Catalogue

Interview
965, LO/320/271
Leicester Oral History Archive Collection

Speaker: Anon, 1935 - , Interviewee, Male, Higher Education Lecturer
Speaker: , Interviewer,

Summary of interview item: Recalls childhood in Riga, Latvia in 1930s. Describes the rural location and the community. Refers to the Russian occupation of Latvia and compares it to the Nazi occupation during Second World War. Details the Nazi occupation and enforced deportations. Gives account of his family being deported and lists members of his family. Mentions living in Mettlenburg, Germany and how they were treated. Recalls move to Displaced Person's (DP) camp near Hamburg when the war ended. Describes European Volunteer Workers Scheme, which his father got work through, life in the DP camp and his father moving to Hull, then Northumberland. Recalls arrival in England to join his father and first impressions. Talks about the Latvian community around Northumberland and difficulties with speaking English. Recalls hostility of local people towards foreigners and how this changed with new arrivals. Describes difficulties with his own education but satisfaction with his children's education. Comments on parents no becoming British citizens. Mentions marrying non Latvian and move to Leicester. Comments on decline of Latvian population in United Kingdom, decrease in Latvian activities and relationships with other groups. Gives impressions of return visit to Latvia and hope of returning.
Place of birth: Riga, Latvia
Education: Exeter University
Marital Status: Married, Children:
Father's Occupation: Farmer
Mother's Occupation: Teacher
Location: County: Leicestershire, Northumberland
Location: Town/Place: Leicester, Newcastle
Periods Covered: 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s
Language: English

Recording Date: 14/11/1986
Playing time: 30 mins
Access Restrictions: Restricted Item Copyright: EMOHA
Summary: Yes
Transcription: No
Copies: yes
Cross Reference:

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Last updated: 08/05/02 East Midland Oral History Archive Web maintainer This document has been approved by the head of department or section.