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An illustrated diary of Australian Internment Camps
An illustrated diary of Australian Internment Camps

An illustrated diary of Australian Internment Camps

Author (1895 - 1973)
Date1919
Object number00030480
NameBook
MediumInk on paper, leather, cloth
DimensionsOverall: 225 x 180 x 15 mm, 0.44 kg
ClassificationsBooks and journals
Credit LineANMM Collection
Description'An illustrated diary of Australian Internment Camps by an Australian Officer of the Guard' by Lieutenant Edmond Samuels, 1919.HistoryDuring World War I, internment camps were set up in each state and the Australian Capital Territory, internees were also accommodated in a number of other smaller or temporary camps, often before being transferred to one of the larger camps. "For security reasons the Australian Government pursued a comprehensive internment policy against enemy aliens living in Australia. Initially only those born in countries at war with Australia were classed as enemy aliens, but later this was expanded to include people of enemy nations who were naturalised British subjects, Australian-born descendants of migrants born in enemy nations and others who were thought to pose a threat to Australia's security. Australia interned almost 7000 people during World War I, of whom about 4500 were enemy aliens and British nationals of German ancestry already resident in Australia" [www.naa.gov.au]. SignificanceThe book gives an illustrated account of the internment camps at Holdsworthy, Berrima, Trial Bay and Bourke during WWI. The camps held German, Austrian and Turkish prisoners, including some of the crew from the EMDEN.