Catalogue

Interview
611, CH/107/0204
Community History Collection

Speaker: Silverberg, Gerta, 1914 - 0, Interviewee, Female, Book keeper
Speaker: Carswell, J, Interviewer, Female

Summary of interview item: Describes family background and circumstances in Breslau, Germany, including relative being taken to Buchenwald concentration camp, which led to arrival in Leicester, 1939. Mentions helpfulness of Mr & Mrs Attenborough, describes work as domestic for Mr & Mrs Millard. Mentions 18 month internment on Isle of Man, 1940, reunion with husband, return to Leicester. Explains why relative was released from Buchenwald. Outlines situation renting house in Albert Road, trying to find work, prejudice against Germans, mentions many jobs had, social life. Mentions sister marrying Czech soldier, cousin marrying and getting some restitution from Germany for losses. Outlines husband's death, 1980, involvement with Women's Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS), Red Cross. Describes first impressions of Leicester, being cold, lack of food, several anecdotes from service with Millards. Mentions being first interned with Nazis, then Jews. Tells sister's story of leaving Prague for Germany when Russians came, 1968. States she is neither German or English, but a refugee. Interviewed as part of Jewish Refugee Project.
Place of birth: Breslau, Germany
Education:
Marital Status: Widowed, Children:
Father's Occupation:
Mother's Occupation:
Location: County: Leicestershire
Location: Town/Place: Leicester
Periods Covered: 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s
Language: English

Recording Date: 16/4/1998
Playing time: 1 hr
Access Restrictions: No consent Item Copyright: CHCL
Summary: Yes
Transcription: No
Copies: Yes
Cross Reference:

Page Automatically Generated

Use the browser's back button to return to the previous screen.

Home>>Catalogue>>Search


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