Death Card – Schmied Brothers – Gebirgsjäger & Kriegsmarine Destroyer “Bruno Heinemann”, 1942–1944

An original German doppelseitiges Sterbebild (double-sided memorial death card) commemorating Max Schmied and Josef Schmied, two servicemen who died during the Second World War.

The card features individual portrait photographs of both men, accompanied by their personal and military details.

Max Schmied

• Unteroffizier in a Gebirgs-Artillerie-Regiment (Mountain Artillery Regiment)
• Holder of the Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse (Iron Cross 2nd Class)
• Born 13. Juli 1912
• Fell on 10. Januar 1944 in combat against partisan forces
• His memorial states that he rests in the mountains of Bosnia

Josef Schmied

• Marine-Oberassistenzarzt (Senior Assistant Naval Medical Officer)
• Holder of the Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse (Iron Cross 2nd Class)
• Born 1. Februar 1915
• Lost at sea on 25. Januar 1942, when his ship sank

The naval record identifies Dr. Joseph Schmied as serving aboard the destroyer Z-8 Bruno Heinemann, which was lost after striking a mine off Ostend on 25 January 1942. This identification is consistent with the details printed on the memorial card.

The card includes a religious memorial text and the traditional prayer for eternal rest. Printed by Literarisches Institut P. Haas & Cie., Augsburg.

A poignant and visually appealing memorial document, combining two portrait photographs and the wartime biographies of two servicemen who died in very different circumstances.

Condition

Age-related toning and scattered foxing throughout. Visible creasing and wear, particularly around the edges and central fold, with a few small marks and minor edge damage. Both portrait photographs and printed biographical details remain clearly legible.