Before us stands the Helm ab zum Gebet sculpture a poignant reminder of Lubeck’s history. This moving statue sculpted by Richard Emil Kuohl in 1924 commemorates the soldiers of the Infantry Regiment Lubeck Number 162 who perished in World War I.
The Helm ab zum Gebet is more than just a statue. It’s a symbol of remembrance and a testament to the sacrifices made during the Great War. The sculpture depicts a grieving soldier his head bowed in prayer his hands clasped over his helmet. His face etched with the horrors of war. This powerful image conveys the profound sorrow and the quiet dignity of loss.
Originally intended for unveiling in 1923 its dedication was postponed due to planned communist demonstrations. It was finally unveiled in 1925 during a solemn ceremony at the Lubeck Ehrenfriedhof the military cemetery. A service was held in the overflowing Marienkirche before the procession moved to the cemetery for the dedication by Pastor Hermann Balcke.
The inscription on the base reads 1914-1918 to the fallen heroes of the Infantry Regiment Lubeck 3rd Hanseatic Number 162 85 officers 1755 non-commissioned officers and men. A quote from Ludwig Uhland’s Der gute Kamerad Ich hatt einen Kameraden einen bessern findest du nicht frames the inscription. This emphasizes the camaraderie and shared fate of these soldiers.
The statue itself is approximately four meters tall and crafted from shell limestone. It stands within a semicircular arrangement designed by Oberbaurat Friedrich Wilhelm Virck and architect Max Meyer. Landscaping was the work of Harry Maasz. The location was thoughtfully chosen. It crowns the Ehrenfriedhof rather than being just placed within it. Pastor Kurt Ziesenitz had already given a memorial address there during the Pentecost celebrations of 1916.
The Helm ab zum Gebet remains a central memorial on the Ehrenfriedhof. Even after the cemetery expanded to include victims of World War II its powerful presence continues to honor the sacrifice of those who fell in the First World War. It serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of war and the importance of remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The quiet strength of the soldier depicted in the sculpture inspires reflection and contemplation. It invites us to pause and remember.