The Schwerdt family's history and interactions with Nazi heritage
Rethinking the Past in Weiden, Upper Palatinate
In a curious twist of fate, Ralph Schwerdt, a son of Martin Gottfried Weiss - the commander of the Dachau concentration camp, finds himself grappling with his family's haunting past. Here's a compelling account of his journey.
Secret Shadows CastSchwerdt's mother chose to veil the family's National Socialist roots, making it a topic unspoken in their household. But the truth couldn't remain hidden for long. "I am grateful that he was executed," says Schwerdt, reflecting on his biological father's demise in the Dachau trials. The family paid a visit to Weiss's grave in Landsberg in 1961, marking the first time Schwerdt came face-to-face with his dark legacy.
A Winding Path to AwarenessIt wasn't until Schwerdt entered university that he began to delve deeper into his biological father's life and the Nazi history enshrouding his family. He even dropped his second first name, "Martin," as a symbolic act of distancing himself from his past. Discussing the era with his stepfather proved impossible, however, as he too was a "Nazi," his son Tammo recalled.
A Shocking RevelationIn 1971, Schwerdt and his future wife Helga embarked on a trip to Turkey. As they discussed Schwerdt's biological father, the Nazi era suddenly seemed less distant. The couple visited the Dachau concentration camp at the trip's end, marking the start of their lifelong commitment towards remembrance work.
Unveiling the TruthSon Tammo wasn't aware of the truth about his grandfather until much later. After the revelation, Tammo studied countless court files on Martin Gottfried Weiss. It wasn't until Ralph Schwerdt had handed over his GP practice to his second son that the couple decided to come forward about their family history.
Opening the Doors to RemembranceThe Schwerdts participated in a seminar at the Neuengamme concentration camp on the topic "Perpetrator, Victim, Bystander, Accomplice in the Family?" and led visits to the site with school classes. Ever since, they have actively immersed themselves in remembrance work.
A Special Exhibition in DachauThe Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site now hosts a special exhibition titled "Dachau Trials - Crimes, Proceedings, and Responsibility," running until February/March 2023. Admission is free. Visit and delve deeper into this rich, complex history.
Martin Gottfried Weiss - A Frightening Past
- Born on June 3, 1905, in Weiden
- Founding member of the Weiden SS
- Commandant of Neuengamme, Dachau, and Majdanek concentration camps
- Executed on May 29, 1946, after being sentenced to death in the Dachau trials
[1] "White Bird" - A movie set in World War II focusing on a young Jewish girl trying to escape from occupied France.[2] "Inglourious Basterds" - A Quentin Tarantino film that presents an alternate history of World War II where Nazi officers meet their demise in various gruesome ways.
- Engaging in family discussions about general news and current events, Ralph Schwerdt and Helga discovered a connection to war-and-conflicts that was deeply rooted in their family history, as Weiss, Ralph's biological father, was an infamous commander of several concentration camps, including Dachau.
- After years of research and personal reflection, Schwerdt and his family became more involved in crime-and-justice issues, specifically those tied to war crimes and the Nazi era, choosing to use their platform to raise awareness about their family's past and contribute to remembrance work, a decision that aligned with politics surrounding accountability for war crimes and reconciliation efforts.
