1945 | The Demmin Suicides

On May 1, 1945, just eight days before German General Jodl signed an unconditional surrender document formally ending the Second World War, the largest mass suicide in Germany took place in the town of Demmin when approximately 1 out of every 17 citizens took their own lives. Some turned to suicide to avoid rape, others simply could not bear to live in a world void of Nazi ideology and knew these were the final days of the Third Reich.

Families killed their children, then themselves; Some methods used were poison, shooting, hanging, wrist or throat-slitting and many chose to drown in the Peene River which ran through Demmin. With suicide being such a popular option on this day, bodies could be found everywhere throughout the town. Some gathered in groups, committing suicide in public places such as park benches.

NOTE : Before you click on this link below . Be aware the photos in this link are graphic.

http://www.thepostmortempost.com/2017/01/16/the-demmin-suicides/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_suicide_in_Demmin

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