When France entered World War I a century ago, Gerard Leval’s grandfather Robert Geissmann suffered injuries and the loss of his brother André, in battle. The following images, provided to B’nai B’rith by Leval, illustrate the sacrifices made by his family members.
Photos courtesy of the Leval Family
Photos courtesy of the Leval Family
Robert Geissmann, in 1917, stood in full uniform, wearing a black armband to mourn the death of his brother, André.
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On July 8, 1916, André Geissmann, left, and his fellow soldiers faced the bleak reality of WWI in their trench in Verdun, France.
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This death certificate records the death of André Geissmann on July 18, 1916 in Verdun, France.
The Geissmann family’s Paris apartment during WWI featured a Sabbath lamp hanging over the piano.
