door In this article, we take an in-depth look at a unique postcard sent on January 24, 1942, during the heart of World War II. The card features a stunning panorama of the Damrak in Amsterdam, with Central Station in the background. It was a time when Europe was torn apart by war, and this postcard provides not only a glimpse into the daily life of the city but also insight into personal communication and the harsh realities of forced labor during the war years. The recipient was in a community camp near Hamburg, Germany, where forced laborers worked at the Howaldtswerke Hamburg shipyard. Let us delve deeper into the historical context and significance of this postcard.
The Front: Amsterdam’s Damrak Panorama
The front of the postcard displays a black-and-white photograph of the Damrak, an iconic boulevard in Amsterdam stretching from Central Station to Dam Square. The image showcases a bustling city scene, with rows of historic buildings, street activity, and various vehicles filling the streets. The Beurs van Berlage, with its distinctive tower and clock, is prominently visible. The photo exudes a sense of tranquility, which starkly contrasts with the reality of the war raging at the time.
These types of postcards were very popular during the era. People sent them not only to convey greetings but also to share images of their city with others. Sending a postcard to a loved one in difficult circumstances conveyed a message of hope and a sense of connection. Especially during a time of war, when families were often separated, as in the case of this card, such gestures held profound meaning.
The Back: A Message to “Gemeenschapslager Waltershof”
The back of the card is as intriguing as the front. It contains a handwritten message addressed to someone at “Gemeenschapslager Waltershof” near Hamburg. The text, written in Dutch, appears to be directed to a family member who was then working as a forced laborer in Germany. Many Dutch individuals were sent to Germany during this period to work for the German war industry, often under compulsion and in harsh conditions.
The content of the message reveals a personal note expressing trust in better times despite the challenging circumstances. It mentions a snowstorm that marked the beginning of a new chapter and reflects the everyday reality of the sender. The names “Marietje and Annet” appear at the end of the message, suggesting it was sent by family members trying to stay in touch with their loved one in Germany.
The address details indicate the card was sent to “J. A. Kremer,” who was staying at the Waltershof community camp at the time. The card was later forwarded to another location in Harburg, referred to as “Lg Pahl.” This reflects the mobility of forced laborers, who were frequently relocated based on the needs of the German war industry.
Historical Context: Howaldtswerke Hamburg and Forced Labor
Waltershof, where the card was addressed, was one of the sites where forced laborers were housed. These workers were employed at Howaldtswerke Hamburg, a major shipyard that played a significant role in German war production. The shipyard was originally established in 1930 when Kiel-based Howaldtswerke acquired parts of the bankrupt Vulkan and Janssen & Schmilinsky shipyards. During the Nazi regime, the shipyard became prominent in the war industry, focusing on constructing submarines and other military vessels.
From 1941 onward, forced laborers were widely used at Howaldtswerke, including individuals from the Netherlands, France, Poland, and other occupied territories. These laborers often worked under harsh conditions, with long hours, insufficient food, and minimal medical care. Their work included building U-boats, which were crucial to the German navy. Working conditions were grueling, and the risks were significant, with constant threats from bombings and other wartime dangers.
Censorship and Postal Markings
Noteworthy on the postcard are the various postal markings and stamps. A red stamp and a 7½-cent stamp are visible, indicating the postal rate at the time. The red markings and stamps suggest the card was inspected by German censors. During the war, all mail sent to or from forced laborers was carefully monitored by Nazi authorities. This was intended to prevent the exchange of sensitive information or messages that could negatively impact the morale of workers or their families.
A Small Window into a Larger History
This postcard offers a unique glimpse into an era when Europe was at war and personal stories were often overshadowed by the grand events of history. The combination of an ordinary image of Amsterdam and the harsh reality of forced labor in Germany tells a story of hope, connection, and the desire to maintain contact despite the separations of war and oppression.
The card reminds us that war was not only about large-scale military campaigns and political decisions but also about the small, personal efforts of ordinary people to reach their loved ones and hold onto a semblance of normalcy in chaotic times. For the recipient, “J. A. Kremer,” this card may have been a small token of love and hope in an otherwise bleak situation.
The postcard was on auction on November, 30. Lot 6192, Sheraton & Peel auction 68. René Hillesum Filatelie, Zwijndrecht.
