Bernhard Carl “Bert” Trautmann’s life reads like a Hollywood script, filled with war, redemption, and sporting glory. While his prowess as a goalkeeper for Manchester City is well-known, his personal life was equally captivating. This piece sheds light on Trautmann’s romantic life, examining his relationships and marriages one by one.
From POW to Goalkeeper
Before exploring Trautmann’s love life, it’s essential to understand how this former German paratrooper became one of England’s most celebrated goalkeepers. Born on October 22, 1923, in Bremen, Germany, Trautmann grew up during the tumultuous Weimar Republic era. As a teenager, he joined the Hitler Youth and later volunteered for the Luftwaffe at 17.
Captured by British forces on March 27, 1945, Trautmann was sent to a prisoner-of-war camp near Haydock Racecourse. Initially classified as a Nazi due to his Iron Cross First Class, he was later reclassified as a non-Nazi, allowing him to work on local farms and mix with the locals. It was during this time that Trautmann’s goalkeeping career began by chance when he filled in for an injured goalkeeper during a camp football match.
Marion Greenhall: The First Love
Trautmann’s first significant relationship was with Marion Greenhall, whom he met in 1946 while still a prisoner of war. Their relationship resulted in the birth of a daughter named Freda. However, Trautmann, feeling “terrified of being trapped,” left Marion and baby Freda shortly after the birth, providing only minimal support.
This decision would haunt Trautmann for years. It wasn’t until 1990 that he reunited with his estranged daughter Freda, and in 2001, he was reintroduced to Marion. Remarkably, Marion showed forgiveness, telling him, “You did the right thing, I can’t blame you.”
Margaret Friar: Trautmann’s First Wife
Trautmann’s first marriage was to Margaret Friar, the daughter of St Helens Town manager Jack Friar. They met in the late 1940s when Trautmann was working on a farm post-war. Their love blossomed quickly, and they married in 1950.
Margaret played a crucial role in Trautmann’s early life in England, offering stability and support as he transitioned from a former German soldier to a professional footballer. The couple had three children together: John, Mark, and Stephen. Their marriage faced numerous challenges, including public criticism of Trautmann for being a former German soldier playing in England. Margaret’s unwavering support helped him overcome these challenges.
Tragedy struck in 1956, just three weeks after Trautmann’s famous FA Cup final appearance, where he played on with a broken neck. Their eldest son, John, was killed in a car accident at the age of five, placing immense strain on their marriage. Although the couple had two more sons, Stephen and Mark, they struggled to cope, and in 1971, Trautmann disappeared from home, sparking a police hunt. This incident highlighted their growing issues, and they divorced in 1972 after 22 years of marriage.
Ursula von der Heyde: The Second Wife
Following his divorce from Margaret, Trautmann found love again with Ursula von der Heyde, a German national. They married in 1974, marking a new chapter in Trautmann’s life as he returned to Germany after retiring from professional football. With Ursula, Trautmann embarked on various ventures, including opening a sports shop and working as a coach for different teams. Their shared passion for sports strengthened their bond, but their marriage was shorter than his first, lasting eight years until their divorce in 1982.
Marlis: The Third Wife
In 1986, Trautmann married for the third time, to a woman named Marlis. Together, they celebrated his legacy as a football legend. Marlis played a significant role in Trautmann’s life as he aged, offering care and support as he faced the challenges of growing older. Their love was strong, and they remained together until Trautmann’s passing in 2013. The couple had retired to Spain, where Trautmann spent his final years.
Reflections on Trautmann’s Romantic Journey
Bert Trautmann’s love life was as eventful as his football career. From his first relationship with Marion Greenhall to his enduring marriage with Marlis, each woman played a unique role in shaping his life off the pitch.
His first marriage to Margaret Friar was perhaps the most significant, coinciding with his rise to football stardom. As the first Bert Trautmann wife, Margaret weathered public criticism and personal tragedy alongside her husband, their relationship ultimately succumbing to the pressures of fame and loss. His second marriage to Ursula von der Heyde marked a return to his German roots, while his final union with Marlis provided comfort and companionship in his later years.
Trautmann’s romantic journey reflects the complexities of his life — a German soldier who became an English football icon, finding love across cultures and overcoming personal tragedies. His relationships, like his career, were marked by resilience and adaptation, bringing love and acceptance in unexpected places.
Conclusion
Bert Trautmann’s life story is not just one of sporting achievement but also of human connection. From the POW camps to the football pitch, from Germany to England and back again, Trautmann’s journey was shaped by the women who stood by his side, offering love, support, and companionship through the triumphs and tragedies of an extraordinary life.
