大象传媒

This story was submitted to the People's War site by Judy Kirsch, a volunteer form 大象传媒 London CSV on behalf of Stuart Field and hass been added to the site with his permission. He fully understands thesite's terms and conditions

This is the story of Karl Wagner and Erhart Schultz who were German prisoners of war billeted in the village of Newpound, Wisborough Green in Sussex during the war. Karl was 18 years old and Ehrhart was about 10 years older. Both had been farmers living in Southern Bavaria at the outbreak of the war. Given 5 minutes to pack their bags, they were then enlisted in the German army. Karl told us that his main goal was to be captured by the British as soon as possible. He was a reluctant recruit.

They were billeted in an unguarded cottage and worked as farm labourers. They were free to come and go as they pleased.

Karl and Erhart were befriended by my mother Ruth Roberta, who was the village postwoman. Karl nicknamed her 鈥淐rystal of the Post鈥�. Roberta shunned the protests of villagers who accused her of fraternising with the enemy. The friendship developed into a form of business arrangement whereby Karl would catch rabbits on the farm and would be paid 10 Woodbines per rabbit. Roberta would then return home with rabbit in her postbag, probably having picked mushrooms en route,and would provide food for her family.

My cousin Michael and I would spend summer afternoons by the river alone with Erhart and Karl, and as small boys enjoyed being taught to make reed whistles. Both men could speak English pretty well

Following the cessation of hostilities, Karl and Erhart were allowed to travel more freely, and I recall that my cousin and I and other members of my family accompanied them on a rowing boat trip at Guildford, and a charabanc ride to Brighton.

After the War Karl and Erhart returned home to their families in Germany and I am happy to say have kept in touch with my family until the present day and we have had exchange holidays with them. My wife Sylvia and I have spent several happy holidays on Karl鈥檚 farm in Obersontheim in Bavaria, with our children Louise, Joscelin, Andrew and Anna. Karl is now a grandfather, still happily married to Lottie, whom he met on his return to Germany . Sadly Erhart died some years ago.

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