As Reutlingen was the hometown of my mother and my grandparent's last residence before they died, I am adding a few personal photos from the past.
To the right, my Oma (right) with friends going to the downtown marktplatz in the days after the end of World War II. The Achalm is in the background. The iron bridge (how many times did I cross this?) was torn down recently, the entire area being rebuilt for a high speed road network which even includes an underground section of the Rommelsbacher, the main road going into the north part of the town.
While not a major industrial town, Reutlingen did get bombed during the war... three times. Above is the aftermath of the February 1945 firebombing mission by the RAF. I have not yet identified the destroyed church in these shots, however, the Georgenberg is in the background. The angle indicates they may be walking south on the Rommelsbacher, and the church is Saint Peter und Paul Catholic Church. There is another church in the background as well. Below is a composite of the the two photos which show the extent of damage in the town.
Finally, a few personal photos from the family album. My grandfather Georg Lochstampfer (Opa) was a professional soldier in the German Army, in both WW I and II. He had a special affection for me, as I was the only one in the family to pursue an Army career after him. Please note... this is NO endorsement of the Nazi Party. It's sad that one has to say this over and over again, but it must be done.
The photos: below left, my Opa in 1918 (short one in the center), as a 17 year old Gefreiter (Lance-Corporal: note NCO tresse on the collar, inset). Below right, my Opa in 1943 as a Stabsfeldwebel (Sergeant Major). On the ribbon bar appears to be the ribbons for a WW One Iron Cross 2nd Class, and the Wurttemberg WW One Honor Cross for Combatants (interesting that the crossed swords are missing). I have not one photo of him wearing the actual medals. The far right items are two 12-year Wehrmacht service clasps (with eagle) which includes all his military service. My mother is on the far left.
Middle left, 1923 wedding day for Oma and Opa... the only photo I have where he's wearing his WW I wound badge (inset). He received this for being wounded seriously in a mustard gas attack. Middle right, Russia 1944, when he was 43 years old.
Bottom left, 1940 in Poland (on the left). My Opa was in the cavalry. Bottom right, 1942 in Poland as a senior staff NCO (on the phone).
