Published
Julian Meyer (1918-1993), a law student at the University of the Witwatersrand, interrupted his studies to join the Union Defence Force at the beginning of the Second World War. He was assigned to the Transvaal Scottish Second Battalion. During the five years of the War he wrote numerous letters to his family in Johannesburg which were kept by his mother, Fanny Meyer.
The correspondence and photographs in this Collection cover the period from his enlistment until his return to South Africa after the War. They cover his training in South Africa, voyage to Egypt, time spent in Egypt and the Western Desert. They continue when he was an Italian Prisoner of War, a German POW and his release and repatriation to England. Due to censorship, he could not give precise details. However, he does allude to important events and happenings. The postal stamps on the addressed envelopes and postcards give an indication of his movements and status. A German prison warder at Stalag IV-A Arbeitskommando 1169 in Dresden, Germany took the photographs of the POWs which they then purchased from him.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of Julian Meyer (1918-1993). He was a law student at the University of the Witwatersrand, who interrupted his studies to join the Union Defence Force in 1940 during World War Two. He was assigned to the Transvaal Scottish 2nd Battalion. This photograph was taken in Johannesburg in August 1940.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of a letter sent to Mrs A.L. Meyer by her son, Julian Meyer, who was initially stationed at Premier Camp, Pretoria. It was written and postmarked on the 17th December 1940.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Portrait photograph of Lance Corporal Julian Meyer, service number 32383, Transvaal Scottish 2nd Battalion.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of L/Cpl Julian Meyer. It was taken in Johannesburg in February 1941.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of Corporal Simon Joseph Jackson (1919-1993), who served in the Transvaal Scottish 2nd Battalion. He was a friend, fellow soldier and prisoner of war with Julian Meyer. He was known as "Jacko".
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of a letter sent to the Meyer family by Julian Meyer from Pietermaritzburg, after the Transvaal Scottish platoon were transferred there on the 19th March 1941, prior to their departure to North Africa in June 1941. The letter was written on the 1st May and postmarked the 2nd May 1941.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph taken on the 7th May 1941 of Julian Meyer and fellow soldiers. Photographed from left to right are : Julian Meyer, Leslie Ernest Berrington, Robert Blair, Percy Skelton (Buster) Wimble (1910-1942) and J.W. (Jimmy) Whelan. All these men were subsequently taken prisoner of war by the Axis forces in the Western Desert in 1942. Wimble Percy Skelton died when the S.S. Scillin, an Italian troopship transporting POWs was torpedoed in November 1942. The rest were sent to Italy and held as Prisoners of War.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph taken on the 7th May 1941 of Julian Meyer and fellow soldiers. Photographed from left to right are J.W.(Jimmy) Whelan, Percy Skelton (Buster) Wimble (1910-1942), Leslie Ernest Berrington, Robert Blair and Julian Meyer. All these men were subsequently taken prisoner of war by the Axis forces in the Western Desert in 1942. Wimble Percy Skelton died when the S.S. Scillin, an Italian troopship transporting POWs was torpedoed in November 1942. The rest were sent to Italy and held as Prisoners of War.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Group photograph of Julian Meyer and fellow soldiers which was taken when they were stationed in Pietermaritzburg in May 1941. Photographed from left to right in the back row are Mac Donald, Julian Meyer, Allen Barrie. In the middle row are Percy Skelton (Buster) Wimble (1910-1942) and Leslie Ernest Berrington. Sitting in the front row are J.W. (Jimmy) Whelan, Robert Blair and Swan. This photograph was one of seven photographs from a film spool that was sent to the Meyer family in Johannesburg.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of Julian Meyer and Bunny Austin taken outside their tent, Pietermaritzburg, May 1941. Bunny Austin is holding washing and Julian Meyer is holding a rifle. This photograph was one of seven photographs from a film spool that was sent to the Meyer family in Johannesburg.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of Julian Meyer taken outside his tent when he was stationed in Pietermaritzburg in May 1941. This photograph was one of seven photographs from a film spool that was sent to the Meyer family in Johannesburg.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of the Kit Inspection Parade, Pietermaritzburg in May 1941. The caption inscribed on the photograph is 'Bunny Austin is on the left in front with pipe and Julian Meyer is behind him, grimacing in the background'. This photograph was one of seven photographs from a film spool that was sent to the Meyer family in Johannesburg.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of Gen. Smuts taking salute at a Brigade Parade in his honour in Pietermaritzburg in May 1941. This photograph was one of seven photographs from a film spool that was sent to the Meyer family in Johannesburg.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of Julian Meyer at the beach in Durban. This photograph was one of seven photographs from a film spool that was sent to the Meyer family in Johannesburg in May 1941.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of the 15th Platoon N.C.Os. It was taken in Pietermaritzburg in June 1941. Julian Meyer is in the middle row, last on the right.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of the first letter sent by Julian Meyer to his family upon his arrival in Egypt. It was postmarked the 22nd June 1941. He mentioned the convoy at sea 'When the clouds were in the West the effect of seeing the other ships of the convoy silhouetted against the darkening sky which with the sea assumes, the most wonderful variations of pink and gold, is a sight at once peaceful and inspiring’. Convoy CM 12 left Durban on the 10th June 1941 for Suez. HMS Cornwall escorted the RMS Mauretania, SS Ile de France and Nieuw Amsterdam.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of Julian Meyer taken in the gardens off Mohamed Ali Square, Alexandria, Egypt, July 1941.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of a note sent to Fanny Meyer by her son from Egypt. It was written on the letterhead of the Transvaal Scottish on the 14th July 1941.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of Omaied Station (El-'Imayid /El-Omaied) which is situated 15 miles east of El Alamein on the railway line to Alexandria, Egypt. It was taken in September 1941.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph taken of Julian Meyer with fellow soldiers. It was taken when they departed camp during a visit to Cairo on the 4th October 1941.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of the bridge over the River Nile at Tanta. It was taken en route to Cairo on the 4th October 1941.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of Julian Meyer standing on the banks of the Nile River. It was taken en route to Cairo on the 4th October 1941.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of Julian Meyer standing on the banks of the Nile River. It was taken en route to Cairo on the 4th October 1941.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of Julian Meyer, Percy Skelton Wimble and Robert Blair at the Ibn Tukum Mosque, Cairo. It was taken during a visit to Cairo on the 5th October 1941. Photographed from left to right are the Dragoman (interpreter, translator and official guide), Percy Skelton (Buster) Wimble (1910-1942), Robert (Bob) Blair and Julian Meyer. The three men were subsequently taken prisoner of war by the Axis forces in the Western Desert in 1942. Wimble Percy Skelton died when the S.S. Scillin, an Italian troopship transporting POWs was torpedoed in November 1942. The other two were sent to Italy and held as Prisoners of War.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of Julian Meyer, Percy Skelton Wimble and Robert Blair at the Pyramids. It was taken during a visit to Cairo on the 5th October 1941. Photographed from left to right are Julian Meyer, Percy Skelton (Buster) Wimble (1910-1942) and Robert (Bob) Blair. The three men were subsequently taken prisoner of war by the Axis forces in the Western Desert in 1942. Wimble Percy Skelton died when the S.S. Scillin, an Italian troopship transporting POWs was torpedoed in November 1942. The other two were sent to Italy and held as Prisoners of War.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of soldiers who partook in the Mortar Course, South African Base in the Western Desert in October to November 1941 . Photographed from left to right are Strydom, Bennett, Faurin, Sgt. Fleming (Instructor), Julian Meyer, Puth, and Petitt.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
A letter card written by Julian Meyer in Egypt to his family in Johannesburg. It was written on the 26th February and postmarked on the 28th February 1942, Egypt.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
A note sent to the Meyer family by the Rev. Capt. S Weinstein, Jewish Chaplain, 1st South African Infantry Brigade, Union Defence Force, Middle East Force. He had seen their son, Julian. It was dated the 6th June 1942.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
The last letter written by Julian Meyer to his family in South Africa prior to him being taken prisoner of war during the battle of Tobruk. It was written on the 10th June 1942 and postmarked the 14th June 1942. ‘Though we have been sitting on the edge of the battlefield for a week, still we have not been obliged to participate in the conflict in any active capacity. I feel that within the next few days the struggle in this area will have been decided and the scene of activities will then move very quickly towards Benghazi.'
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
The telegram sent to Mrs Meyer on the 29th June 1942 informing her that her son was reported missing on the 20th June 1942. Following the fall of Tobruk to the Axis forces on 21st June 1942, 10 722 of the Allied soldiers who were captured were South Africans. They included Julian Meyer and many of his fellow soldiers.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
The letter sent by the South African Red Cross Society to Mrs Meyer dated the 30th June 1942, informing her that they had instituted cabled enquiries re the welfare of L/Cpl Meyer. They stated that they had to receive ‘communication by the capturing power from the scene of operations to the Official Prisoner-of-War Bureau. From there it is cabled to the International Red Cross in Geneva and from Geneva to us.’
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of a registered letter sent to Mrs Meyer from the Officer in Charge War Records, Defence Force Pretoria dated the 7th July 1942 informing her that her son was reported missing.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of a card sent to the Meyer family by their son Julian Meyer, from Campo P.G. 75 P.M. 3450 Italia, a Transit Camp near Bari, Italy. It was dated the 7th August 1942 and was only received by the Meyer family the following year in 1943. It read 'My dearest Ma, Dad, Leah & Zelda, At last I can let you know what you have been so anxious to know- am well & as happy as can be under the circumstances. Hope soon to be in permanent camp. Write as often as you can. Fondest love Julian Meyer'.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of a card sent to the Meyer family from their son on the 18th September 1942 from Campo P.G. 54 P.M. 3300 Italia. Camp P.G. 54 was situated at Passo Corese, Fara Sabina, 35 kilometres north east of Rome. The card was only received by the family four months later, on the 22nd January 1943. It read 'Dearest Ma & Dad, This camp is a new one in lovely surroundings. We are being reasonably treated and I am keeping very well. Think of you always & pray you are all well & not worrying about me. Wish you all Happy New Year; next one will see me home, Julian.'
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of the telegram sent to the Meyer family by the Catholic Archbishop of Bloemfontein whom they had approached for assistance in obtaining information regarding their son. The Catholic Missionary Station in Bloemfontein sent the telegram on the 22nd September 1942 ‘CONFIRM L/CPL MEYER 32383 CYRENAICA.' At that time the family were unaware that he was now in Italy and it was only in January 1943, six months following his capture at Tobruk, that he first received correspondence from the Meyer family in Johannesburg. His name had not yet come through from the Vatican informing his family that he was in Italy and that he was no longer in North Africa.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of Christmas greetings sent via the Vatican from Julian Meyer. Although they were written on the 27th November 1942, they were only sent on the 29th March 1943 to the Meyer family. They were sent from the Catholic Archbishop in Bloemfontein.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of the envelope in which Christmas greetings were sent via the Vatican from Julian Meyer to his family in South Africa. Although they were written on the 27th November 1942, they were sent 4 months later on the 29th March 1943 to the Meyer family by the Catholic Archbishop in Bloemfontein.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of Julian Meyer. It was taken on the 24th January 1943 at 'Campo Concentrmento P.G. 54, P.M. 3300, Italia'. It was the only photograph taken during the period that he was a prisoner of war in Italy, which was from June 1942 to September 1943.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of a letter from the Office of The War Records dated the 18th January 1943 advising Mrs Meyer that the her son was presumed dead as the prescribed period during which he could be regarded as missing had elapsed.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of a letter written in Italy by Julian Meyer to his family in Johannesburg. It was postmarked the 1st January 1943.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of a letter from the South African Red Cross Society informing Mrs Meyer that her son was a prisoner of war at Camp 54 P.M. 3300, Italy. It was dated the 9th February 1943.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of the telegram sent to the Meyer family by the Govt. Pretoria confirming that their son was a prisoner of war in Italy. It was sent on the 15th February 1943.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of a letter sent by the Office of the War Records to Mrs Meyer, informing her that they were in receipt of the kit bag from the Authorities in the North, belonging to L/Cpl Julian Meyer. It was dated the 8th May 1943.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of the last letter sent by Julian Meyer to his family from Italy. It was written on the 18th August 1943 which was his 25th birthday. 'In normal circumstances it is difficult enough to express adequately one’s emotions on an occasion such as this. Under present circumstances it is practically impossible. My chief desires are to make it clear to you that I am not deserving of pity,… I know and am reconciled to the fact that we as individuals are but inconsiderable non entities, when one realizes the mental anguish & physical torture to which so many are now subjected. It behoves us now not be bemoan our misfortunes, but rather to count our blessing which are manifest and many. … My friends have helped to make today most pleasant. Though a fence encompasses me, my spirit is free and with you'.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of a letter sent by Julian Meyer to his family after he was taken prisoner of war by the Germans and transported to Germany from Italy. The letter was sent from Stalag IV-B Mulhberg an der Elbe, one of the largest prisoner-of-war camps in Germany. The camp was opened in September 1939 and could accommodate as many as 7000 prisoners at one time. British, Australian, New Zealand and South African soldiers, previously captive in Italy, arrived there in September 1943. The letter was written on the 9th October 1943 and postmarked on the 30th October 1943. It was written in pencil.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of a letter sent by Julian Meyer to his family from Germany. It was written on the 19th November 1943 from Stalag IV-A Arb.Kdo (Arbeitskommando) 1169 which was located in the suburb of Gorbitz, Dresden. The prisoners of war worked for the Reichpost and the camp was manned by South Africans. The letter was postmarked on the 6th December 1943.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of a letter sent by the South African Red Cross Society informing Mrs Meyer that her son was a German prisoner of war. It was dated the 30th December 1943.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph taken at Arbeitskommando 1169, Gorbitz, Dresden. Inscribed on the back was the caption “Bread’s In!”, January 1944.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph taken at Arbeitskommando 1169, Gorbitz, Dresden. Inscribed on the back was the caption “The Bread wagon Bogged” January 1944.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Group photograph of prisoners of war holding icicles which had formed on the eaves of their hut at Arbeitskommando 1169, Gorbitz, Dresden. Inscribed on the back was the caption “The Caps” 20th February 1944,
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Group photograph of prisoners of war from “C” Hut holding icicles which had formed on the eaves of their hut, Arbeitskommando 1169, Gorbitz, Dresden, February 1944.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Group photograph of prisoners of war from “D” Hut, Arbeitskommando 1169, Gorbitz, Dresden, February 1944.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Group photograph of prisoners of war from “C” Hut, Arbeitskommando 1169, Gorbitz, Dresden, 20th February 1944. Julian Meyer is standing second from the left in the back row.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of Julian Meyer at Arbeitskommando 1169, Gorbitz, Dresden, February 1944. 'Julien Meyer, 2nd Transvaal Scottish, a law student and the cleverest man in camp, a brilliant scholar who learned to speak German fluently in record time. He was a great asset to us in that he was able to pick up news outside and translate it into English for us. He wrote a daily bulletin of news for our benefit'. Source: Szpek Jr E.E., Idzikowski FJ, Szpek HM 2008; Slaughterhouse Five. Recollections and Reflections of the American Ex-POWs of Schlachthof Fünf.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Group photograph of prisoners of war from “F” Hut, Arbeitskommando 1169, Gorbitz, Dresden, February 1944.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of Julian Meyer standing in the snow at Arbeitskommando 1169, Gorbitz, Dresden. This photograph was sent with a letter dated the 12th April 1944. ‘With this letter is a snap of myself in the snow – soon I’ll send you one showing me sunbathing!’
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of prisoners of war Julian Meyer, Simon Joseph Jackson and Kloot, Arbeitskommando 1169, Gorbitz, Dresden, February 1944. Inscribed on the back is the caption ‘“Morning after the night Before”’ Self, “Jacko” & Kloot’. Kloot served in the South African Police and was a cook at the camp.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of the ‘Unter. offis Snowman' at Arbeitskommando 1169, Gorbitz, Dresden, February 1944.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Group photograph of prisoners of war. It was taken at work at the Reichpost in Dresden in February 1944. Julian Meyer is standing in the middle and Hymie Katz is kneeling in front of him. Julian Meyer described his work there 'as not unpleasant being light, clean & indoors'. Hymie Katz once persuaded their guard to make a detour in Dresden so that he could walk across a park clearly marked ‘Juden und Hunden verboten’. Source: Brokensha David: Love and Work in Three Continents.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of Julian Meyer standing on the right and Hymie Katz standing on the left on the railway platform at the Reichpost, Dresden, February 1944. On the back of the photograph is inscribed the caption ‘Dresden February 1944’. Julian Meyer described his work there 'as not unpleasant being light, clean & indoors'. Hymie Katz once persuaded their guard to make a detour in Dresden so that he could walk across a park clearly marked ‘Juden und Hunden verboten’. Source: Brokensha David: Love and Work in Three Continents.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of Hymie Katz and Julian Meyer standing outside "B" Hut, Arbeitskommando 1169, Gorbitz, Dresden. This photograph was dated May 1944 and were stapled to the letter written to the Meyer family of the 5th July 1944. ‘Attached is a snap of Hymie and myself taken recently’..
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Group photograph of prisoners of war of "B" Hut, Arbeitskommando 1169, Gorbitz, Dresden. Julian Meyer is standing second from the left and Hymie Katz is standing third from the right. This photograph was dated May 1944 and were stapled to the letter written to the Meyer family of the 5th July 1944.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Group photograph taken at Arbeitskommando 1169, Gorbitz, Dresden in May 1944. Photographed in the back row on the right is Simon Joseph Jackson. Julian Meyer and Hymie Katz are kneeling in front. This photograph was sent with the letter written on the 14th June 1944. ‘I am sending you a photo taken last month in front of our hut one morning. You will probably recognise me second from the left with Jacko on my right, Hymie is smoking nonchalantly..’. Simon (Jacko) Jackson was described as a tall dreamy South African who was most entertaining when not daydreaming. He was part of a group of six men who encountered a Russian officer on their escape to the American lines at the end of the War. He helped ease the situation when he met a Jewish Russian major with whom he conversed in Yiddish. Sources: Brokensha David: Love and Work in Three Continents; Szpek Jr E.E., Idzikowski FJ, Szpek HM 2008; Slaughterhouse Five. Recollections and Reflections of the American Ex-POWs of Schlachthof Fünf.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Group photograph of prisoners of war from “C” Barrack, Arbeitskommando 1169, Gorbitz, Dresden, May 1944.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Group photograph of prisoners of war from “C” Barrack, Arbeitskommando 1169, Gorbitz, Dresden, May 1944.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of a 'Message Reply' sent to the Meyer family via the South African Red Cross. It was postmarked the 23rd June 1944.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
A postcard sent to the Meyer family from Julian Meyer from Germany. It was postmarked the 27th July 1944.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of the last letter sent by Julian Meyer to his family from Germany. It was written on the 8th March 1945. ' At this end we are managing as well as circumstances allow'. In previous letters of February he stated 'During the last few weeks the war has come a great deal closer to us. Naturally nervous tension has increased correspondingly & one is beset with doubts & fears. At times such as the present I find my thoughts persistently turning homeward & the longing for liberty & freedom of action grows more intense.'. 'Tension it at its highest & naturally I am unable to say just those things which would interest you most. …I can definitely say it cannot be much longer now, before a decision is reached.' In mid February 1945, during four air raids of Dresden, Germany, the British Royal Air Force and the United States Army Air Forces dropped more than 3,900 tons of high-explosive bombs and incendiary devices on the city.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of the escape route taken by Julian Meyer and Hymie Katz when they were released by the Germans in May 1945. The prisoners of war were initially marched from Dresden to Hellendorf in mid-April 1945. The prisoners of war left Hellendorf at 7 a.m. on the 8th May 1945, in a column of about 700 POWs. At 9 a.m. they were attacked, bombed and machine gunned by Russian dive-bombers and fighters. David Brokensha, a fellow prisoner of war, wrote that he was hit. 'When I was hit and I put my hand to my head, it was covered with blood, as scalp wounds bleed a lot. My first reaction was anger, not fear, here was I going to die at the hands of our Russian allies and the war was over. As soon as I was hit, Julian Meyer (a lawyer ..), who had been sheltering behind a small tree, near my tree ... immediately jumped up and ran to me, despite the bullets and bombs which continued to rain down very close to us. I was deeply touched by Julian risking his life to look after me'. Julian Meyer subsequently wrote to his family that on the 9th May he was released by the Russians at Peterswald and arrived at Erfurt on the 16th May 1945. The American lines were at Siegmar- Schonau near Chemnitz. Peterswald is shown as the red area and is isolated in the forests of Sudetenland/Bohemia. Source: Brokensha David: Love and Work in Three Continents.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of the name tag of released POW 248565 - Julian Meyer.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of the air letter sent to the Meyer family upon the repatriation of Julian Meyer to England. It is stamped Ex P.W.- Postage Free. It is postmarked the 20th May 1945.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of the telegram sent to the Meyer family informing them of the release of Julian Meyer and his arrival in the United Kingdom. It was postmarked the 22 May 1945.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of a letter sent by the South African Board of Jewish Education to Mr Meyer sending best wishes following the liberation of his son from German captivity. It was dated the 25th May 1945.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of the telegram sent by Julian Meyer to his family informing them of his arrival in England. It was postmarked the 25th May 1945.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of the letter sent by the South African Red Cross Society informing the Meyer family of the release of Julian Meyer by the Allied Forces. It was dated the 29th May 1945.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of Julian Meyer taken in Trafalgar Square London. He is standing on the right with a pipe in his hand.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Group photograph taken by Central Press Photos, 119 Fleet Street, London. Julian Meyer is sitting at the table at the back against the short concrete wall and is seated forth from the left at the table.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Group photograph taken by Central Press Photos 119, Fleet Street London. Julian Meyer is sitting at the table on the far left and is seated in the middle of the table.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Group photograph taken by E. Hereward Phillips 10 Bedford St., W.C.2. Julian Meyer is sitting at the table in the foreground and is smoking a cigarette.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph taken by E. Hereward Phillips 10 Bedford St., W.C.2. Julian Meyer is sitting on the left and is looking at record covers.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of a letter sent by the Principal Jewish Chaplain, S. Weinstein to Mr Meyer upon the release of his son Julian. It was dated the 5th July 1945. Rev. Capt. Weinstein had previously seen Julian Meyer in June 1942 in Egypt prior to him being captured at Tobruk by the Axis forces.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of the telegram sent by Julian Meyer to his family prior to his departure to South Africa from England. It was postmarked the 19th July 1945.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.
Published
Photograph of the telegram sent by Julian Meyer to his family upon his arrival in Cape Town on the 6th August 1945.
Donated by Naomi Rapeport
Unless otherwise stated the copyright of all material on the Jewish Digital Archive Project resides with the South African Jewish Museum.