Museli jsme odejít - Strastiplné příběhy deseti německých žen o útěku, odsunu a přesídlení na konci 2. světové války – Schwenger Viktoria (2024)

The end of World War II marked the beginning of a great tragedy for the German inhabitants of the lost territories in the east, where they had lived for centuries: first, flight and expulsion, and later resettlement, and above all, the painful loss of their ancestral homeland. It is estimated that twelve million people, primarily women, children, and the elderly, embarked on the arduous and dangerous journey to the West to escape the cruelty of the victors, who were now taking revenge on the German civilian population for the crimes committed by the Wehrmacht in their countries. After the evacuations from bombed cities, it was necessary to accept the refugees, take care of them, and integrate them into society. These people often had nothing more than a backpack on their backs, torn clothing, and tattered shoes. They lost everything - their property, often their family and friends, their beloved homeland. They had nothing left and had to rely on the help of people in the West, who did not always welcome them with open arms; often, it was quite the opposite. Many may have initially hoped to return home, but this hope quickly faded. The Allies soon made it clear that this return would remain nothing more than a dream. Ten women, who are around ninety years old, entrusted the author with their stories regarding these events. Back then, it was still...