Günter Schulze was a patient in the »paediatric ward« in Lüneburg for only one month. He was admitted on 10 July 1944 and murdered four weeks later, on 5 August 1944. He died at the age of seven. His father was a sergeant at the time. His mother was a single mother. The family of seven, with Silesian roots, lived in Hannover-Langenhagen.
Günter was the fourth child of Gertrud Schulze, née Dubiel, and Max Schulze, who was a wallpaper printer. After Günter was born on 1 October 1936, his sister Ursula was born. He had three older siblings. The family was happy, and Günter felt included and loved. He was a cheerful child and took part in all family activities.
Günter was a so-called »Reichsausschuss child«. His admission to the »children’s ward« in Lüneburg was initiated by the Hanover-Land health authority. The assistant doctor justified her application to the »Reich Committee for the Scientific Registration of Hereditary and Congenital Serious Illnesses« in Berlin on the grounds of »congenital hydrocephalus« and his developmental delay. The phrase »we request that you take the necessary measures« concealed the examination and decision as to whether Günter was eligible for euthanasia.
Just two weeks later, the »Reich Committee« approved his admission. His mother was reluctant to take her child to Lüneburg. It was not until six weeks later that Günter was admitted. He was brought there by his mother.
Günter could speak, say his name, eat on his own, and was described as calm and »friendly«, »willing and obedient«. After the entry »unable to learn« in his medical history, only his last miserable days are documented. The official cause of death was given as »intestinal inflammation and bronchitis«. He died on 5 August 1944, almost certainly as a result of an overdose of anaesthetic. At his mother’s request, his body was not buried in Lüneburg but transferred to Langenhagen.
More than six months later, Gertrud Schulze refused to pay the bills for her murdered son Günter’s food costs, which had been invoiced to her by the Lüneburg sanatorium and nursing home. On 17 October 1945 – more than a year after her son’s death – her son’s clothes were handed over to her in person.
