Hans Wolfgang Lindemann (a German) married Ethel McGloclin (an American) in Philadelphia in 1929. He had come to the US looking for work, but had a strong German family heritage and served in the German army in WWI as a radio operator. After his father died, the couple moved to Germany (Braunschweig), toured Europe, and started a family (Oda b. 1934 and Karin b. 1936). Wolfgang joined the German reserve as he found that the least difficult way to protect himself and his family. He worked in a truck factory which was vital to the German war effort. Later, he became a Wehrmacht captain as an automotive engineer. He was discharged in November 1944 and later became a prisoner of war of the Americans in France. Wolfgang's two brothers also served in the German military in WWII. Ethel raised their two girls in a small farming town in Germany. She exchanged letters with Wolfgang as well as with her brother who was serving in the US Army. She kept a diary in English during the war period. In 1946, Ethel and the girls returned to the United States (Oda was 12 and lives in Philadelphia; Karin died in 1976 at age 40).
Flag with the Iron Cross. Barrels of four guns rest together. Cannon. Small planted shrubs, artillery. A crowd gathers in a square. Men in uniform on horseback. German World War I veterans wearing the Pickelhaube, followed by others, such as men with flags and sashes. A man carries a sign: “L.Eskadron Husaren-Regt. 17.” More marching, spectators. Men salute, and soldiers respond. “ENDE” (reverse)
World War I veterans in Braunschweig, 1934