Object numberM2003/007
Creator Henry Lippmann (maker)
DescriptionMetal suitcase made at the No.8 internment camp, Hay, Australia, by Henry Lippmann, an 'enemy alien' internee who arrived in Australia in 1940 on the HMT Dunera. Made from corrugated iron using improvised tools. The handle is made from a leather shoe. The locks were purchased. The suitcase was originally painted black with shoe polish.
Heinz (Henry) Lippmann was born in Berlin, Germany on 30 October 1921 to Ruth and Leo Lippmann. In 1939 he immigrated to England through an overseas relief training scheme offering technical education to Jewish boys. After the fall of Dunkirk he was interned on the Isle of Man and then transported from Liverpool to Australia on HMT Dunera. Upon arrival in Australia the ‘Dunera boys’ were interned in ‘enemy alien’ and prisoner of war camps in Hay and Tatura. Although behind barbed wire, the camps operated as communities and incorporated canteens, hospitals, dental and recreational facilities, schools, music, theatre and other artistic activities.
After their release, many of those Dunera Boys who stayed in Australia, including Henry, were allowed to join the Australian Army in non-combatant roles in work and construction companies. For 3 years Private Lippmann served with the 8th Australian Employment Company. On his discharge in 1946, he applied for Australian permanent residence and naturalisation, moving to Sydney. Over the years, Henry became the chronicler, archivist, record-keeper, journal editor and publisher of the Dunera boys story. He was the driving force behind what has become an annual event: the commemoration of the arrival of the Dunera at Walsh Bay, held at the nearby Maritime Museum.
He was awarded the OAM for his contribution to Australia through his Dunera activities.
Heinz (Henry) Lippmann was born in Berlin, Germany on 30 October 1921 to Ruth and Leo Lippmann. In 1939 he immigrated to England through an overseas relief training scheme offering technical education to Jewish boys. After the fall of Dunkirk he was interned on the Isle of Man and then transported from Liverpool to Australia on HMT Dunera. Upon arrival in Australia the ‘Dunera boys’ were interned in ‘enemy alien’ and prisoner of war camps in Hay and Tatura. Although behind barbed wire, the camps operated as communities and incorporated canteens, hospitals, dental and recreational facilities, schools, music, theatre and other artistic activities.
After their release, many of those Dunera Boys who stayed in Australia, including Henry, were allowed to join the Australian Army in non-combatant roles in work and construction companies. For 3 years Private Lippmann served with the 8th Australian Employment Company. On his discharge in 1946, he applied for Australian permanent residence and naturalisation, moving to Sydney. Over the years, Henry became the chronicler, archivist, record-keeper, journal editor and publisher of the Dunera boys story. He was the driving force behind what has become an annual event: the commemoration of the arrival of the Dunera at Walsh Bay, held at the nearby Maritime Museum.
He was awarded the OAM for his contribution to Australia through his Dunera activities.
Production placeHay, New South Wales, Australia
Production date circa 1940-06
Subjectrefugees, Holocaust, Dunera, internment camps, enemy aliens
Object namesuitcases
Dimensions
- whole width: 510.00 mm
height: 305.00 mm
depth: 170.00 mm
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Henry Lippmann