Herbert Wiepel was born on 2 May 1942 in Adendorf near Lüneburg. His parents were Otto, a telegraph engineer, and Anna Wiepel (née Wense). He had two older siblings. Herbert was born with spina bifida and his legs were paralysed. Ten days after his birth, the midwife reported him to the »Reich Committee«. It took five months before his parents were asked to bring their son to the »children’s ward« in Lüneburg. He was admitted there on 7 October 1942.
His father and Herbert’s older siblings were present during the admission. In their presence, the father indicated to the doctor that his son Herbert could be »released« if there was no other way to help the child. He thus gave the doctor his consent to kill him.
Just one week later, Herbert fell ill and developed a fever. On 13 October, his parents spoke with Willi Baumert. A few days later, on 17 October 1942, Herbert Wiepel died from an overdose of medication.
