Ottavia's Story

By Clara Franklin

This book is not a documentary, it is partially based on a true story of a few women who spent time in the concentration camp. Ottavia is a young mother of one, with another on the way. She and Jacob, her husband, are a typical Jewish family. One night, they are taken to a concentration camp. On the way, she gives birth to her daughter in a dirty cattle train. When the train stops for unknown reasons, Ottavia takes drastic action not to kill her own daughter, but to save her life. Does she succeed? The moment she arrives at her allocated barrack, she rallies to the challenge of helping save the life of an inmate's newborn. Through their musical talents, Ottavia and a few fellow prisoners have a chance to help themselves and others to survive. Will they take the chance? In the hellish darkness, a flicker of light shines through. Their own prison guard amazingly becomes their guardian angel. She risks her own life many times in order to protect theirs. One of the unsung heroes. Through the long winter evenings huddling together to keep warm, they started to tell their own life story, sometimes sad and sometimes happy. To learn about their lives after the hell which they endured, you have to read this book. It will keep you captivated till the last page.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: Mar 30, 2018
• ISBN: 9781528911665

Clara Franklin

Clara Franklin was born in Poland. When the Second World War started her father was imprisoned and executed for disobeying German Soldiers' orders. The family was taken to labour camps in Germany. Clara was too young to work and was separated from her family not to see them for the next 20 years. When the war ended she returned to Poland. She studied hard to gain a diploma in midwifery; she married and had a family of her own. Finally at the age of 30 she was able to join her family in Australia. Not speaking a word of English she was unable to work in her profession as a mid-wife. Clara became a "blue-collar" worker. After two years she started in the 'fashion industry'. In the early 1980s Clara opened and operated a very successful boutique until her retirement. Sadly in a hit and run car accident Clara lost her husband. A few years later she re-married and the couple lived in Bathurst NSW for 40 years, until Fred's death in 2013. She now lives in Brookfield Victoria close to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Ottavia's Story is Clara's third book her first novel Angel Wings was published in 2008 her second Entwined Lives in 2015. Clara's long life dream to write a book came true after she retired at the age of 73 she is now 82.

Book preview

Epilogue

About The Author

Clara Franklin was born in Poland. When the Second World War started her father was imprisoned and executed for disobeying German Soldiers’ orders. The family was taken to labour camps in Germany. Clara was too young to work and was separated from her family not to see them for the next 20 years. When the war ended she returned to Poland.

She studied hard to gain a diploma in midwifery; she married and had a family of her own. Finally at the age of 30 she was able to join her family in Australia. Not speaking a word of English she was unable to work in her profession as a mid-wife. Clara became a blue-collar worker. After two years she started in the ‘fashion industry’. In the early 1980s Clara opened and operated a very successful boutique until her retirement.

Sadly in a hit and run car accident Clara lost her husband. A few years later she re-married and the couple lived in Bathurst NSW for 40 years, until Fred’s death in 2013. She now lives in Brookfield Victoria close to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Ottavia’s Story is Clara’s third book her first novel Angel Wings was published in 2008 her second Entwined Lives in 2015. Clara’s long life dream to write a book came true after she retired at the age of 73 she is now 82.

Dedication

I am dedicating this book to the memory of the thousands and thousands of women who survived and who perished in concentration camps established throughout Europe in one person’s mind – To Exterminate.

So for all our mothers, sisters, aunties and grandmothers who passed through the gates of Hell we can be proud and bow our heads to them.

I have to say a big thank you to my dear friend Aurelia Williams who was a power of strength and patience, my computer whizz who helped to put this book together.

Copyright information ©

Clara Franklin (2018)

The right of Clara Franklin to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by her in accordance with section 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers.

Any person who commits any unauthorized act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British Library.

ISBN 9781788233309 (Paperback)

ISBN 9781788233316 (Hardback)

ISBN 9781788233323 (E-Book)

www.austinmacauley.com

First Published (2018)

Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.

25 Canada Square

Canary Wharf

London

E14 5LQ

Foreword

This story evolves in one of Europe’s oldest countries: Poland. King Bolesław I Chrobry was the first king to be crowned in 966 and the last Polish monarch was Stanisław August Poniatowski who reigned from 1764 till 1795.

Through the centuries, every war in Europe has affected Poland. Between 1500 and 1900 Poland has been divided by larger and stronger countries. Everybody took a part of Poland: Russia, Germany, Austria, Prussia and Hungary. Poland rebelled against this, which led to revolution in 1795. General Tadeusz Kościuszko was the leader of the revolution.

The first University in Poland, the University of Kraków, was founded in 1364. Kraków was the capital city of Poland for 500 years. Poland was the birthplace of many famous people, such as Nikolaus Copernicus, Frédéric Chopin, Marie Skłodowska Curie and Pope John Paul II (Cardinal Karol Wojtyła) who was the first non-Italian Pope.

Finally, after World War I ended in 1918, Poland regained full independence until Hitler made his presence felt. On 1 September 1939 Germany attacked Poland declaring the start of World War II. Resulting in massive devastation and destruction, World War II tore families apart. Most cities in Poland and Europe were burned and levelled to the ground. Poland lost six million people; half of them were Polish Jews.

But I am not here to tell readers Poland’s history. I am here to tell one individual’s story. She is only one of many thousands of women who were locked up in concentration camps and went through hell and back. Each of these women could tell her own story.

Prologue

My Aunt Steffa, a dressmaker, was well known before the war. I hadn’t seen her for some years. After my father had been killed, I was taken with my two brothers and my mother to work camps in Germany. As I was too young to work, we were soon separated.

After the war I returned to Poland, wanting to find out what had happened to my family, still hoping they were alive and would get in touch. Meanwhile, Aunt Steffa took me in and looked after me. I was not yet fifteen.

One day, the doorbell rang. ‘Coming, coming,’ Steffa called as she made her way to the front door. There stood Ottavia, the daughter of a family Steffa knew well. She had worked for Ottavia’s mother and grandmother for many years. She hadn’t seen Ottavia for a long time but had recently received a letter from her.

Steffa greeted her like a long-lost granddaughter. ‘My God, it is so nice to see you again! You look so beautiful and so mature, just like your mama. I lost all hope that I would ever see any of you again and then your letter came. Believe me, I had to sit down to open it. How much time do you have for me?’

‘As long as I leave before dark so I’m home before Mark gets back.’

‘So let’s make ourselves a nice cup of tea. You have to tell me everything.’ Steffa put the kettle on and placed three cups on the table.

‘Why three cups?’

’Because, Ottavia, I have a visitor, my young niece Clara who has returned from Germany. She won’t be any trouble. She’ll go to her room. She has plans to go to the cinema later on.

After the introductions, I took my cup of tea and said, ‘Ladies, you probably have a great deal to talk about. I’ll be in my room, Aunt Steffa.’ I walked out, leaving the door of my room ajar.

Sipping my tea, I started to listen to the conversation which was taking place in the next room. After a few moments of hearing the murmur of words, I stood up and went quietly back into the living room. I sat down on a chair in the corner, listening intently to the story Ottavia told about her life in a concentration camp.

And so, dear readers, this was for the first time I heard Ottavia telling her story to my aunt. After hearing the horrifying story of her life, it stayed in my mind for a very long time. During the next few years I read many stories about the concentration camps. Time passed and memories faded. Then Ottavia’s story started to find its back into my mind until the last few years when I began to write: first Angel Wings and then Entwined Lives. Memories of this story which I heard 65 years ago began to re-emerge and linger in my mind, until finally I told myself, why not? So, after much research and lot of reading, Ottavia’s Story was born.

Chapter 1

The Road to Hell

It was 2 a.m. on 25 May 1942. ‘Aufmachan!’ (Open up!)

Loud thumping on the Goldlink’s front door echoed throughout the house. For the past two years they had been expecting – but also dreading – that sound, especially during the last few months. The town of Poznan had been buzzing with whispers: Anyone with the tiniest drop of Jewish blood, be ready. The death trains are rolling in.

Ottavia was nearing the end of her pregnancy. She and her family were fully prepared. They slept half-dressed and wore their underwear under their pyjamas. Next to the beds were sets of clothing in larger sizes to fit over their pyjamas. Ottavia had her mother’s old trench coat at the ready to conceal her pregnancy. Each of them had a small overnight bag packed with one change of clothes. Ottavia had prepared one extra bag with the necessities for a newborn baby in which was hidden a little leather pouch bag containing her precious jewellery.

By the time the second bang came Jacob was halfway to the door.

‘Raus, raus!’ (Out, out!) You have five minutes.’ Ottavia ran to the kitchen and grabbed a container of water for their little boy Marcus. A truck half-full of people just like them was waiting outside their house.

When they got down from the truck they looked around and saw lots of German soldiers and Polish railway employees, running around and shouting orders in their own languages. At the station stood a cattle train.

The Goldlink family huddled close together. The reality of the horror of it had just struck home. The fear in everybody’s eyes was indescribable. They were ordered to board the cattle train. Jacob jumped up and Ottavia handed Marcus to him. Jacob got down on his knees to help his wife up. It was very hard for her with a swollen belly. A man standing behind her helped to lift her into the truck.

‘Thank you, sir,’ she said.

The two men’s eyes met.

‘My God, Dr Slade, you’re here, too? Give me your hand and I’ll help you up.’

The four of them moved quickly to a corner where there was something like a window with a slat and a little fresh air was coming through. They knew they would need every bit of fresh air they could get throughout the journey.

The carriage started to fill up. Every space became more precious. The two men stretched their arms against the wall of the carriage to leave more space for Ottavia and Marcus.

Finally, they heard ‘Stop!’ and a few seconds later the door was slammed shut. Everything became very quiet. After a few lurches the train started to roll – faster and faster: pe-ta-te-to, pe-ta-te-to. Above the din a few sobs and prayers to God for help could be heard.

Marcus took his mother’s hand and whispered, ‘Mummy, please sing for me.’

His father picked him up and held him tight. ‘Will you help Mummy sing?’

‘Yes, Daddy.’

‘Not here, Marcus, people are sad.’ Ottavia said.

‘We’ll sing something nice to make everyone happy.’ Marcus insisted, ‘like when you sing for me. I’m always happy when you sing.’

So, in a quiet voice Ottavia started to sing a folksong. One by one voices began to join in. When the first song had finished, a strong baritone started up another song.

Suddenly, the train started to slow down. Someone called out ‘What’s happening? Surely we’re not there yet. We’re only three hours into our journey and it’s not even 6 a.m. The sun’s only just starting to rise.’

Some started to panic. Jacob turned to the doctor. ‘Doctor Slade, come and stand on my shoulders and look through the opening. Tell me what you can see.’

‘Yes, yes. There are lots of people and there are some more carriages being added.’

The train stopped with a bang. Doctor Slade fell down but without injury. After more passengers were loaded and more carriages were hooked up, the journey resumed.’ Jacob, please help me up. I’m getting very sore sitting on the floor.’

‘Ottavia, darling, I wish we had something you could sit on.’

A voice from the other end of the carriage called out, ‘Here, take this for an hour or so. It will ease her feet.’ A small folding stool was passed over heads.

‘Thank you very much, sir. I do appreciate your kindness. After I’ve rested, I’ll reciprocate in some way.’ She was happy to get the weight off her swollen feet.

Marcus was asleep on the floor next to her. Jacob slowly lowered himself and put his head on Ottavia’s knees, and started to weep. ‘Sorry to put you through this, my darling. I should have listened to our parents and left Poland when they did. We would all be safe now. Look at what I’m putting us through. And this is only the beginning.’

‘Ssh, darling. We’re still together and what comes will come. Let’s try to have a little sleep.’

A few hours later, the train stopped again. Again more passengers were loaded and more carriages added.

Around midday, Ottavia suddenly grabbed Jacob’s hand. ‘My God, Jacob, my water’s broken. Am I to give birth to my baby here in this dirty carriage?’

Jacob turned to Doctor Slade and – deliberately loudly – he said, ‘My friend, my wife is going to give birth to our baby. We need all your help, Doctor. Would you help us?’

‘Yes, in whatever way I can.’

Someone chimed in with, ‘Tell us how can we help, too.’

‘First, she needs a little room so she can lie down. Has anyone got a spare pillow, sheet, towel?’

People started to shuffle around. Soon there was enough room for her to lie down. Jacob spread out Ottavia’s trench coat. A pillow was passed overhead from somewhere back of the carriage and two towels appeared. Someone called, ‘Pass over your little boy. He can play with my son till after the baby is born.’ Another said, ‘Here, I have a small bottle of vodka. Please use it if you need to.’

A little bit of humour rippled through the carriage. ‘I don’t think the lady needs a drink.’

‘Don’t laugh, but I was thinking of it as a disinfectant for the doctor’s hands or his instruments.’

In a quiet voice someone said, ‘Sorry if we offended you, sir. My apologies.’

Ottavia gave a little moan and then another. There were a few moments of quiet then the groaning began again. On and on, Ottavia struggled as the contractions grew in intensity while the rest of the people in the carriage could only listen to the sounds above the noise of the carriage wheels. Then eventually there came a little cry. Doctor Slade lifted the baby. ‘’It’s a girl!’

Jacob opened the bag where all the necessities for the newborn were kept. Ottavia took out a face washer and dampened it with water from Marcus’ container to wipe blood from the baby’s face. She wrapped her tiny daughter in a flannel nappy and a bunny rug. Passing her to her father, she said, ‘Here, say hello to your daddy.’

‘Hello, sweet poppet.’ Then looking at his wife, ‘I love you all so much it hurts.’

Husband and wife looked at each, tears running down their faces. Just then, the sound of screeching brakes and a huge bang came from beneath the carriage. Half the people in the carriage fell to the ground. Then there was silence.

‘I’m Doctor Slade. Is anyone injured? Anyone hurt? Maybe I can help. Jacob, how’s Ottavia.’

‘We’re fine.’

‘How’s your son.’

‘He’s fine. He’s slept through everything.’

In a shaky voice, but with humour, someone asked, ‘Where is that bottle of vodka? I think we all need a drink now.’

Outside, the activities became louder and louder. There was a small explosion in the distance and then the sound of either fire brigades or ambulances. The carriage, already stuffy, became hotter and hotter. Ottavia heard voices outside. The door was pushed slightly open – no more than ten or twelve centimetres – and then fresh air stated to waft in. Everybody inhaled deeply.

Ottavia approached the opening and sat on the floor, holding her newborn baby close. She muttered, ‘Yes, with a little push and a little force, I think she would fit through.’

‘What did you say, Ottavia.’

‘Nothing, darling. Come over here with us and look at the view. We’re at the edge of the forest. There’s a tower further in.’

Jacob sat down next to his wife.

‘And look, darling. There are some children running around so there must be a house nearby. The space between the carriage and the ground is small and the incline down is gentle.’

‘Ottavia, my darling, I can see all this. But why are you telling me this.’

‘Because – I think what I plan to do will shock you. My dear husband, it would be the best thing for our baby. You see, Jacob, if we’re taken to a concentration camp, she will, as a newborn, be removed from us and maybe killed. Do you as her father want this for her?’

‘Certainly not! Tell me, what are you planning to do?’

‘First, I’ll attract the attention of the children. Then I’ll push our little daughter through this opening. It won’t be easy. We’d better pray to God for her survival.’

Ottavia stood up and turned to the rest of the carriage. ‘Does anyone have a clean handkerchief and a pencil?’

‘Here, Ottavia.’

Doctor Slade passed her both. Outside, they heard the sound of a siren moving away and becoming more and more distant: maybe police, maybe ambulance, maybe fire brigade. Ottavia took the handkerchief and pencil from the doctor and in large letters she wrote:

Maria: Born 25 May 1942

A very un-Jewish name, but she folded the handkerchief, wrapped it tightly within the bunny rug and used her full strength to push her baby through the opening of the carriage door. Both parents watched their bundle roll down the embankment and two boys running towards it. Then everything went black. The door clanged shut. The train rolled on towards what seemed to be the horror of certain death.

Chapter 2

Happy Childhood

Ottavia’s parents, Halina and Jan, had just returned from their honeymoon. They had graduated from Jagiellionian University in Kraków where they had studied foreign languages for four years. In the early 1900s, not many girls attended university, especially to study languages. Halina was one of only two young ladies enrolled. During Orientation Week, Jan noticed Halina and saw a very shy young woman. He knew she needed moral support and perhaps some protection. He walked up to her, offering his hand.

‘My name is Jan Pilarski. You look quite lost. To tell you the truth, I am, too. Maybe we can find our way together.’

She took his hand.

‘Halina Wolska. Yes, I do feel out of place. The university is completely dominated by men. I do hope in the next few decades it’ll change, and many more women will enter the world of education.’

And so the ice was broken. Halina had lived her whole life in Kraków. Jan was from Poznan. He was to stay with his grandparents on his mother’s side, who ran a nursery. In return for his lodging, Jan was to help there in his spare time.

Jan and Halina became friends. For the first six months they saw each other only during lectures. One day, Jan had the courage to ask Halina to come for a cup of coffee – if she knew of a suitable place close by.

‘Yes, Jan. I do know of a place. My mother has taken me there a few times. They have beautiful little cakes baked on the premises. So let’s go today after our lecture finishes.’

That was their first date. A few weeks later, Jan asked Halina out again. She agreed, but said she would have to let her parents know as they’d been cross the last time when she had returned home late.

In their third year of study their friendship developed into