Friedrich Otto Bittrich

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Friedrich Otto Bittrich was a distinguished German travel writer, filmmaker, and adventurer, known for his extensive auto-expeditions and the captivating documentation of his travels. Born in Wanfried in 1898, Bittrich’s passion for exploration and storytelling left a significant mark on the world of travel literature and documentary filmmaking.

Early Life and Career Bittrich's adventurous spirit was evident early on. His experiences as a Russian prisoner of war during World War I were detailed in his first published work:

"35 Monate im Reiche der Knute. Leiden und Abenteuer eines russischen Kriegsgefangenen" (35 Months in the Realm of the Knout: Sufferings and Adventures of a Russian Prisoner of War) - Berlin-Pankow, 1920. This book chronicles his harrowing experiences and adventures as a war prisoner.

Literary Works Bittrich authored several influential travel books, capturing his journeys and the cultures he encountered. Notable among these are:

• "Ägypten und Libyen" (Egypt and Libya) - Berlin: Safari-Verlag, 1953, a detailed 293-page exploration of North African regions.
• "Rund um Arabien" (Around Arabia) - Berlin: Safari-Verlag, 1948, providing a comprehensive look at Arabian lands.
• "Orient ohne Schleier. Mit 20 PS auf Umwegen zum Persischen Golf" (Orient without Veil: With 20 HP on Detours to the Persian Gulf) - This book documents his journey to Iran with his wife, a Leica camera, and a DKW car, featuring both his writings and photographs.

Filmography Bittrich’s passion for travel extended to filmmaking. He produced several films documenting his adventurous expeditions:

• "Moderne Globetrotter" (1953)
• "Inschallah. Mit 20 PS von Berlin durch den Orient nach Bombay" (1938/1939) - chronicling a journey from Berlin through the Orient to Bombay.
• "Vom Kamerunberg nach Groß-Friedrichsburg" (1937)
• "An den Ufern des Niger" (1937)
• "Rund um den Kamerunberg" (1937) - A 25-minute educational film produced in 1933 and recognized as "volksbildend" (popular education) and a "Lehrfilm" (educational film) in 1937. The film consists of two parts: the first part presents the village of Victoria, showing scenes such as African girls being taught by a white teacher at the Basel Mission. The second part illustrates a car journey to the areas around Mount Cameroon, showcasing how German planters cleared land for new plantations and introducing various colonial crops. Additionally, some scenes depict the traditional lifestyle of the indigenous population away from larger villages.
• "Großfriedrichsburg, des Großen Kurfürsten Kolonie" (1937)
• "Mit einem D.K.W. Reichsklasse durch die Wüste Sahara" (1936)
• "... und rollen durch den Wüstensand" (1936)

Auto-Expeditions and Lectures Bittrich undertook several auto-expeditions, which he meticulously documented through his films. These journeys were not just about exploration; they were also a means to finance his travels. Bittrich would often give lectures about his adventures, sharing his experiences and showcasing his films to captivated audiences. This combination of on-the-ground exploration and engaging storytelling helped him fund further expeditions and brought the wonders of distant lands to a broader audience.

Contributions to the DKW Community During the years 1950 to 1965, many DKW clubs were established across Germany. Recognizing the importance of fostering a sense of community among DKW owners and enthusiasts, the Auto Union GmbH established a DKW Club Support Department based in Düsseldorf. In 1953, Bittrich took over this department, leveraging his organizational skills and passion for automobiles to support and grow the DKW club network throughout Germany

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