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Soldiers Describe Combat V: Peter Hammerer (1916)

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In summary, to conclude on the basis of the objective findings, and provided that the evidence given was true, it can be presumed that:

1.) Hammerer received an insufficient and probably quite inadequate education and therefore does not possess the important character traits that are necessary to lead an ordered life.

2.) Hammerer represents an example of a very excitable person who has no educative or moral footing, who is afflicted with a complete lack of self-control.

3.) Hammerer is affected by a direct paternal genetic deficiency as well as a maternal one through his grandparents.

4.) On account of the nature of his occupation (an itinerant trade, which his father also practiced) and his insufficient education, Hammerer does not possess those life values that are absolutely necessary for a good soldierly spirit.

To put it briefly:
Hammerer is an inferior, weak-willed, weak-minded, easily excitable individual with few morals, and without any firm view of life or sense of duty. These characteristics need to be taken into consideration in making a judgment. They do not, however, allow him to be classified as beyond responsibility or mentally incompetent.
Dr. Kaindl.

Addendum:
I think it is worth mentioning in regard to making a judgment on Hammerer that already as a pupil who only went to school on the holidays [Feiertagsschüler] he reputedly attacked his teacher and was therefore punished with expulsion.

Dr. Kaindl.

Source: BHStA/IV, Militärgericht 6. Landwehr-Division, H 5a, Blatt 12/13 [Military Court of the Sixth Reserve Division, H 5a, pp. 12-13].


Translation: Jeffrey Verhey

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