The Ambiance of Victoria

By Doug Eiderzen Ph.D.

A man. A woman. An eternal love. A war. A lifetime commitment to an oath. Though a fictional novel, The Ambiance of Victoria approaches situations of life given, within the realm or domain of World War Two, from the perspectives of two people. The book is a struggle for victory surrounded by an environment of defeat. There is the aftermath reality of war that not only must be accepted, but risen above, surmounted, and overcome. The Ambiance of Victory revolves around two people resolved to survive for their history, their philosophy, and their religion. They endure and exist and continue to exist for each other. In a world of hate; they love. Not only do they greatly care for and love each other, they live for their one common denominator. They live for their disciplines of life and only their love for their God trumps all else. Within The Ambiance of Victoria there is the achievement to worth. For two people, greatly in love, the eventual quality of triumph and achievement becomes reality.
The above aspects are told from a unique perspective. The lives of two individuals are shaped by the times in which they live and the commitments adhered to and moved toward. There will be the views of many individuals which shape the two main personalities of character. And the two main characters certainly shape each other as they themselves shape others. As the years come and go, they continue to greatly love one another.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Dec 30, 2014
• ISBN: 9781496959768

Doug Eiderzen Ph.D.

Dr. Douglas Eiderzen has been affiliated and involved in business and building maintenance for many years. Dr. Eiderzen holds qualifications and licenses in several states and has completed assignments in other related fields.

Book preview

© 2014 Doug Eiderzen, Ph.D. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 03/28/2018

ISBN: 978-1-4969-5975-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4969-5976-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2014922354

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Introduction

Preface

Part One: The Youth of Franz Helbert Wolff, Griselda Blauliebe Brecht, and to the Encirclement of Smolensk

Part Two: Through Smolensk, Zelda Blauliebe Wolff, and to August 1944

Part Three: Zelda, New Assignment, and with Zelda to the End

Rank Designations and Comparisons

Introduction

The snow had left an inescapably innocent look of tranquility to the landscape. The occasional whishing of quick currents of snow obscured vision momentarily; such a sound and appearance was sharp and pure and blinding. Any tear, on the human cheek, would be quickly noticeable from within and from without. The large tree, draped in white reminded him of a bride awaiting her groom. Griselda, his bride, filled his mind pushing all other thoughts to the side. The snow draped tree was friendly and inviting in close appearance, however was foreboding in distant numbers. All snow covered areas, which could be observed, were untainted and surrounded by the biting freshness of cold air; the breath when breathing showed as much. All endeavors of the human awareness were made complete and even simple by the touch of God’s hand. All was quiet beyond comprehension, all was quiet to the soul, and all was covered in the beauty and cleanliness of the white. Again his mind began to move and he thought deeply of his Griselda, only his Zelda. Knowing he loved her the first time he saw her. Mental solace and physical solitude happened to be the complete order under the low, gentle moving haze of gray clouds, which covered the snow-laden earth. Zelda and their first kiss, then thoughts showed themselves and then departed with the approach and departure of such an event. The thoughts traveled upon one another and there seemed to be no plea in between. In this cold, white, untouched, and pure mountain valley, peace beckoned that soul as if one moment was an eternity and an eternity was one moment and all thought was complete and correct. Time was of no value or need.

Again his mind drifted and he thought of one part of a certain poem, Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening, by Robert Frost:

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep.

He thought of himself like the wayward traveler within the poem; he could relate to such travel: tired, stopping just a moment to rest, mesmerized by the snowy scene created by nature and given to the observant human, rest given for only a moment. In one simple moment, the humanistic inner tranquility of life was to be in order as complete and meshed with the seclusion of spirit and the serenity of nature. All belonged together as he and his Zelda belonged together, ‘Zelda and the first time they had kissed.’ The creation of this perfect moment was but a simple gift from God. In this space of time, reality was the relaxed mind and the relaxed mind was at peace for a time without end, ‘Zelda, Zelda, Zelda.’

He knew he had heard a shot and maybe two. He thought he had felt a brush of air as a bullet had whizzed past the right side of his face. Yet, he could not be sure from which direction his enemy was placed or watching. Was there more than one? Why had his adversary or adversaries not fired again? There was no pain, but that did not necessarily mean he was not wounded. His mental faculties were functioning but for how long? In the heavy and dense wintry atmosphere, the sound of the shot had cracked from every direction. Instinctively, he had fallen into the snow and lay motionless; the snow was so very deep. Was he to be lucky and survive or only doomed to a few more minutes of worry and torment? He had to stay focused. And, he had to think positive; he must think to the positive.

He began to put determined thoughts together and think toward survival…his survival. He had foolishly exposed himself from a tree line cover about six feet away. He convinced himself that if he could make it back into the cover of the trees and brush thicket, he would be safe. The snow had been slowly falling and providing a light coating of white. This was good. His mind began to put together a plan for life over death and survival. He would wait ten seconds then make for the cover of the trees no matter what. If God granted that he make the tree line, he must not run in a straight line. Once past the tree line, he would not stop until he was deep within the forest’s wrapping of snow covered trees and foliage and brush. He would run until he could find the largest tree and then place it between him and where he had been. He would not fall into the snow again. The mind must think positive. He would not fail. He could not fail. A person must be victorious; a person must think successful thoughts within the mind. Come what may, he would be victorious; he would be triumphant and he pushed the thought of defeat from his mind. He pushed all negative thoughts from his mind. This was his motivation. To himself, he thought he would never venture out alone again. This was a thinking process involving the future and a ‘yet to come’ endurance and upcoming experience. A person must think of the future. Now, the mind was thinking with hope.

Quite motionless, he began the process of counting. Ten-there was uneasiness but this feeling was soon replaced by excitement. The snow was deep but he would get to his feet quickly and move into the cover of the trees. He would not fall and he would move as quickly as possible. Eight-he was already out of breath and, yet, had not moved a muscle. He reminded himself to breath deep. He would need the breath as his entire body would move at once toward the cover of the forest. Six-the body ached from the want of motion. Yet, through a type of self-discipline he would only move when the count was finished. Four-the heart was pounding harder and stronger and there was cold sweat. A hot itching feeling passed through his entire body. He said a quick prayer. Suddenly all fear left him. He knew he was going to survive. Two-there was the taking in of a very deep breath and the excitement of what was to come next. Then, he was up and moving toward the trees. His footing in the snow was good and he moved as quickly as possible toward several trees. There was the crushing of snow as he moved and his total movement was quick. There was a tree with a broken branch; he grasped the branch stub for support and pulled himself past the tree. There was a strange type of silence. For the first time he realized that his eyes burned from perspiration. He was not surrounded by the cold anymore but by warmth. Once past the tree line, he had the presence of mind to zigzag between trees and brush. He lost his footing and fell once but this was no deterrent and he was up and moving again. Trees were placed between the open clearing and his body. The heart pounded heavily and his legs seemed heavy and leaden as he moved through the snow. He pushed himself to keep moving; always moving a certain direction. The tree line and, hopefully, the danger remained further and further behind. He thought he heard the sound of a shot but was not sure.

A large tree loomed ahead. This is where he would stop and gather himself. Suddenly, he was at the tree. Placing the large tree between himself and the clearing, his mind raced with thoughts and songs: songs he hated and thoughts he loved; thoughts he hated and songs he loved. The adrenalin began to subside and the heart slowed in beats. Yet, still, the inside of his head rang with sounds and his eyes presumed to see flashes and sparks. But at least he was safe for this moment. He was given a second chance and in a quick prayer he did not forget to thank God.

In a second, he began to think of how he had come to be in the mess he was in and, also, how he had survived such a situation. He realized how stupid he had been. He had become so enthralled and captivated by the innocence and beauty of nature that he had put his life at risk. His mind began to think of the many things that would come with a continued existence. He pressed his back against this large tree. Yet through a power of the will he knew this was truly not the end but the beginning. He also thought, so many comrades had died, better soldiers than him. Yet the mind within his will to live realized that he was still very much on edge and in danger. He focused his thoughts upon a continued survival.

He removed the glove from this right hand with his teeth. Quickly, he unbuttoned two buttons from his coat, reached inside, and removed from its holster the automatic pistol. The pistol gave security and was now at the ready. The binoculars which hung from around his neck were covered in snow as was the front of the heavy winter coat. He quickly looked for any signs of injury to himself and observed none. He had been extremely lucky. An awareness of the snow and the cold began to return. He carefully peered around the tree. As the snow began falling heavier he could barely see where he had been. Nature, acting as his ally, had disguised his footprints as they became more and more obscured by the falling snow. Again, he quickly thanked God.

Moving through the quiet and the cold, he returned to the area from which he had come. His comrades would be there. The only sound was each step as it crushed down the crisp snow. His whole body ached but he continued to move. The snow was deep and the cold was everywhere. The darkness of the coming night began to approach. The coldness and unfriendliness of where he had been only a few minutes before enclosed him with an uneasy feeling. Yet, with each step, he left the hostility of the unknown silence behind him. He forced himself to move faster. The breath showed as he exhaled and the air was biting and crisp as he inhaled. His motivation was to be with his comrades. His heart still beat like the rhythm of windshield wipers attacking rain drops but the mind was keying down and becoming easy. He saw the outline of his encampment as the shadows of nightfall hastened to enclose all. He felt the blood flowing in his body. He became aware that he was not weary or exhausted anymore as he kept moving. He believed he had quickened his pace. The challenge was now concentrated toward movement within the snow and cold weather. Ever moving, he put the leather glove back on the right hand. His hand had become cold holding the weapon but the pistol stayed at the ready. From now on there would always be the thought of the enemy. He remained keen and alert. The protected encampment was a welcome site. Within his whole being, he felt like he was home. It was but a short distance to safety and there would be no other threats, at least, not for now. His comrades would be there. As he approached the encampment, he holstered the pistol.

After an acknowledgment by the guards, he approached a crude dugout type hut. The wind was beginning to blow. His comrades would be inside. Wolff pushed aside the heavy tarp which covered the entrance and walked into the safety of the warm, makeshift hut. Someone said, Herr Wolff, where is your Ushanka hat? He stopped but did not turn to answer, I have no idea. But wherever it is, I am certainly not going back for it. In the warmth of the hut, the snow was beginning to disappear from the binoculars and the front of his coat. He sat down and leaned forward; he felt lightheaded and faint as he rested his head in his gloved hands. He could not see well as amber flashes blurred his vision. He was sweating. The binoculars moved to swing back and forth. He took a very deep breath and began to remove the gloves. Wolff noticed two holes in the right glove’s index finger. He stared at the holes. Had he chewed holes in the glove finger? Or were the holes previously worn through? He could not remember. Someone handed him a cup of hot coffee and said, What happened? You look as if you have seen a ghost. Are you all right? Wolff took the coffee unconsciously and continued to look straight ahead. He felt himself, again, become somewhat lightheaded, yet the cup was being held by steady hands. He realized some of his men were gazing at him and he also realized that he had become extremely tired. He replied, A bit of ignorance on my part. I will tell you about it some day. Don’t worry, I am fine. He began to further loosen up mentally as he was surrounded by the companionship and warmth of the shelter. The small talk going on around him also helped him to mentally relax. Yet, still, every muscle in his body ached; he was physically drained and exhausted.

Leaning back on a makeshift bench, he removed the binoculars from around his coat collar and stood up. It seemed every muscle pained itself as he forced himself to come to his feet. He slowly removed the winter top coat. The tunic he wore represented that of an SS Obersturmfuhrer of the Waffen-SS. He set the coffee on a small table and asked, Would someone please hand me a decently clean wet cloth? A cloth dampened with snow was provided. He sat down. It felt refreshing as he rubbed his face and head with the damp cloth. Several of his men continued to be concerned. He reassured his men with the statement, I am fine. It is that coming into the warmth from outside has just made me a little dizzy. I am fine.

Wolff remembered what his Uncle Albert had said, If a person can make it to the next day the emotion of an event subsides and one may chalk the situation up as a learning experience. In the wake of what had just happened, the warm coffee continued to help. The tension and anxiety began to become less and less. He reminded himself, one does not play around with war and the enemy. An important key to survival is to always stay focused and aware. One does not forget that the enemy is determined to kill. Wolff was brought back from his thoughts as the door tarp opened and the cold flowed into the room. There was a good amount of attention and curses directed toward an SS soldier who had entered the hut and, then, fumbled with trying to secure the tarp as it had been. More moans and curses could be heard as the chill defeated the warmth of the room and drove it into a retreat. The soldier approached Wolff, Herr Obersturmfuhrer Wolff, Sturmbannfuhrer Riel needs you to report to him.

The winter conditions became brutal and unforgiving. Nature’s weather was becoming more and more bitter. The cold was unbelievable. Guards worked in pairs and were relieved every few minutes. Wolff had experienced this type cold when he was a few miles from Moscow. Individuals moved in pairs from one location to another; on the outside no one person was left alone. Weapons were constantly cleaned and checked and rechecked and, yet again, cleaned. Men were kept mentally and physically busy. When awake, each person had to remain sharp as to what was going on around him. He thought to himself, ‘from serving in a reserve police unit to this,’ but he also thought, ‘duty is duty and one must do his part for the war effort and the Fatherland.’

SS Sturmbannfuhrer Hermann Riel had recently been promoted to a battalion commander and had been transferred in from another unit. On December 8th, Sturmbannfuhrer Riel had arrived to take over command of the sector and replace Hauptsturmfuhrer Walschner. There had been no formality in the changing of command; it was too cold to march this way and that way for the formal change of command. Wolff knew little about SS Sturmbannfuhrer Riel. But he felt that Riel had solid combat experience or he would not be here. When the addressing formalities were done, Riel kindly greeted Wolff and apologized for asking him to report in such bad weather. He offered Wolff a cup of hot coffee, Herr Wolff, I believe we have a mutual friend in Hauptsturmfuhrer Muller. He has told me much about you. I have known him for several years. However, now, there are some items we must discuss as to this sector’s operations and, not all of them are bad. Riel continued, First, I want to congratulate you on your promotion to SS Hauptsturmfuhrer and second, I would like to present you with the Wound Badge in Silver. He shook Wolff’s hand. Wolff came to attention, nodded, and thanked him. Riel continued, I apologize that I have not had a chance to formally meet all my officers and senior noncommissioned officers in a main meeting. And, I apologize for the informality of your promotion and decoration. Because of battle circumstances and the weather, it has been impossible to do things formally. I hope everyone understands my situation?

Riel, then, looked down at a map located on the table and stated, I want to know every bit of information about our sector. Its strengths and its weaknesses must be discussed, accepted, and provided for. Wolff responded, Herr Sturmbannfuhrer, Untersturmfuhrer Karol and Scharführer Bretten drew a map of our sector. They update this map continuously. They do a very fine job of plotting our positions and trying to put together enemy positions and any build up of enemy or partisan activity. The map will, also, note the terrain and shape of the surrounding land. Riel acknowledged and replied, Good, good, that is very good. Riel then opened another map. It was a map plotting partisan activity in certain areas, Wolff, we are beginning to deal with more and more partisan activity, which I am sure you are aware. Do you understand how these partisans need to be dealt with? I may give you the opportunity for some anti-partisan activity. Wolff, I understand you are a policeman like me. Saying nothing, Wolff thought, he had never considered himself a policeman. Riel then quickly looked up from the new map on the table directly into Wolff’s face. He was reading Wolff’s facial expression for some emotion and acknowledgement of the coming assignment. Wolff, briefly, made eye contact with Riel then looked down at this map. To Wolff the map represented empty roads, small sad dwellings and gloomy villages, cleared land bordered by forests now freezing and icy, wintry hills that had witnessed the unbelievable, snow covered gullies and deep ravines that enclosed and cradled corpses, and ice covered rivers which no longer fed life. To Wolff the area represented death. To Wolff time was frozen in death. This was the area that one Soviet Commissar Dmitry Petrov worked within and called home; he was the leading commissar in charge of partisan activity.

Riel continued, Franz, Hauptsturmfuhrer Muller has visited with me about your Christmas leave situation. Now, understand, I am trying to get you leave to see your family at Christmas. Also, I am trying to get an Oberscharfuhrer Max Jung transferred into our sector and field of operation. Wolff looked into the face of his new commander, Yes, I know Oberscharfuhrer Jung Max. He saved my life. He is an extremely brave SS soldier. Herr Sturmbannfuhrer, with your permission, it would be advantageous for us to have a person like Oberscharfuhrer Jung with us in our new assignment. He is a good officer, a very fine commander, and he fluently speaks the Russian language. Also, with the Herr Sturmbannfuhrer’s permission, I, along with my family, would greatly like to thank the Herr Sturmbannfuhrer’s notice and efforts for me to attain the Christmas holiday leave. Then, Sturmbannfuhrer Riel, observing that he had pushed much on the young officer and sensing Wolff’s uneasiness as to certain situations said, Hauptsturmfuhrer, go. Get some rest. We will talk later about assignments and orders.

Wolff returned to his hut and lay down on a crude bunk. The inside of the hut was dark except for a small fire that flickered in the open stove. He placed two sticks of dried wood upon the hot cinders of the fire. The fire provided dull shadows of awkward design shimmering on the drab walls and ceiling. He thought his little police experience did not qualify him as an anti-partisan specialist. And, one needed to be a specialist to deal with partisans as one slipup or one mistake would mean his men’s lives. He would be in total command and his decisions would affect all. Wolff did not want the responsibility or the task that was surely coming when he would be given the duty of judge and executioner.

This would be an extremely dangerous assignment. The partisans were made up of many elements: Gypsies, Jews, Russians, etc. There was no age limit or gender qualification for becoming a partisan. Often the partisans turned upon themselves and fought. Sometimes a partisan group would be controlled by a Stalinist Commissar. There could be any number of partisans fighting in a group. The leader of a partisan group ruled with an iron fist and did not like competition or the questioning of orders. Hunting and eliminating partisans would be a difficult and bloody business. Often the hunter became the hunted. The partisans followed the philosophy of ‘no quarter will be asked as no quarter will be given.’ They were unfeeling, resourceful, shrewd, tough, and cruel. They showed no mercy and represented no compassion. They were extremely ruthless and heartless. There was no pity to be shown. He had learned that German soldiers often preferred a self administered bullet rather than be taken prisoner by the partisans.

Wolff had always heard and believed that a person in command should never ask more of a soldier than the person in command was prepared to do himself. With this assignment, he would have to prove this to himself and his men. He thought of Mother Russia and the Russian people. His mind and thoughts were torn emotionally. He thought of his Fatherland. He remembered what his Uncle Albert had said to him, Stay away from emotion in war and do not make decisions based on emotion. So, do not let one situation distract you from completing the actual assignment. Now, God be with you every step of the way and God help you in every decision and may God keep you safe in all situations. What a horribly, rotten system communism was. This was the godless system the U.S.S.R. had pressed on the people it controlled. The communist regime had placed upon its people its yoke of human misery. How many Russians had the Stalinist Commissars killed? How many Polish men, women, and children had the NKVD agents killed? How many Ukrainians had the Bolsheviks killed? Did the average person not realize that the Germans were here to help them throw off this atheistic Bolshevik system of cruelty? Suddenly, he became very tired. He could not think anymore. He was surrounded by ease and certain warmth of comfort. Rest and relaxation descended upon him as a slow gentle rain from the clouds of heaven; soon he was in a deep sleep.

Preface

When it is at the end, a person may only say I did this or I did that and this was the reason I did such things: the motivation to do ‘such things’ will often live on and often be judged as either good or bad. Reason, belief, or faith will, certainly, enter into this equation. Accomplishment may only come after self-discipline. And self-discipline may only come after motivation. Mind over matter and mind over awareness will rest within an individual’s intrinsic self-discipline.

The term historical novel is just that, it is a fictional writing based upon a historical fact or a historical happening drawn from history. This writing is no different. So I would have to say that all of the persons or characters within this writing or work are fictitious and any resemblance to real persons living or dead is purely coincidental. The writing had no ghostwriters, no editors, no researchers, no drafters, no professional proofing, no reviewers, and no sponsors.

The writing will ignite the age old question or definition or argument of good and bad, right and wrong, correct and incorrect, and, of course, righteous and evil: a bus is destroyed here-that is good, however, a bus is destroyed there-that is bad; a city is bombed here-that is good, however, a city is bombed there-that is bad; an individual killed here-that is good, however, an individual killed there-that is bad; to invade here-that is good, however, to invade there-that is bad; to destroy a building here-that is good, however, to destroy a building there-that is bad, etc.

I will not attempt to define the characters in the work more than the work itself has done. It will be, solely, up to the reader to purely define the characters. And I should also add that I see little in the way of ‘in between’ in relation to a perception or opinion of the book. Thus, the reader of the book will either relate to the work as 100 percent positive or relate to the work as 100 percent negative with little in between. Our characters show that life is a battle. Such a battle challenges the very foundation of the being. Within the makeup of the characters, life moves way beyond the concept of life is terrible and then one dies. The characters are encompassed and surrounded in glory and honor and history and philosophy and religion. Their belief in God trumps all. The characters themselves do abide within the ambiance of Victoria.

Historical fiction will be made up of many elements but probably the most significant will be the thought of ‘could this have happened’ or ‘it could have happened a certain way.’ The word ‘could’ is a long word and I believe a person should give such a word its length. Such a word begins but often takes a goodly amount of time to end, if ever.

Within the writing, a mixture of Herr and Frau and Mr. and Mrs. has taken place. Therefore, there is a mixture of the German and the English in application and terms. I believe this to be a type of coming together or flowing together of terms from one language to another.

The fictional novel is set in Germany before, during, and after World War Two. The issue of the times brings into reality the personalities of two individuals. The writing revolves around these two individuals. Each individual is a reality unto himself or herself greatly influenced by the times by which he or she is surrounded. Yet, to state the writing is about one person or one personality is incorrect. The writing itself would be incomplete without the interjection and the intertwining of all individual characters. More than anything else the writing deals with a history, a philosophy, and a religious belief of a group of people. It deals with a people and is a reflection of these people. The writing moves within and is contained by an approach to life: a metaphysical approach to life of a people.

The characters are who they are because of what they are and what they believe. It is the intrinsic motivation which moves each person. The personal conflicts showing within each person simply come with a human interaction. Yet within each is a desire to move thought to reality as within and enclosed by certain guidance. Also, there was the question of when to conclude the writing. The best answer may simply be that the writing closed itself when certain areas of thought had been covered. Thus, it may be said that the writing did have a beginning, a body of explanation, and a stopping point. Was the stopping point, the actual end or finish? Hardly, for as the characters reach a certain point there is simply provided a place of rest. So, it might do well or be correct to say the writing finished or stopped itself at a resting place.

I have enclosed a certain military chart showing a type of comparable ranks. I understand that certain ranks are debatable in comparison to other military ranks but the present chart will suffice and serve its intended purpose in guidance and conveying needed information.

Part One:

The Youth of Franz Helbert Wolff,

Griselda Blauliebe Brecht, and to

the Encirclement of Smolensk

Wolff knew his father had been close to being called up to serve in the Great War but had become ill. At his time, his mother had also become ill. Wolff’s father and mother had died of pneumonia and he had no brothers or sisters. He never knew his grandparents. From the time that Franz Helbert Wolff could remember, he had lived with his Aunt Helene and Uncle Theo Richter in Salzburg, Austria. His only other relation, Uncle Albert Wolff, lived in Germany. Often, he would travel to visit his uncle in Germany.

At an early age, Wolff was educated to read and write. His Uncle Theo had always encouraged him to dwell upon every word which contributed to every sentence which produced every paragraph which fashioned the thought conveyed. Uncle Theo said, That is the best way to understand what the writer is trying to say. Thus, he was skilled to concentrate on what the author was saying in words. His aunt and uncle not only read to him, he was expected to read back to them. There was much time spent on reading and writing. He was taught that life revolves around history and philosophy and religion. Until he began elementary school, he had been educated by several tutors. Both his Aunt Helene and Uncle Theo had insisted on this private form of education. Also, for as long as he could remember, he was pressed to learn how to type. When Aunt Helene thought he was not typing fast enough and also making too many mistakes, a private tutor was hired to improve his speed and accuracy. Wolff’s education continued when he visited his Uncle Albert in Germany; he was expected read and write.

Wolff was encouraged to save his money and watch his finances closely. Uncle Theo had stated to always have some money in savings. Wolff was encouraged to tithe at church. And, at every Sunday service, he placed some amount of money into the offering plate. Uncle Theo told Wolff, Franz, you need to give to God. The church says give ten percent of your gross earnings. Sometimes you cannot give the ten percent. And, sometimes, you can give more than ten percent. At times, your aunt and I give directly to people in need. Whatever you give, God will bless you for it. And Franz, remember money is not everything. It is important for Christ to bless your marriage and family and the health of those you love and the many other issues that have nothing to do with money. Your aunt and I know some extremely poor people that are very happy and we know some extremely miserable wealthy people. Remember, always give praise to Jesus Christ and you will be blessed. You might not realize it at the time, but Christ will bless you and take care of you. You should always glorify God’s Holy Spirit. Wolff took these words to heart and he tried to do as he was told as he wanted to make his aunt and uncle proud of him.

From the age of six to ten he had attended an elementary school for his primary education. Different types of private tutoring, including tutoring in typing, continued in the afternoons after his elementary school studies ended. Wolff remembered that he was glad when his primary education was completed as the tutors came no more. Wolff then completed his educational eight year university preparatory track in the gymnasium. At the age of 18, he had received his diploma. Wolff had done well on his written and oral exams. He entered the university to study history and philosophy.

Wolff remembered, his Uncle Theo had been, somewhat, disappointed that he had not chosen to study business or law and his Uncle Albert had been disappointed that he had not chosen to study agriculture or go into the military. His Aunt Helene had mentioned to Uncle Theo and Uncle Albert, Just let him study what he likes and enjoys. He will do better at the university if he likes what he is studying. Besides he will think and write and read more in studying history and philosophy.

Wolff had always enjoyed physical activities and athletic activities; but, unlike some children, he was not too serious about them. He liked to run and hike. And, he enjoyed many types of athletic competition but, again, was not that earnest or intense about the event. Also, Wolff and his Uncle Theo would play chess when time permitted. Uncle Theo would adjust the radio to classical music or opera music and say, Come, Franz let us play a game of chess. Wolff considered himself to have respectable chess skills yet he had never been able to defeat his uncle at the game. He had even read some books on the skills of chess to no avail. The only person who had beaten Uncle Theo at chess had been Uncle Albert. They would play chess during Uncle Albert’s Christmas visits. Also, Wolff had wanted to study dueling but Aunt Helene had not permitted this activity. His Uncle Theo had backed Aunt Helene in this decision. Wolff was disappointed but accepted the conclusion. It was not the first time he had heard the word, ‘no.’

Both his aunt and uncle enjoyed reading and listening to classical music. They would often listen to opera on the radio. Also, Uncle Theo had a collection of classical music in phonograph recordings. In their leisure time, they mostly read the classics in literature. Wolff enjoyed visiting museums and art galleries. He loved to study about history and greatly enjoyed reading philosophy. He was raised in the Protestant church and they attended church regularly. Wolff, as a Christian, was saved and baptized in the Protestant church. He was formally expected to do Bible study, which he did. He enjoyed his Bible study and the King James Bible made him put thought into the words and sentence structure. Wolff was encouraged to sing in the church choir. Thus, he sang in the church choir even though, as his friend described it, his voice sounded like a braking locomotive about to hit a cow. In other words, he had a terrible voice. He was given a comfortable middle class home. The home reflected order and stability and security; the home was well disciplined in environment. Aunt Helene and Uncle Theo were the same age and they got along very well. They had met at the university. Many of their views in how to approach living and the living of life were close if not identical. They were university educated. Both Aunt Helene and Uncle Theo were Christians.

They lived in a comfortable and nicely kept home on the outskirts of Salzburg. The home was painted white with red trim and had a dull red tile roof. Their home was situated on an acre of well manicured land with Austrian pine trees and edelweiss plants. The house was surrounded by a white picket fence. The gate of the white picket fence was always open. On more than one occasion Wolff had thought to himself, why even have a gate if it is always open? A wide red brick walkway led to the steps of a covered front porch. There were different type pot plants and sitting chairs that the covered porch protected. One entered the home through a large wood door into a vestibule which itself opened into an entrance hall. Once inside, the home had very tall ceilings and dark wood doors; the baseboards and wooden ceiling trim matched the color of the doors. The floors were of a highly polished wood. All the windows were covered with curtains. Several of the rooms had large rugs. There was the kitchen and a separately enclosed dining room area with a large table, buffet, and cabinet. The kitchen and dining room area were partitioned from the family living area. A large pantry and storage area was located on the backside of the kitchen. There was a bathroom located between the pantry room and the storage room area. The storage area led to a rather large back porch. The back porch was basically uncovered and was a holding area for stacked wood to be used in the fireplace. The family living area included a generous fireplace and an enclosed study with a small library. There was an enclosed room between the dining room and the family living area where Wolff had done his school work and studying. The room was actually referred to as the ‘study’ or reading room. Wolff had always felt this study room was very hot in the summer and cold in the winter; he thought the room to be excessively drab. The room had no window to the outside. As with the dining room, a person would enter the study or reading room through French type double doors. The home had two large bedrooms and two lavatory rooms. The main bedroom had a separate sitting area where Aunt Helene did her sewing, stitching, and artwork. The main bedroom had a large lavatory. The sitting area in this main bedroom had a fireplace. The second bedroom and small guest bedroom shared a lavatory; the small guest bedroom had an antique wardrobe made of walnut. The family room, the bedrooms, the guest bedroom, and Uncle Theo’s study and library had ceiling fans. The antique furniture in the home was very nice and always well dusted and cleaned. It was polished and buffed regularly. Nice antiques made up much of the furniture. The living room area had a large grandfather clock which kept everyone on his or her schedule. There was, also, a wall clock in the dining room. The inside walls of the home had different types of artwork represented. Aunt Helene was an excellent artist. Wolff always thought that Aunt Helene and Uncle Theo could have afforded a much larger house if they had wished. However, his aunt and uncle did little social entertaining so the home suited them well. The home had convenient and easy access to public transportation. They owned no auto.

Neither his Aunt Helene nor Uncle Theo drank with the exception of a glass of red wine at dinner. No one smoked. Uncle Theo always said grace before meals and asked God for His blessing. Uncle Theo would always end the prayer with, In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ we pray, amen. Wolff had once asked his uncle, why he ended every prayer with those words? Uncle Theo had replied, It is sealing the prayer in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior. As Christians, we should end all prayers in the name of Jesus Christ as we are blessed with God’s Holy Spirit. Both Aunt Helene and Uncle Theo were deeply religious people. Both believed there was definitely a right way and there was definitely a wrong way to the living of life.

Uncle Theo was an accomplished violinist and often played the violin at home. Wolff could remember Uncle Theo brushing some type of oil on the wooden violin for conditioning. Also, his uncle played chamber music with a string quintet and they would often perform on Saturday or Sunday afternoons or early evenings. Wolff remembered one violin composition his uncle had played that had brought him to tears. Wolff had quietly left the room so no one could witness his emotion. He could not remember the name of the composition but it had seemed the music had flowed as gently as an early morning fog moving through the branches of beautiful pine trees. This violin composition, his uncle had performed, seemed to have no beginning and no ending; it had been beautiful.

Professionally, his Uncle Theo was in banking and had completed his university studies in economics. Having banking experience, he had acquired an actual interest in other businesses. He knew his uncle had an investment in some farming property and rental property. His Uncle Theo had a reputation of excellence in business dealings. Outside of Austria and Germany, Uncle Theo conducted business in Poland and Czechoslovakia. Uncle Theo’s business contacts had often invited Wolff’s family to dine out. Wolff had met many of the individuals Uncle Theo conducted business with. Wolff’s Uncle Albert was also an excellent businessman; both Uncle Theo and Uncle Albert had invested in some business enterprises together. Uncle Theo had not served in the Great War because of a childhood injury to his leg but he was very nationalistic in his political views. When his uncle was younger he had served in an Austrian federal police reserve unit and had risen to the police rank of sergeant. However, the physical effort had been too demanding for his bad leg and he had to resign. His uncle did not limp but, because of the injury, the leg could become numb and very tired. Uncle Theo was politically minded and he knew several politicians. He never surrendered his ideas and he could defend those ideas very well. His uncle hated the Treaty of Versailles and felt that Austria and Germany should unite in some way or form.

Wolff knew Aunt Helene had begun the study of art as a child; she loved all types of art. He and his aunt often visited antique shops, art galleries, and art shows. Aunt Helene had completed her university studies in art. She performed quite well at painting and often had requests for her art on commission. Wolff remembered she would always graciously decline the request. However, on one exception, she had painted the portrait of a child from a photograph. This was for someone Wolff did not know. Wolff had never understood why she had accepted this request. He had seen the final product and thought the portrait was elegant, striking, and gracefully stunning in beauty. The colors had blended to make the child appear alive and aware. Wolff felt the portrait to be haunting and mesmerizing. As one looked into the eyes of this beautiful child, the face of the young girl seemed to come alive. The child’s eyes appeared to look within the very soul of the viewer. Aunt Helene had the portrait framed with cherry wood. She had given the painting to whomever, refusing any compensation.

Aunt Helene was a kind and thoughtful, but strong willed, lady with blue eyes and dark hair. She was very intelligent and Wolff always thought she was a very deep thinker. Wolff thought Aunt Helene to be a very beautiful woman. She was very gifted and talented in so many ways. She was a perfectionist in all things she did. She had a certain knack for accomplishing things and her own way for homemaking. Aunt Helene would never begin a second task until the first task was complete or nearly complete. Their home was always immaculately clean and put in order. Wolff had household tasks that not only had to be completed, but completed correctly. The idea of cutting corners was not acceptable. They employed Ada, an older lady to help with the housework and cooking. Wolff felt Aunt Helene was an excellent cook but she only cooked on holidays or special occasions. Each day Aunt Helene would give Ada a list of housework items that had to be done along with information about meal preparation. Ada kept irregular hours as she also had a responsibility toward her own family. Normally, Ada and Aunt Helene would discuss approaching housework at least two days in advance. On certain occasions, Ada and her daughter would do meals for the weekend. Aunt Helene did a good bit of charity work for the church and other similar goodwill organizations. It seemed she was always involved in some type of work of a generous nature.

Wolff, from observing how his friends’ families’ operated, noticed that Aunt Helene spent money as she wished and without the permission of Uncle Theo. However, Aunt Helene was extremely frugal so Uncle Theo never worried about money being needlessly spent or squandered. Actually, Wolff could remember Uncle Theo encouraging Aunt Helene to spend a little more money on certain items. Wolff could remember his aunt and uncle discussing certain investments together and any expenditure of a large amount. Aunt Helene cared very little for politics but did keep up with current events.

While Wolff enjoyed beautiful Salzburg, he had always looked forward to visiting his other uncle in Germany. Uncle Albert had immigrated to Germany several years before the Great War and had become a German citizen. His uncle owned a farm located in the northwestern part of Germany. As the farm was close to the North Sea, the weather produced rain and wind and at times snow. The wind could and would blow fiercely. The farmhouse, his uncle lived in, had stood on the farm for many years. While the farmhouse was very, very large, the atmosphere had always been warm and inviting. The dwelling was one of those old homes that had rooms added as the years had come and gone. Even so, the house was sturdy and strong and built well. It was a bulwark against harsh wind and storm. Wolff felt he had always been welcome at his uncle’s home and even had his own large room which he decorated as he wished. Wolff liked the type of weather the North Sea provided, but his feet and lower legs sometimes would become cold. He would often put extra socks on his feet and wrap his lower legs before he went to work outside. However, he received no sympathy from his uncle on becoming cold. And any complaints made about being cold would get the standard response from Uncle Albert, To be cold is normal and, to be honest with you, Franz, you are just not working hard enough. Really, the harder you work the warmer you will become. But, all in all, Wolff was very healthy. Also, once in bed he fell quickly to sleep and he rested well. More than once, his Uncle Albert had made the statement that Wolff was blessed in the respect of being able to sleep well. And that Wolff had inherited such a sound sleeping trait from his father.

Work on the farm began before the sun came up and lasted well into the afternoon. Uncle Albert did a large breakfast and was a fine cook; then the farm work began. The work was physically demanding and hard. At times, his Uncle Albert could be unsympathetic. Once, while stacking bags of seed, a large board had fallen and hit Wolff. He had momentarily been knocked unconscious: a sharp bolt within the board had grazed and cut the left side of his scalp, ear, and left cheek. His uncle had poured some type of alcohol on the areas, the wounds were bandaged, and the work continued. Later his uncle would joke about giving him a dueling scar without the danger of dueling. The cuts healed and were barely noticeable. Upon returning to Salzburg and telling the story of the injury, his Uncle Theo had laughed. But, Aunt Helene had not been one bit amused by the incident and had contacted Uncle Albert. Wolff was aware that on his next trip to the farm the work had become much harder and hit a faster pace. So much for Aunt Helene’s intervention and objections! Wolff wished he had kept his mouth shut. He had learned his uncle could be a very demanding and harsh taskmaster.

Once when Wolff had asked his Aunt Helene and Uncle Theo for permission to study the sport of dueling, his aunt had replied, Why do you not just go and visit your Uncle Albert, he will give you a dueling scar without the expense of a dueling foil? And, Franz, all you really want is some dueling scar anyway. The subject had been dropped.

On the farm, not only was there the tending of animals, but other jobs had to be attended to and done as well. His uncle would put off many of the two man jobs until Wolff visited. Then they would work together taking up and finishing these larger jobs. There was always the maintenance of painting and repairing, laying walkways, fixing different types of equipment, etc. The cutting, chopping, splitting, and stacking of wood was never ending. The weather given from the North Sea could be unforgiving and last for weeks. Such weather had to be planned for and expected. All of the work was important for the survival of the farm. The hard work began to prepare him not only physically, but also mentally. The lifting and moving of heavy objects seemed to never end. His Uncle Albert would often say, When you think you cannot do one more bit of work, then, the answer is to push yourself to do one more bit of work. Once, when his uncle was away from the farm for a day, Wolff had split and stacked so much wood that even his uncle was impressed. Gott in Himmel, Franz, Uncle Albert had exclaimed, how did you get this much wood split and stacked? Wolff had replied, Willpower, Herr Sergeant. I just decided in my mind to do it, and I did. Physically and mentally, Wolff became stronger and stronger.

When in Salzburg, Wolff exercised as much as possible. And he ran as much as he could. He once had the opportunity to visit with a professional skier in regard to condition training and exercises which were designed to increase performance. One time, in Salzburg among friends, he had won an arm wrestling contest. Wolff ran to keep in shape and looked for part time jobs that were physically challenging. Because of the physical exertion and labor, these jobs would often pay more money. Such jobs were physically hard and demanding in strength.

Yet, despite all the conditioning and exercising, Wolff was not much of a fighter. To Wolff, it seemed he always came out on the bad end of any physical confrontation. He tried to stay away from any fight. Yet, as a youngster, about once a year someone would bloody his nose or mouth or both. Often, Wolff thought to himself maybe I just have a low tolerance to pain and hate the site of blood.

Once, when he was visiting his uncle in Germany he tried to explain his problem as to fighting. He told his Uncle Albert that it was less than useless to try and visit with Aunt Helene and Uncle Theo about the problem. He had talked with Uncle Theo and got the answer, You do not need to be in any fight. Just walk away. What if you get an eye knocked out in some useless argument? A fight in 15 seconds and an eye gone for the rest of your life, Franz, you do the math, is it worth it? Just stay away from getting into fights. You were not raised to think like this. Stay away from fighting and walk the other way when you see one. Do not watch others fight. His Uncle Albert thought for a moment and replied, Franz, the advice you received from Uncle Theo is extremely good. And you are correct there is no need to bother Aunt Helene with any such questions. Your father fought all the time and it got him nowhere except into trouble. Franz, all boys get into fights and scuffles. Just do as Uncle Theo has asked you to do and you will be a much better man for it. After a pause, his Uncle Albert continued, Franz, I will give you some advice and instruction to help you become the victor in a confrontation, when it matters. At that point, his uncle settled into his easy chair by the huge fireplace, lit his pipe, and opened a book to Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Wolff waited for the golden answer to no avail. He finally asked, Well, Uncle Albert what are the suggestions? Uncle Albert looked up from the book, turned, and gazed intently into Wolff’s eyes, When it matters Franz, when it matters. The advice will come when it matters. His uncle returned to reading and no more was said.

However, it was during Wolff’s next visit to the farm that Uncle Albert began to teach Wolff some basic lessons in the art of boxing. Uncle Albert at one time had been a very fine boxer. He had done some professional boxing years ago and had done very well. Wolff had surmised that Uncle Albert with the help of Uncle Theo had convinced his aunt to let him teach Wolff some very simple boxing skills. The boxing lessons were probably in lieu of the dueling sport. The beginning lessons were very easy in nature and dealt mostly with footwork and quick movements. Because of Uncle Albert’s war wound he could not lift or move his arm that well. However, the boxing lessons pleased Wolff. He felt better about himself and the lessons did give him a mental confidence that he was lacking. Wolff’s boxing skills progressed as time passed. Wolff could not believe how much his uncle knew about the sport. There was always a new skill to be mastered. However, at the end of every lesson, his Uncle Albert would reiterate and reaffirm Uncle Theo’s advice of staying away from fighting and do not be around others that fight. Wolff enjoyed the lessons immensely and realized that if he got into a fight Aunt Helene would probably end the lessons; he heeded his uncles’ advice. Wolff stayed away from the confrontational situation as best as he could and did not follow or watch when others fought. These boxing lessons, given by Uncle Albert, continued for many years.

Wolff was very close to his uncles and held a great deal of respect for both. His Uncle Albert and Uncle Theo got along very well and were great friends. They shared many things in common and were good in business. On more than one occasion, he had heard his Uncle Albert say that Theo treated his sister Helene extremely well and took excellent care of her. Uncle Theo had, also, been an only child and Wolff always thought that he somewhat looked up to Uncle Albert as an older brother. One political viewpoint that his uncles had in common was the thought of Austria and Germany being united. However, Uncle Albert went one step more in this type of thought. He believed that all Europeans, including Canada and the European Americans and the Australians and the Russians and others of European culture and heritage, should unite. There was no need in Europeans killing other Europeans. On more that one occasion, he had heard this uncle say, I would beg the question to be answered, why Christians, from our European culture, want to kill other Christians, from our European culture?

From and early age, on Wolff’s winter and summer visits to his uncle’s farm, he had learned bookkeeping and accounting. All profits and expenses had to be accounted for and logged correctly into a ledger. Wolff had always felt a minor victory when all numbers balanced. However, Wolff’s uncle was the final judge of all accounting posts and where entries were to be entered.

The farm was paid for. And the farm did well in producing commodities such as potatoes at the end of the market season. The money earned was certainly enough for his uncle to maintain and manage the farm. Wolff knew his uncle managed to save money from the profits. During this time, some acreage bordering his uncle’s land on three sides had come up for sale. Uncle Albert had visited with Uncle Theo; it was determined the acreage would be a good investment. This additional acreage was purchased. Wolff did not know if Uncle Theo and Aunt Helene had helped Uncle Albert purchase the new farm or not. He doubted it, after listening to Uncle Albert and Uncle Theo talk; he began to realize that his Uncle Albert had plenty of money in a savings account.

However, the acreage purchased needed work. Among other things, there was some clearing of trees and foliage and drainage work that had to be done. Uncle Albert had employed two extra workers. However, certain circumstances only allowed the men to work in the mornings. Wolff knew that the two men were veterans of the Great War. One of the workers, to whom his uncle referred to as Herr Leutnant, wore a black eye patch over his left eye and had a bad scar on his left arm. The work’s pace was steady and hard during the morning hours and at times Wolff could barely keep up. His uncle would pay each man every day at noon sharp, describe the work for the next day, and give a time to arrive.

It was at this time that Wolff became acquainted with the children of Herr Leutnant Ranndler. He had a son named Vinzenz and a daughter named Lenda. Wolff thought Lenda was very pretty. She would always wear her hair in long braids. They would arrive around noon, with their father’s lunch, and wait for him to finish work. Vinzenz had told Wolff that his father had been an officer, with the rank of leutnant, in the Great War. His father had been wounded and had stayed in the hospital for a very long time. Lenda was very shy, but would correct her brother when he missed a point of history about their father’s