Object numberM2011/057
DescriptionCertificate awarded to B. Hammerman (Bernhard) for duties performed as a warden during the first shell attack on Sydney by the Japanese. The banner across the certificate is inscribed N.E.S. (Not Easily Stopped) and 'A Memento of the First Shell Attack on Sydney by the Japs. 8th June 1942.'
The certificate records that Bernhard Hammerman performed his duties as a warden during the shelling of Sydney by a Japanese submarine when a shell exploded at the corner of Fletcher and Small streets, Bellevue Hill, at 10 minutes past 12am on 8 June 1942. It is signed by the Senior Warden, the Deputy Senior Warden and the Sector Warden. The certificate features an image of a warden with helmet and torch, and submarine shelling Sydney.
Bernhard Hammerman was born in Berlin in 1912. He left school at the age of 14 once he received the leaving certificate to be apprenticed as a furrier. In 1933 Bernhard knew that he could no long stay in Germany. Following an altercation with some Nazi’s he was forced to flee to England. There he had success as a furrier even making a fur coat for Queen Mary. In March 1937 when he was not granted a renewal for his permit to stay, arrangements were made for him to go to New Zealand. On the way to New Zealand the ship docked in Sydney and Bernhard decided to stay on after being offered a job with David Jones.
Bernhard was warmly nicknamed ‘Mr Culture’. He participated in a radio program called English for new Australians, he co-founded the All Nation Club, was a foundation member of the Jewish literary magazine called the Bridge, helped establish the Habonim parents and Friends Association and was on the Board of Governors of the John Power Foundation.
Bernhard Hammerman was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for his outstanding contribution to the welcoming and integration of new migrants to Australia.
The certificate records that Bernhard Hammerman performed his duties as a warden during the shelling of Sydney by a Japanese submarine when a shell exploded at the corner of Fletcher and Small streets, Bellevue Hill, at 10 minutes past 12am on 8 June 1942. It is signed by the Senior Warden, the Deputy Senior Warden and the Sector Warden. The certificate features an image of a warden with helmet and torch, and submarine shelling Sydney.
Bernhard Hammerman was born in Berlin in 1912. He left school at the age of 14 once he received the leaving certificate to be apprenticed as a furrier. In 1933 Bernhard knew that he could no long stay in Germany. Following an altercation with some Nazi’s he was forced to flee to England. There he had success as a furrier even making a fur coat for Queen Mary. In March 1937 when he was not granted a renewal for his permit to stay, arrangements were made for him to go to New Zealand. On the way to New Zealand the ship docked in Sydney and Bernhard decided to stay on after being offered a job with David Jones.
Bernhard was warmly nicknamed ‘Mr Culture’. He participated in a radio program called English for new Australians, he co-founded the All Nation Club, was a foundation member of the Jewish literary magazine called the Bridge, helped establish the Habonim parents and Friends Association and was on the Board of Governors of the John Power Foundation.
Bernhard Hammerman was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for his outstanding contribution to the welcoming and integration of new migrants to Australia.
Production placeSydney, New South Wales, Australia
Production date 1942-06-08
Subjecthome front, campaigns and battles, wardens
Object namecertificates
Materialpaper
Dimensions
- width: 355.00 mm
height: 235.00 mm
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Mr Toby Hammerman