I am the half-brother of Edelgard's deceased husband, Robert Edward Whalley. I knew her not long after their marriage, and visited them in Dover in 1953, when their son, Rupert, was a baby. I know that in the early days they had some very happy times together, until tragedy struck.
Edelgard was from Hannover, and after her marriage wanted to settle in England, a country she loved. Even at that time, she spoke and wrote English almost perfectly. She first worked as a kindergaten teacher in private schools. Sadly, Robert's mental health broke down, and his condition gradually got worse. In the end, Edelgard was forced to flee with the baby, as it became dangerous for them to go on living with him. That is how she eventually came to live in Cornwall, where in later years she suffered the further tragedy of her son's death.
The last letter I have from her is from 1955, not long after she had left Robert. She explains her situation and the events that had led her to that step. I remember her as a warm, generous, and courageous person, who clearly made much of her life in spite of the blows that had fallen on her.
I have a few of her letters, and one or two snapshots. If Edelgard still has relatives in Germany who would like copies of these, please get in touch with me by email.
M. J. Whalley
11/05/2016
