The Ramstein Memorials

We get around a bit in our profession, so we were recently at the WBP Hausmesse in Pirmasens. We took the opportunity to get a picture of the somewhat controversial Ramstein Air Base, which is located in the small town of Ramstein-Miesenbach. Of course, we visited the memorial for the air disaster of August 28, 1988.

For those who have never heard of it, during the performance of the Frecce Tricolori, three aircraft collided in mid-air and crashed into the spectators. The disaster claimed 70 lives and there were about 1,000 injured. The memorial stone at the entrance to the Ramstein Air Base is dedicated to these victims. The band Rammstein is said to be named after this disaster, and they also have the eponymous song, which references the tragedy. 

Besides this memorial, there is another one. It is related to the “Great Escape” in 1944. If you walk from the memorial towards the runway and then turn left, you will pass a large concrete block. Here you will find the plaque visible above. At this site, Squadron Leader Roger Bushell and Sous-Lieutenant Bernard Scheidhauer were executed by the Gestapo.

If you happen to be there as well, you will surely see one or another plane taking off or landing. You cannot enter the Ramstein Air Base without prior authorization.