Listed on this page are our direct Bender ancestors or their spouses who served or were killed in the many German wars who were born in Rettigheim or lived in a nearby village. It is not intended to list any of the many courageous ancestors that were born here in America that may have served or died in those same wars.

While our Bender history starts in 1580, this list of our German soldier ancestors or their spouses, dead, wounded or survivor starts over 200 years ago with the second partition of Poland and our Bender ancestors that joined Napoleon in his invasion of Russia.  The known Bender ancestors born in Rettigheim that served in the American Civil War are also listed.

Never have I heard of one family that has lost so many sons in war all from a very small German farming village by the name of Rettigheim or a nearby village. One of our Bender ancestor families alone lost four sons of their 16 total children in The Great War.

Most of our Bender family immigrants from Rettigheim ended up in Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota but also in Canada and Mexico. Some went south to South America and some went east to Serbia and Hungary and some went north to Poland. Many of our ancestors listed here died in battle in little known places all over Europe.

Theresia Blaies, nee Bender, 1833--1898, was my great grandmother.

Mickel Blaies and his wife Theresia Bender, photo taken c. 1896.

The Population Density over time for the Village of Rettigheim [courtesy of Hubert Kamuf]
Year	# of Families	Village Population	Average size of family
1600	20	100	5
1658	20	78	3.9
1726	50	248	4.9
1802	85	368	4.3
1900	120	600	5
2000	500	2100	4.2

All this information in this site was made possible by the extraordinary work of Herbert Kamuf who is a native of Rettigheim and wrote the history of Rettigheim in two books, Rettigheim Familienbuch Vol I and Vol II and by Bernhard Strominski who did the Familienbuch for the villages of Mingolsheim, Rettigheim and Rauenberg/Rotenberg.  Judy Linenfelser translated Herbert's books to English. Judy's husband, Charles Linenfelser is my Bender-Blaies generation's 8th cousin.

Here are the totals for our Bender ancestors who served or were killed in the many wars, some in far off mysterious places in Russia and France that at the time a hard working German farmer might have had trouble pronouncing. The key here is to remember that they all came from the small village of Rettigheim or its neighboring villages.

Our Bender ancestors or their spouses that served in or died in the German wars from Rettigheim and neighboring villages
The German Wars	Total Bender Ancestors or spouses that served in the war
Uprising of German Knights 1522 - 1523
German peasants war 1524 - 1525
Turks lay siege to Vienna - 1529
Thirty Years War 1618 - 1648
Repulsion of the 2nd Turkish attack on Vienna 1683
Silesian Wars between Prussia & Austria 1740 - 1745
The Seven Years War, Prussia against Austria, Russia, France and Sweeden 1756 - 1763
Prussia's rise to power, 1793 - 1807 & Partitions of Poland	1
Napoleon's Invasion of Russia 1812	12
Post Napoleon Era	1
German 1848 Revolution [starts in 1844]	6
American Civil War 1860 - 1865	6
Austro-Prussian War of 1866	1
Franco-Prussian War of 1870	3
The Great War 1914 - 1918	79
WW II 1939 - 1947	137
Total Bender ancestors	246

Some but not all of our Bender ancestors killed in The Great War  and  WW II are on the two plaques in the entrance hall of St Nikolas Catholic Church in Rettigheim. In the early years of our Bender family history the threat of invasion by the Turks was very real and lasted till well after 1683. Rettighem was not that far from Vienna which was where the Turks were stopped.

The boldface number before each individual is their ID number in the two main Bender family histories.

Below are all our main web sites for the four European family histories; Fries, Lucash, Blaies and Bender.

Fries family: http://mctiernan.com/frihis.htm
Lucash family: http://mctiernan.com/luchis1.htm
Blaies family: http://mctiernan.com/bhis1.htm
Bender family: http://mctiernan.com/benhis.htm

Many of our American relatives and ancestors also served in both World Wars. Due to the lack of complete documentation they are not listed on this page as the scope of this effort is to list only our German born Bender ancestors that served or were killed in the many German wars and how each relates to my Bender / Fries / Fries / Blaies generation.

Our Bender ancestors are listed under the specific war.

Uprising of German Knights 1522 - 1523, no Bender ancestors found as yet

German peasants war 1524 - 1525, no Bender ancestors found as yet

Turks lay siege to Vienna - 1529, no Bender ancestors found as yet

Thirty Years War 1618 - 1648, no Bender ancestors found as yet

Repulsion of the 2nd Turkish attack on Vienna 1683, no Bender ancestors found as yet

Silesian Wars between Prussia & Austria 1740 - 1745, no Bender ancestors found as yet

The Seven Years War, Prussia against Austria, Russia, France and Sweden 1756 - 1763, no Bender ancestors found as yet, actually the first world war but never called that.

Prussia's rise to power & the partitions of Poland.  1793 - 1807

1.4.7.2.2.4.  Andreas Menges, 1-14-1764-->1803, the fourth of five children of Simon Menges and Anna Maria Wachter born in Rauenberg and died sometime after 1803 in Südpreußen [South Prussia].  On 4-8-1793 in Rauenberg, Andreas Menges married Maria Eva Bergmaier, 12-6-1760-->1803, who was born in Rauenberg and died in Südpreußen.  Andreas was a soldier in the Army stationed in Südpreußen in 1787.  Südpreußen was a province of the State of Prussia existing from 1793 to 1807. It was established on the largest part of the areas acquired with the second division of Poland  Andreas Menges is my Bender / Fries / Fries / Blaies generation's 4th cousin, 6 generations removed. 

War against Revolutionary France 1792 - 1815; Napoleon's invasion of Russia, 1812 - 1813 http://mctiernan.com/russian_campaign_stat.jpg

1.1.1.3.2.7.5.2. Christophor Katzenberger, 6-14-1786--6-10-1835, the second of ten children of Maria Christina Ringer and Johann Katzenberger born and died in Rettigheim. Christophor was a master barrel maker (Küfermeister).  Christophor's brother, Johann Michael Katzenberger probably fell in the Napoleon's Russian campaign 1812/1813. Christophor Katzenberger participated likewise and returned. He received the active service honor in 1830 presented by the Grand Duke of Baden.  Christophor Katzenberger is my Bender / Fries / Fries / Blaies generation's 5th cousin, 4 generations removed.

1.1.1.3.2.7.5.3. Johann Michael Katzenberger, 10-13-1788--c. 1812, the third of ten children of Maria Christina Ringer and Johann Katzenberger born in Rettigheim. Johann Michael Katzenberger probably fell in the Napoleon's Russian campaign 1812/1813; his brother Christoph participated likewise and returned where he received the active service honor in 1830 by the Grand Duke of Baden. Johann Michael Katzenberger is my Bender / Fries / Fries / Blaies generation's 5th cousin, 4 generations removed.

1.2.3.7.4.6.2.  Leonhard Drescher, 7-24-1799--10-15-1820, the second of five children of Anna Maria Bender and Gregor Drescher born in Östringen.  Leonhard Drescher was a German soldier in the Infantry Regiment of Steckborn and died in a military hospital in Karlsruhe, Baden most likely from wounds received in the past Napoleonic Wars. Leonhard Drescher is my Bender / Fries / Fries / Blaies 5th cousin 5 generations removed.

1.1.2.2.12.5.5. Johann Wendelin Bender, 10-16-1799--12-29-1821, the fifth child of Franz Bender and Maria Catharina Kamuf who was born in Rettigheim, Baden. Johann never married and was a soldier most likely during the end of the Napoleonic Wars or soon thereafter. Johann Wendelin Bender is my Bender / Fries / Fries / Blaies generation's 2nd  cousin, 5 generations removed.

1.2.3.7.1.1. Maria Juliana Wagner, nee Bender, 8-24-1758--3-25-1834, the first of fourteen and only child of Johann Georg Bender by Maria Anna Bender. Maria Juliana was born and died in Rettigheim. Maria Juliana married Johann Wagner, 1-27-1756--12-16-1813, in Rettigheim on 3-1-1778. Johann Wagner was the son of Christoph Wagner and Maria Deschner. Johann was born and died in Rettigheim. The family book notes say that Maria Juliana's husband, Johann Wagner, 1756--1813, participated in Napoleon's Russian campaign in 1812 and was listed as "is fallen". He died in Rettigheim the following year so "is fallen" most likely meant that he was wounded and sent home to die. Maria Juliana Wagner, nee Bender is my Bender / Fries / Fries / Blaies generation's 3rd cousin, 5 generations removed.

1.1.1.3.3.3.3.  Johann Christoph Müller, 7-1-1758--8-15-1834, the third of ten children of Katharina Förderer and Martin Müller born and died in Rettigheim.  On 5-25-1784 in Rettigheim, Johann Christoph Müller married  1.2.2.1.4.9. Maria Margarete Neff, 12-4-1758--12-8-1819, the ninth of nine children of Johann Neff and Anna Maria Rudolf born and died in Rettigheim.  Johann Christoph Müller was a farmer and lived at Malscher Str. 10 and later at Östringer Str. 6.  Johann Christoph and his brother Franz Georg participated in Napoleon's Russia campaign 1812/13 and received in 1830 the active service honor by the Grand Duke. of Baden. Johann Christoph Müller is my Bender / Fries / Fries / Blaies generation's 4th cousin, 5 generations removed.

1.1.4.3.3.5.2. Johann Thaddeus Wagner, 12-23-1786--1-3-1877, the second of four children of Johann Georg Wagner and Maria Catharina Bender born and died in Rettigheim. On 5-28-1811 in Rettigheim, Johannes Thaddeus Wagner married 1.1.2.1.6.1.3.1. Maria Juliana Metzger, 1-20-1791--7-14-1875, who was born and died in Rettigheim, the daughter of Johann Michael Metzger and Maria Anna Werstein. Johann Thaddäus Wagner participated in the Russian campaign of Napoleon 1812/13 and in 1830 received the field service award through the Grand Duke of Baden. Johannes Thaddeus Wagner is my Bender / Fries / Fries / Blaies generation's 2nd cousin, 5 generations removed.

1.2.3.7.1.1.5.  Josef Wagner, 5-20-1790--c. 1812, the fifth of six children of Maria Juliana Bender and Johann Wagner, born in Rettigheim and died in Russia.  Josef was a soldier in Napoleon's invasion of Russia and died during the campaign. Josef Wagner is my Bender / Fries / Fries / Blaies' 4th cousin 4 generations removed.

1.2.2.1.4.9.4. Georg Michael Müller, 10-5-1790--, the fourth of eleven children of Johann Christoph Müller and Maria Margarete Neff born in Rettigheim and died somewhere in Russia. Georg Michael Müller was killed in Napoleon's 1812 Russian campaign. Georg Michael Müller is my Bender / Fries / Fries / Blaies generation's 5th cousin, 4 generations removed.

1.4.3.2.3.3.3. Matthias Eschbaumer, 3-21-1788--c. 1812, the third of six children of Maria Catharina Wittmayer and Johannes Adam Eschbaumer born in Rettigheim. He participated in Napoleon's 1812 Russian campaign and died in that invasion.  Matthias Eschbaumer is my Bender / Fries / Fries / Blaies generation's 5th cousin, 5  generations removed.

Georg Michael Reiss, 8-11-1791--, the fifth of nine children of Johann Michael Reiss and Katharina Schrod born in Rettigheim. Georg Michael Reiss participated in Napoleon's 1812 Russian campaign and most likely died in that invasion. There is no blood relationship between Georg Michael Reiss and my Bender / Fries / Fries / Blaies generation.

German Revolution of 1848  [starting in 1844 ? ]

1.4.7.2.2.3.2.4.  Daniel Greulich, 2-12-1822--10-14-1844, the fourth of eight children of Katharina Franziska Bergmaier and Jakob Greulich born in Rauenberg and died in Gottesau.  Daniel Greulich was a German soldier [Artilleryman] Großherzogliche Badische Artillerie-Brigade who was killed in 1844. Most likely Daniel was killed in the battles leading up to the 1848 revolution.  Daniel Greulich is my Bender / Fries / Fries / Blaies generation's 6th cousin, 4 generations removed. 

1.2.3.4.8.6.2.3. Sebastian Werstein, 1-19-1829--6-15-1849, the third of six children of Franz Martin Werstein and Creszentia Reiss. Sebastian fell as a soldier with the meetings in Großsachsen during the German revolution of 1848/49. Sebastian Werstein is my Bender / Fries / Fries / Blaies generation's 6th cousin, 3 generations removed.

1.2.2.1.4.3.11.6. Andreas Schmitt, 12-31-1823-->1861, the sixth of eight children of Maria Cäzilia Neff and Peter Schmitt born in Rettigheim. Andreas was a soldier in the revolution of 1848/49, went then in 1861 to America. This revolution started in France and spread across Europe and was one of the major causes of emigration as it was for my four direct European families as they all immigrated to America between 1848 and 1856. Andreas Schmitt is my Bender / Fries / Fries / Blaies generation's 6th cousin, 3 generations removed.

1.1.2.1.6.2.5.4. Friedrich Linenfelser, 4-1-1821--10-27-1865, the fourth child of eight children of Margaretha Holzinger and Johann Friedrich Linenfelser born in Östringen and died in St. Louis, St. Louis Co., MO. Östringen is a beautiful village. On 10-2-1849 in St. Louis, St. Louis Co., MO, Friedrich Linenfelser married Mary Ann Ketterer, 1816--, whose maiden name was Baker or Becker. Mary Ann had been married previously and had seven children by her husband Kitterer and three children by Friedrich Linenfelser. Helmut Zondler translated from German: "1-4-1821, at 8pm gave birth Margaretha born Holzinger, the wife of ...master linen weaver Friederich Linenfelser to a child of male sex... name Friedrich. Witnesses Anton Hoffmann the young, 32 years old and Jacob Linenfelser 38 years old."

1.1.3.3.1.14.1.1. Emilie Breitner, nee Heinzmann, 7-15-1829--4-3-1873, the first of six children of Johannes Martin Heinzmann and Maria Anna Hoffmann born in Üstringen and died in Riga, Lenawee Co., MI. On 2-4-1855 in Monroe, Monroe Co., MI at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Emilie Heinzmann married Peter Breitner, 1830--10-1-1887, who was born in Östringen and died in Lenawee Co,MI.  He was the son of Josef Breitner and Maria Eva Pfeiffer. Peter enlisted in the American Civil War on 8-15-1862 in Riga, Michigan. At the time of his enlistment, he was 33 years old and served with the Michigan Volunteers until his honorable discharge on 10-6-1864 from injuries. He died on 1-10-1887 from ingesting Paris Green. He served with Co. C-18th Infantry Regiment. Peter was born, est. 3-18-1827 (30) in Baden, Germany and emigrated to the US on 2-10-1854, arriving at New York harbor on the ship Mercury from La Havre, France. Peter married Louisa Kornmeier-Merx on 4-1-1875 in Riga, MI. He has gray eyes and brown hair."

1.4.3.3.6.5.2.7. Valentin Bender, 2-10-1827--8-5-1886, the seventh of eight children of Maria Caecilia Bös and Matthäus Bender born in Rettigheim and died in Walldorf, Germany. As seen in the Familienbuch "Der Vater nimmt laut Grundbuch 1817 300 Gulden Geld auf. Sohn Valentin stirbt in Walldorf als "amerikanischer Invalid" u. Witwer, vielleicht war er Teilnehmer am Amerikanischen Bürgerkrieg 1864." and roughly translated as "The father takes according to land register 1817 300 guldens cash up. Son Valentin dies in Walldorf as "American Invalid" and a widower, perhaps he was wounded in the American civil war 1864. Valentin Bender is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 6th cousin, 3 generations removed.

On October 16, 1861, Wendelin enlisted in the Union Army in Battery "C", 2nd Regt', Missouri Light Artillery. He was 27 at the time. Company 'C" was stationed at Cape Girardeau, Mo. On 8-24-1863, Wendelin was discharged as a Corporal.

Other legal papers have Wendelin enlisting in a different Union Army unit at the same time. On January 9, 1865, Wendelin enlisted in the 39th Regt', Missouri Volunteer Infantry. This was a six month tour of duty. He was discharged a Private on 5-17-1865, at Benton Barracks in St. Louis, Mo. Benton Barracks is now known as Fairgrounds Park in St. Louis. Benton Barracks was named after Missouri's Senator Benton, who was famous during America's westward expansion and funded the famous Lewis and Clark Exposition. Wendelin may also have served in the 117th Illinois Volunteer Infantry. His time in the 117th is not verified by the member list. For his service time in the Union Army, Wendelin received $ 8 per month as a pension. Wendelin Bender is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's Great Grand Uncle.

1.1.2.2.5.3.2.3.5. Theresia Blaies, nee Bender, 4-1-1833--2-24-1898, was the fifth child of Georg Franz Bender, 1801--1838, and Maria Elizabeth Bender, nee Herrmann, 1805--1870. Theresia emigrated to America late in 1855 or early in 1856. Theresia Bender married Jean Jean Michel Blaies, 1823--1902, on May 22, 1856, at The Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Arnold, Mo. Theresia was 23 and Jean Jean Michel Blaies was 34 years old at the time of the wedding. Jean Michel Blaies, most likely, emigrated when he was about 33 years old. In the Blaies history

Jean Michel Blaies, 1823--1902, is listed as -5.2.2.3.3.8.6. in the Blaies history. Jean Michel Blaies and his brother-in-law, 1.1.2.2.5.3.2.3.6. Wendel Bender, 1834--1902, served in the same Union Army unit during the Civil War. Jean Michel Blaies, 1823--1902, was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant on October 8, 1863, in Company H of the 80th Regiment of Enrolled Missouri Militia that was organized in Jefferson Co. Missouri. Jean Michel was discharged in 1864 by Special Order 126. Special order 126 seems to be a discharge order due to the Union officer failing to take some type of oath and having it filed with the Missouri Adjutant General's Office. Jean Michel may not have taken the oath or did take it but failed to have it filed on time. None the less, he and 60 other officers were relieved of their commands.

In May 1864, Jean Michel enrolled from Carondelet in the 2nd Regiment of the Enrolled Missouri Militia as a private. The active service began on Sept. 27, 1864 and ended on November 5, 1864. Jean Michel was put on sick furlough. Jean Michel Blaies, the husband of Theresia Bender is my generation's Great Grandfather.

Austro-Prussian War of 1866, 

33095  Joseph Straubert, 4-10-1834--, the only child of Anna Marie Bender and Matthais Straubert born in Östringen, Bruchsal, Baden, Germany.  Joseph was a German soldier in an artillery regiment. Joseph Straubert is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 6th cousin, 3 generations removed.

Franco-Prussian War of 1870

28681 Johann Christoph Bender, 10-22-1848--12-30-1870, born in Malsch and died in Mainz, Hessen, Germany.  Johann Christoph Bender was the second of three children of Bernhard Bender and Maria Theresia Bender. Johann Christoph Bender is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 4th cousin, 3 generations removed.

1.4.3.2.3.2.2.3.2. Johann Thaddäus Wagner, 3-21-1847--9-30-1874, the second of five children of Maria Anna Neff and Georg Josef Wagner born and died in Rettigheim. On 1-11-1872 in Rettigheim, Johann Thaddäus Wagner married Justine Bergmeier, 11-9-1846--, who was born in Rauenberg, Baden. He was a German soldier in 1870 and 1871 during the war with France and later was a farmer and lived at Rotenberger Str. 34., Johann may have been the largest man of the army of Baden. Johann Thaddäus Wagner is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 4th cousin, 3 generations removed.

The Great War, 1914 - 1918

A total of 32 men are listed on the below plaque from the entrance hall of the St Nikolas Catholic Church in Rettigheim as having been killed in The Great War. At this point in time, almost all of those were our Bender ancestors.  A total of 70 of our Bender ancestors fought in The Great War.

All of our Bender ancestors listed below were killed in The Great War but not all are on the plaque in St Nikolas Catholic Church displayed on the Rettigheim village church wall.

1.4.6.1.5.1.8.8.1.6.  Franz Klee, 5-29-1891--8-9-1914, the sixth of ten children of Luise Wipfler and Josef Klee born in Rauenberg and died as a German soldier in The Great War.  In June of 1914, Germany declares war on neutral Belgium and invades in a right flanking move designed to defeat France quickly. This violates a treaty signed by Prussia respecting Belgian neutrality. As a result of this invasion, Britain declares war on Germany and Austria-Hungary. Canada follows suit and joins the war. U.S President Woodrow Wilson declares policy of American neutrality. The record states Franz Klee's place of death as Mühlhausen but also list it as Alsace [Elsaß].  Franz Klee may have been wounded in Alsace and then died in Mühlhausen. Franz Klee is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 8th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.2.3.7.1.4.10.9.12.  Hermann Josef Bender, 8-8-1893--8-21-1914, was the twelfth child of Michael Bender and the ninth with Ida Bender, born in Östringen, Baden and died as a German soldier in France in The Great War.  Hermann Josef Bender is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 7th cousin, 3 generations removed.

1.1.4.3.3.5.2.2.6.4.  Johann Augustin Reiss, 5-29-1884--8-22-1914, the fourth of four children of Reinhard Reiss and Anna Juliana Kamuf born in Rettigheim and died as a German soldier in Donon/Schirmeck, Alsace, France during The Great War.  On 6-8-1911 in Rettigheim, Johann Augustin Reiss married 1.1.2.1.6.1.3.5.17.1.  Elisabeth Metzger, 6-23-1889--6-9-1969, who was born and died in Rettigheim. Johann Augustin was a farmer and lived at Rotenberger Str. 20.  Johann Augustin Reiss is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 5th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.4.7.2.3.9.9.5.9.  Karl Friedrich Menges, 5-14-1883--8-22-1914, the ninth of thirteen children of Friedrich Menges and Elisabeth Knab born in Rauenberg and died unmarried as a soldier in the German Army in Raon sur Plaine, Alsace, France. Karl Friedrich Menges is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 7th cousin, 3  generations removed. 

1.2.2.1.4.3.12.1.2.5. Ignaz Wittmeier, 5-1-1892--8-24-1914, the fifth of five children of Jakob Wittmeier and Sophia Kamuf born in Rettigheim. Ignaz was a soldier in the German Army in The Great War and was killed in Lothringen which is Lorraine as in Alsace-Lorraine, France or Germany depending on the year. The former Duchy of Lothringen (Lorraine) became a French province in 1766. Later the German-speaking area of Lorraine became part of Elsass-Lothringen. In the First World War 1914-1918 Lorraine was the main theater of war.  Ignaz Wittmeier is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation 8th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.4.3.2.3.2.1.3.5.5. Jakob Kamuf, 5-6-1884--8-26-1914, the fifth of ten children of Johann Kamuf and Maria Josefa Göbel born in Rettigheim. On 7-8-1911 in Rettigheim, Jakob Kamuf married 1.1.1.1.4.1.5.3.3.3.4.  Ottilie Kamuf, 11-26-1885--7-18-1936, the fourth of four children of Josefine Wittmeier and Sebastian Kamuf born and died in Rettigheim.  Jakob was a factory leader and lived at Mascher Str. 29. He died at Ban de Sapt/Lothr. [Lorraine]  as a German soldier in The Great War.  The French War Office has announced [7-25-1914] that they have captured some very powerful German defensive organizations in the Ban-de-Sapt region of the Vosges Mountains.  More than 800 prisoners and 6 machine guns were taken.  Jakob Kamuf is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 5th cousin, 2 generations removed. Jakob Kamuf's name is on the plaque in St Nikolas Catholic Church displayed on the Rettigheim village church wall. 

1.2.3.7.1.6.2.2.1.9. Adam Dumm, 10-7-1889--9-25-1914, the ninth of sixteen children of Franz Martin Dumm and Maria Sauer born in Rettigheim. Adam Dumm like his three brothers was a soldier in the German Army in The Great War and was killed in France. Adam was a shoemaker and never married. Adam Dumm is with those names of the village displayed on the Rettigheim village church wall.   Adam Dumm is my generation 6th cousin, 1 generation removed. 

1.2.3.4.8.1.7.4.2.4. Josef Kleinlagel, 5-17-1895--10-10-1914, born in Rettigheim but died in Saarburg, Germany in The Great War. The fourth of five children of Eduard Kleinlagel and Karoline Werstein. Josef lived in Kreuzlingen, Switzerland. Josef Kleinlagel's name is on the plaque in St Nikolas Catholic Church displayed on the Rettigheim village church wall.   Josef Kleinlagel is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 8th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.1.1.1.4.7.2.3.1.6.1. Otto Kimmling, 6-1884--12-20-1914,  the only child of Anton Kimmling and Anna Bender died in battle as a German soldier on the Western Front. Otto Kimmling is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 8th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.1.1.3.2.6.4.2.2.6.10.  Josef Heinzmann, 7-20-1894--1-14-1915, the tenth child of Martin Heinzmann and Maria Carolina Hillenbrand born in Kronau, Bruchsal, Baden, Germany and died as a German soldier in The Great War in Avion Sur Lens, Pas-de-Calais, France. Josef Heinzmann is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 8th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.4.7.2.2.3.4.2.2.6.  Nikolaus Kurz, 10-3-1890--1-25-1915, the sixth of eleven children of Friedrich Kurz and Elisabeth Knörr born in Rauenberg and died as a German soldier in The Great War at Auchy-les-la-Bassée, France.  Marshall Joffre's plan was brutally simple. The strong German positions would be crushed by 4 days continuous bombardment, with a 4-hour final crescendo before the infantry attacked. The latter would be arrayed in great depth, each Division placing no more than half of two Brigades in the first line. A constant flow of men would follow, as would the reserves behind the assaulting Divisions. All other Armies from the coast to Switzerland would be ready to move forward as the enemy were destroyed in Artois.  The key features of the battlefield are: The Bethune to La Bassée road, running roughly parallel with the canal through the village of Cambrin and just to the north of the miner's community of Auchy-les-la-Bassée, now called Auchy-les-Mines.  Nikolaus Kurz is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 8th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.2.3.4.8.6.2.1.3.1. Johann Josef Kretz, 7-8-1886--5-2-1915, born in Rettigheim, Baden. The first child of Ida Werstein and Josef Kretz.  He served his military conscription in peacetime and was called to war while in the Reserves. According to documents he was a part of the Ersatz-Infanterie-Regiment 28, Prussia Unit 228. "The division first saw action in 1914 in the Battle of the Frontiers, including the battles before Nancy and Epinal. The division participated in the Race to the Sea and then settled into trench warfare."

Johann Josef died as a soldier in The Great War at Apremont Forest NW of Toul, France. The American Artillery and infantry lent assistance to the French in a raid, 5-10-1915.  Johann Josef Kretz never married.  Johann Josef Kretz is my Fries / Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 4th cousin, 2 generations removed. 

1.1.2.1.5.1.2.1.6.1.8.  Gottfried Laier, 11-30-1892--5-8-1915, the eighth of ten children of Franziska Wipfler and Johann Laier born in Rauenberg and died as a German soldier in The Great War in Pilkem, Belgium and as his brothers did became part of the mystique of The Great War, falling at the famous battleground of 2nd battle of Ypres.  Ypres a small Flemish market town, just over the border from France, quite similar to many market towns in Blegium, that was until 1914 [the outbreak of The Great War].  The town of Ypres was the scene of some of the worst fighting of the war.  Ypres was described as being all the horrors of the Somme and the hell of Verdun.  The consequences were drastic with 500,000 dead in an area of 25 square kilometers. Gottfried Laier is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 7th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.1.2.1.5.1.2.1.6.1.7.  Bernhard Laier, 5-22-1891--5-9-1915, the seventh of ten children of Franziska Wipfler and Johann Laier born in Rauenberg and died at Loos, France as a German soldier in The Great War. Bernhard Laier is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 7th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.4.6.1.5.1.8.8.1.1.   Franz Jakob Klee, 8-10-1882--5-11-1915, the first of ten children of Luise Wipfler and Josef Klee born in Rauenberg and died in The Great War in France as a soldier in the German Army.  Before the War, Franz was a mason. On 5-5-1906 in Rauenberg, Franz Jakob Klee married Maria Baumann, 10-25-1885--5-10-1969, who was born in Odenheim and died in Rauenberg. On 5-9-1915 the second Battle of Artois begins. Franz Jakob Klee is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation 8th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.4.7.2.2.1.8.6.10.  Johann Laier V, 1-3-1878--5-12-1915, the tenth of thirteen children of Johann Laier and Balbina Stier born in Rauenberg.  Johann Laier died in Klew, Poland as a German soldier during The Great War. Johann Laier married Sophia Schafer, 12-11-1878--4-1-1917, who was born and died in Rauenberg. Johann Laier is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 7th cousin, 3 generationsremoved. 

1.4.7.2.2.1.8.7.4.2.  Josef  Bergmaier, 4-23-1890--5-21-1915, the second of ten children of Sophia Zotz and Jakob Bergmaier born in Rauenberg.  Josef  Bergmaier was a soldier in the German Army in The Great War and died at Notre Dame de Lorette, Italy.  Some excerpts from German Army diaries from that area at the time: In the morning of May 11 we were strafed by terrible artillery fire. At 4 o'clock PM the French stormed again. I can't understand how we repelled them, but after a savage fight we still stood among heaps of bodies. 9 out of 10 of us were killed, the rest wounded. Two hours later another storm and we could not resist. The enemy rolled on up to the eastern slope where we survivors dug in. At dawn dusk of 13 May 1915 - the black day at Lorette - an unprecedented artillery fire swept over our troops. All officers and most of the rank and file were killed by the time the French stormed in the evening. They were bloodily beaten back. The 8th Co. had fallen silent... The night on the Chapel hill was spent waiting for death. Josef  Bergmaier is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation 8th cousin, 2 generations removed. 

1.1.1.3.2.6.4.2.2.3.8.  Simon Heinzmann, 2-17-1884--5-27-1915, born in Kronau, Baden, Germany and died as a German soldier in The Great War at Lievin, Pas-de-Calais, France. Simon Heinzmann is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generations 8th cousin, 1 generation  removed

1.2.2.1.4.3.1.3.7.9. Johann Barth, 8-7-1894--6-12-1915, the ninth of nine children of Johannes Barth and the seventh by Juliana Werstein born in Rettigheim but died as a German soldier in France during The Great War. Johann Barth never married. Johann Barth is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 8th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.4.7.2.3.9.2.3.10.3.  Josef Wendelin Lädel, 11-21-1896--7-29-1915, the third of eight children of Valentin Lädel and Rosa Lechner born in Rauenberg but died as a German soldier in The Great War. Josef never married. Josef Wendelin Lädel is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 8th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.1.2.2.5.12.4.5.4.1. Josef Reiss, 11-24-1895--8-12-1915, the first of ten children of Augustin Reiss and Ida Sieber born in Rettigheim and died in France as a German soldier in The Great War. Josef Reiss is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 4th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.2.3.4.8.1.7.1.4.4. Karl Johann Kleinlagel, 8-18-1895--9-19-1915, born in Rettigheim. The fourth of 13 children of Gregor Kleinlagel and Florentine Bender. He never married and was a buyer. Karl's place of death is unknown as he died as a German soldier in The Great War. Karl Johann Kleinlagel is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 4th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.4.7.2.3.9.6.6.14.  Emil Greulich, 11-22-1885--10-17-1915, the fourteenth of fifteen children of Balbina Laier and Friedrich Greulich born in Rauenberg and died as a German soldier in The Great War.  Where Emil died is unknown. In October 1915 the Battles of Artois & Champagne ends. The Battle of Loos ends. Austro-German-Bulgarian forces invade Serbia, expelling the Serbian army from the country. Emil Greulich is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 7th cousin, 3 generations removed.

1.2.3.4.8.1.7.3.3.4. Friedrich Bender, 2-18-1890--5-7-1916, the fourth of seven children of Friedrich Bender and Cäzilia Müller born in Rettigheim but died as a German soldier in France in The Great War. On 5-20-1914 in Rettigheim, Friedrich Bender married Anna Hartlieb, 3-27-1892--, who was born in Östringen. He was a decoration painter. Friedrich Bender is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 5th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.2.3.7.1.4.4.3.2.2.  Augustin Kamuf, 1-20-1892--5-18-1916, the second of ten children of Leander Kamuf and Katharina Bender born in Rettigheim.  Augustin Kamuf was a soldier in The Great War. Augustin Kamuf is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 6th cousin, 2  generations removed

1.2.2.1.4.3.1.3.7.4. Valentin Barth, 9-23-1886--6-23-1916, the fourth of nine children of Johannes Barth and the second by Juliana Werstein born in Rettigheim but died in France as a German soldier during The Great War. Valentin Barth is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 8th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.4.7.2.2.1.8.7.2.1.  Emil Josef Zotz, 11-22-1894--7-1-1916, the first of five children of Johann Zotz and Frieda Bellemann born in Rauenberg but died in France as a German soldier during The Great War.  Emil died at the village of Fricourt which was part of  the famous battle of Somme, France.   Fricourt is around three miles due east of Albert, and was towards the southern part of front on which the British attacked on the 1st of July 1916. Emil Josef Zotz is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 8th cousin, 2 generations removed. 

1.4.7.2.3.9.6.2.10.  Wilhelm Klefenz, 1-7-1879--7-2-1916, the tenth of ten children of Bertha Laier and Konrad Klefenz born in Rauenberg and died as a German soldier in The Great War in La Boiselle, France.  According to the Diary of the British 102nd Field Ambulance, July 1st 1916 was clear, bright and warm. Thus began the first day of the famous Battle of the Somme. At the end of the first day [7-1-1916], the British General Rawlinson was given a casualty figure of 16,000, but it was not until the 1920's that the full numbers were calculated. It would appear that 57,470 men, half the British attacking force, were killed, wounded or captured. 30,000 had been lost in the first hour. Kitchener's New Army, which had taken two years to create, was destroyed in twelve hours, 30,419 of the volunteers being casualties. On the other side, the Germans lost some 8,000 men, although this was to rise later.  Wilhelm Klefenz is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 7th cousin, 3 generationsremoved.

1.2.3.7.1.6.2.2.1.13. Vinzenz Dumm, 1-24-1895--7-7-1916, the 13th of sixteen children of Franz Martin Dumm and Maria Sauer born in Rettigheim. Vinzenz like his three brothers was a soldier in the German Army in The Great War and was killed in Russia. Vinzenz never married. He was a teacher in Helmsheim. Vinzenz Dumm is my generations 6th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.2.3.4.8.1.4.6.1.3.  Karl Anton Laier, 7-15-1884--7-7-1916, the third of four children of Juliana Reiss and Julius Laier born in Rotenberg, Baden, Germany. Karl Anton Laier died as a German soldier in The Great War.  Karl Anton Laier is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 4th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.1.1.3.2.2.2.3.1.6.7.  Alois Bender, 7-1-1887--7-8-1916,  born in Malsch and died in Russia as a German soldier in The Great War.  Alois Bender was the seventh child of Joseph Bender and Anna Eva Fuchs. Alois Bender is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 6th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.4.7.2.2.1.8.6.13.  Heinrich Laier, 10-13-1882--8-10-1916, the thirteenth of thirteen children of Johann Laier and Balbina Stier born in Rauenberg and died in Vilna, [Vilnius] Lithuania as a German soldier during The Great War. Heinrich Laier is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 7th cousin, 3 generations removed.

1.1.2.1.5.5.2.2.1.9.  Ludwig Sieber, 5-29-1879--9-12-1916, the 9th child of Sebastian Sieber and Maria Eva Hermann, born in Rotenberg and died as a German soldier in The Great War.  On 9-27-1905 in Rotenberg, Ludwig Sieber married Magdalena Gruber, 9-10-1886--10-31-1953 who was born in Neibsheim and died in Rotenberg.  They had eight children.  Ludwig Sieber  is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's  6th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.1.1.3.2.2.4.1.2.2.2.2.  Augustin Bender, 4-26-1892--10-9-1916, born in Malsch, the second of four children of Alois Bender and Maria Malschner born in Malsch, Baden and died as a German soldier in The Great War.  Augustin Bender is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's  9th cousin.  

1.2.3.7.1.6.2.2.1.14. Valentin Dumm, 3-6-1896--3-4-1917, the fourteenth of sixteen children of Franz Martin Dumm and Maria Sauer born in Rettigheim. Valentin was a farmer and never married.  Like his three brothers was a soldier in the German Army in The Great War and was killed in Verdun, France. Valentin Dumm is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 6th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.2.3.7.1.14.5.6.3.  Otto Dumm, 2-4-1886--3-6-1917, the third of eleven children of Ferdinand Dumm and Juliana Weik born in Rettigheim and died as a German soldier at one of the more well known battles in The Great War at Verdun, France. At home, he was a cigar maker and never married. Otto Dumm was my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 8th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.4.7.2.3.9.4.5.4.1.  Karl Viktor Fischer, 4-7-1895--3-9-1917, the first of thirteen children of Anton Fischer and Barbara Reiser born in Rauenberg but where he died is unknown as he died a German soldier in The Great War. Karl Viktor Fischer is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 8th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.4.7.2.2.3.4.2.2.3.  Ludwig Kurz, 9-20-1886--9-12-1917, the third of eleven children of Friedrich Kurz and Elisabeth Knörr born in Rauenberg and died as a German soldier in The Great War at Poelcappelle, France. The battle of Poelcappelle was the fourth of a series of “bite and hold” battles launched by General Herbert Plumer during the third battle of Ypres. The first three such battles (Menin Road Ridge, Polygon Ridge and Broodseinde) had each achieved their objectives, biting chunks out of the German line and then defending those gains against any counterattacks. Each of the attacks had been supported by a well directed artillery bombardment that had isolated the part of the German front line as well as by a creeping barrage that had protected the advancing soldiers.

On 11-12-1910 in Rauenberg, Ludwig Kurz married 1.4.6.1.5.1.8.7.1.6.  Maria Elisabeth Kurz, nee Salomon, nee Greulich, 4-2-1886--3-19-1971, the sixth of ten children of Wendelin Greulich and Anna Eva Stier born and died in Rauenberg.  Maria Elisabeth Greulich had a total of seven children, three by Ludwig Kurz and four by Ferdinand Salomon.  Ludwig Kurz is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 8th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.2.3.4.8.6.1.4.8.3. Josef August Reiss, 11-2-1896--12-31-1917, the third of eight children of Augustin Reiss and Sabine Hotz born in Rettigheim and died in Villers Guislain, France as a German soldier during Germany's invasion of France in The Great War. Villers-Guislain was occupied by Commonwealth forces from April 1917 until the German counter attacks (in the Battle of Cambrai) at the end of November 1917. It was lost on 30 November and retained by the Germans on 1 December in spite of the fierce attacks of the Guards Division and tanks. The village was finally abandoned by the Germans on 30 September 1918, after heavy fighting. Gauche Wood, to the west of the village, was taken by the Guards Division, Indian cavalry and tanks on 1 December 1917. It was obstinately defended by the South African Brigade on 21 March 1918 during the German spring offensive. Josef never married. Josef August Reiss is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 7th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.2.3.4.8.6.2.1.3.3. Franz Jakob Kretz, 7-27-1889--c. 1917, born in Rettigheim, Baden. The third child of Ida Werstein and Josef Kretz. Franz Jakob Kretz is listed on the Rettigheim plaque for those that died in The Great War. Franz Jakob Kretz is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 4th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.2.2.1.4.9.3.3.4.4. Wendelin Müller, 11-17-1898--4-11-1918, the fourth of seven children of Theodor Müller and Maria Heinzmann born in Rettigheim and died as a German soldier in Armentieres, France during The Great War.  LONDON, April 10.--In heavy fighting lasting all day the British troops have been forced back by a new German attack north of Armentieres to a line running through Wytschaete [five miles south of Ypres] along the Messines Ridge to Ploegsteert [about three miles north of Armentieres.]  Wendelin Müller never married. Wendelin Müller is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 7th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.4.7.2.2.1.8.7.4.5.  Viktor Bergmaier, 5-27-1895--4-19-1918, the fifth of ten children of Sophia Zotz and Jakob Bergmaier born in Rauenberg and died as a German soldier in The Great War in Saint Hilaire au Temple, France.  There it comes to an end the bloody and glorious epic of the famous battle, the MARNE. Saint Hilaire au Temple  is in the area called The Ardenne. Viktor Bergmaier is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 8th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.2.3.4.8.1.7.2.6.3. Alfons Kleinlagel, 3-29-1898--4-26-1918, born in Rettigheim but died as a German soldier in The Great War in France. The third child of Friedrich Kleinlagel and Luise Schardel. Alfons was missing and then declared dead - he died as a soldier and was never married. Alfons Kleinlagel is my Bender / Fries / Fries / Blaies generation's 9th cousin.

1.1.2.1.5.1.5.5.4.2.6.  Emil Simon, 4-23-1899--5-28-1918, the sixth of nine children of Sophia  Roßrucker and Josef Simon born in Rauenberg and died unmarried as a German soldier in The Great War in Courville, France.  Marfaux village was captured by the Germans in May 1918, and retaken, after severe fighting, on the 23rd July, by the 51st (Highland) and 62nd (West Riding) Divisions and the New Zealand Cyclist Battalion. The Marfaux  cemetery was begun after the Armistice by the concentration of graves from the battlefields and from other Military Cemeteries in the Marne;  the majority are those of soldiers who fell in the months from May to August 1918. Courville Military Cemetery, in S. part of village: 22, May-June 1918 (and 250 French and 130 German). Emil Simon is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 7th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.1.1.3.2.6.4.2.2.3.2.  Karl Ludwig Machtel, 9-24-1877--5-28-1918, the husband of Rosa Heinzmann the first of sixteen children of Alois Heinzmann and Emma Kehrer born and died in Kronau, Bruchsal, Baden.  Karl Ludwin Machtel died as a German soldier in The Great War  in Fismes, Mame, France.  Rosa Heinzmann is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 8th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.2.3.4.8.1.7.6.3.7. Franz Bender, 12-7-1899--6-1-1918, born in Rettigheim but died as a soldier in the German invasion of France at Le Verneux, France in The Great War. The seventh of eight children of Franz Bender and Ida Förderer. Franz never married and was a cigar maker. Franz Bender is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 8th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.4.7.2.3.9.6.2.3.7.  Anton Stier, 1-19-1899--6-11-1918, the seventh of nine children of Balbina Stier and Ferdinand Stier born in Rauenberg but died as a German soldier in The Great War.  Where Anton died is unknown. Anton Stier is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 8th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.4.3.3.6.5.2.2.5.6.  Nikolaus Fleckenstein, 8-9-1881--7-10-1918, born in Malsch, Baden and died as a German soldier at the battle of Montdidier, Somme, France and is buried at Vignemont, Oise, France.   Nikolaus Fleckenstein is the 6th child of Johann Fleckenstein and M. Diebold.  Nikolaus Fleckenstein is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 8th cousin, 1 generation removed.

Note:  A Josef Bender, --7-10-1918, from Rettigheim and as yet still unconnected to our Bender line was killed in the Great War the same day as was Nikolaus above. 

1.4.7.2.3.9.6.4.7.2.  Nikolaus  Klefenz, 1-14-1897--7-15-1918, the second of seven children of Bertha Laier and Jakob Klefenz born in Raueneberg but died as a German soldier in The Great War at the famous battle of Chateau-Thierry. Chateau-Thierry formed the tip of the German advance towards Paris, some 50 miles south-west.  The battle ran from 6-26 June and by its end saw U.S. forces suffer 9,777 casualties, of which 1,811 were fatal.  The number of German casualties is not known, although some 1,600 troops were taken prisoner. Fiercely defended by the Germans, the wood was first taken by the Marines (and Third Infantry Brigade), then ceded back to the Germans - and again taken by the U.S. forces a total of six times before the Germans were finally expelled.  More critically, the combined Chateau-Thierry/Belleau Wood action brought to an end the last major German offensive of the war.  Nikolaus  Klefenz is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 8th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.4.7.2.2.1.8.7.2.3.  Franz Xaver Zotz, 10-10-1898--7-26-1918, the third of five children of Johann Zotz and Frieda Bellemann born in Rauenberg but died as a German soldier in The Great War. Where Franz was killed is unknown. Franz Xaver Zotz is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 8th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.2.3.7.1.4.4.3.2.5. Franz Hermann Kamuf, 4-5-1897--8-23-1918, the fifth of ten children of Katharina Bender and Leander Kamuf born in Rettigheim and died as a German soldier in The Great War in Esmery/Hallon, France which was on the south flank of the famous battlefield Somme. He was a cigar maker and never married.  Franz Hermann Kamuf is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 5th cousin 2 generations removed. 

1.2.3.7.5.7.6.2.6. Karl Barth, 9-17-1896--9-17-1918, the sixth of Karl Barth's and Rosa Fellhauer's eight children born in Rettigheim and died as a German soldier in The Great War in France. Karl never married. Karl Barth is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 5th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.2.3.6.1.1.6.1.2.5.  Andreas Anton Seitz, 1-13-1894--9-24-1918, the fifth of five children of Andreas Seitz and Maria Karntel born in Mannheim and died as a German soldier in The Great War in France.  Andreas Anton Seitz is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 8th cousin 2 generations removed.

1.1.1.1.2.3.4.6.2.2.7.  Josef Brückmann, 3-1-1890--10-6-1918, the seventh of nine children of Josef Brückmann and Amalie Dumm born in Rettigheim.  Josef Brückmann never married and died as a German soldier in The Great War in Frankfurt, Germany. Josef Brückmann is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 8th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.1.2.2.5.12.5.3.4.4. Josef Menges, 1-4-1898--10-19-1918, the fourth of seven children of Lina Geiss and Wendelin Menges born in Rotenberg, Baden and died as a German soldier in Beffu-et-le-Morthomme, Ardennes, France in The Great War.   Josef Menges is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 8th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.2.3.4.8.1.7.2.8. Josef Kleinlagel, 3-16-1870--10-22-1918, born in Rettigheim. He was a cigar maker and lived at Rotenberger Str. 12. He died as a soldier in Lörrach/Lazarett in The Great War. Lazarett is German for Field Hospital so Josef died in a German Field Hospital in the town of Lörrach, Baden. The eighth of 13 children of Joseph Kleinlagel and Anna Maria Kamuf. Josef Kleinlagel married Karolina Knab, 3-1-1874--11-28-1958, who was born and died in Rettigheim. Josef Kleinlagel is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 8th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.4.3.2.3.2.1.4.8.1. Konrad Rühl, 1-16-1896--10-29-1918, born in Rettigheim and died in Lazaret/Rastatt, Germany. Lazarett is German for Army Field Hospital so Konrad died in a German Field Hospital in the town of Rastatt, Baden located on the Murg River. Konrad was a German soldier in The Great War. The first of five children of Ernestine Reiss and Sebastian Rühl. Konrad never married and was a house shoemaker. Konrad Rühl is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 4th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.4.3.2.3.2.1.4.8.3. Friedrich Rühl, 7-10-1899--2-14-1920, born and died in Rettigheim. The third of five children of Ernestine Reiss and Sebastian Rühl. Friedrich never married and was a cooper [barrel maker] apprentice. Friedrich Rühl is listed on the plaque for those that died in The Great War.  Due to the location where Friedrich died he most likely died of his wounds after the war was over. Friedrich Rühl is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 4th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.1.2.2.12.5.5.   Johann Wendelin Bender, 10-16-1799--12-29-1821, the fifth of seven children of Franz Bender and Maria Katharina Kamuf born and died in Rettigheim.  Johann occupation was a soldier and as such he died at 21 years of age which is a very young age. Johann Wendelin Bender is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 2nd cousin, 5 generations removed.

1.1.1.3.2.11.6.2.3.5. Stephan Schaffner, 2-21-1886-->1914, the fifth of eleven children of Peter Philipp Schaffner and Katharina Förderer born in Malsch, Wiesloch, Baden. Stephan married Kunigunda Klefenz in Malsch on 6-15-1921. Stephan Schaffner served in The Great War as a German soldier and was awarded the Iron Cross in 1914.  Stephan Schaffner is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 7th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.1.1.3.2.11.6.3.1.3.  Franz Erhard, 4-29-1887--1-19-1962, the third of three children of Joseph Erhard and Theresia Förderer born and died in Malsch, Baden.  Franz Erhard married Maria Josephina Unknown and then married Anna Förderer.  Franz was in the German Army and in 1914 received the Iron Cross.  Franz Erhard is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 7th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.1.2.3.4.8.3.4.4.3.

The German offensive to capture Stalingrad began in August 1942, using the 6th Army and elements of the 4th Panzer Army. The attack was supported by intense Luftwaffe bombing that reduced much of the city to rubble. The battle degenerated into house-to-house fighting, as both sides poured reinforcements into the city. By mid-November, the Germans had pushed the Soviet defenders back at great cost into narrow zones along the west bank of the Volga River.

On 19 November, the Red Army launched Operation Uranus, a two-pronged attack targeting the weaker Romanian and Hungarian armies protecting the 6th Army's flanks.^[23] The Axis flanks were overrun and the 6th Army was cut off and surrounded in the Stalingrad area. Adolf Hitler was determined to hold the city at all costs and forbade the 6th Army from attempting a breakout; instead, attempts were made to supply it by air and to break the encirclement from the outside. Heavy fighting continued for another two months. At the beginning of February 1943, the Axis forces in Stalingrad, having exhausted their ammunition and food, surrendered^[24]:932 after five months, one week and three days of fighting.  Johann Bender has probably been transferred to the military cemetery Rossoschka

2. Private Ludwig Bender, 11-16-1924--9-25-1943, born in Mühlhausen, died in the war and is buried in Dshiginskoje/Kuban.  (Russian and Ukrainian: Кубань; Adyghe: Пшызэ) is a geographic region of Southern Russia surrounding the Kuban River, on the Black Sea between the Don Steppe, the Volga Delta and the Caucasus, and separated from the Crimean Peninsula to the west by the Kerch Strait. Krasnodar Krai is often referred to as "Kuban", both officially and unofficially, although the term is not exclusive to the krai and accommodates the republics of Adygea, Karachay-Cherkessia, and parts of Stavropol Krai.

WW II, 1939 - 1947  Four of every five German soldiers killed in this war died on the Eastern Front.  The casualities for WW II totaled between 50 - 70 million people, 80 % of which came from only 4 countries Russia, China, Germany and Poland.  Over 50 % of the casualites were civilians with the majority of those being woman and children.

A total of 65 men are listed on the below plaque in the entrance hall of the St Nikolas Catholic Church in Rettigheim as having been killed in WW II.  

Our list of our ancestors killed in WW II is longer than the list on the church plaque as some of our ancestors were from other villages close by Rettigheim hence not listed. The top right corner is difficult to read.  I have listed our ancestors below by year first and then by earliest killed in that specific year.

1.1.4.3.3.5.1.3.1.6.3. Karl Hugo Bender, 3-16-1916--8-1-1940, the third child of Serafine Östringer and Johann Bender born in Rettigheim but died in Mosweiller / Zabern, Alsace, France as a German soldier during WW II.  He is buried in the military cemetery in Niederbronn-les-Bains   Karl Hugo Bender is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 6th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.2.3.4.8.1.7.6.1.1.4. Ludwig Kretz, 9-20-1912-->1940, born in Rettigheim. The fourth of six children of Sofie Bender and Johann Kretz. Ludwig was a soldier and went missing in WW II. He was a farmer and lived at Östringer Str. 9. On 11-18-1939 in Rettigheim, Ludwig Kretz married 1.2.3.4.8.6.5.3.3.2.3. Josefine Elisabeth Reiss, 3-12-1918--, who was born in Rettigheim. Ludwig Kretz is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 6th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.4.3.2.3.2.3.1.7.6.2. Eugen Förderer, 6-30-1922-->1940, the second of six children of Christian Förderer and Maria Hotz born in Östringen. Eugen never married and died as a German soldier in WW II. Eugen Förderer is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 8th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1941, 14 of our Bender ancestors or their spouses killed in the war

1.4.3.2.3.2.1.3.5.3.8. Gottlieb Kamuf, 2-23-1920--7-2-1941, the eighth of nine children of Michael Kamuf and Juliana Hoffmann born in Rettigheim. Gottlieb died with an antinode bulge shot at his chest - in the military hospital in Jakobstadt, Germany of a breast and belly shot. He never married and was a carpenter and died as a German soldier in WW II. Gottlieb Kamuf is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 6th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.2.3.7.1.4.10.2.4.6. Maria Ida Benz, nee Karolus, 7-30-1914--, the sixth of six children of Sebastian Karolus and Anna Rühl born in Rettigheim. Maria Ida Karolus married  Wademar Heinrich Benz on 11-21-1940 in Rettigheim. Wademar Heinrich Benz, 10-25-1915--7-10-1941, was born in Neulussheim, Germany and was a German soldier killed in action during WW II. Wademar Heinrich Benz is listed on the St. Nikolaus Church WWII plaque in Rettigheim. Maria Ida Benz, nee Karolus is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 6th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.1.2.2.5.12.4.5.3.7. Barbara Fischer, nee Müller, nee Reiss, 2-10-1908--6-24-1983, known as Babett, the seventh of seven children of Lorenz Reiss and Anna Bender born and died in Rettigheim. On 7-18-1936 in Nussbach/Oberkirch, Baden, Barbara Reiss married Eugen Müller,  8-19-1908--8-6-1941, who was born in Nussbach/Oberkirch, Baden and died in Rettigheim. He was a merchant and lived at Gotthard Schuler Str. He died in the early part of WW II in a plane attack.  After Eugen died, on 7-9-1948 in Brünn/Rettigheim, Baden,  Barbara Reiss married Johann Fischer, 4-23-1910--4-29-1988, who was born in Brünn and died in Heidelberg, Baden. Barbara Fischer, nee Müller, nee Reiss is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 4th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.1.1.1.4.1.5.3.1.1.1.3.1. Valentin Funkert, 9-20-1920--6-30-1941, the first of five children of Theobald Funkert and Maria Eva Klefenz born in Rauenberg, Baden and died as a German soldier in Germany's invasion of Russia in WW II.  Valentin Funkert is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 9th cousin, 1 generation  removed.

1.4.5.5.4.7.9.2.4.7.  Georg Ambrosius Greulich,  5-23-1912--9-9-1941, the seventh of nine children of Josef Sebastian Greulich and Agathe Brenzinger born in Rotenberg and died as a German soldier in WW II.    On 7-59-1939 in Stift Neuburg, Georg Ambrosius Greulich married Elisabeth Wagner, 2-11-1909--, who was born in Mühlhausen.  Georg Ambrosius Greulich is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 8th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.2.3.7.5.7.6.2.2.2. Karl Einsiedler, 4-7-1918--10-10-1941, the second of three children of Rosa Barth and Theodor Einsiedler born in Rettigheim. He never married and was a worker. Karl died as a German soldier in WW II in Vyasma, Russia on the way to Moscow. October 7, 1941: On the central and southern fronts, German forces capture Vyazma, Berdyansk and Mariupol. Finland rejects a British demand to cease fighting the Soviet Union. Karl Einsiedler is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 6th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.2.3.4.8.6.10.3.6.3. Heinrich Reiss, 9-17-1912--11-22-1941, the third of six children of Lorenz Reiss and Maria Helene Wittmeier born in Rettigheim and died in Sewastopol, Crimea. Heinrich never married and was a painter. He died as a German soldier in WW II. Heinrich Reiss is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 7th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.1.1.1.4.7.11.2.5.1.4. Ernst Friedrich Förderer, 6-19-1919--11-26-1941, the fourth of four children of Friedrich Förderer and Johanna Steimel born in Östringen and died as a German Soldier in WW II in Maletschkowo, Russia.  Ernst Friedrich Förderer is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 7th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.4.7.2.2.1.9.2.3.4.  Karl Friedrich Link, 5-17-1917--3-27-1942, the fourth of five children of Johann Link and Rosa Göbel born in Rauenberg but died as a German soldier in WW II in Russia during the German invasion of that country. Karl Friedrich Link is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 8th cousin 2 generations  removed.

1.2.3.4.8.6.1.4.8.1.2. Friedrich Reiss, 4-14-1921--7-12-1942, the second child of Ferdinand Reiss and Katharina Metzger born in Rettigheim but died in Ivanovka, Russia as a German soldier during Germany's invasion of Russia in WW II. Leopold lived probably also in Schwäbisch Gmünd.  Friedrich never married and was a butcher. Friedrich Reiss is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 8th cousin.

1.4.3.2.3.3.4.4.2.8.3. Ignaz Wittmeier, 6-26-1923--9-3-1942, the third of five children of Elisabeth Metzger and Herman Jakob Wittmeier born in Rettigheim and died in Russia as a German soldier during WW II. Ignaz Wittmeier is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 7th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.1.2.3.4.8.3.4.4.3.6. Wilhelm Burkhard,  8-26-1911--9-4-1942, the sixth of eight children of Bernhard Burkhard and Elisabeth Becker born in Rettigheim. Wilhelm is described as a sound good worker. Wilhelm died as a German soldier in WW II at  and died in South Mozdok / Voznesenskaya, in North Ossetia – Alania, Russia.

Here you see Wilhelm in two different uniforms. The 1st uniform on the left has a number on his lapel, it is white and has a 105 on it. This means he was a part of the 105th Infantry Regiment in the Wehrmacht. The picture on the left below shows him in his field uniform, notice the infantry and regiment number are removed; as a security measure. The stripe on his shoulder lapel also indicates that at the time of this photo he was training to become an Unteroffizier [Sergent], unfortunately he would never achieve the rank.

He is "buried" in Apsheronsk

1.2.3.4.8.6.8.1.11.5. Augustin Josef Kretz, 6-5-1916--9-16-1942, the fifth of eight children of Anna Östringer and August Kretz born in Rettigheim and died as a German soldier in WW II in Pampino, Italy. Augustin never married and was a butcher. Augustin Josef Kretz is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 7th cousin, 1  generation removed.

1.1.2.2.5.12.5.8.1.3.  Alfons Greulich, 11-19-1909--12-28-1942, the third of ten children of Theresia Lena Klein and Franz Greulich born in Mühlhausen and died as a German soldier in WW II in Russia during the German invasion.  He was a master locksmith. Alfons Greulich is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 4th cousin, 2  generations removed.

General George Crook hired him to be Chief of Scouts in 1871 for much of the Apache Wars. He participated in Crook's Tonto (Apache) campaign (1871-1873). When the Camp Verde reservation was closed, Sieber was told to move Yavapais and Tonto Apaches to San Carlos Reservation in the middle of winter. He remained employed there and participated in several engagements with Apache groups that had left the reservation.

In 1883 Crook went into the Sierra Madre of Mexico following Geronimo. Sieber was Crook's lead civilian scout. Sieber was in the field but not present when Geronimo surrended to Lt Gatewood and General Nelson Miles in 1886. Sieber was shot while on the job in 1887 trying to prevent an outbreak from the reservation. However, he was not happy with the treatment of the Apaches at San Carlos and resumed prospecting in 1891.

1.4.3.

1.4.3.2.3.2.2.3.5.1.2. Theodor Förderer, 1-19-1910-->12-24-1944, the second of seven children of Franz Förderer and Anna Schäffner born in Rettigheim and died somewhere in Russia as a soldier in the German Army during the invasion of that country in WW II. Theodor was missing in Russia in WW II. He was an electrician and lived at malscher Str. 40. On 10-2-1939 in Rettigheim, Theodor Förderer married 1.4.3.2.3.2.1.3.5.5.1. Maria Josefine Kamuf, 5-9-1912--3-6-1997, who was born in Rettigheim and died in Ettlingen, Baden. Theodor Förderer is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 6th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.4.7.3.2.1.3.1.1.6. Lina Steeb, nee Epp, 1900--8-16-1988,  the sixth of seven children of Emil Epp and Karoline Seiler born in Karlsruhe and died in Bruchsal. Lina Epp married Heinrich Steeb, --1944, who died as a soldier in the German Army in WW II.  Lina Steeb, nee Epp is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 8th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.2.3.4.8.6.10.3.9.2. Eugen Bös, 12-13-1919--4-10-1945, the second of eight children of Juliana Reiss and Josef Bös born in Rettigheim. He was a German soldier and died in the military reservation hospital in Schmallenbert / Sauerland Germany in WW II. Eugen never married and was a worker. He was also the brother of 1.2.3.4.8.6.10.3.9.4. Karl Bös.  Eugen Bös is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 7th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.2.3.7.1.4.10.4.5.2.  Johann Bender, 5-4-1919--4-25-1945, the second of nine children of Josef Bender and Emma Wagner born in Mühlhausen but died in the German Army as a German soldier in WW II.  Johann Bender is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 8th cousin 1 generation removed.

1.4.7.1.3.1.4.1.1.4.2.  Maria Winfriede Saller, nee Sauer, 2-15-1915--1-14-1974,  the second of four children of Alois Sauer and Pauline Franziska Hacks born and died in Dusseldorf.  In 1940 in Dusseldorf, Maria Winfriede Sauer married Anton Saller, 8-3-1915--4-27-1945, who was born in Dussildorf and died as a German soldier in WW II near Haslev, Denmark in the war graves site [Kriegsgräberstätte].  Maria Winfriede Saller, nee Sauer is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 9th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.4.7.2.2.5.8.4.5.4.  Maria Theresia Knörr, 8-31-1908--, the fourth of five children of Sophia Menges and Josef Knörr born in Rauenberg.  fix2721  Sometime before 1930 in Rauenberg, Maria Theresia Knörr had one child by Karl Josef Krotz, 5-23-1906--5-1945, who was born in Rauenberg and died in Russia as a German soldier in WW II during the German invasion of Russia. Maria Theresia Knörr is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 8th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.4.7.1.2.1.3.1.1.4.2.  Werner Fleck, 2-1928--3-1-1945, the second of two children of Ida Epp and Adolf Fleck died in Bruschal?. Werner Fleck died as a German Soldier in WW II. Werner Fleck is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 9th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.2.3.7.1.4.4.3.2.4.3. Franz Kamuf, 1-14-1927--5-1-1945, the third of five children of Georg Friedrich Kamuf and Ida Schäffner born in Rettigheim and died in Woltersdorf/Lückenwalde, Germany. Franz Kamuf never married. He was a cigar maker and died as a German soldier in WW II at the age of 18. Franz Kamuf is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 6th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.1.1.3.3.3.5.3.3.2.3.3. Valentin Bös, 6-15-1914--12-31-1945, the third of seven children of Gustav Bös and Anna Barbara Kamuf born in Rettigheim. Valentin Bös never married was declared missing and dead as a German soldier in WW II. Valentin Bös is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 9th cousin.

1.4.6.1.2.1.1.4.5.7.4.  Artur Heinrich, 12-6-1921--12-31-1945, the fourth of seven children of Josef Heinrich and Anna Reiert born in Rauenberg and died as a German soldier in WW II "in Toterklarung" which translates to Dead Explanation or literaly to unable to find the remains or as we would say today Missing in Action.  Artur Heinrich is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 9th cousin. 1 generation removed.

1.1.2.1.5.1.2.2.6.2.4.  Rosa Ladel, nee Bergmaier, 11-16-1902--5-29-1996, the fourth of six children of Elisabeth Laier and Wilhelm Bergmaier born and died in Rauenberg. On 10-23-1924 in Rauenberg, Rosa Bergmaier married Franz Ladel, 3-16-1902--12-31-1945, who was born in Rauenberg and died in Toterklärung which translates to "Dead Explanation".  Franz Ladel was killed as a German soldier in WW II. Rosa Ladel, nee Bergmaier is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 7th cousin, 1 generation removed.

1.2.3.4.8.1.7.5.8.6. Franz Kleinlagel, 10-4-1906--12-31-1945, born in Rettigheim but died in Russia as a German soldier in Germany's invasion of Russia in WW II. The sixth of twelve children of Johann Friedrich Kleinlagel and Rosa Göbel. He was a shoe factory worker and lived at Rotenberger Str. 34. On 6-1-1935 in Rettigheim, Franz Kleinlagel married 1.2.3.4.8.6.10.3.6.2. Johanna Reiss, 7-12-1910--, who was born in Rettigheim. Franz Kleinlagel is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 5th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.4.6.1.5.1.8.8.3.2.2.  Josef Bergmaier, 10-14-1919--12-31-1945, the second of six children of Agatha Laier and Heinrich Bergmaier born in Rauenberg and died as a German soldier in WW II "in Toterklarung" which translates to Dead Explanation or literaly to unable to find the remains. Josef Bergmaier is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 9th cousin,  1 generation removed.

1946, 4 of our Bender ancestors or their spouses killed in the war

1.1.1.1.2.3.4.6.2.2.1.5. Karl Reiss, 10-1-1906--1946, the fifth of eight children of Viktoria Brückmann and Franz Reiss born in Rettigheim and died on the Russia flank at the end of WW II. Karl was a butcher and was married in 1936 in Gütersloh, Germany but the name of his wife is unknown.  Karl Reiss is my generation's 7th cousin 1 generation removed.

1.1.2.3.4.8.7.4.6.7. Oswald Kretz, 1-25-1913--1-17-1947, the seventh of nine children of Josef Kretz and Emma Schonberger born in Rettigheim and died in Russia in a POW camp as a German soldier in WW II in the Adabeitz/Ural area of Russia..[photo on left]  On 1-13-1944 in Rettigheim, Oswald Kretz married Anna Appel from Östringen. Oswald Kretz is my Fries / Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 6th cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.4.6.1.5.1.8.8.3.10.  Isidor Laier, 3-12-1901--1946, the tenth of eleven children of Frieda Wipfler and Michael Laier born  in Rauenberg and died as a German soldier in WW II.  Isidor Laier is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 8th  cousin, 2 generations removed.

1.1.1.1.4.7.2.3.3.6.1.  Barnhard Fellhauer, 11-8-1899--8-11-1946,  born in Kaefertal, Baden and died in WW II in Russia as a German soldier.  Barnhard Fellhauer was married to Adelheid Bender, 3-14-1898--12-24-1978, who was born and died in Östringen, Baden.  They had three children. Adelheid Bender is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 8th  cousin, 1 generation  removed.

Below is a Bender ancestor that may have survived in a war time environment

1.1.4.3.3.5.1.4. Peter Östringer, 6-19-1810--2-15-1848, the fourth of twelve children of Maria Juliana Wagner and Josef Ferdinand Östringer born in Rettigheim and somehow ended up dying in Mexico. Perhaps as a soldier of fortune in one of the many revolutions down there. Peter Östringer is my Bender / Fries / Blaies generation's 3rd cousin, 4 generations removed.

3.4.5.6.1.  Karl Keilbach, a German soldier dying at Verdun, France during WW II.  Son of Philipp Joseph Keilbach, 1-10-1866--1-12-1923,  and Juliana Fleckenstein, 3-19-1868--2-26-1939, from the Malsch Bender line not yet connected to our Bender line.. 

3.4.5.7.4.  Alois Duffin, a German soldier dying in battle in  Friesland, Netherlands during WW II.  Son of Bernard Duffin and Juliana Keilbach, from the Malsch Bender line not yet connected to our Bender line..

Many times throughout our Bender family's history one or all of the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse: Conquest, War, Pestilence and Death were turned loose on mankind. It was the red horse of War that may have left the deepest mark on this family and the village of Rettigheim.

In short, it is indeed true that more soldiers died at Stalingrad than all US military personnel in WWII. In fact it is true that more Soviet soldiers died at Stalingrad than all US military personnel in WWII. If you also include the Germans, Hungarians, Romanians and Italians who died there as well, you will probably come close to the number of military losses in the entire US military history, including the US civil war which made up most of the US casualties, though not exceed it. If you only count US wars against other people, Stalingrad easily exceeds their military losses.

N40 03' 09.4"
W75 24' 14.1"

michael@mctiernan.com

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