Henry Koptev-Gomolov

Henry Koptev-Gomolov

Love story

Content:
  1. A Forgotten Love: The Untold Story of a German-Russian Romance
  2. A Stolen Romance
  3. War's Cruel Separation
  4. A Hidden Daughter
  5. Henry's New Life
  6. A Long-Lost Connection
  7. The Phone Call
  8. A Daughter's Search
  9. A Visit Amidst Adversity
  10. A Love That Endures

A Forgotten Love: The Untold Story of a German-Russian Romance

The Meeting

Amidst the rubble of post-war Germany, a forbidden love blossomed between Soviet soldier Henry Koptev-Gomolov and German factory worker Erna Reuel. Despite the barriers of language and nationality, their hearts were drawn to each other through the shared experience of war.

A Stolen Romance

Their secret affair unfolded amidst the ruins of Längenbilau, where Erna's family welcomed Henry as a savior. However, the shadow of war cast its relentless grip, and the couple knew that their love was destined to endure only as a cherished memory.

War's Cruel Separation

In April 1945, Silesia was ceded to Poland, forcing all German residents, including Erna and her family, to leave their homes. The hasty farewell was filled with tears and whispers of an undisclosed secret. Unbeknownst to Henry, Erna had given birth to their daughter, Rosa-Maria, six months after their separation.

A Hidden Daughter

For fear of retribution, Erna concealed Rosa-Maria's true parentage from her daughter, the world, and even herself. Seeking solace, she remarried and left the child in her mother's care.

Henry's New Life

Meanwhile, Henry moved on with his life, pursuing a career as a military actor in Moscow. He met and married Vera, a Russian woman who filled the void left by Erna. Together, they had three children.

A Long-Lost Connection

Years later, Henry traveled to Cologne on business, where he reconnected with his forgotten German friend, Conrad Schauff. Conrad urged Henry to seek out Erna, and with his help, a newspaper advertisement was placed.

The Phone Call

Months later, a phone call from Germany reached Henry and Vera's apartment. It was Rosa-Maria, who had finally found her father. However, despite their newfound connection, they chose not to meet, respecting the lives they had built apart.

A Daughter's Search

Rosa-Maria continued to reach out to Henry, eager to know her father and embrace her heritage. The bureaucratic barriers of the Cold War and financial constraints prevented her from visiting Russia, leaving Henry with an unfulfilled longing to meet his German grandchildren.

A Visit Amidst Adversity

In their only encounter, Rosa-Maria visited her father's home in Balashikha. Despite the humble exterior of the building, the emotional reunion was overwhelming. As Rosa-Maria wept tears of joy, Henry realized the true meaning of family.

A Love That Endures

The love between Henry and Erna remained a distant memory, overshadowed by the passage of time and the complexities of their lives. Henry's unwavering love for Vera and Erna's commitment to her new family served as a testament to the enduring nature of their wartime romance, forever etched in the annals of their hearts.

© BIOGRAPHS