"The military personnel arrived and rapped on the door"
New Article:When the GIs Thunder Knocked – Uwe Timm Unveils the End of War and the New Germany
Hey there, folks! Today, we're diving into a post-war tale told by Uwe Timm, a renowned German writer known for delving into history and identity. Uwe shares memories from his childhood days, exploring the end of World War II and the transformation in Germany.
Eight decades ago, Uwe, a 5-year-old boy, lived through the chaos of World War II in Hamburg. His experiences have found their way into his books, particularly when it comes to exploring Germany post-Nazi era.
“The Currywurst Discovery” reveals the genesis of the popular German sausage as it paired with "exotic" curry, symbolizing something new being born in food. In "Red," he brings the 68ers to light – the leftists who resisted nationalism and the glorification of the Third Reich. With "At My Brother's Example," he embarks on a journey to understand why his 16-year-older sibling joined the Waffen-SS. Lastly, "Ikarien" paints a vivid picture of the days in May 1945.
During an interview with ntv.de, the 85-year-old author shared his war-time memories and shared his thoughts on plans to prepare Germany for war once more.
ntv.de: Mr. Timm, you experienced World War II as a child in Hamburg. What do you remember?
Uwe Timm: One searing memory is being pushed through the Osterstraße in a pram, covered with wet towels, and seeing fires on both sides. Each time I recall that, I can still feel the heat and see the little flames dancing in the air. Another memory is of being forbidden to look at the street since there were dead bodies there.
Your family's apartment was destroyed in a bombing raid in 1943.
Uwe's father miraculously escaped, being away on vacation coincidentally. He could deduce from the news broadcast that it was a significant attack. Making sure everyone evacuated early, a firebomb fell on their house instantly. Belongings were salvaged quickly, like a table rescued from their wreckage that now stands in Uwe's apartment.
What do you remember about the end of the war?
Uwe recalls being in Coburg, where they had been evacuated. American troops were still digging trenches by the Itz River, but something different happened when the enemy arrived – a unit of the Black Panthers. He fell into one of the trenches and struggled to escape until a soldier rescued him. The Americans pushed aside a circus wagon filled with stones on the bridge to create a barricade, which they easily overcame with their tanks. There was shooting but, suddenly, American soldiers were present.
Had you ever seen Black people before?
For the first time in Uwe's life, he witnessed Black skin. The locals were initially apprehensive due to gossip and misunderstandings, but the soldiers behaved courteously. Uwe remembers the adults being afraid, even the women terrified.
American soldiers then swept through the houses searching for hidden Nazis. Uwe watched as his parents buried pictures of Hitler in the garden, and the order came to never say "Heil Hitler" or click heels again.
What changed in the adults' behavior after the war ended?
The men, known for their commanding tones, became small and meek, often expressing their innocence or distancing themselves from the atrocities. Meanwhile, the women, who had adapted to leading in their husbands’ absence, gained strength. Despite their friends returning from captivity, the balance of power remained tipped in favor of women for some time.
What do you think when the Defense Minister suggests making Germany more war-ready?
Uwe expresses concern about the suggestion. He believes that the ultimate goal should still be striving for peace, but acknowledges that the current situation is complex. While he respects those willing to defend their country, he questions proportionality in regards to the 500 billion euros spent on defense.
Stay tuned for more enlightening stories and reflections from Uwe Timm! If you have any questions or would like to learn more about Uwe's works, don’t hesitate to ask!
- The European Union plays a role in fostering a peaceful post-war Germany, with Uwe Timm's works often reflecting relationships between the past and present politics.
- Timm's childhood memories, particularly those from World War II, offer a unique perspective on the denazification process in Germany, providing insights into the general news of the time.
- The relationships between Germans and the American soldiers, as described by Timm, paint a picture of the complex dynamics that developed during the end of the war, including interactions with the Black Panthers.
- In today's politics, debates revolving around war preparedness and defense spending are influenced by the lessons learned from history, with figures like Uwe Timm offering valuable insights from his lived experiences during World War II.
