von Aulock

The Autobiography of Rosmarie von Aulock

Listen to the English summary:

Listen to the original 6-part audio recordings in German:

Recorded on May 31st 2000 in Stellenbosch, South Africa

Part 1

Summary
This is a transcript of Rosie von Aulock recounting her family history and experiences leading up to and during World War II. She describes her family’s idyllic life in the German province of Silesia, her father’s military service, and the family’s eventual displacement due to the war.

Rosie details the family’s flight from the advancing Russian army, emphasizing the hardships they faced and the resourcefulness they had to employ to survive. Throughout her account, she highlights instances of German resilience and the widespread support for the Nazi regime, particularly during the annexation of Austria.

The narrative provides a personal perspective on the tumultuous period leading up to and during World War II, offering insights into the experiences of ordinary German citizens caught in the conflict.

German Transcript Available HERE.

English Transcript Available HERE.

[Audio in German]

Part 2

Summary
Part 2 recounts the experiences of Rosie and her family fleeing their home in the aftermath of World War II. She describes their journey, highlighting the kindness of strangers and the challenges they faced finding shelter and food along the way.

Eventually, they reach their relatives in Bergen, but soon after, her father is called away to defend Leipzig. Her mother embarks on a daring journey to find him and their two sons, who were missing in action. After a series of harrowing experiences, the family is miraculously reunited.

Rosie also shares stories of working as a refugee in post-war Germany, including a stint on a farm where she cared for German prisoners of war. Finally, the family emigrates to South Africa, where they begin to rebuild their lives.

German Transcript Available HERE.

English Transcript Available HERE.

[Audio in German]

Part 3

Summary
Rosie describes her journey to South Africa with her fiance, Friedrich-Karl von Aulock, in the early 1950s. She recounts the challenges she faced, including a lack of money and resources, and the kindness they were shown by the locals, particularly when their first harvest was destroyed by hail.

Rosie also details her experiences working on a farm in Moderas and the birth of her first child, Monika. Throughout the narrative, Rosie emphasizes the generosity and support they received from the South African people.

German Transcript Available HERE.

English Transcript Available HERE.

[Audio in German]

Part 4

Summary
In Part 4, Rosie recounts her life in South Africa. She describes the difficult birth of her daughter, Monika, and the subsequent challenges of raising a child while struggling to make a living.

She and her husband moved several times, working on farms and taking on odd jobs to make ends meet. Despite the hardships, they were able to purchase a farm in Breerevier with the help of a loan. The farm required a lot of work, but Rosie was determined to make it a success.

She planted crops, raised livestock, and even started a small business selling vegetables. The family eventually settled on the farm and raised their children there.

German Transcript Available HERE.

English Transcript Available HERE.

[Audio in German]

Part 5

Summary
Rosie, a German immigrant in South Africa, describes her experiences farming and raising a family. She recounts the challenges of farming, including drought and a dam break, and the family’s financial struggles. Her husband eventually finds a job as an agent selling agricultural machinery, and they slowly begin to improve their financial situation.

Rosie also discusses her children’s education, including her decision to send her son to a German boarding school and her daughter’s academic achievements. The family experiences a significant earthquake, but their dam and new construction hold up.

She also shares anecdotes about her relationships with her neighbors and the local Catholic sisters. Finally, she recounts a trip to Germany to visit her husband’s family and the joy of returning home to her children.

German Transcript Available HERE.

English Transcript Available HERE.

[Audio in German]

Part 6

Summary
Rosie shares her life story, focusing on her family, friends, and faith. She recounts her marriage, raising children while running a farm, and the challenges they faced. She expresses gratitude for their friends’ support during difficult times, emphasizing the importance of community.

Later, she discusses selling the farm and moving to Stellenbosch, highlighting the emotional farewell and the significance of the farm as their children’s home. Rosie concludes by expressing her deep gratitude for her family, friends, and faith, acknowledging the blessings and challenges she experienced throughout her life.

German Transcript Available HERE.

English Transcript Available HERE.

[Audio in German]

The von Aulock Archives