Object numberM2003/021:146
DescriptionCorrespondence, typed in German, addressed to Charlotte Ostertag in Hannover, 19 January 1946 from signed by Henrich Bauermeister. These documents relate to Charlotte's attempts to locate bank accounts belonging to her parents that were confiscated by the Nazi regime. Herr Bauermeister who is assisting her, appears to have been a former employee of the Dresder Bank.
Part of a collection of 168 letters, postcards, documents, photographs and restitution claims belonging to Charlotte Lutufmen (nee Ostertag), born in Hannover, Germany on 3 April 1908 to Alfred and Gertrud Ostertag (nee Callomon). Charlotte was engaged to Max Loewenstein before the war. He moved to Turkey, changed his name to Mahir Lutufmen, converted to Islam, and obtained Turkish citizenship while working for a Dutch tobacco company. Charlotte was unable to obtain a permit to leave Germany and marry her fiancé. In December 1941, age 33, she was deported to Riga Ghetto. In September 1943 she was taken to do forced labour. Then in August 1944, she was deported to Kaiserwald. One month later, she was deported to Stutthof concentration camp and then to Sofienwalde from October 1944 to February 1945. Charlotte lost all her toes to frostbite during the death march back to Germany. After the war, she and Max were reunited. They married in Suelbeck, Germany, in 1947. Charlotte was 39 and Max was 45 years old. She moved to Turkey with him. A few years later they immigrated to Australia where she became an Australian citizen in 1955. Despite her impaired mobility that worsened as she aged, she made something of her life. When she retired in her late 60s she went to TAFE to get the matriculation she was deprived of in Germany and then went on to Macquarie University in her 70s, where she graduated with a BA in her early 80s – the oldest graduate at the time.
Part of a collection of 168 letters, postcards, documents, photographs and restitution claims belonging to Charlotte Lutufmen (nee Ostertag), born in Hannover, Germany on 3 April 1908 to Alfred and Gertrud Ostertag (nee Callomon). Charlotte was engaged to Max Loewenstein before the war. He moved to Turkey, changed his name to Mahir Lutufmen, converted to Islam, and obtained Turkish citizenship while working for a Dutch tobacco company. Charlotte was unable to obtain a permit to leave Germany and marry her fiancé. In December 1941, age 33, she was deported to Riga Ghetto. In September 1943 she was taken to do forced labour. Then in August 1944, she was deported to Kaiserwald. One month later, she was deported to Stutthof concentration camp and then to Sofienwalde from October 1944 to February 1945. Charlotte lost all her toes to frostbite during the death march back to Germany. After the war, she and Max were reunited. They married in Suelbeck, Germany, in 1947. Charlotte was 39 and Max was 45 years old. She moved to Turkey with him. A few years later they immigrated to Australia where she became an Australian citizen in 1955. Despite her impaired mobility that worsened as she aged, she made something of her life. When she retired in her late 60s she went to TAFE to get the matriculation she was deprived of in Germany and then went on to Macquarie University in her 70s, where she graduated with a BA in her early 80s – the oldest graduate at the time.
Production placeHannover, Germany
Subjectpost World War II, survivors, restitution, stolen property
Object nameofficial correspondence
Materialpaper
Language
- German To: Miss Ostertag, Hannover, Kolberg Street 12 C Hannover, 19/01/1946
From: Heinz Bauermeister
The correspondence relates to the assets of Miss Charlotte Ostertag’s father Alfred Ostertag. Mr. Bauermeister is a former official of the Dresdner Bank it seems, and still consulting after retirement from the bank. Details are shown of the liquidation of stocks and shares through a sale -1-
Or -2- transfer to the Prussian State Bank in Berlin. The proceeds of the sale were transferred to the State. Also on 17/04/1942 further stock was transferred to a financial institution in Andrea Street. Mr. Bauermeister is still trying to assess the value. After retirement he is still available, after 01/01 /1946 on Tuesdays and Fridays at the Dresdner Bank for his old clients and if need be to you.
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Annette Brett