Jakob Hansen (1898–1985)

His brothers had already been called up and were serving in the Germany army, so Jakob Hansen knew the fate that awaited him. That is why, in 1914, he fled the German mobilization troops, going north and crossing the border to Denmark. When he heard the news – the Language Society and the Election Association had convened a general meeting in Aabenraa on 17 November 1918! – he snuck back south, travelling in secret along the coastline and ultimately meeting his mother and sister in front of Folkehjem that day.

You now have two options (note: audio files in Danish only):

• Footprint Story about “the fighting son”: a dramatized interpretation of Jakob’s life around this time, and his version of events during the meeting at Folkehjem.
• Interview with Hans Jakob Hansen, who relates the events of 17 November 1918 as seen through Jacob’s eyes. The interview was conducted by the Museum of South Jutland, on behalf of Aabenraa Municipality.