Trude Grünwald: diary of emigration (photocopy)

This collection contains a photocopy of the diary (incomplete) of Trude Grünwald from Vienna, a Jewish refugee who emigrated with her parents to England via Albania in 1938. She had originally intended to record her travels in Europe in her diary (1935-1937) but the second part of the diary was used to document her emigration. Trude describes her feelings at her departure, her impressions of Albanian towns, particularly Durazzo (Dürres), her efforts to earn some money, the threat of war in Albania, the evacuation of Durazzo, and their struggle for survival during the battle with the Italian army in Durazzo. Also included is a photocopy of a work reference regarding Trude Grünwald teaching German.

Trude Grünwald was born in Vienna in 1922. In July 1938 her parents had obtained the documents required to emigrate. Arriving in Rogaska Slatina in Slovenia they met a relative who took them by car to Zagreb. After a short stay the family went to Durazzo (Dürres), Albania. They arrived at the end of November 1938. Trude tried to earn some money teaching German, French and mathematics. In January/February 1939 Trude and her mother obtained their visas to emigrate to England but they were still waiting for Trude's father's visa. The family struggled to survive during the battles with the Italian army in Durazzo. The Grünwalds managed to emigrate to England in July 1939.

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Donated by Dr T Scarlett Epstein

2012/13