HRS Bad Salzdetfurth

Comenius – Programme

Topic for the 1st year:Topic for the 1st year:Bad Salzdetfurth Bad Salzdetfurth

between 1918 and 1939between 1918 and 1939

Results from theResults from thefirst year‘s workfirst year‘s work

Survey ofcontemporary

witnesses

Gottfriedvon Cramm

Impressionsof

Auschwitz

Summaryof thesurvey

History ofthe town

Bad Salzdetfurth

Bad Salzdetfurth Bad Salzdetfurth between the two World Warsbetween the two World Wars

In spite of the armistice since the In spite of the armistice since the 9th of November 19189th of November 1918, the misery in the country , the misery in the country increased from day to day. The prices for food rose so high that on the top of the increased from day to day. The prices for food rose so high that on the top of the inflation in inflation in 1923 1923 the “Reichsmark” had nearly no worth at all. Wages and salaries the “Reichsmark” had nearly no worth at all. Wages and salaries stayed desolately low behind the prices for wares. Big parts of the population stayed desolately low behind the prices for wares. Big parts of the population wanted to enjoy themselves. In that times the cinemas and dance-halls where wanted to enjoy themselves. In that times the cinemas and dance-halls where crowded while the churches were empty. (Especially in crowded while the churches were empty. (Especially in 19211921 many families retired many families retired from church and took their children out of the religion lessons at school.) With the from church and took their children out of the religion lessons at school.) With the currency stabilisation the trade and industry and the cultural life grew stronger currency stabilisation the trade and industry and the cultural life grew stronger again.again.

The new communal election in The new communal election in 19241924 sent 7 democrats and 5 middle- class people sent 7 democrats and 5 middle- class people into the communal representation. In this time after the war a swimming pond into the communal representation. In this time after the war a swimming pond called “Grumbrechts Teich” was set up near the “Neuen Krug”. The school was called “Grumbrechts Teich” was set up near the “Neuen Krug”. The school was allowed to use it for free because it was built with support of the “Flecken”. In the allowed to use it for free because it was built with support of the “Flecken”. In the same time the communal representation succeeded in getting the permission to same time the communal representation succeeded in getting the permission to use the area of the “Flachsrotten” as a place for gymnastics. Later this area use the area of the “Flachsrotten” as a place for gymnastics. Later this area became the sports ground of today. In the year became the sports ground of today. In the year 19291929 the long missed gym was the long missed gym was built. Until this time the gym lessons had to be held in the hall of the “Kaiserhof” built. Until this time the gym lessons had to be held in the hall of the “Kaiserhof” when it was bad weather.when it was bad weather.

To repair the housing- shortage in To repair the housing- shortage in 1922 1922 the community aquired the the community aquired the “Grumbrechtschen Acker” in Horstfelde which was about 4 Morgen and sold land “Grumbrechtschen Acker” in Horstfelde which was about 4 Morgen and sold land to people who wanted to build a house.to people who wanted to build a house.

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The “good times” after the currency stabilisation gave way to an increasing The “good times” after the currency stabilisation gave way to an increasing economic crisis. The number of unemployed people rose immeasurably high and economic crisis. The number of unemployed people rose immeasurably high and prepared the ground for the National Socialism. After Hitler’s assumption of power prepared the ground for the National Socialism. After Hitler’s assumption of power the town major of Bad Salzdetfurth who was appreciated by the people had to go the town major of Bad Salzdetfurth who was appreciated by the people had to go because he belonged to the wrong party. This official duty was managed because he belonged to the wrong party. This official duty was managed temporarily till temporarily till autumn 1934autumn 1934....

Unemployance disappeared at once. Major Luttmann, a good organisator, took Unemployance disappeared at once. Major Luttmann, a good organisator, took over the administration. In spring over the administration. In spring 19361936 the workers had become so rare that the the workers had become so rare that the building of the canalisation had to be stopped in the middle of Mai. In “Unteren building of the canalisation had to be stopped in the middle of Mai. In “Unteren Entenpfuhl” the people started building houses. Entenpfuhl” the people started building houses.

On On July 4th 1937July 4th 1937 the new youth hostel was opened. At the same time the street the new youth hostel was opened. At the same time the street “Am Papenberg” was extended and used the school garden which was about 25 “Am Papenberg” was extended and used the school garden which was about 25 Ar.Ar.

On On Whitsuntide 1938Whitsuntide 1938 a modern open- air swimming- pool opened its doors for the a modern open- air swimming- pool opened its doors for the population. In population. In autumnautumn of the same year the children moved into the new of the same year the children moved into the new Kindergarten.Kindergarten.

The carbonate factory built up flats and houses with garages for its workers in the The carbonate factory built up flats and houses with garages for its workers in the “Bodenburger Straße” and in the area of the former factory gardening.“Bodenburger Straße” and in the area of the former factory gardening.

In In 19391939 1900 people from the “Saarland” found accommodation in Bad 1900 people from the “Saarland” found accommodation in Bad Salzdetfurth. The relation between them and the people from Bad Salzdetfurth was Salzdetfurth. The relation between them and the people from Bad Salzdetfurth was very friendly. They got work in the carbonate factory and in concerns in very friendly. They got work in the carbonate factory and in concerns in Hildesheim.Hildesheim.

Bad Salzdetfurth Bad Salzdetfurth between the two World Warsbetween the two World Wars

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Survey of contemporary witnessesSurvey of contemporary witnesses family & childhood :family & childhood :

1) 1) How many persons lived in your household?How many persons lived in your household?

7 – 8 in the average7 – 8 in the average

2) 2) How many generations lived under one roof?How many generations lived under one roof? 33

3) 3) Did you have to live together with animals? If so, with which ones?Did you have to live together with animals? If so, with which ones? Only with the pets (cats and dogs), the cattle however was kept in a stable.Only with the pets (cats and dogs), the cattle however was kept in a stable.

4) 4) Did everybody have a room of his own?Did everybody have a room of his own? Normally an average of 4 people was sharing one room, sometimes more than one were Normally an average of 4 people was sharing one room, sometimes more than one were sleeping in one bed or they had two- story- bedssleeping in one bed or they had two- story- beds

5) 5) What was your course of the day like?What was your course of the day like? School, working in the fields, housework, looking after the animals and the garden, homeworkSchool, working in the fields, housework, looking after the animals and the garden, homework As people didn‘t travel during holidays as we do today, almost every family had a garden for their As people didn‘t travel during holidays as we do today, almost every family had a garden for their leisure time. The garden also supplied them with fruit an vegetables leisure time. The garden also supplied them with fruit an vegetables

6) 6) Did you have to help a lot in the house? If so, what exactly did you have to do?Did you have to help a lot in the house? If so, what exactly did you have to do? going shopping, washing the dishes, washing clothes by hand, looking after the animals, cleaning thegoing shopping, washing the dishes, washing clothes by hand, looking after the animals, cleaning the house, being sent for milk, getting firewood and chopping wood, fetching food for the rabbits house, being sent for milk, getting firewood and chopping wood, fetching food for the rabbits

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7) 7) Did you have any pets? If so, which ones?Did you have any pets? If so, which ones? There were cats to catch mice and dogs to guard the house.There were cats to catch mice and dogs to guard the house. Rabbits, ducks and chicken were kept as Sunday- roasts.Rabbits, ducks and chicken were kept as Sunday- roasts.

8) 8) What kind of toys did you have in the past?What kind of toys did you have in the past? Self made wooden toys, a scooter, an iron cart, a puppet house an self made Self made wooden toys, a scooter, an iron cart, a puppet house an self made ice- skatersice- skaters

9) 9) How did you celebrate your birthdays then?How did you celebrate your birthdays then? If at all, birthdays were celebrated with the close family. There was teatime for thoseIf at all, birthdays were celebrated with the close family. There was teatime for those living in the house plus aunts and uncles. living in the house plus aunts and uncles. Eventually you could invite two good friendsEventually you could invite two good friends On your birthday you didn‘ t have the same amount of housework as on other days.On your birthday you didn‘ t have the same amount of housework as on other days.

10) 10) What favourite meals did you have?What favourite meals did you have? chocolate pudding with egg- white- flockschocolate pudding with egg- white- flocks „ „heaven and earth“ = pear- potato- stewheaven and earth“ = pear- potato- stew (raw) chopped meat with rind(raw) chopped meat with rind spinach with eggsspinach with eggs salted herings with peeled potatoessalted herings with peeled potatoes „ „Arme Ritter“ = roasted bread with eggArme Ritter“ = roasted bread with egg

Survey of contemporary witnessesSurvey of contemporary witnesses

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11) 11) What sorts of food or basic commodities did you have to buy?What sorts of food or basic commodities did you have to buy? clothes and toolsclothes and tools flour, sugar, butter, salt (for backing sweetening and pickle salt) if these weren‘t given flour, sugar, butter, salt (for backing sweetening and pickle salt) if these weren‘t given as royalty for land let out on leaseas royalty for land let out on lease

12) 12) What did you make yourself?What did you make yourself? butter, cheese, yoghurt, flour, bread, cake, vegetables, fruit, coffee from barley, sausages butter, cheese, yoghurt, flour, bread, cake, vegetables, fruit, coffee from barley, sausages and potatoesand potatoes

13) 13) How old were you when you married?How old were you when you married? In the average with about 21 years, that was when you were of age, to get out of the house. In the average with about 21 years, that was when you were of age, to get out of the house. If you wanted to marry earlier, you needed a statement of consent of both parents.If you wanted to marry earlier, you needed a statement of consent of both parents.

14) 14) Was it sensible to have children?Was it sensible to have children? Yes, as a „generations‘ contract“ or as help in the household.Yes, as a „generations‘ contract“ or as help in the household.

15) 15) Did you already know then what “war” meant?Did you already know then what “war” meant? Only a little bit from stories of older relatives, but not by any means all of it.Only a little bit from stories of older relatives, but not by any means all of it.

16) 16) What kind of future prospects did you have at that time?What kind of future prospects did you have at that time? To found a family and take care for them.To found a family and take care for them. A good profession and a good reputation – and to get richer than the parentsA good profession and a good reputation – and to get richer than the parents

Survey of contemporary Survey of contemporary witnesseswitnesses

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school:school:

17) 17) How old were you when you started school?How old were you when you started school? At the age of 6. In the time before there was no kindergarten but grandparents, aunts or olderAt the age of 6. In the time before there was no kindergarten but grandparents, aunts or older brothers and sisters living in the house were looking after the children.brothers and sisters living in the house were looking after the children.

18) 18) How many years did you go to school?How many years did you go to school? The compulsory school attendance was 8 years. After that you could attend theh higher The compulsory school attendance was 8 years. After that you could attend theh higher commercial school for two years, but only a few people did that.commercial school for two years, but only a few people did that.

19) 19) How many pupils were there in your class?How many pupils were there in your class? There were eight groups of different age in one classroom; 40- 50 pupils togetherThere were eight groups of different age in one classroom; 40- 50 pupils together

20) 20) Were boys and girls educated together or separately?Were boys and girls educated together or separately? Boys and girls were educated together.Boys and girls were educated together. The exeption was the „Lyceum“ (Gymnasium), which accepted either boys or girls.The exeption was the „Lyceum“ (Gymnasium), which accepted either boys or girls.

21) 21) What was a typical school-day like?What was a typical school-day like? 5 lessons from morning till noon.5 lessons from morning till noon. During summer school started earlier than in winter, because the days startet earlier.During summer school started earlier than in winter, because the days startet earlier.

22) 22) What did you do after school? Did you get any further education?What did you do after school? Did you get any further education? Men learned typical handicraft trades like carpenter, miller, tiler or bricklayer.Men learned typical handicraft trades like carpenter, miller, tiler or bricklayer. When he had no work during winter month the bricklayer worked as a butcher.When he had no work during winter month the bricklayer worked as a butcher. Women learned typical household trades like cook, tailor, nursery school teacher or housekeeper.Women learned typical household trades like cook, tailor, nursery school teacher or housekeeper.

Survey of contemporary Survey of contemporary witnesseswitnesses

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free time:free time:

23) 23) Did you also have any free time as a child?Did you also have any free time as a child?

There was only a little free time because of all the house- and fieldwork and looking after theThere was only a little free time because of all the house- and fieldwork and looking after the animals.animals.

24) 24) Did you have any hobbies?Did you have any hobbies? reading, playing theatre, riding, football, handicraft, making music, „Hitlerjugend“reading, playing theatre, riding, football, handicraft, making music, „Hitlerjugend“

25) 25) What about the organization of your free time?What about the organization of your free time? working in the fields, hobbies, playing with friendsworking in the fields, hobbies, playing with friends

26) 26) Where did you meet your friends?Where did you meet your friends? - in the sportsfield- in the sportsfield - at the church- at the church - on the market square- on the market square - in the forest- in the forest - in the street- in the street - on the milk ramp- on the milk ramp The milk ramp was the place in the village, where all famers had their empty milk churns. The milk ramp was the place in the village, where all famers had their empty milk churns. As there were no other benches or seating accomodations, people were sitting onthe milk ramp.As there were no other benches or seating accomodations, people were sitting onthe milk ramp.

27) 27) Did cinemas or discotheques already exist?Did cinemas or discotheques already exist? There were no discos, yet.There were no discos, yet.

We had a cinema every Saturday and Sunday in the village hall. The first ten rows cost 50 We had a cinema every Saturday and Sunday in the village hall. The first ten rows cost 50 Pfennige, the places behind that 2- 3 Mark, That was the place to meet your girl- or boyfriend.Pfennige, the places behind that 2- 3 Mark, That was the place to meet your girl- or boyfriend.

Survey of contemporary Survey of contemporary witnesseswitnesses

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residence:residence:

28) 28) Was there any air-raid shelter in Bad Salzdetfurth? If so, where was it?Was there any air-raid shelter in Bad Salzdetfurth? If so, where was it?

Yes, in the potash mine near the Ortberg.Yes, in the potash mine near the Ortberg.

29) 29) How long was your way to school?How long was your way to school? 45 minutes on foot (maximum)45 minutes on foot (maximum)

30) 30) Did you live in terraced houses, log-cabins or bunkers?Did you live in terraced houses, log-cabins or bunkers? The terraced houses belonged to the mines.The terraced houses belonged to the mines. The detached houses were usually half timbered houses.The detached houses were usually half timbered houses. Extended families were living on farms.Extended families were living on farms.

31) 31) Was Bad Salzdetfurth densely populated or was it far to the nearest neighbour?Was Bad Salzdetfurth densely populated or was it far to the nearest neighbour? The town centre was densely populated.The town centre was densely populated. Houses in the villages were surrounded by many gardens and big pastures.Houses in the villages were surrounded by many gardens and big pastures.

Survey of contemporary Survey of contemporary witnesseswitnesses

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work & job:work & job:

32) 32) How old were you when you started work?How old were you when you started work? At the age of 14 you normally started your training.At the age of 14 you normally started your training.

33) 33) What kind of school leaving certificate do you have?What kind of school leaving certificate do you have? The „Volksschulabschluss“ (graduation after common/elementary school)The „Volksschulabschluss“ (graduation after common/elementary school) After three years of training you got your journeyman‘s certificate.After three years of training you got your journeyman‘s certificate.

34) 34) Was it difficult to get a training place / work place?Was it difficult to get a training place / work place? Yes, and it was very difficult to keep a good one.Yes, and it was very difficult to keep a good one.

35) 35) How long was your way to work?How long was your way to work? Either you lived there or you had to go up to 6km.Either you lived there or you had to go up to 6km.

36) 36) How did you cover it?How did you cover it?

by bikeby bike

37) 37) Where did you work and what did you do in the past?Where did you work and what did you do in the past? s. question no. 22s. question no. 22

38) 38) What was your normal working day like?What was your normal working day like? You left the house at 6 o‘ clock in the morning, when it was dark.You left the house at 6 o‘ clock in the morning, when it was dark. You returned home in the evening when it was dark again.You returned home in the evening when it was dark again. 12 hours of work per day with 2 hours of breaks.12 hours of work per day with 2 hours of breaks. up to 55 hours a week + approach and departure.up to 55 hours a week + approach and departure.

Survey of contemporary Survey of contemporary witnesseswitnesses

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39) 39) What were the tasks in your job?What were the tasks in your job? The miller had to grind grain.The miller had to grind grain. The women were busy in housekeeping.The women were busy in housekeeping. The men primarily had jobs in agriculture and other trades.The men primarily had jobs in agriculture and other trades.

40) 40) Was there a division of labour between men and women?Was there a division of labour between men and women? The men worked in the fields.The men worked in the fields. The women wer doing the housework and looking after the children.The women wer doing the housework and looking after the children.

41) 41) What sorts of work had to be done in the house?What sorts of work had to be done in the house? - washing clothes by hand- washing clothes by hand

- cooking and washing the dishes- cooking and washing the dishes - making the beds- making the beds - knitting, ironing, sewing, darning, mending- knitting, ironing, sewing, darning, mending - making a fire and keeping it burning- making a fire and keeping it burning - educating children- educating children - caring for old people living in the household- caring for old people living in the household - looking after pets- looking after pets

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Survey of contemporary Survey of contemporary witnesseswitnesses

Summary of the surveySummary of the survey „„What was it like to live in Bad Salzdetfurth between the two World Wars?“What was it like to live in Bad Salzdetfurth between the two World Wars?“

In the course of the Comenius- Programme the pupils of the HRS Bad Salzdetfurth did surveys In the course of the Comenius- Programme the pupils of the HRS Bad Salzdetfurth did surveys with many older people about their childhood between the two World Wars. After being with many older people about their childhood between the two World Wars. After being suspicious at the beginning, at the end the senior citizens were happy about the survey suspicious at the beginning, at the end the senior citizens were happy about the survey because they remembered many interesting and nice details. because they remembered many interesting and nice details.

On this occasion many old terms which the children of today don‘t kno anymore turned up. On this occasion many old terms which the children of today don‘t kno anymore turned up. They got to know that the „Milchbock“ = milk ramp was the meeting place in small towns like They got to know that the „Milchbock“ = milk ramp was the meeting place in small towns like Bad Salzdetfurth. Because there were only a few benches and no other accomodation for Bad Salzdetfurth. Because there were only a few benches and no other accomodation for seating, he people sat on the milk ramps. They were usually used by farmers who put their seating, he people sat on the milk ramps. They were usually used by farmers who put their empty milk churns on them.empty milk churns on them.

At home the questioned people lived together with 3 generations. That means 7- 8 persons in At home the questioned people lived together with 3 generations. That means 7- 8 persons in one household. Many of them had to live together with pets and cattle. The organisation of the one household. Many of them had to live together with pets and cattle. The organisation of the day was nearly the same every day: our great- grandparents had to got to school on foot, day was nearly the same every day: our great- grandparents had to got to school on foot, afterwards they had to work in the fields or to help with the housework. They had to wash afterwards they had to work in the fields or to help with the housework. They had to wash clothes by hand or to collect wood for the fire because the kind of heating was different from clothes by hand or to collect wood for the fire because the kind of heating was different from today.today.

The witnesses of that time didn‘t only have animals like chicken or rabbits, but also cats to The witnesses of that time didn‘t only have animals like chicken or rabbits, but also cats to catch the mice and dogs to guard the house. As they didn‘t have much money the children catch the mice and dogs to guard the house. As they didn‘t have much money the children played with self made toys, mainly made of wood. Birthdays were only celebrated with the played with self made toys, mainly made of wood. Birthdays were only celebrated with the family, eventually with two good friends.family, eventually with two good friends.

The favourite meals of that time were very simple, like „heaven and earth“ a kind of pear- The favourite meals of that time were very simple, like „heaven and earth“ a kind of pear- potato- stew or „Arme Ritter“ = roasted toast with eggs.potato- stew or „Arme Ritter“ = roasted toast with eggs.

They didn‘t buy clothes or tools because they were able to make a lot of things themselves.They didn‘t buy clothes or tools because they were able to make a lot of things themselves. Most of the people married at the age of 21 so they could leave the parents‘ house. Many of Most of the people married at the age of 21 so they could leave the parents‘ house. Many of

them got children for a „generations‘ contract“ or as help in the household. At that time the them got children for a „generations‘ contract“ or as help in the household. At that time the children didn‘t really know the meaning of war. They only heard stories from older relatives.children didn‘t really know the meaning of war. They only heard stories from older relatives.

Their ideas of the future were similar to ours today = have a good job to take care of the familyTheir ideas of the future were similar to ours today = have a good job to take care of the familyback

One difference from today is that you had to go to school for 8 years. Sometimes One difference from today is that you had to go to school for 8 years. Sometimes they were eight groups of different age in one classroom.they were eight groups of different age in one classroom.

Boys and girls were educated together. An exception was the Lyceum Boys and girls were educated together. An exception was the Lyceum (Gymnasium) which chose either boys or girls.(Gymnasium) which chose either boys or girls.

A typical school day had 5 lessons from morning to noon. In summer school A typical school day had 5 lessons from morning to noon. In summer school started earlier because the day started earlier.started earlier because the day started earlier.

After school men and women learned typical trades. Men learned handicraft trades After school men and women learned typical trades. Men learned handicraft trades while the women learned typical household trades.while the women learned typical household trades.

At the age of 14 they finished school and it was very difficult to get and keep a At the age of 14 they finished school and it was very difficult to get and keep a good job. The people often lived where they worked or they had to go up to 6km.good job. The people often lived where they worked or they had to go up to 6km.

In that time Bad Salzdetfurth had air- raid shelters in the potash mine near the In that time Bad Salzdetfurth had air- raid shelters in the potash mine near the Ortberg. The small town was densely populated in the centre while the houses in Ortberg. The small town was densely populated in the centre while the houses in the villages were surrounded by many gardens and big pastures.the villages were surrounded by many gardens and big pastures.

An estate like the one in Heinde employed 100 people as saisonal workers in the An estate like the one in Heinde employed 100 people as saisonal workers in the fields.fields.

It‘s unbelievable for us, that there weren‘t any discos, yet. But you didn‘t have to It‘s unbelievable for us, that there weren‘t any discos, yet. But you didn‘t have to wait long for a fire brigade festival or a shooting match. Even the walking tours to a wait long for a fire brigade festival or a shooting match. Even the walking tours to a religious festival in Ottbergen were used to make new friends.religious festival in Ottbergen were used to make new friends.

„„We think the results of our survey are really interesting. Never before we‘ve We think the results of our survey are really interesting. Never before we‘ve thought about that topic in such an intensive way. Now we are looking forward to thought about that topic in such an intensive way. Now we are looking forward to the results of our friends in Poland, England and Spain. Then we can compare the the results of our friends in Poland, England and Spain. Then we can compare the different ways of life of our ancestors", says Dominique Alisa Ociepka from class different ways of life of our ancestors", says Dominique Alisa Ociepka from class HS 10.HS 10.

Nicole Hartmann adds thoughtfully: „It‘s getting harder and harder to find Nicole Hartmann adds thoughtfully: „It‘s getting harder and harder to find witnesses of that time. When I was in Auschwitz a few weeks ago I swore that witnesses of that time. When I was in Auschwitz a few weeks ago I swore that I will retail this experience."I will retail this experience."

Summary of the surveySummary of the survey

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Gottfried von CrammGottfried von Cramm Gottfried von Cramm:Gottfried von Cramm: „„The baron of tennis from Bad Salzdetfurth“The baron of tennis from Bad Salzdetfurth“ Gottfried von Cramm who was born on the 7th of July 1909 in the Castle Nettlingen near Söhlde was of noble Gottfried von Cramm who was born on the 7th of July 1909 in the Castle Nettlingen near Söhlde was of noble

birth.birth. He started playing tennis when he was 11 and two years later he mentioned his wish to become “World Tennis He started playing tennis when he was 11 and two years later he mentioned his wish to become “World Tennis

Champion”. This wish seemed to come true very quickly. At the age of 15 he played for very big tennis clubs in Champion”. This wish seemed to come true very quickly. At the age of 15 he played for very big tennis clubs in Hildesheim and in the 30s he started his steep career as a professional tennis- player.Hildesheim and in the 30s he started his steep career as a professional tennis- player.

Because of his tall stature, his blonde hair and his blue eyes he was considered as a great personality. Because of his tall stature, his blonde hair and his blue eyes he was considered as a great personality.

He was often called the „Gentleman of the White Sport“. He was very successful with for example two victories at He was often called the „Gentleman of the White Sport“. He was very successful with for example two victories at the French Open, six victories at the Hamburger Rotenbaum, 82 victories in 101 Davis- Cup- Matches and three the French Open, six victories at the Hamburger Rotenbaum, 82 victories in 101 Davis- Cup- Matches and three participations in the final at Wimbledon.participations in the final at Wimbledon.

When he was 28 his career was interrupted. The National Socialists were suspicious, because he was a famous When he was 28 his career was interrupted. The National Socialists were suspicious, because he was a famous German sportsman and didn’t join the NSDAP. In 1938 he was sent to prison when they found out that he was German sportsman and didn’t join the NSDAP. In 1938 he was sent to prison when they found out that he was homosexual. After 6 years he was allowed to go after his mother had talked to Hermann Göhring, one of Hitlers homosexual. After 6 years he was allowed to go after his mother had talked to Hermann Göhring, one of Hitlers most important men.most important men.

In spite of this incident von Cramm continued to impress the people with his tennis. Even Adolf Hitler phoned him In spite of this incident von Cramm continued to impress the people with his tennis. Even Adolf Hitler phoned him just before a final in Wimbledon to wish him good luck.just before a final in Wimbledon to wish him good luck.

In 1940 he became a soldier and had to go to Russia. In 1942 he was dismissed. Because of his previous In 1940 he became a soldier and had to go to Russia. In 1942 he was dismissed. Because of his previous conviction he wasn’t allowed to become an officer; a shame for an aristocrat.conviction he wasn’t allowed to become an officer; a shame for an aristocrat.

In the following years he spent much time on Gut Wispenstein near Alfeld, played tennis and looked for new In the following years he spent much time on Gut Wispenstein near Alfeld, played tennis and looked for new talents when he worked as a trainer for children.talents when he worked as a trainer for children.

He had to fictitious marriages, one of them with Barbara Hutton the heritage of the Woolworth Company.He had to fictitious marriages, one of them with Barbara Hutton the heritage of the Woolworth Company. On the 9th of November 1976 he died in a car accident near Kairo.On the 9th of November 1976 he died in a car accident near Kairo. Today the people in Bad Salzdetfurth remember Gottfried von Cramm when they visit the tennis court Today the people in Bad Salzdetfurth remember Gottfried von Cramm when they visit the tennis court

in the garden of his castle in Bodenburg.in the garden of his castle in Bodenburg.back

Impressions of AuschwitzImpressions of AuschwitzIt’s terrible to see the photos of skinny 13year old kids, looking like they were nearly 50.It’s awful that they

made experiments on living people, even pregnant women and children.

It’s unbelievable that so many people had to live together under these bad conditions (beds, toilets, etc.)

It’s horrible to hear, that many people died in the KL after such a short time, for example 2 weeks.

The fact that the killing of 1400 people took only one day is terrifying.

The uncountable original shoes, suitcases and brushes nearly made us cry. What kind of people

were the ones who killed and punished all these victims?

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See you soon in Bad Salzdetfurth!See you soon in Bad Salzdetfurth!We hope you enjoyed our presentation We hope you enjoyed our presentation

and we are looking forward to continue our work and to our meeting and we are looking forward to continue our work and to our meeting in Bad Salzdetfurth after Easter 2007in Bad Salzdetfurth after Easter 2007

Merry Christmas and a happy new year!!!Merry Christmas and a happy new year!!!© Stephanie Beine