Full Description
This is a book of thirty six true accounts of the friendships that developed between German prisoners of war and their 'enemies' during their captivity. The stories, which are moving, humorous and incredible, are set mostly in Britain but also take place in the USA and Canada. Many of the friendships formed continued long past the end of the War and extended into the next generations. In contrast with many books on war, this book shows what happened when people came face to face with their so-called enemies. The results were surprising. This book shows that friendships offered and received can transcend the hatred and disillusionment of war, and that lasting relationships between individuals can contribute to the long-term reconciliation between countries formerly at war. Including over 170 personal photographs and illustrations, including a colour picture section, this title will be of great interest to those who live in the many specific locations mentioned, both in the United Kingdom and abroad (Germany, US, Canada) and will appeal to those with German connections. It will attract students of war and military history, particularly the generation who lived through WWII. The Germans We Trusted also has a specific Christian appeal as the motivation for many was the command to 'love your enemy'. "Pamela Howe Taylor's book ...shows in three dozen personal stories how individual German prisoners of war managed to establish relationships of trust and friendship". From the Foreword by Douglas Hurd.
Contents
Foreword by The Rt Hon Lord Hurd of Westwell, Ch, CBE, PC; Introduction by the author Pamela Howe Taylor; The Stories; The Astonishing Coincidence; Widows of East Chinnock; Gifts Full of Memories; Prisoner for a reason; The toolbox; The Man who found a new family and a new way of life; The wonderful present; It's never too late; A real Gentlemen; The baker's story; The talented organist; Shattered dreams; Secret Bicycle rides; A helping hand; Minnie Mouse and the candleholders; War is the enemy; Two of a kind; Inside the Camp...From a British point of view; The Prisoner who lived with his sister; If trees could speak; The Unexpected gift; The Wellington connection; The lost cigarette lighter?; Love finds a way; Friendship despite the bombs; The friendly Burgermeister; The Oak Plaque; The extraordinary friendship; A desire for peace; Friends made, lost and found; A forty-year-old letter; The young man with a conscience; The broken link; A bridge of friendship; Stamps and a musical Christmas Card; Somewhere to call home; Acknowledgements; Further reading; Index.
