Lutz developed for himself a kind of double-sided life. He anglicized his German name Lutz Lichtheim to Louis Layton. Out of piety and in remembrance of his father, he added his father’s Jewish name; hence his official name has now become: Louis Simon Layton.
From 1941 to 1946 he volunteered in the Australian army. In remembrance of his parents and his brother he wanted to lead an honorable life, in accordance with the way he had been brought up: to study and live an honest and laborious life. He completed his School Leaving Certificate, enrolled in university and succeeded in obtaining his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering.
The remembrance of his father greatly influenced the direction of his studies; his father whom they accused of polluting the waters – the Jew together with his Jewish children – after all he had done for the improvement of water and environment… Many years later it was his son who was awarded the “Certificate of Engineer Water Supply (VIC)”.
Lutz also devoted himself to the protection of the environment. Thanks to his endeavor, the “International Union for Clean Air” air was eventually founded in Australia. He was relentless in his commitment to improving water supply systems as well as the protection of water quality and underground water – indispensable for future water supply. Due to his remarkable deeds in this field and in other Environmental Programs, he was the first to receive an award for these activities. It was in 1975 that former Ludwig Lichtheim, now Louis Simon Layton – in his fifties – was awarded this Medal of Honor.
However, after this climax and with increasing age, memories of the terrible events came back to him; the recollection of his brother weighed heavily on his heart. Walter was the one to accompany the “Kindertransport” that brought Lutz to safety; however, he himself did not want to abandon his mother and returned to Germany, to the “dungeon of the dragon”.
The awareness of the fact that these special people, who had meant so much to him, were tormented and murdered in such an inhumane way – marred and darkened the last depressing years of his life. With his lonely death, the saga of a single family from Germany – honest, intelligent, refined, talented and beloved – has come to an end.
The light of a Jewish family was extinguished.
The Lichtheims were the only Jews in the apartment building in Palmaille 25. As a child, pupil and neighbor, Werner Flocken witnessed the events going on in Palmaille 25, one floor above. Although the questions he asked his parents went unanswered, they did not let go of him. He started looking for traces, and in his search leading from Altona to America, he found Peter Tikotin, one of Lutz-Louis’ mates of fate. The traces were followed up, documents were researched, interviews were held and the fate of the Lichtheim family – although unchangeable – took shape. The final destruction of the Lichtheim family has been sealed – their light has been extinguished.
Yet Werner Flocken’s diligence and commitment made it possible to honor the traces of remembrance, to lay “stumbling blocks” in front of their former house, and to light a memorial candle. May their memory be a blessing …
 Back |
 Next – Fotoalbum |