face of Hamburg’s military history. It stands as a reminder of its evolution from hospital to barracks. It stands as a silent witness to major events that have shaped Germany. We may not know exactly what units are based here now. But the Reichspräsident-Ebert-Kaserne certainly remains a compelling and important part of Hamburg’s story.