Ziesing, Dirk Hamm 1870/71

Hamm, capital of the county of Mark and garrison town, was closely linked to Prussian military history. Long-established families produced several generations of participants in the wars of the 19th century. Others were commissioned as officers in the regiments stationed in Hamm, including members of nationally recognised aristocratic houses. Another centre of attraction was the Higher Regional Court, which brought numerous lawyers to Hamm, who themselves or through their sons were connected to the military.

The Franco-Prussian War of 1870/71 and the creation of the German Empire were a particular highlight. In several districts of Hamm and the surrounding villages, street names and monuments as well as memorial plaques in the churches commemorate the events and theatres of war at that time and the fate of many war victims. In addition, Hamm not only cared for wounded and sick soldiers, but also housed numerous French prisoners of war. A special feature of the cemetery on Ostenallee are the preserved cemetery plots where Germans and Frenchmen who died as a result of the war were buried side by side. Their origins and family affiliations have been researched and documented for the first time. A further chapter is devoted to the doctors and clergy of all denominations who worked in the emergency hospitals. Finally, the voluntary help for the sick, which was organised in the Hammer Women's Association, should also be mentioned in this context.
This resulted in a large number of people from the most diverse social classes whose individual fates are portrayed in this work.