大象传媒

During the Lamsdorf march there were very few things to make life comfortable but one of the German soldiers guarding the prisoners tried his best to be fair and to make sure they had shelter where possible and food etc.
At the end of the war as the allies advanced this soldier ,named Paul Genzler, asked Harry Kirk if he would write him a letter saying that he had been fair to the prisoners because he had heard rumours of reprisals, soldiers being shot or taken prisoner for unfair treatment of their prisoners. He hoped that a letter from one of the prisoners would give him a fair chance during the months to follow.
Harry Kirk was brave enough to do this because he felt that Paul had been as fair as was possible for him under the circumstances which they found themselves.
After the war ended and he returned home Harry Kirk received a letter from Mr Genzler who obviously survived and thanking Harry for his help and also because he wanted to know if Harry had made it home safely. Unfortunately Harry Kirk and Paul Genzler had to cease correspondence after a few letters because Mr Genzler now had to worry about being seen as a collaborator.
The following is a transcription of the rough translation taken from one of those letters. You can see the original in the attached picture.

Dear Harry
Most of all I would like to know if you are still alive. I survived everything well and eight days before the attack I left for Berlin on the Weihswasser (?)

Scamoni has moved the whole office and wanted to go to Lake Constance, but during transit everything broke.
I am working again in a company in Berlin as Drehermeister? (Possibly a Turner)

Please write to tell me how you managed to get home and how you are now

Kind Regards
Paul Genzler

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