The Gerresheim Stele of Düsseldorf serves as a chilling reminder of the atrocities committed by the "Imperial forces"

In light of the passage of time since the war, the number of individuals who lived through it is steadily decreasing. As a result, establishing sites of memory and tribute within the city's landscape that resonate with upcoming generations becomes all the more crucial.

, and ASMedia

2025 September 1 . 1:07 PM

2 min read

The Inscription from Gerresheim, Düsseldorf, stands as a grim testament to the atrocities... — The Inscription from Gerresheim, Düsseldorf, stands as a grim testament to the atrocities perpetrated by the "Imperial Army"

The Gerresheim Stele of Düsseldorf serves as a chilling reminder of the atrocities committed by the "Imperial forces"

In the heart of Düsseldorf, Germany, a significant and troubling chapter of history is remembered – the Heeresstreife Kaiser. Established in 1945, this special unit under the leadership of former Captain August Kaiser and Sergeant Adolf Stender, was assigned around a dozen soldiers.

Origins and Activities

The primary task of the Heeresstreife Kaiser was to search Düsseldorf for alleged "deserters" and their helpers, labelled as "traitors to the people." Initially, they handed over the arrested to a military court-martial. However, as the war drew to a close, they resorted to arbitrary kidnapping and shooting their victims themselves.

This dark period culminated in the arrest and severe mistreatment of many innocent individuals at Benderstraße 80. Both Kaiser and Stender were put on trial in 1947, with Adolf Stender initially sentenced to death. August Kaiser received a 10-year prison sentence.

Consequences and Legacy

Both men made numerous appeals, which led to the abolition of the death penalty in 1949. August Kaiser was released in 1954 due to a pardon, while Adolf Stender was released in 1955. Stender continued to be noticed for his Nazi sympathies, even becoming a trainer at the Muskator Works.

Today, reminders of the Heeresstreife Kaiser's actions are present in Düsseldorf. A stele has been erected at Apostelplatz, directly opposite Benderstraße 80, in memory of the victims. On May 9 and 10, as part of the "Düsseldorf Remembers - 80 Years of Liberation and War’s End" event series, the Düsseldorf History Festival takes place. This open-air event on the lawn at the Reuter Barracks is designed for young people (up to around 35 years old).

Moreover, a stumbling stone for Josef Funk, a Gerresheim resident who was arrested and shot by the Heeresstreife on March 20, 1945, serves as a poignant reminder of the unit's actions.

The Heeresstreife Kaiser serves as a stark reminder of a dark chapter in Düsseldorf's history. Its legacy underscores the importance of upholding human rights and the rule of law, even in times of war and crisis.