Erich Topp died 27/12/2005

[CCIP]

Originally Posted by Fish

My thoughts are more with the victims of his deeds. Those where on my side.

It would be rude of me not to consider them, of course, but I think it's also rude towards him to not consider the nature of war and military values.

Besides, 'our side' and 'his deeds' are quite relative. Topp was a high-ranking Bundesmarine officer and an important representative in NATO forces after the war and during the Cold War. Which, ironically, for my ancestors would also be the 'other side', but I digress.

I don't think there's any doubt that Topp was an honorable man and an officer with a sense of duty. I think it's rude to differentiate sides when it comes to remembering veterans like this. 'My side' or 'their side' - they're all part of our collective memory.