Object numberM2014/011:002
DescriptionTranslation of letter M2014/011:001 written by Arnost Felix in work camp (Arbeitslager) Birkenau to his father-in-law Victor Fried in Theresienstadt. The first letter of each word conveys a message, as per a predetermined secret code. "Auschwitz KZ [Konzentrationslager]. Everything but the hand luggage gone. Wearing strange clothes." In other words, says Olga Wachtel, "all possessions have been stolen and they are wearing prisoner uniforms."
Arnost Felix, brother of Erika and Elfi Felixova, was deported to Auschwitz where he perished in 1943.
Donated by Olga Wachtel [née Ehrmann] - Her brother Otto was married to Arnost Felix's sister Elfi Felixova.
Arnost Felix, brother of Erika and Elfi Felixova, was deported to Auschwitz where he perished in 1943.
Donated by Olga Wachtel [née Ehrmann] - Her brother Otto was married to Arnost Felix's sister Elfi Felixova.
Production date 1942 - 1943
Subjectcoded message, signs of life
Object nameletters
Materialpaper
Dimensions
- width: 215.00 mm
height: 280.00 mm
Language
- German From: Arnost Felix
10.1.1910
Labour Camp Birkenau To: Mr. Victor Fried Theresienstadt
Hauptstrasse 11
My Dear Ones,
Also Our Beautiful Weeks In Theresienstadt Showed Sad Times.
Am Always So Sincere And Observant Am Relaxed Often Sad
So Also Karl Old Dear Parents So Because Erika Going Daily Robert Find
Grant You Peace Only Much Peace
It Makes The Honour Small Suffering Determined In These Disturbed times to endure, dear Papa.
So be brave.
Many regards and Kisses
Ernst
_____________________________________
AUSWITZ KZ UNTIL BROTSAK (Bread Bag ?) ALL GONE
WEARING STRANGE CLOTHES.
___________________________________________
Olga Wachtel
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Mrs Olga Wachtel