Soldier and Pastor

In the fall of 1936, Schröder volunteered for military service; he was stationed in Eckernförde at first and then in Wilhelmshaven and on Wangerooge. He was made a reserve officer candidate at the end of 1937. He received an order to report to the navy officers’ training unit in Friedrichsort for the period of July 17 to September 10, 1938. Schröder decided on military chaplaincy, since I am a soldier and pastor with my whole heart. At first, he was acting Wehrmacht chaplain in Neumünster as of January 1939 and was finally accepted by the Wehrmacht in July of 1939.