Heinrich von Nauendorf Stone

The Heinrich von Nauendorf Stone stands tall and proud, etched with the memory of a valiant soldier. It is located on the Neuer Friedhof, the New Cemetery, in Potsdam, a city overflowing with history and grandeur. This monument, a testament to a life cut short, holds within it the story of a brave officer who fell in service to his country. Heinrich von Nauendorf was a Prussian officer who served in the Schutztruppe, Germany’s colonial armed forces. Major von Nauendorf died in the battle of Groβ-Nabas in German Southwest Africa, where he fought against the Nama people. You see, it wasn’t all roses with the colonization of Africa. They called this battle the “Durstgefecht von Groβ-Nabas”, the “Thirst Battle of Groβ-Nabas”, and it lasted a grueling 54 hours. The soldiers faced intense heat, dust, and thirst as they fought for water. It is a vivid image of a fierce struggle, a clash of cultures, and the cost of empire. Nauendorf, who led the artillery during the battle, was struck in the abdomen. Tragically, he succumbed to his wounds 24 hours later. His mother lovingly erected this stone, a token of remembrance for her fallen son. It reads ‘Dem Gedächtnis meines Sohnes/Heinrich/Freiherr von Nauendorf/Major in der Schutztruppe/geboren am 29. Aug. 1860/gefallen/bei Groβ-Nabas Süd-West-Afrika/am 3. Aug. 1905’. The words, engraved with precision and care, whisper of a life dedicated to duty and a sacrifice made on foreign soil. The Heinrich von Nauendorf Stone stands as a reminder of the sacrifices made in the name of war and the human toll of conquest. It invites us to reflect upon the past, its complexities and sorrows, and to understand that even in victory, there comes a price to pay. The stone serves as a bridge between history and the present day, a symbol of resilience and memory, a link to the past and a reminder of the importance of peace.