Defectors from the German Army (Wehrmacht)
In the heart of the Alps, a groundbreaking project is underway to shed light on a largely unexplored chapter of World War II history: the role of Wehrmacht soldiers in Tyrol and their acts of resistance during occupation.
The project, funded by the Province of Tyrol within the framework of the funding focus "Cultural Memory 2019-2023," will delve into the archives of the Special Court Innsbruck and the Regional Court Innsbruck, as well as holdings in the Swiss Federal Archives, the Swedish National Archives, and the Archives of the Swedish Labor Movement.
The project's lead researcher, Dr. A. H. Pirker, can be reached at Tel.: +43 (512) 507 44019 or via email at [email protected].
The project aims to record and analyze as many forms of resistance as possible, with a focus on individual soldiers and deserter groups. Longitudinal case studies will be developed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the various acts of resistance.
The investigation will also make use of key sources such as Wehrmacht documents in the Tyrolean State Archive, the Federal Archive, and the Military Archive in Freiburg. Collections in the Documentation Archive of Austrian Resistance, the City Archive Innsbruck, and the Institute for Contemporary History at the University of Vienna will also be utilized.
While initial searches have revealed some broader context on Wehrmacht combat behaviour near war's end and the complex postwar status of the Tyrol region, specific case studies or archival sources about Tyrolean Wehrmacht soldier resistance or their roles in occupied territories are currently limited.
However, the project team is optimistic that with the help of eyewitnesses, relatives, and the public, they can uncover untold stories of bravery and resistance. The public is invited to share any stories of desertion from their family or social environment with Dr. Pirker.
The City of Innsbruck and the Province of Vorarlberg have also provided funding for this important project. The project's centrepiece is the image of the Deserters' Bunker, associated with the project, which serves as a powerful symbol of the resistance that is yet to be fully understood.
This project promises to fill a significant gap in our understanding of World War II history, providing valuable insights into the actions of Wehrmacht soldiers in Tyrol and their roles in occupied territories. As the research unfolds, it is hoped that the stories of these soldiers will be brought to light, offering a more complete picture of the war and its impact on the people of Tyrol.
[1] For example, see "Intense Wehrmacht and Volkssturm defensive actions against Soviet attacks in German territory during the final days of World War II." [2] See "South Tyrol was transferred to Italy despite its predominantly German-speaking population and Austrian protests." [3] Examples include barracks usage, prisoner-of-war camps, and military facilities in Moosburg and sites in Bavaria.
- The research, funded by the Provinces of Tyrol and Vorarlberg, will explore thearchives of various institutions including the Special Court Innsbruck, Regional Court Innsbruck, Swiss Federal Archives, Swedish National Archives, and the Archives of the Swedish Labor Movement, to delve into the acts of resistance by Wehrmacht soldiers in Tyrol during World War II, focusing on their roles in occupied territories.
- As the project progresses, it is expected that untold stories of Wehrmacht soldier resistance in occupied Tyrol will be uncovered, enriching our understanding of politics, war-and-conflicts, and general news of that era, which could potentially be revealed through eyewitness accounts, relatives, and the public.
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