Deutscher Soldatenfriedhof Lille-Süd

Amidst the serenity of Lille, lies the Deutscher Soldatenfriedhof Lille-Süd. It’s a place where stories whisper from the stones. The Deutscher Soldatenfriedhof Lille-Süd stands as a poignant reminder of the First World War. This cemetery, located south of Lille’s city center, holds the remains of 2,888 German soldiers. The earliest burials at Deutscher Soldatenfriedhof Lille-Süd date back to the initial battles around Lille from August to mid-October 1914. Initially, German soldiers were buried near the Porte de Douai. Later, an extension to the civilian cemetery was established, creating the present-day Deutscher Soldatenfriedhof Lille-Süd. From then until October 1918, when German troops evacuated Lille, the cemetery became the final resting place for soldiers. These soldiers succumbed to their wounds in field hospitals. Others perished from accidents or illnesses while serving in support roles. At times, Lille housed up to 19 field hospitals. As the cemetery filled, the Etappeninspektion purchased additional land from the city of Lille in February 1916. In 1915, a grand monument designed by Otto Richter was erected. Richter, a Berlin sculptor and medical soldier, was also known for his work on the Reichstag building’s facade. Sadly, this monument had to be removed after World War II due to its deteriorated condition. Originally, the graves were marked with temporary crosses. These were replaced with natural stone crosses in 1978. The names of one or two fallen soldiers are engraved on the front and back of each cross. Eight Jewish soldiers are buried here. Their graves are marked not with crosses, but with natural stone stelae bearing Hebrew inscriptions. One inscription reads “Here lies buried…”. The other says “May his soul be bound up in the bond of life.” The Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge maintains this space. Their careful work allows the Deutscher Soldatenfriedhof Lille-Süd to continue to serve as a testament to the human cost of war. It’s a solemn reminder of the thousands of lives lost during that tumultuous period.