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Portrait of Henry Lippmann

Photographer Fairfax Publications, Sydney Morning Herald

Datec 1985

Object numberANMS0222[002]

NamePhotograph

MediumSsilver gelatin photographic print on paper

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Heinz Lippmann

Terms

DescriptionBlack and white portrait of Heinz 'Henry;' Lippmann who was sent to Australia aboard HMT DUNERA in 1939 as an 'enemy alien'. HistoryIn the 1930s Jewish refugees from Germany and Austria fled Nazi persecution for safety in Britain. But from 1940 when at war with Germany ,Britain came to see these refugees as potential traitors and spies. Over 20,000 refugees were interned as Enemy Aliens. Australia agreed to help Britain accommodate the internees and 2250 men were brought to Australia aboard the 'hell ship' DUNERA. They were refugees who were treated like prisoners. Only months later Britain admitted that interning refugees was a mistake and released those in British camps.The AustralianGovernment, however, did not release many of the internees until 1942 .SignificanceThe papers of Heinz Lippmann provide an insight into an important episode in the history of Australian migration this century, that of HMT DUNERA. The ship transported German and Austrian Jewish refugees from England to Australia in 1940. On arrival in Australia these men were interned in a camp at Hay and later at Orange and Tatura. After their gradual release many of the men stayed in Australia and served in the 8th Employment Company of the Australian Military Forces. Many of the internees contributed to the growth and development of Australia at all levels of society.