On this page, you can get a preliminary view of the proposed outlines for this book, Hubert Behme Herbert Engmann Klaus Hindermann Herbert Jahn Michael Kolbinger Wilhelm Leonhard   Bootsmannsmaat Wilhelm Leonhard (26.3.1917 - 27.5.1941) from Weinheim Wilhelm Leonhard learned the occupation of baker and after the completion of his training he reported as a volunteer to the navy. On 1 July 1935 he began his tour of duty in the naval artillery group in Swinemünde, his first ship being the Admiral Scheer, in which he saw combat during the Spanish civil war. Later he served for a short time on the sailing vessel Albert Leo Schlageter, and then he switched over to the Bismarck on 3 September 1940. When my brother Willi joined the navy I was just 1 ½ years old. However, I do remember very well his home leaves in the winter during Christmas and New Year of 1939/40. He was very proud of me and my younger brother Fritz who had just been born in July 1935. Both of my older sisters grew up with Willi, but, unfortunately, I am the only one of my siblings who is still alive. I clearly remember when Willi took me into our town, he wore his navy uniform and led me by the hand. Everywhere, there was great joy as many acquaintances greeted Willi weil he was on leave. Obviously, he had to tell stories and it always took al long time until we got back to our Mom. During this leave this family photo was made, at the photographer Braun studio,; it was the 1st of January, 1940, exactly on my 6th birthday. When Willi told my parents that he had reported to the battleship Bismarck, our Mom got a bad premonition because of the danger. But Willi took away all the worries my parents had and said that the ship is so secure that really nothing bad could ever happen. Other memories: It was Mother's Day, the 2nd Sunday in May 1941. Via Fleurop Mom received a wonderful flower arrangement of Begonias from Willi - his last "signal". On the afternoon of 27 May 1941 I played with the other kids on our street, it had to be 4 - 5 PM, when Mr. Engelhard from our neighborhood yelled and said: "Just now it was reported on the radio that the Bismarck has sunk, run home quickly and tell your parents". They had also heard the new on the radio. From that day on my mother had a stomach illness, threw up everything and suffered badly. Presently, my brother was listed as missing in action, but my parents never gave up hope that he was still alive. During many dreams, Mom still saw Willi in front of her, and she held on to one news item that a Spanish cruiser had rescued some sailors and he could be among them. As far back as I remember Willi was always in her thoughts and conversations. She guarded all letters, postcards, and mementos like gems. Mom lived to be 92 years old. Pop died in 1947 at the age of 60. Additional material: letter to his friend Hilmar writen on the 20.10.1940 letter of his sister Elisabeth writen on the 14.5.1941 pictures of Admiral Scheer and Albert Leo Schlageter Source: Inge Dell (sister)/ Weinheim & Gertrud Leonhard (sister-in-law)/ Weinheim