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Hans' Journal
A young German's memories
of his family's survival during Germany's darkest days
by: Hans H. Saltzwedel
PREFACE
This biography is dedicated to my beloved wife, Patricia, who died in 1998. She urged me to write down the memories of my life. She found them fascinating, maybe you will too!
The stories of the family were gathered by research, anecdotes and, of course, my memories.
Since I spent the first 24 years of my life in Germany, you will find German idioms, expressions, and words, which I found difficult to translate. I will explain the meanings of them as well as I can. Many of these memories, anecdotes, and impressions are seen through the eyes and objectivity of a young boy. What I remembered is what interested me at that time. Somethings might seem trivial today, but I wrote about them. You are the judge.
A special thanks to Jim Stanley. Without him, this "Journal" would not have been possible. He corrected my grammar and changed the sentence structure from "German" to English. Yes, he often made sense of my memories. He kept the writing fluent by skillfully adjusting his professional knowledge to my whimsical style of minting words. Most of all he asked questions, and his enthusiasm was an inspiration for me to go on.
Again, thank you Jim!
I would also like to acknowledge dear Diane Nason who edited this Journal. First we expected giving it just the final "icing on the cake." But it became crucial, when her scholastic expertise collided with my lack of it. Only her patience, interest, determination and loving friendship
resulted in this presentation. I am very fortunate to have had her helping hand --- a true labor of love --- In great appreciation, a warm thank you, Diane.
To enhance the often quite old pictures, Susan Ahrent of Furst Video did lend her expertise by creating the best images possible. Her contribution was greatly appreciated.
About the Author
Hans H. Saltzwedel was born in Germany on January, 3, 1928. He was raised in Stettin, the capital of the former Province of Pommerania. As the only child of parents of one of Stettin's most prominent families, frequent vacations and living a life of cultured privilege highlighted his idyllic childhood. Only the dark political clouds of Nazi Germany shattered the tranquility of his life.In 1938, Hans was drafted into the Hitler Youth, serving in the "Jungvolk" section of it. He describes these activities with vivid clarity. His keen memory, perception, and observations of this period are influenced by his family's anti-Nazi convictions. As WWII begins in 1939, Hans describes the experiences of daily life of his family as well as the military careers of family members.
Hans' Journal brings the reader through the rise and fall of the Third Reich as well as through the difficult aftermath of WWII. Hans describes his personal flight from the Russian army and capture by the allies in 1945.
Hans' Journal ends with his immigration to the United States in 1952. Since then, Hans has been involved in a number of businesses. For the last twenty years, with the help of his late wife, Pat, he has been hand carving ornamental government seal plaques which are displayed in over 270 locations around the country. He resides in Vero Beach, Florida.
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