Object numberM2011/034:001
DescriptionUndated letter sent to Jürgen Steuerwald in England from his mother, Nanny, his grandmother and his uncle Ernst in Hannover. Jurgen's mother welcomes him to England. She asks if there are other German boys in his school and tells him he must work hard to become a capable man. She assures him that their seperation is for the best.
This letter forms part of a collection of 46 letters and postcards dating from the 1930's that were sent to Jurgen Steuerwald in England, from his mother, living in Germany and his brother Gerhard, living in Australia. The contrast between the descriptions of life in Australia and England where the two brothers live in safety, and of the fear and danger borne by their mother living in Germany provide a striking contrast. Nanny perished in 1943.
This letter forms part of a collection of 46 letters and postcards dating from the 1930's that were sent to Jurgen Steuerwald in England, from his mother, living in Germany and his brother Gerhard, living in Australia. The contrast between the descriptions of life in Australia and England where the two brothers live in safety, and of the fear and danger borne by their mother living in Germany provide a striking contrast. Nanny perished in 1943.
Production placeHannover, Germany, England
Production date 1938
Subjectfamilies, loved ones' contact, separation
Object nameletters
Materialpaper
Dimensions
- length: 290.00 mm
width: 180.00 mm
Language
- German My dear Jürgen!
These lines are warmly welcoming you in England. Hopefully you had a good trip. You certainly saw a lot of interesting things on the way. Uncle Rewald telegraphed about your happy arrival today which really gave me great joy. I hope you will write to me very soon in detail about all your experiences and the local school. With all my heart I wish that you will be able to settle in and that you can still learn a lot. I can only repeat what I already told you here many times. Show yourself to be worthy to be accepted at the local school, be ambitious and hardworking, so that later on you will become a hardworking person. I think about you a lot, my dear Jürgen, and you certainly think of me, don’t you? Even if we are separated from one another, we want to keep each other in our hearts, don’t we? This separation is to your best, isn’t it? Healthwise I am doing much better. Soon I will be going home and take up my usual activity/occupation. I am very excited about your first letter. Are there other German boys at your school? How do you like the sporting activities? Are you keeping up with the English boys? The language will initially cause you difficulties. But in a couple of months you will have overcome the hardest. Then you will be able to follow the classes and easily ..(communicate with?).. school fellows. Surely in the course of time you will find a friend. I have not yet heard from Gerhard. So, sincerely I wish you all the best. Thinking of you always with deep love
Your loyal mother
Dear Jürgen!
I am very glad that you arrived safely,… (these lines, written by Jürgen’s grandmother, are unfortunately hardly legible).
It is signed with “grandmother”
Dear Jürgen!
“Good morning in Sandwich!” (this line is written in English.) We were very glad when the telegram from Uncle Rewald reached us, (informing us) that you've arrived safely. Have you had a good journey, especially you Louise? Surely you must have seen a lot and has the journey to Holland and England has been intensive? Has everything worked out with your passport and the other papers and have you recognised Uncle Rewald immediately? Now we are very excited…. (?)… school.. how you like it there. The first days will not be easy for you, until you get used to the new surroundings and you find your way around the language. But given time everything will be fine.
Be brave and keep your head up and take to heart (all dear ones?) which we gave you on your way.
With warm regards, in love
Yours Uncle Ernst.
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Mrs Jean Stewart