Original WWII German Soldier KIA Mourning Thank You Card-Herbert Lundolph-Dortmund- Dec. 1941

This is a WWII German military death condolence/thank-you card (Trauer-Danksagung) dated December 1941, from Dortmund-Lütgendortmund. It was issued by the family following the death of their son Herbert, who is specifically described as having died a “Heldentod” (hero’s death)—the standard wartime German expression used for a serviceman killed in connection with military service.

The upper-left corner features an Iron Cross with swastika and “1939”, a distinctly WWII-period military mourning motif. The German text translates approximately to:

“For the heartfelt sympathy you showed us on the occasion of the heroic death of our dear son Herbert, our brother, brother-in-law and uncle, we express our sincere thanks. Your sympathy was a comfort to us in our great sorrow.”

It is signed in print by August Ludolph and his wife Emilie (née Lagermann) and Artur Killer and his wife Rosel (née Ludolph). The address is given as Neu-Crengeldanz 14, Dortmund-Lütgendortmund, and the card is dated December 1941. The printer’s mark at lower left reads “Ludolph / Bochum.”

Unlike the smaller Sterbebild memorial cards commonly distributed at funerals, this appears to be a family acknowledgment/thank-you card sent after expressions of sympathy. Period German funeral practices included both memorial cards and separate Danksagung cards thanking people for their condolences. 

Condition appears very good for an approximately 85-year-old paper item, with strong, legible printing, intact black mourning border and only light age toning/handling visible in the photograph. The Iron Cross/swastika graphic remains particularly sharp.