In a church in Hamburg, a plaque honors the remarkable courage of Mabel Wulff, a little-known Welsh woman whose actions during Nazi Germany are both inspiring and heroic. Originally from Newport, Mabel endured years of harassment by the Gestapo while also bravely combating fires caused by bombings in the city. According to the plaque at St Thomas à Becket Anglican Church, often referred to as “the English church,” Mabel’s efforts were crucial to saving its artwork from destruction and extinguishing flames as they broke out. Additionally, she provided refuge for those in danger.

Mabel’s grandson, Eddie Wulff, has dedicated time to uncovering her story, which he believes deserves recognition in both Newport and Hamburg. He recalls his grandmother as an impressive figure whose legacy remains largely unknown in Wales. Mabel’s journey began in Newport in 1909 when she married Max Wulff, a German sailor. They established a life together, opening a restaurant and raising two sons. However, their lives changed drastically when Max was imprisoned due to his nationality during World War I.

Eddie notes the challenges faced by Mabel and her sons amid rising anti-German sentiment. Despite pressure to divorce Max, she steadfastly refused. This hostile atmosphere persisted into the late 1940s when Eddie himself experienced similar prejudice at school. After World War II ended, Max was not allowed to return home immediately and had to wait until he could reunite with his family in Germany.

By the 1930s, Mabel had taken on the role of caretaker for the Anglican church in Hamburg. The church attracted unwanted attention from the Gestapo due to its British ties. Eddie recounts that Mabel cleverly concealed symbols of British identity under the altar while enduring constant scrutiny from Nazi officials.

Hamburg faced relentless bombing raids during the war, particularly during Operation Gomorrah in 1943. Mabel took it upon herself to safeguard valuable artworks from the church and put her safety on the line while extinguishing fires throughout the attacks. Her commitment extended further as she provided shelter for families displaced by bombings.

After the war concluded, Mabel proudly displayed a hidden Union flag as British troops entered Hamburg. Her bravery did not go unnoticed; Church of England officials acknowledged her actions in 1947 for putting herself at great risk and later awarded her a British Empire Medal in 1956.

Though she returned to Newport later in life and lived with Eddie’s family during his childhood, much of her extraordinary history remained underappreciated until recent years. Now in his 80s, Eddie reflects on how significant his grandmother’s contributions truly were.