Refugee in search of a homeland

and were shooting holes into the walls. Then, whether one of us got scared or whatever happened, one of us got up and went outside. The Russians immediately grabbed him and also discovered us. I don't wish to describe what happened then. Later we were stood next to a lorry and then we had to run. When we were totally exhausted, we were allowed to stand on the lorry. But as there were about 15 prisoners, we were distributed on two lorries. I am not too sure on which lorry your son Günter was, but as far as I can remember, he was on my lorry. Due to ice on the road the axle broke. We were lined up in a row, a left turn was ordered, and as I stood on the right wing, I saw one after the other being hit by a bullet and falling to the ground. I was hit on my forehead, but only slightly wounded, and fell also to the ground. Then I saved myself by making a desperate dash into the nearby forest. I stayed hidden under fir trees for several hours, but I never heard any German voices in the forest, so I have to assume that all the others had been killed. I remember, the killing took place between Militsch and Rawitsch. I don't want to say with 100% certainty, that your son had been killed, but I considered it my duty to tell you in detail how long I had been together with your son Günter and what had happened. I know how hard it will be to accept that a son has been killed, but please believe me that he has been spared a bitter fate. I have been for more than three years in Russian prison camps and know it from my own experience. Particularly as your son has not written to you, one needs to assume that a merciful fate had taken him away. Everything happened so quickly, that no one had really time to think. I assure you that each prisoner has had the opportunity to write, and has also done so. Each POW was able to have the addresses of their relatives searched and many have found them through this service. Had he been taken prisoner by the Poles, he would have contacted your Polish servants, as he also used the Polish language when he was taken prisoner. In case he does come back during the year, which I would most sincerely wish, he will be able to confirm that I have given you the truth. But should he not come back, you have the slight consolation, that the events came toppling over us all so that no one had time to think. I come from the old Germany and lived in Posen since 1940. I was with your son Dieter together in the FLAK battery stationed in Dembsen, later in Posen-Kreising. Our chief was Lieutenant Günther. I was personnel leader (Lagermannschaftsführer) and had been to the Schiller High School in Rathwall. I am terribly sorry that I can't give you any better news, but I felt an inner need to do this my last friendship duty. Should in the meantime anything happen which might give you some hope, please let me know of it. With greetings to your son Dieter, I am Yours Klaus Henning."

I was not told about this letter at that stage, presumably because my

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