Object numberM2019/016:014
DescriptionLetter, two pages, from Private Walter Kantorowicz of 8th Employment Company, Melbourne to Lothar Markiewicz in England, 27 June 1943.
Walter writes that he is delighted to hear that Lothar has become a teacher, and refers to the 'good old days in hut 12', where they were interned in Hay,when it seemed unlikely. He also informs Lothar that he is now a Private, a position he has held for 15 months, and which is he very satisified with due to the benefits he recieves and the importance of his work for the war effort. He continues onto the reverse that they have marked the anniversary of the (Illegible). He writes that many of the exinternees have married or will be shortly, as well as other who have found gainful employment. However Walter continues that George Friedmann has suffered a mental breakdown. The letter concludes with news from his own family in America and is signed by Pte. W. Kantorowicz. In a post script there is an additionally note from another writer who promises to write and explain why he is so busy, it is signed 'Hans'.
The Markiewicz Collection consists of private letters, official documents and personal papers which record the survival stories of three family members, Lotte, a single mother sending her two children, Lothar and Ellen on a Kindertransport to England, then her escape into the Berlin Underground. Ellen was looked after by Quaker families in England for the duration of the war but the teenage Lothar, aged 16, was shipped as an ‘Enemy Alien’ on the Dunera to Australia. He was rapidly released from internment and sent back to England. Light is also shed on the Quaker efforts for his release and return to England.
Lotte married Max Markiewicz, and had two children, Lothar born on 9 January 1924 and Ellen, born 18 August 1926, in Berlin. Lotte and Max separated shortly after Ellen’s birth, after which the children had limited contact with their father, usually meeting once per month. Max was murdered in Theresienstadt Ghetto 1943. Lotte survived in hiding in Berlin underground, moving to England after the war, and later settled in the United States with Ellen. Lothar married and settled in England until 1993, when he moved with his wife to Australia, to be closer to his son Michael and grandchildren.
Walter writes that he is delighted to hear that Lothar has become a teacher, and refers to the 'good old days in hut 12', where they were interned in Hay,when it seemed unlikely. He also informs Lothar that he is now a Private, a position he has held for 15 months, and which is he very satisified with due to the benefits he recieves and the importance of his work for the war effort. He continues onto the reverse that they have marked the anniversary of the (Illegible). He writes that many of the exinternees have married or will be shortly, as well as other who have found gainful employment. However Walter continues that George Friedmann has suffered a mental breakdown. The letter concludes with news from his own family in America and is signed by Pte. W. Kantorowicz. In a post script there is an additionally note from another writer who promises to write and explain why he is so busy, it is signed 'Hans'.
The Markiewicz Collection consists of private letters, official documents and personal papers which record the survival stories of three family members, Lotte, a single mother sending her two children, Lothar and Ellen on a Kindertransport to England, then her escape into the Berlin Underground. Ellen was looked after by Quaker families in England for the duration of the war but the teenage Lothar, aged 16, was shipped as an ‘Enemy Alien’ on the Dunera to Australia. He was rapidly released from internment and sent back to England. Light is also shed on the Quaker efforts for his release and return to England.
Lotte married Max Markiewicz, and had two children, Lothar born on 9 January 1924 and Ellen, born 18 August 1926, in Berlin. Lotte and Max separated shortly after Ellen’s birth, after which the children had limited contact with their father, usually meeting once per month. Max was murdered in Theresienstadt Ghetto 1943. Lotte survived in hiding in Berlin underground, moving to England after the war, and later settled in the United States with Ellen. Lothar married and settled in England until 1993, when he moved with his wife to Australia, to be closer to his son Michael and grandchildren.
Production date 1943-06-27 - 1943-06-27
Subjectrefugee experiences in Australia, Treatment of Aliens, internment camps, keeping in touch, Hay internment camp
Object nameletters
Materialpaper
Dimensions
- width: 132.00 mm
height: 210.00 mm
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Michael Markiewicz