German Death Card · primary-source record
Simon Steffl
abt 1895 (computed from age at death) – 12 November 1916
Died 12 November 1916 · killed in action
Editorially verified
At-a-glance facts
Record type
German Death Card
Date of death
12 November 1916
Date of birth
abt 1895 (computed from age at death)
Age at death
21 years
The german death card
From the funeral card
Den Heldentod fürs Vaterland starb
am 12. November 1916 durch einen
Brustschuß im Alter von 21 Jahren
der tugendsame Jüngling
Simon Steffl
Mühlhammerbauerssohn v. Hütting
(Pfarrei Tacherting [?])
Soldat b. 18. bayer. Res.-Inf.-Rgt.
5. Kompagnie.
Das Schwert [?] nahm [?] ich schon längst [?] in meiner Hand
für Gott, König und Vaterland.
Ich mußte kämpfen, ich mußte streiten,
Rings der Feind [illegible] von allen Seiten.
Das Vaterland ruft mich auf Feindes Feld
Wo für so viele ein Grab ward bestellt,
Dort mußte ich kämpfen als mutiger Krieger,
Durfte nicht wiederkehren als tapfrer Sieger.
Liebe Eltern und Geschwister weinet nicht,
Fürs Vaterland sterben ist heilige Pflicht.
Ich mußte mein Leben durch das Schlachtfeld [?] geben
Mög' der Herr mir's lohnen im ewigen Leben.
Ich bitte Euch alle, vergeßt mich nicht,
Für einen Krieger zu beten ist heilige Pflicht.
Und auch eines Jeden, der im Felde draußt [?] steht
Gedenket auch ihrer in Eurem Gebet.
Süßes Herz Mariä, sei meine Rettung!
Mein Jesus, Barmherzigkeit!
Gebr. Erdl, Trostberg.
Contributor's notes & card translation
Simon Steffl was a soldier in 18th Bavarian Res. Infantry Regiment, 5th Company. He was K.I.A. 12.11.1916, at the age of 21.
English translation of the card text: On 12 November 1916 the virtuous young man Simon Steffl, son of the Mühlhammer farmer of Hütting (parish of Tacherting), soldier in the 18th Bavarian Reserve Infantry Regiment, 5th Company, died a hero's death for the Fatherland from a shot through the chest, at the age of 21. The memorial verses read: The sword I took long since into my hand, for God, King and Fatherland. I had to fight, I had to battle, with the enemy all around on every side. The Fatherland called me to the enemy's field, where a grave was appointed for so many; there I had to fight as a courageous warrior, and could not return as a valiant victor. Dear parents and brothers and sisters, do not weep — to die for the Fatherland is a sacred duty. I had to give my life on the battlefield; may the Lord reward me for it in eternal life. I ask you all, do not forget me; to pray for a soldier is a sacred duty. And remember also in your prayers every one who stands out in the field. Sweet Heart of Mary, be my salvation! My Jesus, mercy! Printed by Gebr. Erdl, Trostberg. These small prayer cards (Sterbebilder) were given to family and friends in the Roman Catholic tradition.
Record submitted by
From the Ancestors at Rest archive
Source & citation
- Source type
- Photograph & transcription
- Provenance
- From the Ancestors at Rest archive — founded 2004 by Brian and substantially built out across two decades by Lorine McGinnis Schulze of Olive Tree Genealogy.
- Transcribed by
- Ancestors at Rest archive — original contributor not recorded.
- Last verified
- 2026-07-02
- Permalink
- /records/funeral-cards/steffl-simon-1916/
- Image vs transcription
- Both — photograph of the card and a transcription of its German text on this page
Citation: "German death card (Sterbebild) of Simon Steffl, 18th Bavarian Reserve Infantry Regiment, 5th Company, fell 12 November 1916," photographed and contributed to the Ancestors at Rest archive (https://ancestorsatrest.com/records/funeral-cards/steffl-simon-1916/ : accessed [your access date]).
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