2025 Ysselsteyn

• History
• Middelbare school
• havo, vwo
• Leerjaar 3

Ysselsteyn

In 1946 the Dutch government ordered the creation of a cemetery for German soldiers.

EIN DEUTSCHER SOLDAT

The vast majority of the war dead were German soldiers who were doing their military service during the war. But also SS members and war criminals, Dutch collaborators, Wehrmacht volunteers from other countries and some civilians, including women and children, were buried in Ysselsteyn. 

Many graves are marked with the text: "a German soldier".
What does this text indicate?

How many soldiers are buried at this cemetery?

(rounded off in 1000s)

Who was Karl-Heinz Rosch?

Karl Heinz Rosch was an 17-year-old German soldier during World War II.

He was born on October 3, 1926 in Germany.

In Sept. 1944 he was stationed in the Netherlands near Tilburg.

He lived in a farmhouse with a local family called the Kilsdonk family.

A Brave Act of Kindness

On October 6, 1944, Karl heard something dangerous was about to happen.

He quickly helped two children (Toos and Jan Kilsdonk) get to safety in the basement.

His quick action saved their lives from an incoming mortar attack.

He returned to his military position after protecting the children.

The Tragic Moment

Moments after saving the children, Karl was killed by a mortar attack.

He died just three days after his 18th birthday

His body was badly damaged in the explosion

The local family kept his heroic act a secret for 60 years

the rescued children Toos en Jan in 2004

Why Was His Story Hidden?

• People were afraid to talk about a German soldier being a hero.

• The community saw all German soldiers as enemies.

• Karl's family never knew the full story of his brave actions.

• Local people were scared of being judged for showing kindness.

A hero remembered

60 years later, the truth about Karl was finally discovered.

Jan and Toos met Karl Heinz' 2 half-brothers at his grave in Ysselsteyn (picture).

They learned about the young soldier who saved their lives.

Karl is now remembered as a hero who chose to protect children

A posthumous tribute

When the story of Karl Heinz was published,

a statue was made in his honor in 2008.

It was unveiled in the presence of Jan en Toos and Karl Heinz' half brother.

The plaque reads: “This statue is a tribute to him and all who do good in evil times.”

Find Karl-Heinz Rosch' grave.
Nr BF 10-238
Upload a picture of it here.

How many days after his 18th birthday was Karl Heinz killed?

congratulations

Het was maar een Mof

You can watch the full story of Karl Heinz Rosch in this documentary film, made in 2005.

The full documentary is attached in the next slide.

In deze documentaire wordt niet alleen het verhaal verteld van Karl-Heinz Rosch, maar ook dat van de familie van Kilsdonk uit Goirle. Jarenlang durfden ze zich niet positief uit te laten over de Duitser die twee van hun kinderen het leven redde. Het was immers een mof…