French family discovers the story of their forced laborer ancestors in Möhra

French family discovers the story of their forced laborer ancestors in Möhra

In Möhra, a small town in the Wartburg district, a remarkable connection between past and present has developed in recent weeks. Ralf Wilke, the village's dedicated local chronicler, deals intensively with the history of forced laborers who lived in his homeland during the Second World War. The impetus for his research came from a call from France, which opened the door to an emotional journey.

Mr. Obländer, a researcher from France, contacted Wilke with a special request: he was looking for the whereabouts of a prisoner of war who was once in Möhra. The background to his concern is very touching, because Obländer works on behalf of a French family that does not speak German. This family, the Cirons, had never been to Germany before and had been searching the archives for a long time. Wilke accepted the challenge and set out to search for traces of the village's history.

A reunion with the past

Finally, in September 2025, a memorable meeting took place in Möhra. For the first time, the Ciron family was able to visit the places linked to the history of their ancestors. It was not only a trip into the past, but also an opportunity for the family to look at the history of forced laborers from a new perspective. Such personal connections are invaluable and help to better understand the dark chapters of history.

The issue of forced labor during the Nazi regime has become increasingly important again in recent years. The Federal Archives has, in collaboration with various institutions, developed an information portal that deals precisely with this important part of history. It not only offers information about the recruitment and use of foreign civilian workers and prisoners of war, but is also dedicated to the living conditions of forced laborers and their descendants.

Research and memory

The portal is aimed at a wide audience, from former forced laborers and their relatives to historically interested citizens and scientists. The “History” section of the portal offers interesting insights into the situation of foreign workers in the Empire and their fate after the war.

These initiatives support the important work of the culture of remembrance. Especially in today's world, it is of great importance to make such stories visible and to raise awareness of the past. Wilke's involvement in Möhra shows how local research and personal interest in history can lead to a lively exchange with other cultures - as in the case of the Ciron family, who came to Möhra with open hearts and curious minds. Dialogue between generations remains a key to coming to terms with things and coming to terms with them.

Visit the Bundesarchiv website to find out more about the history of forced labor in the Nazi state and how you can help keep these memories alive.