Object numberM2018/035
DescriptionCertificate of thanks to Miss Violet Joseph, signed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, Queen consort (later titled Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother). At the top of the document is the Royal coat of arms of The Queen Mother, followed by a personal message of gratitude to the recipient. The Queen acknowledges the kindness of Miss Joseph in opening her home to evacuee British children during the war. She states: “…you have accepted them as members of your own family, and I know that to this unselfish task you and all your household have made many great sacrifices.” The document is signed Elizabeth R – the R is for Regina, Latin for Queen.
According to the donor and Violet Joseph’s niece, Esther Doyle, the identity of the two boys is unknown. It is probable they arrived in late 1940 as part of the Churchill’s government’s push to provide safe-haven for British children of less affluent families; this fell to the newly established Children’s Overseas Reception Board (CORB) or The Overseas Children Scheme (Australian terminology). From July to October 1940, approximately 3100 children were transported to different safe zones across the Empire, including Canada, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. 577 Children made it to Australia on three separate ships from Liverpool, England. Overseas evacuations were short-lived following the loss of 77 children, killed aboard a torpedoed ship making its way to Canada. Prior to this, only families of means were able to evacuate their children across the seas to safety. The official letter however, suggests Miss Joseph was engaged in a more formal arrangement like those organised by the CORB.
Little is known about the Joseph family. Louis Joseph, the donor's Grandfather was married to Mary Symonds. They were beading manufactuers with factories in Sydney, Melbourne and Newcastle. They had five sons and two daughters.
According to the donor and Violet Joseph’s niece, Esther Doyle, the identity of the two boys is unknown. It is probable they arrived in late 1940 as part of the Churchill’s government’s push to provide safe-haven for British children of less affluent families; this fell to the newly established Children’s Overseas Reception Board (CORB) or The Overseas Children Scheme (Australian terminology). From July to October 1940, approximately 3100 children were transported to different safe zones across the Empire, including Canada, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. 577 Children made it to Australia on three separate ships from Liverpool, England. Overseas evacuations were short-lived following the loss of 77 children, killed aboard a torpedoed ship making its way to Canada. Prior to this, only families of means were able to evacuate their children across the seas to safety. The official letter however, suggests Miss Joseph was engaged in a more formal arrangement like those organised by the CORB.
Little is known about the Joseph family. Louis Joseph, the donor's Grandfather was married to Mary Symonds. They were beading manufactuers with factories in Sydney, Melbourne and Newcastle. They had five sons and two daughters.
Production date 1940 - 1943
SubjectWWII, evacuation, children, Jews and War, Jews in Australia
Object namecertificates
Dimensions
- width: 204.00 mm
height: 346.00 mm
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Esther Doyle