Gabriel 150 years - Flipbook - Page 31
February ±∫µ∂ was a month to remember – first
lowed Bartig’s lead in taking matters into their
because of the freezing weather, next due to a lack
own hands. Managing Director Folke Müller was
of water in the river and, finally, toward the end of
quick to realise that he was unwanted and return-
the month, too little fuel.
ed to Sweden a few days after liberation. But there
were others who were generally disliked, and
Managing Director Folke Müller complained
there was again trouble at Kjærs Mølle at the end
that at least ±∂ of the factory’s young girls had
of August. The workers expelled two more sala-
stolen yarn from the company. They were war-
ried employees, ostensibly for Nazi sympathies.
ned and denied the right to make employee
They were probably right in one case, but the
purchases of cloth for one year.
other man was expelled simply because he had
been too loyal to Folke Müller.
The situation almost got out of hand when
Liberation and trouble
the Communists called for the occupation of the
Denmark was liberated on µ May ±∫µ∂. At Kjærs
factory, but this request gave one of the weavers
Mølle, however, as in many other places through-
second thoughts, and he encouraged a more
out the country, long-suppressed feelings were
level-headed look at things. Bartig was later
given free rein when it came time to settle ac-
sacked, and the situation at Kjærs Mølle gradu-
counts. The Communists had played a very active
ally calmed down.
role in resisting the Germans and had won many
The liberation was also celebrated more
supporters. There were also quite a few Commu-
quietly. A bale of fine, Australian wool hidden
nists at Kjærs Mølle. One of them was engineer
away throughout the period of the occupation
Bartig, and it was he who organised the events
was brought out of hiding. The much-coveted
that occurred during the first µ to ∂ months fol-
fabric was sold to the employees who were soon
lowing liberation.
distinguishable from other citizens of Aalborg
by their high quality woollen garments: The
Anger with those who had shown German sym-
men in suits of grey and brown blends, and the
pathies was great, and, therefore, the workers fol-
women in fine coats and skirts.
1940-1945
32
