Fifteen years in a childhood paradise

steep in places and the earth was wet from all the vehicles driving through. But again, our bus seemed strong and managed very well. Nearer Posen we didn't see too much damage, only the occasional burnt-out barn, or bomb craters near the road.

By the time we arrived in Posen, it was already dark. Klärchen hired a taxi which whisked us to Sapowice in half an hour.

I remember vividly Günter and I standing in the hallway of our home in Sapowice embracing Vater and Mutter and wee Gerda, and a feeling of utter joy and relief, that our family once again was united.

"Strykowo was not as lucky as we," said Vater as he greeted us. "Their barn was bombed, and the carpenter's shop went up in flames."

Bernd looked up anxiously. "But your family is all well, Bernd." "And Horst, how did he get through all those difficult days?" "He was a real hero."

"Can I go home straight away?" "Of course, the taxi is still waiting for you." We waived good-bye to Bernd. This had been the longest time we had been together.

Günter and I were quite jealous of Horst, but we were really glad that nothing had happened to him and his parents. We were also glad that nothing was destroyed in Sapowice.

After a good night's rest, we all sat around the breakfast table and heard from Vater, what had happened during our absence:

"Once Mutter and Gerda had left for Bronikowo, I moved downstairs into the cellar into Klärchen's room. There I blocked out the window with boards and blankets. I took the radio down with me and listened daily to the news from Germany, making sure that the volume was low, as I was afraid someone might hear it from outside. So I knew where the troops were, and I could see from the way the army was moving, that the Germans were trying to encircle the Polish army in the region of Poznan. The Poles must have got wind of this, however, and so withdrew their troops right at the beginning of the war.

"This area here was virtually no-mans-land for almost a week, with bandits and hooligans roaming around, causing great fear among the population. Our workers were guarding both our villa and the manor house, but especially ours here, as they knew I was hiding here. Armed with scythes, sickles, hammers and clubs, they would not let anyone near. They were really a fearsome-looking lot, but effective. Bandits tried several times to get me, but thanks to the loyal protection of our workers, I was saved."

He paused a moment to gain back his composure. Needless to say, Vater must have gone through tremendous pressure and emotional strain. He

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