Page 3 - The Diary of A. H. W. Behrens

Introducing the Diary of A.H.W. Behrens
I found this diary amongst the Theo Behrens archives in July 2020. A. H. Wilhelm Behrens is my great grandfather. In his diary he expresses the hope that his grandson, Theo, will be interested in his story. Thankfully, the diary found its way to his intended recipient.
As I am growing older, the need to understand my family history grows. We can only know who we are if we know where we came from. It is also easier to understand how our parents raised us if we know where they came from and how they grew up. Us Behrens siblings found wonderful stories about our father after his death. Although he told us many stories, I am sad that I missed the opportunity to remain curious when
he was still alive. It should be a lesson for all parents and children. Parents should tell their children the stories of their lives and children must remain curious and keep asking questions. It enriches lives.
After my father’s death in 2011, my next injection about the Behrens history came in 2012, when my brother, Dewald, sent us pictures from the missionary museum in Hermannsburg, Germany. Soon thereafter the two of us were given the opportunity to contribute to the English translation of Dr Bammann’s epic work on the birth
and rise of the Bethanie community1 where Behrens (snr) and Behrens (jnr) feature prominently. This diary is that of Behrens (jnr).
This diary is a refreshing addition to my ability to share Behrens stories with my children and grandchildren.
I started reading the diary with my smattering of German and when I came to the story of the mamba and the Zulu procession, I knew that I had to have it translated. I was extremely excited but also a little fearful about what I would find. The diary spans the Anglo/Boer War and the First World War and ends well into the Second World War. What would I find? I decided to proceed; however, I would manage circulation after considering the final translated result.
1 The Bakwena ba Mogopa of Bethanie – Heinrich Bammann. Ludwig-Harms-Haus GmbH, Hermannsburg, Germany, 2015. ISBN 978 3 937301 97 2.