The History Podcast: Half-Life: 2. The Quiet Town by the River
Released May 7, 2025 | Host: BBC Radio 4 – Joe Dunthorne
Introduction
In the gripping second episode of Half-Life, titled "The Quiet Town by the River," writer Joe Dunthorne delves deep into his German-Jewish family's harrowing past in the town of Oranienburg during the Third Reich. Driven by a family legend and the mysterious omissions in his great-grandfather's memoir, Joe embarks on a journey that uncovers unsettling historical truths intertwined with lingering dangers from World War II.
Unraveling the Family Legend
Joe begins by expressing his frustration with his great-grandfather's memoir, which predominantly covers personal anecdotes rather than the family's experiences living under Nazi tyranny. "After finishing reading my great grandfather's memoir, I was feeling confused that he dedicated far more pages to his great aunt's love life and his childhood trips to the seaside than his first hand experience of living here, raising a Jewish family under the Third Reich" (01:08). This omission spurs Joe to investigate further, leading him and his partner to visit Oranienburg with the intent of uncovering hidden family histories.
Arrival in Oranienburg: A Town Still Haunted by War
Upon arriving in Oranienburg, Joe and his partner are immediately confronted with the town's ongoing struggle with unexploded ordnance. "Oranienburg was only half an hour outside of Berlin, but it felt like another world" (03:44). Their visit coincides with the discovery of a half-ton World War II bomb, prompting the evacuation of 5,000 residents and the deployment of local police and firefighters to secure the area. This incident reveals that Oranienburg maintains a full-time bomb disposal team, highlighting the persistent danger the town faces decades after the war.
Meeting the Bomb Squad: Living with a History of Explosions
Five years after his initial visit, Joe returns to Oranienburg, bringing along his radio producer Eleanor and interpreter Lorenz. They arrange a meeting with Andre Muller, head of the Oranienburg bomb squad. "In Oranienburg they test the emergency bomb siren every Saturday. Except of course, on this occasion when it wasn't a test" (07:00). Eleanor McDowell provides critical insights into the town’s bomb disposal efforts, explaining that since 1977, there have been five self-detonations and 231 bombs have been found, with an estimated 300 more still buried underground.
The Devastating Bombing of 1945
Joe elaborates on the strategic importance of Oranienburg during WWII. The town housed crucial military installations, including chemical weapons laboratories, gas mask factories, and even a uranium refinery linked to the Nazi atomic bomb project. "The Allies aimed to flatten it, and it worked. 5,000 bombs dropped in less than an hour" (09:31). This intense bombardment was designed to cripple Germany's military capabilities and sow chaos, resulting in Oranienburg being the most densely bombed town in Germany per square kilometer.
Malfunctioning Fuses: A Legacy of Uncertainty
A significant revelation comes when Eleanor discusses the defects in the bomb fuses used during the attacks. "The fuses malfunctioned. And rather than delaying the detonation by a matter of hours or days, they instead delayed the explosion by years or decades" (09:41). This malfunction means that many bombs could still detonate unpredictably, posing a long-term threat to the town's residents.
Great-Grandfather's Ethical Dilemma
Delving into his great-grandfather Siegfried's past, Joe narrates his ancestor's involvement with chemical weapons. Initially working on "radioactive toothpaste," Siegfried was later promoted to the protection department, where he manufactured activated charcoal used in gas masks. "A few teaspoons of this black powder inside a gas mask filter enabled the wearer to walk calmly into a room full of chlorine gas" (07:11). Despite the lucrative nature of his work, Siegfried grappled with the ethical implications, especially after being offered a position in chemical weapons production—a role he ultimately accepted due to financial pressures and familial obligations.
Oranienburg’s Radioactive Legacy
The episode takes a darker turn as Joe uncovers the environmental damage caused by his great-grandfather's work. The laboratory where Siegfried operated was situated near the river, leading to the disposal of hazardous chemicals like diphosgene into the water. This act inadvertently spread radioactive materials across Oranienburg, contaminating the environment and posing health risks to its inhabitants. "It felt like my family history was everywhere beneath my feet, either silently irradiating me or waiting to blow me up" (27:48).
Challenges in Historical Documentation
Joe faces significant obstacles in piecing together his family’s history. Many official records were obliterated during the bombings, while others were likely destroyed or confiscated by occupying forces. Additionally, corporate archives held by companies like Mine Safety Appliances, which took over Siegfried's employer in 1958, are uncooperative or nonexistent. Personal family records were also lost, as Joe's mother disposed of many documents during the cleanup of his grandmother's apartment. This scarcity of documentation paints a bleak picture of how dark aspects of history can be obscured or erased over time.
The First Air Raid Shelter: A Family Artifact
One of the few surviving pieces of evidence is an architectural plan of the family home, featuring one of Germany's first air raid shelters, installed in 1932. This shelter, intended for educational purposes, allowed students to simulate the experience of air raids, reflecting the growing militarization of Germany even before the Nazi regime fully took shape. "The shelter was put in by my great grandfather's employers, the Hour Company... it was part of their gas protection school" (26:54). This artifact serves as a poignant reminder of the ever-present shadow of war that loomed over ordinary lives.
Reflections and Ethical Reckoning
In a moment of introspection, Joe admits to his descendants that he regrets his great-grandfather's decisions. "From today's perspective, there is no question that I should have declined the proposal. I also honestly admit that I hardly understand how I was able to say yes back then" (20:13). He contemplates the moral complexities faced by individuals working under oppressive regimes and the long-lasting impact of their choices on future generations.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Hidden Dangers
As the episode draws to a close, Joe reflects on the pervasive legacy of his family's involvement in the war—both the immediate dangers posed by unexploded bombs and the insidious spread of radioactive materials. "Walking around Oranienburg, it felt like my family history was everywhere beneath my feet, either silently irradiating me or waiting to blow me up" (27:48). This haunting metaphor encapsulates the enduring scars of war and the personal journey Joe undertakes to reconcile his family's past with the present realities of Oranienburg.
Notable Quotes:
- "Oranienburg was only half an hour outside of Berlin, but it felt like another world." – Joe Dunthorne (03:44)
- "The fuses malfunctioned. And rather than delaying the detonation by a matter of hours or days, they instead delayed the explosion by years or decades." – Eleanor McDowell (09:41)
- "From today's perspective, there is no question that I should have declined the proposal. I also honestly admit that I hardly understand how I was able to say yes back then." – Joe Dunthorne (20:13)
Production Credits:
- Written and Presented by: Joe Dunthorne
- Produced by: Eleanor McDowell
- Mixed by: Mike Woolley
- Translator: Lorenz Rolhauser
- Music Composed by: Jeremy Walmsley
- Story Consultant: Sarah Geiss
- Executive Producer: Alan Hall
- Production Company: Falling Tree Productions for BBC Radio 4
Half-Life offers a compelling exploration of personal and historical narratives, intertwining family legacies with the lingering ghosts of wartime atrocities. Through meticulous research and poignant storytelling, Joe Dunthorne sheds light on the often-overlooked aspects of history, emphasizing the profound and lasting effects of individual choices amidst the chaos of war.