Annelie was born on New Year's night, 1871 --- 15 minutes too late, for her parents had calculated that her birth would be on Midnight as the new year rang in. This 15-minute delay would turn out to be a matter of fate for the girl throughout the rest of her life. When the First World War broke out, her husband and two sons must go to the front; Annelie becomes a Red Cross nurse. When the Second World War broke out, her grandchildren must go to the front.