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Rob Schaefer Profile
Rob Schaefer

@GerMilHistory

16,208
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2,107
Following
8,091
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73,063
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German, historian, published author, pen-name owner, media adviser. Cracked the mystery of the Waterloo dead. Now working with (forged) battlefield relics.

Joined March 2012
Don't wanna be here? Send us removal request.
@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
2 months
Epic proof of the existence of German Humour.
@BBCLondonNews
BBC London
2 months
So, this happened on the Thames ... 😂 Sound on!
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
8 years
My thoughts today are with all my modern, liberal, sane and secular Turkish friends ..
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
1 year
Today, 10 graves of German Jewish soldiers who where killed during the First World War and buried at German military cemetery in Moulin-sous-Touvent im France were desecrated and destroyed. A pathetic and disgusting deed. #Antisemitism #ww1 #History
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
7 years
Luftwaffe #ww2 fighter ace enjoying his birthday presents including what he calls a 'Schwarm' of 'Spitfires' @spitfireale
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
4 years
That made me smile Thanks @FrontlineLH #History
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
7 years
And just as on every #Christmas since 1942 the crib my granduncle built has been set up. He was killed on the Eastern Front and has no known grave. A family tradition in the 3rd generation and one I will continue. #ww2 #history
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
3 years
Found by a friend and colleague of mine while climbing the Punta San Matteo (3678 meters) a couple of days ago. Conserved by the ice for over a century, a "Cappello Alpino" once worn by an Italian Alpini. Looks like it was lost only yesterday #WW1 #history
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
3 months
German 'Marder' near #kursk . 1943: Used by criminal regime 2024: Used against criminal regime #UkraineRussiaWar ️️
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
1 year
"How does a U-Boat dive." (1942). What a amazing model. #Kriegsmarine #UBoatSchool #ww2 #History #DasGlasBoot
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
6 years
We recovered human beings. Not heroes. Hill 80 is one of many spots on the western front where soldiers struggled with their fears and innermost demons and ultimately faced death. Not everyone can be a hero nor does anyone need to be. I really don't like the use of the term.
@BBCBreakfast
BBC Breakfast
6 years
They weren't expecting to find this many war heroes. 😢 @DigHill80 #DigHill80
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
6 years
Probably the best #WW1 museum I have visited so far. At least when you are interested in a German perspective. Stunning and scarce exhibits in a beautiful location. Bavarian Army Museum Ingolstadt #history
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
6 years
Das Boot (2018) - Summary: total waste of time. Vulgar desecration of the original film and Buchheim's works. Shallow, obscene, political, badly acted - a soap opera with U-Boats. Insult to the brave men of Germany's U-Boot Waffe. #DasBoot #review #nothistory
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
6 years
Mary Magdalene in Ecstasy... Can it be winter now please
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
1 year
This tiny and heavily overpainted #ww1 relic has survived the last 105-108 years screwed into the wall of a house in France. The tethering ring was part of the standard equipment of every German cavalryman and was carried in the horseshoe pouch. #ww1 #History
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
2 years
20 square kilometers, 300 days, 50 million fired shells - today there are an estimated 5 kilos of metal in every square meter of Verdun soil. Random #Verdun fact #ww1 #History
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
6 years
Spitfire just flew over..and I dropped my coffee.. Must be a genetical thing.. #AchtungSpitfire Day at @Shuttleworth_OW
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
4 years
@SpillerOfTea @MrHarryCole He writes for the fucking Sun..
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
1 year
During #ww1 the men of the German Kürassier Regiment "Graf Gessler" Nr. 8. went to war bearing the cypher of King George V of Britain on their shoulder boards. The desiyn was only changed in April 1917. #history
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
7 months
Unpublished memoirs of a German artillery Oberleutnant who served on the Western Front from the first to the final day of #ww1 . Nearly 600 pages, maps and additional materials. All written down and compiled between 1928 and 1932 using fountain pen and typewriter. Beautifully
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
8 years
My final # #TurkeyCoup post before resuming business as usual.
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
2 years
I have handled thousands of German #ww1 portrait photos, but this one has nightmare-inducing qualities. These two chaps of Reserve-Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 219 mean business. #face #pointingatviewer #history #photography
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
8 years
and again it's the men and women of the #police who risk their lives to keep others safe #Munich They have my utmost respect
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
8 years
#HolocaustMemorialDay #weremember Anti-Semitism is not an opinion. It's a perversion - A perversion that kills.
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
7 years
'Thundering Easter Greetings' everyone! Have a happy Easter!
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
6 years
Fort Douaumont: These three flags fly amidst rusty barbed wire where just over 100 years ago - in less than a year - 300.000+ French and German soldiers died and many more were wounded & maimed If you ever ask why a United #Europe and the #EU matter Go there and learn. #Brexit
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
7 years
Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man. Stay safe, be well and i'll see you all in 2018 Frohes Neues Jahr everyone!
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
4 years
Some of the best British 'Other Ranks' photographs of the Great War (1915/16) I have seen so far have survived because they were souvenired by a German soldier during the Spring Offensive in April 18 And this particular one, is just stunning (low res scan) #FWW #WW1 #history
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
3 years
That the Sherman tank track near Kommerscheidt in the Hürtgenwald is still in situ never ceases to amaze me. #WW2 #history
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
8 months
Between October 1914 and November 1916 a young German soldier from Württemberg was based at the Somme (RIR121, 26.RD). About every three days he wrote a short summary of his experiences to his parents in Germany. He was killed in Flanders in August 1917. His grieving mother had
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
8 years
Used & indoctrinated by a criminal regime he fought in a war which scarred him for the rest of his life. He is still my hero and I miss him
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
7 years
On 10/11 Feb 1943, this Tiger recieved 252 hits (227 x AT rifle, 14 x 5.7cm AT gun & 11 x 7.62cm AT gun). It remained operational. #WW2
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
2 years
Can you spot him? An exceptional #WW1 photograph. Württembergisches Gebirgs-Bataillon in Transylvania. #history #Rommel
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
3 years
Fascinating how Eastwood and Burton seem to spend the entire German 1942 production output of 9x19 cartridges without reloading even once. I love that movie #whereeaglesdare
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
2 years
An emphatically physical anti-war film that in its raw sensuality largely dispenses with melodrama and psychologisation. No good and bad, no heroes and martyrs. Weaknesses aside, this is a German film believable & authentic in a way not seen since Petersen’s ‘Das Boot’ #AllQuiet
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
7 years
Today an estimated 80.000 men still rest (unburied) somewhere in the soil of the 20 square kilometer battlefield of Verdun #ww1 #history
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
4 years
By miles the most crisp #ww1 portrait photograph I have seen in 20 years and in addition a fantastic character study. The soldier's name is 'Karl' and he served in 8./RIR239. Photo taken in March 1917. Plate camera magic. #ww1 #History #FWW #photographylovers #photooftheday
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
7 years
Did you know that the German Army was the first to field night vision equipment in 1915? #ww1 #probablyhistory
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
7 years
#OTD in 1917 the Germans launch a counter attack at Cambrai. The first large scale use of storm troop tactics on the Western Front is a massive success and an enormous boost to German morale. #ww1 #history #cambrai100 (Photo: Young 'stormtroopers' in 1918)
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
2 months
British light machine-gun squad, Battle of Lexington, 1775 (colourised). --- #History
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
8 years
Amazing find in France - a buried #ww2 Renault UE Chenillette APC. Via l'Amicale des Mineurs d'Orly #history
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
6 years
A powerful Walter Frentz colour #photograph dated 4 April 1944. Hitler surrounded by the highest decorated Luftwaffe personnel of the time. The 8 fighter pilots on the photo would account for 1486 confirmed aerial victories during the course of #WW2 @1940Andy #history #war
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
7 years
Hugo Broch, formerly of the Luftwaffes JG54 'The Green Hearts', now 96 years old and the world's highest scoring living fighter ace says thank you for all your kind birthday wishes! #ww2 #history #aviation @thehistoryguy @almurray
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
4 years
@nedsimons Funny that one of Germany's leading scientific advisors @c_drosten has time to do bi-weekly radio podcasts of about 60 mins length each in which he updates the population with the latest news and advice. But hey - look how bad Germany is handling this pandemic ;)
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
6 years
Actually America would still be a British colony without France you utter, useless cockwomble. #Potatus
@realDonaldTrump
Donald J. Trump
6 years
Emmanuel Macron suggests building its own army to protect Europe against the U.S., China and Russia. But it was Germany in World Wars One & Two - How did that work out for France? They were starting to learn German in Paris before the U.S. came along. Pay for NATO or not!
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
8 years
#Erdogan I love that
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
6 years
Being stopped in Russia (again) #WM2018 #WC2018
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
7 years
A magical and beautiful place. Glad I arrived after sunset. @GlosCathedral #history
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
8 years
Theresa May as Prime Minister and BJ to be foreign secretary? You English and your sense of humor....
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
4 months
@thehistoryguy The truth isn't high up Niggel's agenda.
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
6 years
Oh mein Gott #gunporn
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
8 years
Vic Gregg and Günter Halm fought each other at Tobruk and Alamein - #ww2 Now meet as friends #history
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
3 years
At the end of #WW2 a German farmer near Kleve cut two 7,5-cm Pak 40 anti-tank guns which had been abandoned on his field up for scrap. The gun barrels (incl. muzzle brakes) serve as gate posts on the farm up until today. Don't ask me about exact location - I won't reply #History
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
8 years
Visting my old friend Max - The sun gave a beautiful salute #ww1 #history Thanks for the beautiful new stone @CWGC
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
7 years
Debriefing - Hugo Broch What a guy! 325th mission accomplished #ww2 #History
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
2 years
No matter how cool you are, you will never be as cool as Oberleutnant Freiherr von Fabeck and his dog, posing for the camera after the Battles of Dybbol and Alsen, at the end of the Second Schleswig War of 1864. #photography #war #militaryhistory
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
7 years
Panzer V cunningly camouflaged as a church
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
7 years
Please keep your fingers crossed for good weather, high cloud and no rain today
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
7 years
Crossed the 13000 followers mark! Thanks a lot for the interest in my blurb and your constant and kind support! Celebratory drink now!
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
6 years
Today, 28 long years ago, I met the most legendary and influential Luftwaffe Aces in person. 60 minutes I will never forget and which defined my path in life like no other. A true gentleman and knight of the sky - Salute you Onkel Dolfo!
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
10 months
I am used to neighbours leaving a box of chocolates on the doorstep as a xmas present, or maybe a bottle of wine... This is a new experience.
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
7 years
Turns out that Johann Klaus is still alive. The last living Stuka ace with 812 combat missions to his name. Meeting him next month #ww2
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
7 years
#OTD 100 years ago. Manfred Freiherr von Richthofen + 21 April 1918, Vaux-sur-Somme
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
8 years
#Erdogan comfortably ignores that it wasn't the Dutch who collaborated with the Nazis... Non-Aggression Pact1941 #ww2 #history
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
9 years
Why I have a problem with #BattlefieldRecovery read and share! The cost of black digging!
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
6 years
Just did what I always avoided doing. Feeling physically sick. #NeverAgain #Iwillremember #gegendasvergessen #History
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
8 years
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
11 months
It has been done. The first peer-reviewed paper it out. Published by the venerable Journal of Belgian History (Cegesoma). The paper is also available online (free) The real fate of the #Waterloo Fallen Next step 'the book' (Watch this space). #history
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
8 years
Souvenired by a British officer at the #Somme - now 'returned' to me in a gesture of friendship and reconciliation
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
4 years
This German Great War portrait photograph was coloured by Johnny Sirlande for @IronCrossMag and was taken roughly 103 years ago! An unidentified Hauptmann in the Prussian Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 15. Look into those eyes. This is one intense guy. #WW1 #history #photooftheday
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
7 years
We are live!! Help us to unlock the secrets of a uniquely preserved First World War battlefield #ww1 #history
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
2 years
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
4 years
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
6 years
First gold found @DigHill80 Perfectly preserved German NCO bullion collar braid. The finder didn't want to do a little dance which was a bit disappointing #ww1 #history #archaeology
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
4 months
@JustStop_Oil Robin Schäfer, 48, Historian from Germany, who said "You stupid twits! This is small-minded vandalism, which will not benefit your cause."
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
7 years
Morgen!
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
8 years
Spectacular what some families store in their attics
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
7 years
Whatever the final results of @DigHill80 will be be, the experience will certainly stay with me forever. I have never been so close to death in it's most violent and often obscene form. War is indeed hell.
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
7 months
Long post: Have the bones of #ww1 soldiers been recycled by the Sugar Industry? One of the more shocking results of our research was the discovery that human bones from the battlefields of Verdun and the Somme seem to have ended up in spodium factories. You will by now have
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
7 years
#londonattack Friends in the past, friends forever!
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
3 months
@HenryLindo123 Meinen größten Respekt!
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
7 years
German soldiers of the 145th Infantry Regiment only minutes before going "over the top" for an attack on the French held lines, 1915 #WW1
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
6 years
A conversation I know well.
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
7 years
Just rediscovered this while trawling through my collection: German Albatross C I/III's of an unidentfied FFA on a snow covered airfield. Not dated. The light in this is stunning. #WW1 #history #photography
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
6 years
Vive la paix! Vive l‘Europe! #Armistice100
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
8 years
Looking at the impact these photos seems to have - I could tweet one German #WW2 soldiers photo album per week? #history -Interested?
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
2 years
The real 'last survivor' of the Battle of Waterloo #history #Waterloo
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
7 years
Best thread on twitter
@SocialHistoryOx
Jonathan Healey
7 years
Historical generals pointing out the toilets: a short thread.
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
6 years
Probably one of my favoured finds of the @DigHill80 project. I call her the 'trench madonna'. Along with rosaries and bibles it will have served as an anchor of hope and belonging within the storm of war. @DeaconPaulC #ww1 #history
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
7 years
Love my job
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
7 years
Surreal .... ...and very very stupid
@realDailyWire
Daily Wire
7 years
USA Today Complains About Lack of 'Women' and 'No Lead Actors of Color' in Movie 'Dunkirk' @NolteNC
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
6 years
Early morning surprise
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
6 years
Assorted things that go boom @DigHill80
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
8 years
Crib set up at my parents house. Set up by my family every Advent Sunday since 1942. Made by my granduncle killed in the same year #ww2
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
6 years
With the filling up of the excavation site yet another act of an amazing and life changing experience comes to an end. Thanks to all of you who supported and backed @DigHill80 Hope to see some of you in London in November
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
7 years
"Homecoming" (Heimkehr) by Hans Adolf Bühler #WW1 #art
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
6 years
There is nothing heroic about young men, of sometimes 17 years and younger dying in a hail shellfire or by a volley of rifle bullets and being disposed of in a charnel pit. It's tragedy. The tragedy of war and futile struggle.
@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
6 years
We recovered human beings. Not heroes. Hill 80 is one of many spots on the western front where soldiers struggled with their fears and innermost demons and ultimately faced death. Not everyone can be a hero nor does anyone need to be. I really don't like the use of the term.
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
8 years
Lance Sgt. Stuart Lane, 1st Btl., The Welsh Guards holding the bugle that was used at the Somme in 1916 #ww1
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@GerMilHistory
Rob Schaefer
7 years
Spirit of #memorialday - Used by a criminal regime he fought in a war which scarred him for the rest of his life. He is my hero & I miss him
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