Object numberM2017/039:002
DescriptionThis is the second diary belonging to Bedrich Fritz Albera. The diary was written while he was interned in Mauritius and covers the period from 23 October 1941 until 31 December 1942. The inside cover has a hand drawn map detailing his route to Palestine but does not include Mauritius.
Parts of the diary are written in second as well as first person. The first few pages contain reflections. Bedrich mentions that after he returns from Mauritius, he and his wife will travel to Palestine. The excerpt on page 3 describes his travel to Mauritius. He states that on the 3rd of December he will arrive in Port Louis. He writes that after the war, he will try and experience and make the most of life. Albera reflects on how grateful he is to have escaped Czechoslovakia. Furthermore he reflects on society during the time of war.
An entry written on Monday 23 of February, 1942 is an exchange between Bedrich and his mother Rosa. Rosa states that since the death of Bedrich’s father she lives in Breda. She states that she has been trying to contact Vera, however she has declined all contact. In response Bedrich gives his consolations. From what is being read, despite the fact that Vera has cut Bedrich off, Bedrich will continue to love her.
From pages 11-14, Albera reflects on himself and the individuals soul in relation to the faults people make in life. This self-reflection seems to be a recurring theme that is explored throughout this diary. From page 18, Albera recounts the event of the Patria disaster on November 25, 1940.
On November 23, Albera travelled from Cyprus to Mount Carmel. Albera would have embarked the Patria, however was not permitted due to the amount of people in quarantine prior to boarding the ship. In the aftermath of the Patria disaster, Albera states that a bomb was planted, and that the police are in process of finding the perpetrator.
On December 9. Bedrich boarded the “Johann de Witt” in Haifa which was bound for New Zealand. Albera however was headed to Mauritius. On page 22, Albera describes the ship itself as well as his experiences on board. For breakfast they served a typical British breakfast, consisting tea, porridge, jam on toast and an assortment of meats. The trip from Haifa to Mauritius took 17 days, whilst on board, Albera witnessed many English battleships, as well as airplanes.
Pages 29 to 32 are written half in Czech and German. The writing is difficult to read, however from what is legible, Albera is reflecting on his life. It is a reflection on the problems life brings. Page 33 is written in English, one letter is written to the Czechoslovakian consul of South Africa, Antonin Blahovsky. The letter is regarding Albera’s offer as a volunteer.
Parts of the diary are written in second as well as first person. The first few pages contain reflections. Bedrich mentions that after he returns from Mauritius, he and his wife will travel to Palestine. The excerpt on page 3 describes his travel to Mauritius. He states that on the 3rd of December he will arrive in Port Louis. He writes that after the war, he will try and experience and make the most of life. Albera reflects on how grateful he is to have escaped Czechoslovakia. Furthermore he reflects on society during the time of war.
An entry written on Monday 23 of February, 1942 is an exchange between Bedrich and his mother Rosa. Rosa states that since the death of Bedrich’s father she lives in Breda. She states that she has been trying to contact Vera, however she has declined all contact. In response Bedrich gives his consolations. From what is being read, despite the fact that Vera has cut Bedrich off, Bedrich will continue to love her.
From pages 11-14, Albera reflects on himself and the individuals soul in relation to the faults people make in life. This self-reflection seems to be a recurring theme that is explored throughout this diary. From page 18, Albera recounts the event of the Patria disaster on November 25, 1940.
On November 23, Albera travelled from Cyprus to Mount Carmel. Albera would have embarked the Patria, however was not permitted due to the amount of people in quarantine prior to boarding the ship. In the aftermath of the Patria disaster, Albera states that a bomb was planted, and that the police are in process of finding the perpetrator.
On December 9. Bedrich boarded the “Johann de Witt” in Haifa which was bound for New Zealand. Albera however was headed to Mauritius. On page 22, Albera describes the ship itself as well as his experiences on board. For breakfast they served a typical British breakfast, consisting tea, porridge, jam on toast and an assortment of meats. The trip from Haifa to Mauritius took 17 days, whilst on board, Albera witnessed many English battleships, as well as airplanes.
Pages 29 to 32 are written half in Czech and German. The writing is difficult to read, however from what is legible, Albera is reflecting on his life. It is a reflection on the problems life brings. Page 33 is written in English, one letter is written to the Czechoslovakian consul of South Africa, Antonin Blahovsky. The letter is regarding Albera’s offer as a volunteer.
Production placeMauritius
Production date 1941-11-23 - 1942-12-03
Subjectinternment camps, enemy aliens, refugees
Object namejournals
Materialpaper
Dimensions
- height: 220.00 mm
width: 180.00 mm
depth: 9.00 mm
Language
- German
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Vivian Falk