In Essence, Walter could have saved himself at the time he accompanied a so-called “Kindertransport” to England. But he had purchased a return ticket, because otherwise – so he was threatened – his mother would be sent to a concentration camp. Thus the conscientious and loving son returned from England to Hamburg (B. Gewehr, Stolpersteine in Hamburg-Altona. Biographische Spurensuche, Hamburg 2008, p. 33).
Also Lutz came to England with this Kindertransport, however not as an escort, but as a “Kind”, still considered as a child himself until his 17th birthday on 21st December 1938; older children were not accepted for the “Kindertransport”.
Fair-haired Lutz, almost grown up, deprived of his German citizenship and with his German accent, was considered a “foreign enemy”, even “suspected of being a German spy”. He was interned in Australia, together with hundreds of refugees who had fled Germany.
From the internment camp Victoria in Australia he still wrote a postcard to his mother for her birthday (on 15.11.), which, however, has never reached its destination.
15th November 1941
Dearest Mother!
I hope this card will reach you in time for your birthday. There’s no need to tell you what I wish all of you. First and foremost the best wishes for good health. Don’t give up hope that we shall see each other again in joy. It is exactly this hope that makes everything easier for me. My health is better than ever. I play ball games, do gymnastics etc. I also manage well with what I have. In quite a short time I’ve made enough money for my needs, and at the moment I’m even working as a cook. I’m not concerned about the future because it is not in our control anyway, but we shall see – I have patience. I’m glad you don’t worry about me; I assume that from time to time I will hear about you from Uncle Hans. This is a faster way. I often hear Walter’s violin sonatas at the homes of Thiess & brother and other relatives here. Yesterday, they broadcast Beethoven’s Leonore No. 3 and Symphony No. 9. – Your letters, also those sent through Jolo*, usually reach their destination, sometimes sooner, sometimes later. Even in case no mail has arrived, I still know you are all right. Again my heartiest congratulations to you and regards to all acquaintances and friends,
Love and best wishes, your son, brother and nephew Lutz
*(Jolo was a code name for Joseph and Lotte Carlebach)
Back-side of the Postcard:
Postmark: Prisoner of War Mail
Handwritten: Written in German
Censoring mark with postal stamp from Altona, 16.9.42
Handwritten: Recipient moved abroad
Mail returned. Recipient left – address unknown …
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