0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:24 > 0:00:29- As children, - we only think of the future.
0:00:29 > 0:00:32- We expect all our relatives - to live forever...
0:00:33 > 0:00:35- ..to fill in the gaps of the past.
0:00:35 > 0:00:38- It's only after - they've left this world...
0:00:38 > 0:00:43- ..that we realize how much of our - personal history is lost with them.
0:00:43 > 0:00:48- Uncle Idris died in his nineties - in the year 2000.
0:00:48 > 0:00:54- All that remains of him are a few - boxes of photographs and documents.
0:00:56 > 0:01:01- And a diary that he gave me - just before his death.
0:01:02 > 0:01:07- It recounts the story of a momentous - year in a young man's life.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10- A year where Idris - came face-to-face...
0:01:10 > 0:01:14- ..with one of Adolf Hitler's - right-hand men...
0:01:14 > 0:01:17- ..and the mysterious death - of a close friend.
0:01:29 > 0:01:33- What drove Idris to return - to his old diary in his old age?
0:01:33 > 0:01:37- To type his handwritten - English words...
0:01:37 > 0:01:40- ..and bind it so meticulously?
0:01:40 > 0:01:43- Was it something - to fill the empty hours?
0:01:43 > 0:01:45- Nostalgia?
0:01:45 > 0:01:48- Or was it an unresolved story?
0:01:49 > 0:01:55- Eighty years later, I've come - to Berlin to find some answers.
0:02:02 > 0:02:07- Idris Morgan came to Berlin in 1933 - as an employee of Barclays Bank...
0:02:08 > 0:02:11- ..for a twelve-month exchange - with Dresdner Bank...
0:02:11 > 0:02:15- ..one of Germany's - largest banking corporations.
0:02:15 > 0:02:18- He was a 27-year-old bachelor.
0:02:21 > 0:02:26- The city was a far cry from Penmark - in the Vale of Glamorgan.
0:02:26 > 0:02:28- It was a great leap...
0:02:28 > 0:02:32- ..from Barry's narrow streets - to Berlin's boulevards.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35- He only travelled - a few hundred miles...
0:02:36 > 0:02:39- ..but arrived - in a totally different world.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45- Berlin was a trendy - and fashionable city...
0:02:45 > 0:02:50- ..nowhere more so than the clubs - and cafes around the Kurfurstendamm.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53- But this hedonistic city...
0:02:53 > 0:02:57- ..was now facing the might - of the Nazis.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02- In January 1933, - Hitler was appointed chancellor...
0:03:02 > 0:03:05- ..as part of a fragile coalition.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08- Despite his power, - there were frustrations.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13- There were rumours of an uprising - amid Nazi ranks...
0:03:13 > 0:03:17- ..and mounting tension - between Hitler and Ernst Rohm...
0:03:18 > 0:03:21- ..head of the Nazi paramilitaries, - the SA.
0:03:21 > 0:03:26- The following twelve months - would prove critical for both men.
0:03:33 > 0:03:37- It was to this situation - in September 1933...
0:03:37 > 0:03:43- ..that the young, shy, studious man - reached the Dresdner Bank...
0:03:43 > 0:03:45- ..at Depka 54.
0:03:45 > 0:03:49- This is where he would spend - the majority of that year.
0:03:49 > 0:03:51- It was an ordinary job...
0:03:51 > 0:03:55- ..but it was no ordinary workplace - and these were no ordinary times.
0:03:56 > 0:04:00- "The Depka was closed - from 12.45pm until 2.00pm...
0:04:00 > 0:04:04- "..while Hitler made his speech - from the Siemens factory.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07- "Wireless was installed - to broadcast the speech.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11- "There was one minute's silence - at 1.00pm.
0:04:11 > 0:04:16- "All work stopped for one hour - so everyone could hear the speech."
0:04:16 > 0:04:21- What do I care of the intelligentsia - or the middle classes?
0:04:21 > 0:04:24- What do I care of the proletariat?
0:04:24 > 0:04:28- My only concern - is the German people, my race.
0:04:29 > 0:04:30- The nation I fight for.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33- And on 12 November...
0:04:33 > 0:04:37- ..the world will see the German - people in all their glory!
0:04:37 > 0:04:39- CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:04:42 > 0:04:45- I've come to the bank's - present headquarters...
0:04:45 > 0:04:50- ..to see if there is any evidence - of Idris's time in the city.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54- Professor Johannes Baehr, an - authority on the bank's history...
0:04:55 > 0:04:57- ..has something to show me.
0:04:57 > 0:04:59- That is incredible, isn't it?
0:05:00 > 0:05:03- It really is, after 80 years.
0:05:04 > 0:05:05- John-Idris Morgan.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08- They've even given him a hyphen!
0:05:08 > 0:05:12- Born in 1906.
0:05:13 > 0:05:14- What do we have here?
0:05:15 > 0:05:17- Oh, it's his photograph.
0:05:18 > 0:05:23- This is the first piece of evidence - of Idris's presence in Berlin...
0:05:24 > 0:05:27- ..apart from the diary, of course.
0:05:31 > 0:05:35- He has written a synopsis - of his life and career.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38- "Born 25 January 1906 at Pontyclun.
0:05:39 > 0:05:41- "My family moved to Barry in 1911.
0:05:42 > 0:05:46- "I entered Barry County School, - leaving it in 1922...
0:05:46 > 0:05:51- "..with a matriculation certificate - of the Central Welsh Board...
0:05:51 > 0:05:53- "..senior school examination."
0:05:54 > 0:05:56- It's the handwriting I recognize.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00- Frankly, it's more legible - on this form...
0:06:00 > 0:06:03- ..than on some of the letters - he wrote to me.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09- And there's a list - of other questions he had to answer.
0:06:09 > 0:06:13- There's a word - at the bottom. "Arier".
0:06:13 > 0:06:16- What is "Arier"?
0:06:16 > 0:06:19- Every Dresdner Bank employee...
0:06:20 > 0:06:25- ..had to declare - if he was a Jew or non-Jew.
0:06:26 > 0:06:30- Every member of staff would have - to answer that question...
0:06:30 > 0:06:34- ..although I notice - that Idris has not answered it.
0:06:34 > 0:06:36- Idris did not have to answer.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39- As a British citizen, - he could avoid it.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43- He may have got away with it. - Others didn't.
0:06:43 > 0:06:45- During this period...
0:06:45 > 0:06:50- ..anti-Semitic messages were - increasingly frequent and explicit.
0:06:50 > 0:06:55- This blatant propaganda was designed - to instil suspicion and fear.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00- It's hard to say - how this affected Idris.
0:07:00 > 0:07:04- But like many German people - at that time...
0:07:04 > 0:07:07- ..he sought the path - of least resistance.
0:07:07 > 0:07:12- "Have given notice to Fraulein Heise - that I would leave Pension Enslin.
0:07:13 > 0:07:17- "I want to live with a family - in order to talk more German.
0:07:17 > 0:07:21- "A Jewish member of staff suggested - I live with a Jewish lady...
0:07:22 > 0:07:26- "..who has an apartment - near the Tiergarten.
0:07:26 > 0:07:31- "Such a move would be inadvisable - in the present climate of opinion...
0:07:32 > 0:07:34- "..so I put him off."
0:07:37 > 0:07:40- It's easy to excuse - Idris's nervous response.
0:07:40 > 0:07:44- After all, he was a young man - in a foreign country.
0:07:44 > 0:07:49- Knowing that a relative of mine - had reached such a decision...
0:07:49 > 0:07:52- ..makes me feel uncomfortable.
0:07:55 > 0:08:00- Idris finally chose to live - on Wurttembergische Strasse...
0:08:00 > 0:08:02- ..a stone's throw from the bank.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05- He lodged with a family...
0:08:05 > 0:08:11- ..in the same block as colleague - Fritz Sommer and his wife, Anny.
0:08:17 > 0:08:21- I'm in the affluent - Wilmersdorf district...
0:08:21 > 0:08:26- ..to find the building that was - home to Idris and the Sommers.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29- This is the address...
0:08:29 > 0:08:35- ..but the modern apartment block - is obviously not the same building.
0:08:35 > 0:08:37- I'm feeling frustrated...
0:08:38 > 0:08:42- ..but I suspect that is inevitable - in a city with such a history.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47- I've come to the Landesarchiv, - the city archives...
0:08:48 > 0:08:51- ..in the hope of finding - images of the street.
0:08:52 > 0:08:56- Historian Michael Bienert - has been searching the records.
0:08:57 > 0:08:58- What have you got now?
0:08:59 > 0:09:03- These are the original plans - for Wurttembergische Strasse 27-8.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10- Oh, look at this.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12- Isn't that wonderful?
0:09:13 > 0:09:15- It's fantastic.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19- It's truly wonderful - and much better than a photograph!
0:09:19 > 0:09:23- It's interesting - that there was a social order...
0:09:23 > 0:09:26- ..within the apartment block.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30- The most desirable apartments - were on the first floor.
0:09:30 > 0:09:34- This is where the rich lived.
0:09:34 > 0:09:38- The higher you go, - the lower the rent.
0:09:38 > 0:09:40- You get a social mix - in a block like this.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45- The Sommers lived on the top floor - which would have been cheaper.
0:09:45 > 0:09:49- Yes, the flats on the top floor - were the cheapest.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53- The plans show the number of stairs - they had to climb.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59- Whilst in his new home...
0:09:59 > 0:10:02- ..Idris grew closer - to Fritz and Anny Sommer...
0:10:02 > 0:10:07- ..and their 21-year-old daughter, - Gerda.
0:10:10 > 0:10:15- The beautiful and fun-loving Gerda - was my uncle's guide to Berlin.
0:10:16 > 0:10:20- She introduced him to the city - and all its attractions.
0:10:20 > 0:10:22- "18 November.
0:10:22 > 0:10:28- "Took Fraulein Sommer to the dance - of the Dresdner Bank Sportverein.
0:10:28 > 0:10:33- "She persuaded me to go on to - Cafe Roesch on the Kurfurstendamm...
0:10:33 > 0:10:36- "..where we met Herr Kuley - and his friends.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39- "I eventually reached home - at 4.30am!"
0:10:40 > 0:10:44- I can remember Idris - in his later years...
0:10:44 > 0:10:46- ..as a rather formal man.
0:10:46 > 0:10:51- It's a bit of shock to read that - in the run-up to Christmas 1933...
0:10:51 > 0:10:55- ..that Idris regularly stayed out - into the early hours...
0:10:55 > 0:11:00- ..attending parties with Gerda - and her best friend, Hilde Wittke.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05- They often partied until dawn!
0:11:06 > 0:11:08- As the year drew to a close...
0:11:08 > 0:11:12- ..Idris's friendship - with the Sommers deepened.
0:11:12 > 0:11:16- The diary makes it clear that the - family had taken a shine to him.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19- "At midday, - Gerda Sommer called at the bank...
0:11:20 > 0:11:22- "..and we arranged to meet - in the evening.
0:11:23 > 0:11:27- "We had coffee at Cafe Kranzler - and bought chocolates and stockings.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31- "Afterwards, I bought - an extra suitcase for myself...
0:11:31 > 0:11:34- "..some cognac and cigarettes.
0:11:34 > 0:11:38- "After dinner, I visited the Sommers - with my offerings.
0:11:38 > 0:11:43- "I also took the book of Welsh songs - I had from my sister, Mary...
0:11:43 > 0:11:45- "..and we had some music."
0:11:46 > 0:11:48- This was a happy time for Idris.
0:11:48 > 0:11:53- I suspect the Sommers represented - the family unit he'd never had.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57- His sister, Alys, - died when he was four.
0:11:57 > 0:11:58- Two years later...
0:11:59 > 0:12:03- ..his mother died whilst - giving birth to my mother, Mary.
0:12:04 > 0:12:09- He then followed his father from - one failed business to the next.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12- It was a lost childhood.
0:12:15 > 0:12:19- I wonder if Idris found himself - a place to call home...
0:12:19 > 0:12:21- ..with the Sommers in Berlin.
0:12:22 > 0:12:27- But Christmas 1933 was the last - Christmas they would be together...
0:12:27 > 0:12:29- ..before tragedy struck.
0:12:29 > 0:12:35- Life for the Sommers, and Idris too, - would never be the same again.
0:12:41 > 0:12:42- .
0:12:43 > 0:12:43- Subtitles
0:12:43 > 0:12:45- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:12:48 > 0:12:52- The new year enabled Idris - to spend a few days...
0:12:52 > 0:12:57- ..at the prestigious headquarters - of the Dresdner Bank.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00- Today, it's a five-star hotel.
0:13:03 > 0:13:07- Despite heavy bombing - during World War II...
0:13:07 > 0:13:10- ..much of the original building - has survived.
0:13:10 > 0:13:16- The banking hall in the heart of the - building is the most lavish feature.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20- This is the historical part.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23- Was this a balcony - or were these arches here before?
0:13:24 > 0:13:28- It was open, and you can imagine - the director walking around.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31- Looking at the money coming in.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34- That's exactly what was going on.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36- Despite its grand facade...
0:13:36 > 0:13:38- ..in the early 1930s...
0:13:39 > 0:13:44- ..the bank had to be rescued - following the financial crash.
0:13:45 > 0:13:50- But by 1933, state support - entailed another price to pay.
0:13:51 > 0:13:57- Over the next few years, over 500 - Jewish members of staff were sacked.
0:13:59 > 0:14:05- The effect of Nazi propaganda - spread far beyond the workplace.
0:14:05 > 0:14:09- "Went with the Sommers - to the Bockbierfest at Cafe Berg.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11- "I thought it pleasant.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15- "However, Frau Sommer was upset - and did not want to go there again.
0:14:16 > 0:14:20- "She was convinced it was a nest - of Jews and anti-Nazis.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22- "I was surprised at this.
0:14:22 > 0:14:27- "I did not think the Sommers were - supporters of the Hitler party."
0:14:32 > 0:14:35- The new year brought other tensions.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38- Fritz and Anny - grew increasingly worried...
0:14:39 > 0:14:42- ..about Gerda and Hilde Wittke's - endless partying.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44- "The Sommers confided in me...
0:14:45 > 0:14:49- "..about the difficulties - they were having with Gerda.
0:14:49 > 0:14:53- "Herr Sommer got worked up - and left at 1.30am...
0:14:53 > 0:14:55- "..to look for Gerda and Hilde.
0:14:55 > 0:14:59- "He came back with them - in a nasty temper."
0:15:00 > 0:15:03- Gerda couldn't afford - to lead this lifestyle.
0:15:03 > 0:15:05- She didn't have a job.
0:15:05 > 0:15:10- This could explain - the host of men in her orbit.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14- I knew Idris as a very proper man...
0:15:14 > 0:15:18- ..so I can't imagine that - he approved of Gerda's lifestyle.
0:15:19 > 0:15:21- Nevertheless, he lent her money...
0:15:21 > 0:15:25- ..so she could catch the train - to Leipzig with Hilde...
0:15:25 > 0:15:27- ..unbeknown to her parents.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29- "I must not get mixed up...
0:15:30 > 0:15:33- "..in her complicated relations - with her parents.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37- "Perhaps I ought not to have - given her the money.
0:15:37 > 0:15:43- "But she can be persuasive and uses - her looks to her own advantage."
0:15:53 > 0:15:57- As the spring became - an exceptionally hot summer...
0:15:57 > 0:16:01- ..Idris's relationship - with Fritz and Anny blossomed.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05- The three regularly visited - Lindwerder Island...
0:16:05 > 0:16:09- ..where the bank kept boats - for its staff.
0:16:09 > 0:16:11- They were happy days.
0:16:11 > 0:16:17- But Gerda is conspicuously absent - from all the photographs.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23- Idris was concerned for his friend.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26- One morning, - he saw her at the breakfast table.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28- "Gerda put in an appearance.
0:16:29 > 0:16:33- "She looked a complete disillusion - after another late night.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38- "If she goes on as she does now, - then long before her thirties...
0:16:39 > 0:16:42- "..she will have lost - all her good looks."
0:16:42 > 0:16:45- Idris was right to be worried.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48- There was a new man in her life.
0:16:49 > 0:16:53- Oberleutnant Wilhelm Bruckner - was Adolf Hitler's chief adjutant.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56- He was twice her age.
0:16:57 > 0:16:59- What do we know about Bruckner?
0:16:59 > 0:17:03- Heike Gortemaker - can answer that question.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07- She's an expert - on Hitler's inner circle.
0:17:09 > 0:17:15- Bruckner managed - Hitler's relationship...
0:17:15 > 0:17:18- ..with the outside world.
0:17:19 > 0:17:23- The Fuhrer was keen to emphasize - his singular position...
0:17:24 > 0:17:28- ..by keeping his distance - from his Nazi colleagues...
0:17:28 > 0:17:33- ..and the outside world.
0:17:34 > 0:17:40- If anyone wanted to see Hitler...
0:17:40 > 0:17:46- ..they had - to go through Bruckner first.
0:17:48 > 0:17:53- Hitler trusted Bruckner. - They shared a common history.
0:17:58 > 0:18:03- In 1923, Hitler and Bruckner - were imprisoned at Landsberg...
0:18:03 > 0:18:07- ..following the first Nazi revolt - in Munich.
0:18:08 > 0:18:10- They shared a close bond...
0:18:10 > 0:18:15- ..and Hitler appointed Bruckner - as his chief adjutant in 1930.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19- Bruckner was tall and blonde.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21- The Aryan ideal.
0:18:21 > 0:18:26- Hitler felt safe knowing - that Bruckner was at his side.
0:18:28 > 0:18:32- On the night that Gerda revealed - her relationship with Bruckner...
0:18:33 > 0:18:38- ..she was defensive and emphasized - there was no open access to her bed!
0:18:38 > 0:18:40- Idris responded sharply.
0:18:41 > 0:18:46- "I never said there was open access - to her bed and I never sought it."
0:18:48 > 0:18:52- A week later - on the morning of Friday 8 June...
0:18:52 > 0:18:57- ..Idris started work early - at Depka 54.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59- He went to the canteen...
0:18:59 > 0:19:04- ..and heard the shattering news - that Gerda had been found dead...
0:19:04 > 0:19:07- ..in Wilhelm Bruckner's apartment.
0:19:13 > 0:19:17- Idris was shaken by the news - and raced across the city...
0:19:17 > 0:19:19- ..to Bruckner's apartment.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23- This is where my uncle, - Idris Morgan...
0:19:23 > 0:19:28- ..came face-to-face - with Adolf Hitler's chief adjutant.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31- "Frau Sommer and Fritz Sommer - were there.
0:19:31 > 0:19:35- "Gerda's body lay sprawled, - fully clothed on the bed.
0:19:35 > 0:19:40- "She looked terrible - and had not washed off her make-up.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44- "There were yellow and pink streaks - on her mouth.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46- "Bruckner came in.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48- "A tall man, - over six foot and broad...
0:19:49 > 0:19:52- "..with student duelling scars - on his face.
0:19:52 > 0:19:54- "I put him at about forty.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56- "He said the body could be moved.
0:19:56 > 0:20:00- "He and the undertakers - had arranged everything.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02- "There would be no inquest."
0:20:02 > 0:20:08- Idris suggests that Bruckner wanted - to deal with the situation quickly.
0:20:08 > 0:20:14- Was it to protect his reputation - or to conceal foul play?
0:20:14 > 0:20:19- The official verdict was suicide - as a result of gas poisoning.
0:20:19 > 0:20:23- But if that was the - obvious explanation for her death...
0:20:24 > 0:20:27- ..why was there never an inquest?
0:20:28 > 0:20:32- Gerda Sommer's unfortunate death...
0:20:33 > 0:20:38- ..was problematic for Bruckner - for two reasons.
0:20:39 > 0:20:44- First, - he was engaged to Sophie Stork...
0:20:44 > 0:20:46- ..a close friend of Eva Braun...
0:20:46 > 0:20:51- ..and very much a part of Hitler's - inner circle in the Berghof.
0:20:53 > 0:20:58- Bruckner would have - rightly feared Hitler.
0:20:58 > 0:21:03- Such a breach of trust towards - Sophie Stork was unacceptable.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08- The second reason - was a more pressing issue.
0:21:08 > 0:21:13- The tension between Hitler and - the leader of the SA, Ernst Rohm...
0:21:13 > 0:21:15- ..was at fever pitch.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20- It wasn't the best time to fall out - of favour with the Fuhrer.
0:21:24 > 0:21:31- The plan to assassinate Ernst Rohm - was already in motion.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36- In June 1934...
0:21:36 > 0:21:39- ..Hermann Goering - and Joseph Goebbels...
0:21:39 > 0:21:44- ..had compiled a list - of people close to Ernst Rohm...
0:21:44 > 0:21:48- ..who would be killed.
0:21:48 > 0:21:52- It was a death list.
0:21:52 > 0:21:57- Bruckner was in - a very precarious situation...
0:21:58 > 0:22:03- ..and a private scandal of this - measure would be extremely damaging.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07- Against this turbulent backdrop...
0:22:07 > 0:22:12- ..Idris and the Sommers would - struggle to uncover the truth...
0:22:12 > 0:22:15- ..about Gerda's death.
0:22:17 > 0:22:18- .
0:22:19 > 0:22:19- Subtitles
0:22:19 > 0:22:21- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:22:29 > 0:22:33- There was no time to dwell - on their daughter's death...
0:22:33 > 0:22:37- ..or Bruckner's eagerness - to dispose of her body...
0:22:37 > 0:22:41- ..because Fritz and Anny - had to organize her burial.
0:22:41 > 0:22:46- The official verdict was suicide, - but Gerda was a Catholic...
0:22:46 > 0:22:49- ..and this presented them - with a problem.
0:22:49 > 0:22:54- In the Roman Catholic Church, - suicide is considered a mortal sin.
0:22:54 > 0:22:58- It's a violation of the commandment - "Thou shalt not kill."
0:22:58 > 0:23:04- An added source of grief for Anny, - who was also a Catholic...
0:23:04 > 0:23:10- ..was the thought that her daughter - could be denied a Christian burial.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20- And so, on the morning - of Saturday 9 June...
0:23:21 > 0:23:25- ..Gerda's mother and grandmother, - Frau Scheffels...
0:23:25 > 0:23:29- ..came to this church to plead - with their priest, Father Milz.
0:23:33 > 0:23:35- After the devastation - of World War II...
0:23:36 > 0:23:41- ..does a record of that sad meeting - still exist?
0:23:41 > 0:23:43- Now then.
0:23:58 > 0:24:00- Nothing.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08- Oh, goodness.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16- I don't understand that.
0:24:19 > 0:24:21- Good heavens!
0:24:23 > 0:24:26- In the middle of this ledger...
0:24:26 > 0:24:31- ..a child has drawn a picture - of a massive tank.
0:24:32 > 0:24:34- A large German tank.
0:24:34 > 0:24:40- There is a story that a tank - actually defended this church.
0:24:50 > 0:24:52- Right then.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55- What do we have - in this other ledger?
0:25:03 > 0:25:07- March 1934.
0:25:07 > 0:25:09- May.
0:25:10 > 0:25:12- June.
0:25:13 > 0:25:15- Here it is.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17- This is it.
0:25:19 > 0:25:23- Gerda Sommer, 7 June 1934.
0:25:23 > 0:25:25- The date of her death.
0:25:25 > 0:25:29- The date of her funeral - which was 12 June.
0:25:30 > 0:25:34- What does it say - about the cause of death?
0:25:34 > 0:25:37- "Unglucksfall. Gasvergiftung."
0:25:37 > 0:25:40- An accident and not suicide.
0:25:41 > 0:25:44- An accident and not suicide.
0:25:44 > 0:25:48- Why the discrepancy? Was it an act - of compassion by Father Milz?
0:25:49 > 0:25:53- The relationship between - a priest and his parishioners...
0:25:53 > 0:25:56- ..was very different - to what it is today.
0:25:57 > 0:26:00- It was much, much closer.
0:26:02 > 0:26:06- It is essential - for every priest to remember...
0:26:06 > 0:26:11- ..that the individuals involved - must remain central.
0:26:12 > 0:26:15- His or her situation is important.
0:26:16 > 0:26:18- I also think that Father Milz...
0:26:19 > 0:26:23- ..who spent many years - as a priest at St Ludwig's Church...
0:26:24 > 0:26:29- ..had a good understanding of the - political developments in Berlin.
0:26:30 > 0:26:35- The fact that he gave - a Christian burial...
0:26:35 > 0:26:38- ..to someone - who may have committed suicide...
0:26:38 > 0:26:40- ..gives a clear signal...
0:26:41 > 0:26:46- ..of his beliefs - and those of his church.
0:26:50 > 0:26:56- Persuading Father Milz wasn't - the only hurdle the Sommers faced.
0:26:56 > 0:27:00- "Frau Sommer told me - how short of money they were.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03- "They had drawn - Fritz's monthly salary...
0:27:04 > 0:27:08- "..and were obliged to get a bank - loan to meet the funeral expenses.
0:27:08 > 0:27:13- "I naturally offered to do - anything I could to help them."
0:27:18 > 0:27:23- I often feel that Idris - was closer to Anny than to Gerda.
0:27:23 > 0:27:29- In his diary, it's Anny rather - than Gerda who gets his attention.
0:27:29 > 0:27:33- Did Anny take the place - of the mother he lost as a child?
0:27:37 > 0:27:41- Gerda was the last - of the Sommer family.
0:27:41 > 0:27:44- I've come - to the Stahnsdorf Cemetery...
0:27:44 > 0:27:48- ..to see if there is any record - of her burial.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52- This is the record card - from the file.
0:27:52 > 0:27:56- It says 7 June, date of death. - 12 June, date of funeral.
0:27:56 > 0:27:59- Does it say where she was buried?
0:28:03 > 0:28:08- Despite borrowing money, the Sommers - still couldn't afford a gravestone.
0:28:09 > 0:28:13- This sheds some doubt - on the exact location of the grave.
0:28:14 > 0:28:17- This is the burial record.
0:28:18 > 0:28:20- It's for Gerda Sommer.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23- There's a lot of details - about the cost...
0:28:24 > 0:28:26- ..and the cause of death - is also noted.
0:28:26 > 0:28:28- It's really expensive.
0:28:28 > 0:28:29- It's really expensive.- - It is expensive.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33- It was 234 Reichsmarks.
0:28:34 > 0:28:36- That was a lot of money.
0:28:36 > 0:28:40- This is what a worker would earn - in a month.
0:28:40 > 0:28:43- Earn in a month. Right, right.
0:28:44 > 0:28:50- Gerda's body lay in the crypt - of this chapel for four days.
0:28:50 > 0:28:54- Very little has changed - since those days.
0:29:07 > 0:29:09- "Saturday, 9 June.
0:29:09 > 0:29:14- "We went to Stahnsdorf and - chose a place for Gerda's burial...
0:29:14 > 0:29:16- "..and saw her again afterwards.
0:29:16 > 0:29:20- "She was properly laid out - and looked much better.
0:29:21 > 0:29:23- "White and peaceful."
0:29:35 > 0:29:37- This is the very room...
0:29:37 > 0:29:41- ..where Fritz and Anny - viewed the body of their only child.
0:29:41 > 0:29:44- It's the worst nightmare - of any parent.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47- An experience - Idris's own parents endured...
0:29:48 > 0:29:51- ..when they lost - their eldest daughter, Alys.
0:29:51 > 0:29:55- But it was very different - for Fritz and Anny.
0:29:55 > 0:29:58- They suspected murder.
0:30:03 > 0:30:06- With these suspicions in the air...
0:30:06 > 0:30:10- ..Idris and the Sommers - gathered at Stahnsdorf on 12 June...
0:30:10 > 0:30:12- ..for the funeral.
0:30:21 > 0:30:23- It was a small, private funeral...
0:30:23 > 0:30:27- ..with only family - and close friends in attendance.
0:30:28 > 0:30:30- And Bruckner?
0:30:30 > 0:30:33- Idris wrote...
0:30:33 > 0:30:35- "Bruckner did not attend...
0:30:35 > 0:30:39- "..but sent an SS officer - as his representative...
0:30:39 > 0:30:41- "..with a wreath."
0:31:02 > 0:31:07- "Come unto me, all ye that are heavy - laden, and I will give you rest."
0:31:09 > 0:31:10- .
0:31:12 > 0:31:12- Subtitles
0:31:12 > 0:31:14- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:31:15 > 0:31:19- Back in Berlin, the Sommers - set their sights on Bruckner.
0:31:19 > 0:31:24- They wanted an explanation - for their daughter's death.
0:31:26 > 0:31:31- This is Albrecht-Achilles-Strasse - in the west of the city.
0:31:31 > 0:31:34- According to the church records...
0:31:34 > 0:31:38- ..they found Gerda's body - at number five.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55- This is Albrecht-Achilles-Strasse.
0:31:55 > 0:31:59- But is this the building that - Idris raced to on that morning...
0:32:00 > 0:32:02- ..where he saw Gerda's corpse - on the bed?
0:32:03 > 0:32:04- I'm not sure.
0:32:07 > 0:32:11- Is this the actual building - where Gerda died?
0:32:18 > 0:32:19- This isn't the house.
0:32:20 > 0:32:23- It's the right street - but the numbers have changed.
0:32:24 > 0:32:29- It's quite common in Berlin, - especially after World War II.
0:32:29 > 0:32:33- We can look at the photographs...
0:32:33 > 0:32:36- ..that were taken after the war.
0:32:36 > 0:32:38- This was number five.
0:32:39 > 0:32:41- Yes, that is number five.
0:32:41 > 0:32:47- We can see that the entire building - was demolished in the early 1950s.
0:32:49 > 0:32:52- So much of the past - has been destroyed.
0:32:52 > 0:32:58- Only one faded photograph remains - of the place where Gerda died.
0:33:00 > 0:33:02- But what else has Michael found?
0:33:03 > 0:33:09- We have found the police records - of the case.
0:33:10 > 0:33:13- On 8 June, - the police in Schoeneberg...
0:33:14 > 0:33:17- ..noted that Gerda Sommer - had been found on 7 June.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21- On 7 June 1934.
0:33:22 > 0:33:27- It's interesting as it suggests - the existence of another document...
0:33:27 > 0:33:29- ..in the state attorney's files.
0:33:29 > 0:33:34- This is the file - of the prosecution authorities.
0:33:34 > 0:33:37- This is where we find Gerda Sommer.
0:33:39 > 0:33:41- Here she is.
0:33:41 > 0:33:43- File 189.
0:33:43 > 0:33:44- File 189.- - Correct.
0:33:44 > 0:33:50- Some action was taken. We don't have - the documents. They were destroyed.
0:33:54 > 0:33:57- Is this significant?
0:33:57 > 0:33:59- It's impossible to say.
0:33:59 > 0:34:01- But there is another mystery.
0:34:02 > 0:34:03- According to the diary...
0:34:04 > 0:34:07- ..24 hours passed - between the discovery of her body...
0:34:08 > 0:34:10- ..and any contact with the family.
0:34:10 > 0:34:16- A day for the corpse to lie in the - heat of the scorching Berlin summer.
0:34:16 > 0:34:20- The morning after the funeral, - Idris wrote...
0:34:20 > 0:34:24- "Fritz told me - of their suspicions of foul play...
0:34:24 > 0:34:28- "..and of their wish for an - investigation and a proper inquest.
0:34:29 > 0:34:31- "I felt it was - none of my business...
0:34:31 > 0:34:35- "..but at the same time, - I cautioned him to be careful.
0:34:35 > 0:34:40- "An investigation could give rise to - insinuations about Gerda's life...
0:34:41 > 0:34:45- "..and her behaviour in recent weeks - that might cause her parents pain...
0:34:45 > 0:34:48- "..and reveal - what might best lie hidden."
0:34:48 > 0:34:51- Idris clearly cared deeply - for the Sommers.
0:34:52 > 0:34:55- But was there a basis - to their suspicions?
0:34:56 > 0:34:58- If we look at the facts...
0:34:58 > 0:35:04- ..it's possible to argue that - Gerda Sommer did not kill herself.
0:35:05 > 0:35:11- The fact that the corpse - was left to lie for 24 hours...
0:35:11 > 0:35:14- ..before calling the police...
0:35:15 > 0:35:19- ..or informing the family...
0:35:19 > 0:35:24- ..certainly suggests that someone - was trying to hide something.
0:35:25 > 0:35:27- According to Idris's diary...
0:35:27 > 0:35:32- ..Bruckner was summoned - to Hitler's HQ at 2.00am on 7 June.
0:35:32 > 0:35:37- He left Gerda in his apartment with - his maid, Erika, and her mother.
0:35:37 > 0:35:43- Bruckner returned later that morning - and discovered Gerda's body.
0:35:43 > 0:35:49- But why did Bruckner return - to the office at such a late hour?
0:35:49 > 0:35:52- There could be many reasons.
0:35:52 > 0:35:58- It is a well-known fact that Hitler - kept very irregular hours...
0:35:58 > 0:36:00- ..and often worked day and night.
0:36:02 > 0:36:08- It's perfectly plausible that - Bruckner was called to a meeting...
0:36:08 > 0:36:13- ..in the Reich Chancellery - in the early hours.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16- It was an incredibly tense month.
0:36:16 > 0:36:22- Plans to kill leading SA figures - and Ernst Rohm were in motion.
0:36:22 > 0:36:28- It was not a good time to be caught - having an affair with a young woman.
0:36:28 > 0:36:34- The diary states that Bruckner - was reluctant to allow Gerda...
0:36:35 > 0:36:38- ..to spend the night - in his apartment.
0:36:39 > 0:36:44- It's possible that he was trying - to end the relationship.
0:36:45 > 0:36:50- He had a room of his own - at the Reich Chancellery.
0:36:50 > 0:36:56- It's possible that he stayed there - as opposed to staying with Gerda.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00- The Sommers wanted to know - who was responsible.
0:37:01 > 0:37:03- Was the maid jealous of Gerda?
0:37:03 > 0:37:05- Or was it Dr Widtmann...
0:37:05 > 0:37:10- ..who had access to Bruckner's - apartment via an adjoining door?
0:37:11 > 0:37:12- Or Bruckner himself?
0:37:13 > 0:37:16- New evidence - fuelled their suspicions.
0:37:16 > 0:37:21- "Frau Sommer had talked to the - firemen who were first to be called.
0:37:21 > 0:37:25- "They told her that Gerda - had blue marks on her throat."
0:37:26 > 0:37:28- Is it further evidence - against Bruckner?
0:37:29 > 0:37:30- During that hot summer...
0:37:31 > 0:37:35- ..Fritz and Anny waited for him to - answer their requests for a meeting.
0:37:36 > 0:37:40- But all they had - were broken promises and silence.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43- It came as no surprise to Idris.
0:37:46 > 0:37:50- "My feeling is that he will not - countenance any investigation...
0:37:50 > 0:37:54- "..but will see - that everything is kept quiet...
0:37:54 > 0:37:57- "..for the sake - of his own reputation."
0:37:59 > 0:38:03- The aeroplane carrying Herr Hitler - comes to rest at Venice.
0:38:04 > 0:38:08- On 14 June, - two days after Gerda's funeral...
0:38:08 > 0:38:11- ..Bruckner travelled to Italy - with Hitler.
0:38:11 > 0:38:14- Was it the planning - of this state visit...
0:38:15 > 0:38:20- ..that called him back to the office - on the night that Gerda died?
0:38:20 > 0:38:23- The Sommers - were desperate for answers.
0:38:23 > 0:38:29- Bruckner finally agreed - to meet with them on 27 June.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32- But when the day arrived, - he was nowhere to be found.
0:38:33 > 0:38:38- He was making preparations with - Hitler to arrest the SA leaders.
0:38:39 > 0:38:41- Over the following three days...
0:38:41 > 0:38:45- ..over 200 members, including - Ernst Rohm, were massacred.
0:38:46 > 0:38:49- This became known - as the Night of the Long Knives.
0:38:52 > 0:38:55- It sent shock waves - around the world...
0:38:56 > 0:39:00- ..despite the regime's attempts - to put a spin on it.
0:39:05 > 0:39:09- The Fuhrer - has punished the guilty...
0:39:09 > 0:39:14- ..and our relationship with the SA - is once again as it was.
0:39:15 > 0:39:19- This was a turning point - in the history of Germany.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22- There was no going back - from this moment...
0:39:23 > 0:39:28- ..and the Sommers lost all hope - in their search for answers.
0:39:29 > 0:39:31- "Later, I visited the Sommers.
0:39:31 > 0:39:35- "Both are upset over events, - especially Frau Sommer...
0:39:35 > 0:39:39- "..who is worried that Gerda - was mixing with people in the SA...
0:39:40 > 0:39:44- "..and who, like Bruckner, - were part of the massacres...
0:39:44 > 0:39:48- "..and has a dread of what - may happen if they go too far...
0:39:48 > 0:39:52- "..in the request for investigations - into how Gerda died.
0:39:52 > 0:39:58- "Both have lost faith in the - Socialist Party and the government.
0:39:58 > 0:40:02- "Fritz went as far as - to despair of Germany altogether."
0:40:09 > 0:40:11- The warden of Stahnsdorf Cemetery - and I...
0:40:12 > 0:40:17- ..have come to find where Gerda - was buried in this massive cemetery.
0:40:17 > 0:40:23- This is where my uncle stood with - Gerda's family eight decades ago.
0:40:26 > 0:40:29- Do you think - it's around here somewhere?
0:40:30 > 0:40:34- Are you saying - that you are looking for grave 188?
0:40:34 > 0:40:37- She is in 176.
0:40:37 > 0:40:39- Do you think that may be 188?
0:40:39 > 0:40:41- Do you think that may be 188?- - Yes, I think so.
0:40:41 > 0:40:42- Let's see.
0:40:43 > 0:40:45- We can check with the name.
0:40:50 > 0:40:53- Yes, that's correct.
0:40:53 > 0:40:55- Wassil Babamoff.
0:40:57 > 0:41:01- And we can try - to take the difference...
0:41:01 > 0:41:04- ..between this grave - and this place here.
0:41:04 > 0:41:06- So we'll measure that.
0:41:06 > 0:41:09- We have to take three metres.
0:41:09 > 0:41:11- A little bit more.
0:41:11 > 0:41:16- We know that Gerda's grave - would be to the left of grave 188.
0:41:17 > 0:41:18- Yes, to the left.
0:41:18 > 0:41:19- Yes, to the left.- - This area here.
0:41:20 > 0:41:22- There's a place for Gerda Sommer.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25- And in fact there's a slight dip - in the ground.
0:41:26 > 0:41:28- This is a typical sign.
0:41:28 > 0:41:31- There was a coffin under the ground.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34- After a long time, - it's deeper in the area.
0:41:34 > 0:41:35- It's a real find.
0:41:35 > 0:41:38- It's the place for Gerda Sommer.
0:41:38 > 0:41:41- That is amazing that we found it.
0:41:41 > 0:41:45- We wouldn't have found it - without you.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48- It's a very special moment.
0:41:48 > 0:41:50- Thank you.
0:41:50 > 0:41:52- You're welcome.
0:42:04 > 0:42:09- It's incredibly sad to think - of Gerda laid here all alone.
0:42:09 > 0:42:12- There is no gravestone.
0:42:12 > 0:42:15- The family couldn't afford one.
0:42:16 > 0:42:21- This means that the diary - is her only memorial.
0:42:42 > 0:42:44- Gerda was the last of the Sommers...
0:42:44 > 0:42:49- ..but I've tracked down descendants - of Anny's sister, Frau von Furich.
0:42:50 > 0:42:56- She was in Stahnsdorf on the day - of the funeral with her son, Heinz.
0:42:56 > 0:43:00- I'm in Ulm in southern Germany - to meet Heinz's children...
0:43:00 > 0:43:03- ..Helga and Klaus-Dieter von Furich.
0:43:03 > 0:43:05- Thank you so much.
0:43:05 > 0:43:06- I'm very afraid. Please come in.
0:43:06 > 0:43:09- I'm very afraid. Please come in.- - Thank you very much.
0:43:12 > 0:43:17- We have here a photograph...
0:43:17 > 0:43:23- ..of Fritz, Anny Sommer, - Frau Scheffles.
0:43:23 > 0:43:24- Is that your...?
0:43:24 > 0:43:26- Is that your...?- - She's my great grandmother.
0:43:26 > 0:43:30- And there's Gerda Sommer - and my uncle, Idris.
0:43:30 > 0:43:35- There's the whole family at home - in Wurttembergische Strasse.
0:43:36 > 0:43:38- It's lovely. We have a picture too.
0:43:38 > 0:43:40- It's lovely. We have a picture too.- - It's Gerda.
0:43:40 > 0:43:41- This is Gerda.
0:43:41 > 0:43:43- This is Gerda.- - Yes, it's Gerda.
0:43:43 > 0:43:47- Look at it. - That's exactly the same face.
0:43:47 > 0:43:50- You knew about the story of Gerda.
0:43:50 > 0:43:53- Yes, I did.
0:43:53 > 0:43:59- I spent a year in Berlin and visited - my great grandmother and Anny.
0:44:00 > 0:44:02- That was in 1964.
0:44:02 > 0:44:07- They told me the stories - but I don't remember them very well.
0:44:08 > 0:44:14- They told me that Gerda was friendly - with one of Hitler's adjutants...
0:44:14 > 0:44:18- ..or they were having a relationship - but nobody was sure.
0:44:18 > 0:44:23- What did Anny Sommer believe - really happened to Gerda?
0:44:24 > 0:44:29- She was convinced - that Gerda did not commit suicide.
0:44:29 > 0:44:30- That was certain.
0:44:31 > 0:44:38- She put it down - to Hitler's machinations.
0:44:38 > 0:44:42- She believed that Gerda - had discovered a secret plot.
0:44:42 > 0:44:45- That is why - they had to get rid of her.
0:44:45 > 0:44:48- The other thing we have here...
0:44:48 > 0:44:53- ..is a menu card - from the Palais Am Zoo...
0:44:53 > 0:44:55- ..from Christmas 1933.
0:44:55 > 0:44:59- It was a family gathering - and everybody has signed it.
0:44:59 > 0:45:01- Oh, that's interesting.
0:45:02 > 0:45:04- That is Frau Scheffels.
0:45:04 > 0:45:06- Gerda Sommer.
0:45:06 > 0:45:07- Fritz Sommer.
0:45:07 > 0:45:09- Frau Anny Sommer.
0:45:09 > 0:45:13- Frau Clara von Furich, - who was my great grandmother.
0:45:13 > 0:45:17- And this is my father, - Heinz von Furich.
0:45:18 > 0:45:22- It was a very happy time - for the family.
0:45:23 > 0:45:24- Yes, I believe so.
0:45:24 > 0:45:29- Unfortunately, - 1934 was a more difficult year.
0:45:29 > 0:45:30- It's so interesting.
0:45:31 > 0:45:33- Everyone gathered for Christmas.
0:45:35 > 0:45:39- It's beautiful and brings back - many happy memories.
0:45:39 > 0:45:41- Thank you.
0:45:42 > 0:45:44- My uncle.
0:45:44 > 0:45:47- His mother died - when he was very young...
0:45:47 > 0:45:50- ..and his own background...
0:45:50 > 0:45:52- The family was broken.
0:45:52 > 0:45:54- Yes, OK.
0:45:54 > 0:45:58- And I think he got very close - to Fritz and Anny Sommer.
0:45:58 > 0:46:02- They were his surrogate family - during his time in Berlin.
0:46:02 > 0:46:05- That's right.
0:46:05 > 0:46:09- I think it was a very important time - in his life.
0:46:14 > 0:46:18- Why did Idris return to this diary - in his old age?
0:46:18 > 0:46:22- Does the answer - lie in his passion for history...
0:46:22 > 0:46:27- ..and his understanding of the - importance of every act of witness?
0:46:27 > 0:46:33- Or was this the one year where - he experienced a close family unit?
0:46:33 > 0:46:36- They were not without - their own problems...
0:46:36 > 0:46:39- ..but they were lively - and welcoming.
0:46:39 > 0:46:44- A family unit that escaped him - for the rest of his solitary life.
0:46:49 > 0:46:52- I'm certain of one thing.
0:46:52 > 0:46:57- The memory of his year in Berlin - never left him...
0:46:57 > 0:47:00- ..even at the end of his days.
0:47:01 > 0:47:06- On his final night in the city, - the Sommers gave Idris a book.
0:47:06 > 0:47:08- Inside the cover...
0:47:08 > 0:47:13- ..Fritz had written a quote from the - work of the German author, Goethe.
0:47:15 > 0:47:20- "If one thinks of it only in terms - of mountains, rivers and cities...
0:47:20 > 0:47:23- "..then the world - is such a desolate place.
0:47:23 > 0:47:26- "But as soon as we meet someone...
0:47:26 > 0:47:29- "..who is sympathetic - to our way of thinking...
0:47:30 > 0:47:32- "..with whom we can commune - in silence...
0:47:33 > 0:47:38- "..the desolate globe is transformed - into an inhabited paradise."
0:47:44 > 0:47:50- Fritz Sommer died in the Dresdner - Bank when Berlin was bombed in 1945.
0:47:50 > 0:47:56- Anny Sommer survived the war - and died in Berlin in 1971.
0:48:00 > 0:48:03- Bruckner married an 18-year-old girl - in 1937.
0:48:04 > 0:48:10- He was loyal to Hitler until his - dismissal in 1940 and died in 1954.
0:48:14 > 0:48:17- Idris served in North Africa - during World War II.
0:48:18 > 0:48:24- He returned to Barclays Bank - in London and died aged 94 in 2000.
0:48:47 > 0:48:49- S4C Subtitles by Tinopolis
0:48:49 > 0:48:49- .