Object numberM2011/028:017
DescriptionRed Cross message dated 1 January 1942 sent by Theodor Gruschka in Palestine to his wife Helene Gruschka in Prague. In the message Theodor writes that he and their daughter Ruth are well. ‘In our thought we are always with you.’ A reply dated 29 May 1942 is handwritten by Helen on the back of the letter. She states that her mother is suffering badly since her husband died (of illness). Selma, ‘without any means, out East’, Hansi’s Mum (herself) expects the same.’ In this quote ‘East’ might refer to ‘Poland’.
This correspondence forms part of a collection of nineteen Red Cross messages sent during 1940-1943 between John and his parents Theodor and Helene Gruschka. The Gruschka family came from the town of Aussig in Czechoslovakia but they were forced to seperate during the war to escape the Nazi threat. In 1939 John was sent to Manchester in England. He stayed with distant relatives (the Meeks) and received an education, qualifying as an industrial chemist. Theodor was a Professor of medicine; he escaped to Palestine taking his daughter with him. Helene had to remain in Prague to care for her sick mother. On 8 September 1942 she was transported to Terezin concentration camp. On 1 February 1943 she was sent in transport ‘Cu-618’ (‘death transport’) to Auschwitz where she died at the age of 53.
This correspondence forms part of a collection of nineteen Red Cross messages sent during 1940-1943 between John and his parents Theodor and Helene Gruschka. The Gruschka family came from the town of Aussig in Czechoslovakia but they were forced to seperate during the war to escape the Nazi threat. In 1939 John was sent to Manchester in England. He stayed with distant relatives (the Meeks) and received an education, qualifying as an industrial chemist. Theodor was a Professor of medicine; he escaped to Palestine taking his daughter with him. Helene had to remain in Prague to care for her sick mother. On 8 September 1942 she was transported to Terezin concentration camp. On 1 February 1943 she was sent in transport ‘Cu-618’ (‘death transport’) to Auschwitz where she died at the age of 53.
Production placePalestine, Prague, Czech Republic
Production date 1942-01-01 - 1942-05-29
Subjectloved ones' contact, families, coded message
Object nameRed Cross message service
Materialpaper
Dimensions
- width: 150.00 mm
height: 225.00 mm
Language
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Mr John Gruschka