Description
Object description
Polish Jewish civilian in Zolkiewka and Biskupice, Poland, 1925-1936; emigrated to Palestine, 1936; civilian in Palestine, 1936-1942; volunteer served with Auxiliary Territorial Service in Egypt and Italy, 1942-1946
Content description
REEL 1 Background in Zolkiewka and Biskupice, Poland, 1925-1936: memories of childhood; story of mother bargaining with God for lives of siblings including religion and wig worn by mother; father's role in local Zionist movement; further memories of childhood and family background; work of father; year spent with grandparents in Biskupice; memories of brother, Itzchak Gutman, including his period studying in Warsaw, work with Youth Zionist movement and move to Palestine; growth of anti-Semitism in Poland.
REEL 2 Continues: tension caused by insult against Virgin Mary made by classmate; situation in Palestine; organisation of emigration to Palestine including growing problems after 1933; journey to Haifa. Aspects of period as civilian in Jerusalem, Palestine, 1936-1942: accommodation; reactions to situation; relationship between and with Arab and Jewish civilians; financial situation; education; continuing family connections with Poland.
REEL 3 Continues: importance of literacy; problems faced by father; civilian work in cigarette factory and shop; accountancy training; story of wounding from bomb; details of wounds; appearance at trial of bomber; events following bombing; reporting of death in Poland.
REEL 4 Continues: reactions to outbreak of war in Europe; process of joining army; letter written to parents explaining situation. Aspects of period as volunteer with Auxiliary Territorial Service in Egypt and Italy, 1942-1946: posting in Qassassin; layout of No 13 General Military Hospital; relationship with troops; opinion of training; casualties among staff; details of life and work in hospital; translation and other non-nursing duties; situation on arrival in Taranto; question of health; journey to Assisi including scenes in Rome and Cassino; relationship with British troops.
REEL 5 Continues: treatment of and relationship with refugees from Eastern Europe including gaining of their trust and case of girl called Mara.
REEL 6 Continues: story of tent fire in Suez and later meeting with victim; reactions to end of war in Rome; assistance given to refugees in Rome; demobilisation in Palestine; story of cousin who had been interned in Auschwitz; civilian work; reason for move to GB; organisation of visa. Aspects of period as civilian in GB from 1946: first impressions of GB; contacts in London; civilian work; learning about Holocaust events.
REEL 7 Continues: relationship with civilians and priests in Rome; meeting with Pope Pius XII; leisure activities; comparison of treating Italian and German POWs; details of ENSA concerts; story of journey to Alexandria; family; reasons for not returning to Poland.