Interview with Michael Rich
Object numberM2026/093
TitleInterview with Michael Rich
CreatorSydney Jewish Museum (interviewed by)
DescriptionInterview with Michael Rich conducted by the Sydney Jewish Museum for the Serving Australia military exhibition.
This interview was completed in 2009 and has a running time of 32 minutes.
To access this interview, please contact collections@sjm.com.au.
Michael Rich was born 7 October, 1922, in Melbourne Australia. Michael’s parents were both from Odessa. Many relative came out around the same time so Michael grew up with a large family. His father was one of the first electricians in Australia and was so accomplished he received his license despite the fact that he couldn’t read or write.
Michael’s family was concerned about what they heard about Germany and were supportive of him joining the war effort. He first enlisted at age 16 by saying that he was 18 became a member of the 18th field brigade. On 23 February 1942 he transferred to the Air Force because he thought he could do a better job there. He was stationed at Melbourne University training civilians to become pilot officers.
Michael served in New Guinea with the 45 operation base unit. He describes going for Shabbat services with the US servicemen.
Michael was discharged 26 July to return home to his terminally ill mother.
This interview was completed in 2009 and has a running time of 32 minutes.
To access this interview, please contact collections@sjm.com.au.
Michael Rich was born 7 October, 1922, in Melbourne Australia. Michael’s parents were both from Odessa. Many relative came out around the same time so Michael grew up with a large family. His father was one of the first electricians in Australia and was so accomplished he received his license despite the fact that he couldn’t read or write.
Michael’s family was concerned about what they heard about Germany and were supportive of him joining the war effort. He first enlisted at age 16 by saying that he was 18 became a member of the 18th field brigade. On 23 February 1942 he transferred to the Air Force because he thought he could do a better job there. He was stationed at Melbourne University training civilians to become pilot officers.
Michael served in New Guinea with the 45 operation base unit. He describes going for Shabbat services with the US servicemen.
Michael was discharged 26 July to return home to his terminally ill mother.
Production placeSydney, New South Wales, Australia
Production date 2009-11-23 - 2009-11-23
Production period21st Century
SubjectJewish service, Jewish life, education, enlistment, armed forces, air forces, Judaism
Object nametestimonies
Materialdigital
Dimensions
- duration: 32.09 min
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum collection, interview with Michael Rich.
Transferred from SJM Community Stories.