Wahn Gedenkstätte 23 July 2024

Wahn was a village with, in 1942, approximately 1000 inhabitants. In nearby Meppen, the Schießplatz Meppen was opened in 1877, where guns were tested by the Krupp company.

In 1917, the rectory of Wahn was accidentally hit during a test. After this, the plan was made to enlarge the shooting range and to dissolve the village of Wahn. The plans were not carried out due to the end of the First World War. After a visit by Adolf Hitler to the shooting range in 1937, the expansion was regulated by law.

In 1942, the village was evacuated and razed to the ground. What remains of Wahn: cemetery and foundations of church.

Today: On the right, a sign warns: “Military area”, “Unauthorized entry during the closing times is prohibited.” The German army took over the firing range in 1957.