A date to remember. July 2nd, 1950 marks a tragic event in German history right here at Siegfried Apportin. We stand near a place that whispers stories of division and loss. This is a memorial to Siegfried Apportin. He was a young border guard.
Siegfried Apportin was born on November 30th, 1930. He died too young. He was shot on July 2nd, 1950. The incident took place near Palingen. It was part of the Grenzbrigade Schönberg in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
Apportin’s story is heart-wrenching. He volunteered for the German Border Police in 1948. On that fateful day in July 1950, Apportin served with Leo Knöpke. Knöpke was a fellow officer. Around 9:20 PM, border guards heard a gunshot. A report reached the Herrnburg command post at 9:30 PM. It stated that Apportin was found shot at his post. The shot was to the head.
Next to Apportin lay Knöpke’s rifle. It was not secured. A doctor confirmed Apportin’s death. The cause was a gunshot wound to the mouth. Knöpke had disappeared. He fled to the West. He surrendered to British forces.
Later, Knöpke was handed over to West German police. The Lübeck court initially convicted him. He was charged with intentional manslaughter. But a revision in 1951 reduced the sentence. It became three months for negligent manslaughter. However, Knöpke had already served this time. It was during his pre-trial detention.
Siegfried Apportin’s memorial stands as a stark reminder. It marks the division of Germany. It symbolizes the human cost of political conflict. The memorial has been moved several times. It is now located between Lübeck and Palingen. Specifically, it is on the Mecklenburg side. You’ll find it east of Wesloer Tannen and south of the B 105.
Take a moment to reflect on Siegfried Apportin. Remember the young man who lost his life. Consider the complexities of a divided nation. Let this place remind you of the importance of peace and understanding. His story is a piece of Lübeck’s history. It is a lesson etched in stone.