Hey there! Let's dive into the story of Uwe Timm, a German author who lived through World War II as a child.
"Military personnel, identified as GIs, approached and rapped on the door"
Uwe Timm, now 85, has penned numerous books exploring various aspects of WWII and post-war Germany. In "The Discovery of the Currywurst," he delves into the origins of a popular German dish—showing how something new can be created. In "Red," he takes a closer look at the '68ers, the leftists who fought against nationalism and the glorification of the Third Reich. He even tries to understand the motivation behind his older brother's Waffen-SS enlistment in "At the Example of My Brother." Finally, in "Ikarien," he recounts the days in May 1945.
Recently, Timm shared his memories from the war in an interview with ntv.de. Born in Hamburg, he recalls the terrible bombing raids on the city and the fear that followed. Engulfed in flames, his family's apartment was destroyed in a bombing raid in 1943. His father, who was on vacation, could estimate from the radio news that it was a massive attack.
One of Timm's most vivid memories of the war's end was in Coburg, a town where they were evacuated. Initially, German soldiers were still digging trenches by the Itz River. He even recalls falling into one of the trenches himself. As the Americans arrived, their armor pushed aside the circus wagon full of stones used as a barricade. Despite initial fears, the Black Panthers were respectful—which was surprising to the young Timm, considering their earlier misconceptions due to wartime propaganda. The Americans even searched their home, discovering the uniforms of deserted soldiers. As they left, they forbade anyone from saying "Heil Hitler" or clicking their heels—a stark reminder of the changed times ahead.
Fear and uncertainty dominated the days after the war ended. The old order was not entirely gone, yet the new one hadn't fully taken shape. Jeans and chocolate from the Americans not only symbolized a new era but also the allure of consumerism. Timm believes that the fascination for the unlikely heroes of the Americans led to a permanent shift in perception and mindset.
Though the war ended in liberation, a reasonable question still stands: Was it truly a zero hour? As times changed, the denazification process became less rigorous, and old relationships reemerged in West Germany. Old Nazis kept positions of power; some judges, who issued death sentences during the Nazi era, even returned to positions of authority.
Timm's works give a deeper insight into post-war Germany, encompassing various themes like the born-again fascination for the Americans, the rise of new identities, and the complicated process of healing. As the defense minister today insists on preparing Germany for war, Timm voices concern, noting the complex nature of the situation and pointing out the urgent need for a just and inclusive society.
World War IIHistory80 Years After the War's EndNational SocialismUwe TimmGermanyRemembrance
- Uwe Timm, a German author, discusses the relationship between West Germany and the denazification process in his works, revealing that although the war ended 80 years ago, some Nazis still held positions of power, suggesting that a complete break from the past was not achieved.
- In "Ikarien," Uwe Timm recounts the days in May 1945, including his experience in Coburg where German soldiers were still digging trenches by the Itz River, and the arrival of the Americans who forbade anyone from saying "Heil Hitler" or clicking their heels, signifying a new era in relationships and politics.
- The fascination for the unlikely heroes of the Americans, as depicted by Uwe Timm, symbolized a new era and the allure of consumerism, leading to a permanent shift in perception and mindset in post-war Germany.
- Uwe Timm, born in Hamburg during World War II, shares his memories of the bombing raids, the destruction of his family's apartment, and the end of the war in his interview with ntv.de, pointing out the complexities of the transition period when the old order was not entirely gone, yet the new one had not fully taken shape.
