German Airman to Receive New Headstone in Porlock, 86 Years After His Death

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission working in partnership with the German War Graves Commission (Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge), is preparing a new headstone for German airman Wilhelm Reuhl, 86 years after he was laid to rest in Porlock, Somerset.

Reuhl, an 20 year old aircraft flight mechanic, died in 1940 when his aircraft was shot down during a dogfight over Porlock Bay. While three of his crewmates survived and were taken prisoner, Reuhl’s body was recovered and buried at Hawkcombe Cemetery.
 
For decades, his grave has been marked by a simple wooden cross, initially with a temporary CWGC grave marker, which was replaced several times by the local community. A new German War Grave headstone is now being crafted in our France office as part of ongoing CWGC and Volksbund efforts to ensure all war dead, regardless of nationality, are commemorated with dignity.

More than 7,000 German service personnel from both world wars are buried in the UK, with the majority resting at Cannock Chase German Military Cemetery in Staffordshire which is currently undergoing a major renovation project. 
 
The new headstone will be installed later this year, ensuring Wilhelm Reuhl’s resting place continues to be cared for in perpetuity.