How Many German WW2 Veterans are Still Alive?
The number of German World War II veterans who are still alive is a topic of significant interest and debate. With the war ending over 75 years ago, many people wonder how many survivors are left to share their experiences and stories. In this article, we will delve into the numbers and provide an update on the current situation.
Estimated Number of German WW2 Veterans
According to the German Federal Ministry of Defence, there were approximately 16.5 million soldiers who served in the German Wehrmacht during World War II. This number includes both regular soldiers and volunteers.
Breakdown of German WW2 Veterans by Branch
| Branch | Number of Veterans |
|---|---|
| Army | 11.5 million |
| Navy | 1.5 million |
| Air Force | 1.2 million |
| Waffen-SS | 400,000 |
| Police and Security Forces | 200,000 |
As of 2022, the estimated number of surviving German WW2 veterans is around 200,000. This number has been steadily declining over the years due to the natural aging process and the loss of lives.
Breakdown of Surviving German WW2 Veterans by Age
| Age Group | Number of Survivors |
|---|---|
| 90-94 | 15,000 |
| 95-99 | 10,000 |
| 100 and above | 5,000 |
Reasons for the Decline in Numbers
Several factors have contributed to the decline in the number of surviving German WW2 veterans:
- Aging population: The majority of German WW2 veterans are now in their 90s and 100s, making them more vulnerable to illness and death.
- Lack of documentation: Many records of German soldiers who served during the war were destroyed or lost, making it difficult to accurately track the number of surviving veterans.
- Post-war emigration: Many German veterans emigrated to other countries, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, after the war, making it harder to account for their numbers.
- Death toll: Many German soldiers died during the war, either in combat or as a result of injuries or illnesses.
Efforts to Preserve WW2 History
Despite the decline in the number of surviving German WW2 veterans, efforts are being made to preserve their stories and experiences for future generations:
- Interviews and oral histories: Many organizations, including the German Federal Ministry of Defence and the German War Graves Commission, are conducting interviews with surviving veterans to record their experiences and stories.
- Museums and memorials: Museums and memorials dedicated to the German Wehrmacht and the war are working to preserve artifacts and memorabilia related to the conflict.
- Education and research: Historians and researchers are working to uncover new information about the war and its impact on German society.
Conclusion
The number of German WW2 veterans who are still alive is a significant concern, as it is important to preserve their stories and experiences for future generations. While the estimated number of surviving veterans is around 200,000, this number is expected to decline further in the coming years due to the natural aging process. Efforts are being made to preserve WW2 history, including interviews, oral histories, museums, and memorials, to ensure that the stories of these veterans are not lost forever.
