Reference for Heinz Lippmann

Date19 August 1941

Object numberANMS0219[003]

NameReference

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Heinz Lippmann

Terms

DescriptionA typed reference for Heinz Israel Lippmann from the Joint British Committee ORT-OSE (Leeds ORT Technical Engineering School). The reference, written just prior to Heinz Lippmann’s deportation from England to Australia aboard HMT DUNERA, outlines his training and skills and wishes Lippmann success in his future life.HistoryOn Heinz Lippmann's arrival in England from Berlin in August 1939, he lived in a hostel for six months with other Jewish German students. Here he attended the Leeds ORT Technical Engineering School for six months before boarding the DUNERA for Australia. On his departure, Lippmann received this reference from the headmaster of the school which reads: "To Whom It May Concern Heinz Lippman. born 30th October 1921 in Germany, attended our O.R.T. Technical School in Berlin from the 1st June, 1937. During the first six months of his technical education, he worked in the Beginners Department in order to learn the foundations of the hand work, such as filing , chiselling, marking out, blacksmith work, etc. Then, for a further six months, he went round the workshop to be instructed in gas welding, forging, turning, milling, etc. He then joined the Electricians Department where he was exercised in house, motor, telephone and bell wiring. In addition to his apprenticeship in the workshop, he attended the theoretical lessons in mathematics, physics, drawing, mechanical technology and electro-technics. In August 1939, Lippman was transferred from the O.R.T. Technical School, Berlin, to England and continued his work in the Electricians Department of the Leeds School, until July 1940, when he was interned. He was interested in his work and always keen on learning. He is able to do any kind of work in his trade and always did his work to the satisfaction of his instructor. During his training he proved himself hard working and his behaviour was very good. He is honest and trustworthy and there have been no complaints about his character. We wish Lippman success in his future life. " [Signature] [Signature] F. Heilborn Lieut. Col. J.H. Levey Headmaster O.R.T. Technical School Hon. Director. Joint British CommitteeSignificanceThis reference is part of a collection of personal papers belonging to Heinz Lippmann that provide an insight into an important episode in the history of Australian migration this century.
They are primary sources in the DUNERA case in which the ship, HMT DUNERA, 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 in New South Wales. Lippmann was then moved toTatura in Victoria.