Death Card – SS-Schütze – Gefallen in Charkow 1943

An original German Sterbebild (memorial death card) commemorating Willy Peters, an SS-Schütze der Waffen-SS.

Peters was born on 31. Januar 1924 in Hitzkofen (Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen), the son of Heinrich Peters and Maria, née Buck. According to the memorial, he entered military service in November 1942 and served on the Eastern Front.

The card records that he was killed on 15. März 1943 during heavy defensive fighting north of Charkow (Kharkov). It includes a portrait photograph of Peters in uniform, a religious illustration of the Crucifixion, biblical quotations and an extensive personal memorial from his family.

The text expresses the family’s grief and remembrance, making this a personal historical document relating to a young serviceman killed during the Second World War.

Printed by B. Kühnen, M. Gladbach.

Condition

Age-related toning and scattered foxing throughout. Visible creasing and wear, particularly along the central fold and edges, with a few small marks. The portrait photograph and printed text remain clearly legible.