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Letters from the Old Country: Concentration Camp 1942

This week, I translated these postcards (in German) for a client. They come from a concentration camp in France in 1942. The newly interned author writes desperately to family to send him supplies. Doing research on this Camp de Rivesaltes, this first postcard was written a day after Jews in southern France were collected there. The camp was emptied off to Auschwitz by November. Click on the postcards to see the full image.


 

Camp1942_1

August 27, 1942

My dear ones,
I have been here since yesterday, we are expected to keep going. We hear that we are going to be staying here in a camp for the time being. Don’t write me at this addr. Mail might possibly be forwarded. If we don’t see each other for a long time, things should be well for you, and all the best
Bertold 

[TOP LEFT:]
It would be nice if you would send my watch here certified mail. In case it has to come back.


Camp1942_4September 2, 1942

My dear ones:
We have now been here 8 days. will foreseeably load up next week. I am surprised not to have received any note from you. Send the money by telegram today and the parcels the quickest way. I requested watch shoes socks undergarments: shirts food It would be very sad if I have to travel on without all of these things. Send parcels to be purchased by express mail. And I hope that you are still home and have been spared of everything warm greetings Bertold

[TOP LEFT:]
Sitting here without socks or shoes

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