Durnbach War Cemetery

I returned late last night from a visit to the CWGC Cemetery at Durnbach.

I have written previously, at length, about the loss of my brother Jack on the 16th March 1945 but this was the first time that I have actually visited his burial place.

The visit was of special importance to me because I was accompanied by Jack's son and daughter, one of his grand-daughters and my own dear wife.

On the drive South from Munich airport to Bad Tolz (some 7 miles from Durnbach and where we stayed for a couple of nights) it was actually snowing ! but by the next day the weather miraculously changed to 20 degrees and our visit was made in glorious sunshine.

The cemetery is immaculate and we were fortunate to meet and chat with the senior gardener Paul Willing who was extremely helpful and courteous and seemed to know the background to all the numerous grave-sites.

We spent two hours at the site and I was glad to be able to take 19 photos for AJEX and a couple for one of own forum members

Finally, it has taken me an awful long time to pay this visit but I am so glad I was able to make it.

Ron

 

A nice town Bad Tolz ,Ron we stayed there also a couple of days, glad you finally made it.

 

Hi Ron,

Yes looks like you had a good day, both times I've been there it was raining...

Cheers
Tom

 

Forgot to mention that Paul Willing (who I mentioned above) drew our attention to the "Whisky" group and Farley's gravestone. He then drew our attention to the nearby mountains where the plane crashed.

It's a fascinating story....... read about it here:
The Mysterious end to Halifax V9976

Ron

 

Lovely pictures Ron and I am so glad you managed to pay your respects to your brother. Thank you for posting them.

Lesley

 

Thanks for posting the photos of your trip to finally visit your Brothers grave

Cheers
Paul

 

Ron,

So pleased to hear that all went well for your visit to Jack's grave, no doubt an emotional moment for all of you. On a lighter note, nice titfa; you cut quite a dash.

Peter

 

Many thanks for all your kind comments.

To finish on a positive note, after our visit to the cemetery we drove to nearby Gmund, a lovely lakeside resort and after a ten minute walk along the lake we found a very pleasant waterside restaurant and had a welcome lunch.

As you can see, I took the opportunity of quenching my thirst with some of the local draught beer

Ron

 

Since my previous posting I have received these two pics from my nephew, Jack's son.

The first shows our helpful guide, Paul Willing telling me about one of the gravestones while I compare it with my AJEX list and the second shows me placing an AJEX marker on Jack's stone.

Lest we forget !

Ron

ps
The photo of Paul Willing was re-installed on 10/6/13 after it was lost during the site change-over.

 

I was recently sent these wonderful photos, taken by Paul Willing, of Durnbach under heavy snow.

Ron

 

Ron
thank you

http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/remembering-today/43642-remembering-today-16-3-45-sergeant-jacob-goldstein-royal-air.html

 

Giving this thread a bump just in case anyone is considering visiting Durnbach CWGC Cemetery in the near or distant future.

I have lots of info regarding the cemetery, including how to get there from Munich airport, and would be happy to mark your card.

Ron