Christoph,
So sorry I could not write yesterday - I am so busy with Mom type things. And I am still frustrated that I lost that last entry. Part of it was in response to your 2 KM observation. That is such a big help!
If that is where the 22 men were found, then that is where Dad had to walk. And he did lament the distance. I know the only vehicle, which was wood burning, broke down and the parts could never be replaced or repaired. So they were walking and as you mention, and he did too, the weather was tough.
Again, as you say, If he had to go 2 KM each way, that is a hefty distance especially in that weather. Plus we know the distance from the barracks up to the top of the Abbey, and Dad was cutting the wood for a small wood stove that was up in KF's area, and carrying that up there, and carrying prisoners up to that level, and .......
Now why was that Cemetery so far away?
And was Dad accompanied by someone? I never heard of horses, and to the best my knowledge Dad never learned to really ride a horse even when young.
And where were the wounded Germans buried when they died? We know there were at least 31 of them. And where was Theo buried? Maybe the son knows.
I recall Dad saying that he was allowed at least on one occasion to go outside the Camp with out anyone. How unfortunate (but it was the right thing to do) that I did not dig deeper with more questions. But I would not dare for fear of hurting him and making him have to think too hard about his past. But do you suppose that trip was to the Cemetery?
Norton was stunned when I told him that. He was in disbelief. But now with the way you mentioned the 2 KM and the snow and weather and maybe a cart with at least 115 to 130 pounds of a poor dead soul, that was the time.
And where did they walk? through town? How many homes were there?
If there were 22 men, over an approximate 4 plus months, that is about 1 per week. However during heavy military activity, like the Bulge it would probably have been more. And that was when the weather was certainly very bad.
When we go to the Cemetery, it will be interesting if Steve and I can remember if that is where we drove to with Dad. He tried to find it. I do not think we took a photo of the location. But I recall a small piece of land (it was not parallel to the road, but kind of triangular) with green grass and it was next to a raised road.
What a mistake to have taken Dad to Siegburg first. But we were all so curious. He got very frustrated and angry. Not a single person could help us! He would be stunned and very happy and very grateful that you came into his life!!
Oh, so many unknown answers. And speaking of the town, I heard back from the facility that produces that map files. Apparently the cost of $30 is a set up fee and then the cost of the actual maps is negligible. I sent Dan and email and asked him on the production of them and first I will see about adding some more maps. I need Cologne because of KF, and I need to supply him with the approximate area of Dad's capture, and I do want Remagen. Is there something you would like me to add to the list?
I could write forever, but life (don't ask about the one sick woman yesterday, so pathetic) and especially Mom, who is doing better, thank goodness, beckon me forth right now. On to calls to the Drs for Mom.
Hope you are having a great day!
Jean J