James - Handwritten letter, in German, 8 November 1941

Title	James - Handwritten letter, in German, 8 November 1941
Subject	World War, 1939-1945--Sources War stories Internment camps--Australia Prisoner-of-war camps Censorship German language--Writing Correspondence
Category	4. World War II
Keywords	Tatura camp Dunera
Current holder	Sydney Jewish Museum
Date	November 8, 1941
Link	https://sjm-web.adlibhosting.com/AIS/Details/museum/4868
Item number	M2007/093:005
Access rights	Digitised
Country of origin	Australia
Place	Tatura
Language	German
Description from source	letter width: 203 mm, letter height: 243 mm, flap width: 152 mm, flap height: 72 mm, Title: Liebe Eltern Handwritten letter, in German, dated 8 November, 1941 (22nd letter); the back of the letter doubles as an envelope. It was written by Heinz Jacobius (Henry James), Internee No. E39826/5, Hut Compound B, No. 2 Internment Camp, Victoria, Australia, to his parents, Mr Alexander (and Pauline) Jacobius, Lindenstrasse No. 32, Halbe, Kreis Teltow, Germany. The letter was sent through the "Prisoner of War" Service and was opened and passed by the Censor. The letter was returned to Heinz with a handwritten note: "Unbekannt umgezogen" - "Unknown/moved/left", and signed by Dommish, the local mailman - a euphemism for, "they have left to the extermination camp". This would not be something that the postman could write openly.
Physical format	Correspondence
Translation	Dear Parents, I have had the first news from Stefan Beermann yesterday. He was very surprised to have got a letter from me. Since his arrival he is occupied in the country side. For 14 months he was on a pig farm and is now already for a short time on a chicken farm, which he enjoys greatly. I never knew that Stefan's mother also lived here. As you will remember Stefan came here by plane. He still knows a few of our young-ones [?], he will do for me whatever he can. That is all I can report to you about that. In your place winter is slowly beginning, I would have difficulty adapting to a cold climate. Here one does hardly need any winter clothing. Have you heard anything from the Kammitzers in the USA in the meantime? They will have got my letter in the meantime. With best regards to all relatives and you as well. Your son Heinz Best regard and the very best for the future, Walter Dick
Translator	Sydney Jewish Museum
Related resources	https://omaa-arts.sydney.edu.au/texts/4077/