Page 25

Willi is about 19 here

Wilhelmshafen

A difficult job at a Wilhelmshaven salon, a suspected fiddle at the till, and Willi's notice, c. 1925

Diary page 25

Translated from Willi's German.

...work. It soon turned out that I was dealing with a most nervous, though capable, boss. His conduct in the shop was beyond all description. I would gladly have given notice; the boss talked me round, and I stuck it out another eight days. During those eight days he was bearable enough, but he put me more into the men's salon. I realised that if I stayed I would not get much further in my trade, and that my prospects would be wrecked. So I gave notice after fourteen days, and was now to stay another fourteen. The wife, snappish beyond compare, did nothing to make life pleasant either. It was on the Saturday after my notice that I believed I had noticed tips being held back at the till. An earlier conversation in the workroom confirmed it and made me all the more certain. Ill luck now had it that shortly after eight o'clock someone wanted a haircut. I only did shaving and the children's lice. But the wife had got wind of the matter and told the boss. He finished with the customer, and the row was on. When he told me he would not have expected that of me, I burst out with everything. The boss avoided clearing it up, and the staff were questioned. I myself saw to it that all of it fell on me, and I would, for...

People: Willi Distel

Places: Wilhelmshaven

Interesting facts