“Wir werden uns erheben” the inscription proudly declared. This is the Kriegerdenkmal in Dorstfeld a memorial to those who fell in the First World War. It stands here a testament to a community’s grief and pride.
Originally situated amidst the miners’ settlement of the Dorstfeld colliery the monument held a more prominent position. Architect Josef Wentzler designed it. A predella-like wall featuring stairs and a central niche. A larger-than-life sculpture of a soldier rested within. He’s clad in a uniform his bare head tilted towards us. His hands are folded upon his chest. The flat plinth bore the inscription and the Iron Cross and swastika. The sculptor Heinrich Bayer created this powerful image. Eight panels listed the names of 384 Dorstfelders. 245 of them were miners.
The Essener Steinkohlenbergwerke AG the colliery’s operator commissioned the memorial. They provided the land and partial funding. Private donations poured in from local veteran associations. Hugo Uhlenbruch the colliery’s mine inspector oversaw the project. The foundation stone was laid in May 1934. The dedication took place on September 16 of the same year.
Twelve thousand Marks were raised through private donations. The money came from the Krieger- und Landwehrverein Dortmund-Dorstfeld the Vereins ehemaliger Kavalleristen Dorstfeld and the Vereins ehemaliger 16er Hacketäuer. These were local veteran groups. Their contributions reflect the community’s deep involvement in creating this memorial.
In 1956 seven years before the colliery closed the soldier’s sculpture and the eight nameplates were moved. Their new home is the edge of Dorstfeld Cemetery. The monument lost its original monumental impact. However the Nazi stylistic elements remain clearly visible.
The Kriegerdenkmal in Dorstfeld is more than just stone and bronze. It whispers stories of sacrifice community and the complex legacy of the past. It’s a poignant reminder of those lost in the First World War and the evolution of their memory. It shows how remembrance has shifted over time. The memorial’s journey mirrors Germany’s own complex history. This is a place to remember reflect and learn from the past.