Zwischen Alpini und Wehrmacht. Die Kriegsgeschichte des Südtiroler Soldaten Franz Obertimpfler (1920–1985)

Abstract

Between Alpini and Wehrmacht. The War History of the South Tyrolean Soldier Franz Obertimpfler (1920–1985)

This study examines the wartime experiences of South Tyrolean soldier Franz Obertimpfler (1920–1985). It analyzes the impact of his service in the Italian army on his later role in the German Wehrmacht. In addition, the family’s collective memory are compared with archival materials, considering the political context of post-war South Tyrol. The findings show that the Wehrmacht took his Italian military background into account, influencing his assigned role. Discrepancies between the family’s collective memory and archival sources emerged, rooted in South Tyrol’s post-war political circumstances.