The Kriegshilfe für Danzig organisation: A contribution to the history of Gdańsk during World War One

Abstract

The War Assistance for Gdańsk (Kriegshilfe für Danzig) was established on 12 August 1914. The creation of the organisation was initiated by High Mayor Heinrich Scholtz, who also became its chairman. It was tasked with helping the families of soldiers fighting on the frontlines. The assistance included providing food, clothing, shoes, or coal for the winter. The organisation also helped to find jobs, ran free soup kitchens as well as nurseries and group homes for soldiers’ children, provided care for wounded soldiers in military hospitals and for refugees from East Prussia. Special care was provided for pregnant women and those with infants. In 1915–1918 the anniversaries of the beginning of the war were commemorated in Gdańsk with a Day of Generosity (Opfertag) during which the populace could support the organisation through fundraisers. As the availability of foodstuffs in the city deteriorated in subsequent years, War Assistance operated in increasingly difficult conditions. Some committees ceased their activities before the war ended.