door This postcard, dated October 8, 1940, was sent from the internment camp Alasvallei to Taroetoeng. The card is a “briefkaart” with a 3½ cent grey stamp, featuring markings that include a cancellation stamp from the Commandant of the Internment Camp Alasvallei and a red censorship stamp marked “Gecensureerd 3.”
The card is written in old German handwriting, known as Kurrent, which presents challenges for accurate transcription. The text appears to be a personal letter from a sender writing to their family members, discussing daily life, emotions, and updates during their internment.
Transcription
Below is a transcription of the German text as it seems to appear on the card (note the text is very difficult to read in certain parts!):
“Trennung u. sobald die aufhört will ich Dich u. die Kinder allen haben. Natürlich kann Dorle darin eine noch oft zu Mama u. Oma aber die soll doch unser Heim als ihre Heimat betrachten, nicht Du oder Mü? Bist Du nicht derselben Meinung, schreib mir bitte darüber! Von einigen Leuten wurde mir erzählt eine evtl. Abreise fände erst in 2-3 Monaten statt, Sicheres konnte ich nicht erfahren. Schreib mir auch das bitte sobald wie möglich. Alles was Du erfahren kannst u. mach die Reise nur dann wenn der Transport zu ja in Shanghai übernommen wird. Tue das was Du für richtig hältst. Du kannst die spezielle Lage besser beurteilen wie ich, ich wohne jetzt auf dem Mond. Meine ganze u. einzige Freude hier sind deine Karten u. daß Du schreibst, daß Du wieder ein bißel zugenommen hast, Dorle wieder frisch u. gesund ist u. Ruth sehr lieb u. so schnell wächst. Dafür daß Dorle das Kinderland schon allein wochenlang u. Dir Arbeit abnimmt schicke ich ihr einen Extrakuß u. sage ihr daß ich sehr stolz auf sie bin u. mit mir Alle hier die Dorle kennen, besonders Usch. u. Connie. Neben mir liegt K. Wagner, wir sind viel zusammen u. er ist ein sehr guter Kamerad. Gesundheitlich geht’s mir gut, hab etwas abgenommen u. weiße Haare gekriegt (ein paar nur, das macht aber viel). Bis Deine Reise u. der ganze jetzige Zustand glücklich überstanden ist kommen noch viele dazu. An die Zukunft denke ich jetzt nicht, es hat einfach keinen Sinn. Ich versuche guten Mutes zu bleiben, Deine Karten sind mir Hilfe dazu. Mach Dir keine Sorgen wegen mir, hat noch nur ein bißel lieb. Gute Nacht, einen tiefen langen Kuß Dir u. d. Klein. Dein”
Translation
The following is a translation of the text. Due to the nature of the original handwriting, some inaccuracies may be present:
“Separation, and as soon as it ends, I want to have you and the children all together. Of course, Dorle can still go to Mama and Grandma often, but she should consider our home as her own home, not you or me. Aren’t you of the same opinion? Please write me about it! Some people told me that a possible departure might not be for another 2-3 months; I couldn’t find out anything certain. Please write to me about it as soon as possible. Anything you find out, and only make the journey if the transport is taken over in Shanghai. Do what you think is right. You can assess the special situation better than I can, I feel like I’m living on the moon. My only joy here is your letters and that you write that you have gained a little weight, that Dorle is healthy and well again, and that Ruth is very sweet and growing up so fast. For Dorle managing the childcare alone for weeks now and helping you with work, I send her an extra kiss and tell her that I am very proud of her, as are all the people here who know Dorle, especially Usch. and Connie. Next to me is K. Wagner; we spend a lot of time together, and he is a very good comrade. Health-wise, I am fine, I’ve lost some weight, and have gotten some grey hairs (just a few, but it makes a difference). By the time your journey and this entire current situation is successfully overcome, many more will have come. I do not think about the future right now, it simply makes no sense. I try to remain in good spirits; your cards help me with that. Don’t worry about me; just love me a little. Good night, a deep, long kiss for you and the little ones. Yours”
Context and Significance
The postcard gives a personal perspective from someone held in an internment camp during a period of significant global unrest in 1940. The internment camp Alasvallei was located in what was then the Dutch East Indies, and the letter shows the emotional weight of separation from family, as well as the uncertainty about future travel or release. The writer discusses family concerns, health, and the attempts to stay positive despite the conditions of internment.
The presence of censorship, indicated by the red “Gecensureerd 3” stamp, reflects the controlled communication environment typical of internment camps. The postcard also shows the resilience of the human spirit, as the writer continues to express love and concern for their family despite the challenging circumstances.
The Alasvallei Internment Camp
The Alasvallei internment camp was one of several camps established in the Dutch East Indies during World War II to hold individuals who were deemed a potential threat to the colonial authorities. These camps housed a mix of civilians, including German nationals, who were interned due to their nationality after the outbreak of the war. The conditions in the camp were difficult, with limited supplies and restricted freedom of movement, and communication with the outside world was strictly controlled, as evidenced by the censorship stamp on this postcard.
Historical Context of the Dutch East Indies in 1940
In October 1940, the Dutch East Indies was still under Dutch colonial control, but the global situation was increasingly tense. The Second World War was in full swing, and the Netherlands had been occupied by Germany since May 1940. As a result, the colonial authorities in the Dutch East Indies were wary of any potential internal threats, particularly from German nationals or those with Axis sympathies. Internment camps such as Alasvallei were established as a precautionary measure to maintain control and ensure the security of the colony. At the same time, Japan’s expansionist ambitions in Asia were becoming more apparent, creating an atmosphere of growing uncertainty and fear throughout the region. The postcard from Alasvallei provides a glimpse into the personal struggles of those caught in the midst of these broader geopolitical tensions.
The cover shown was part of an auction by Corinphila Veilingen of Amstelveen, the Netherlands. It was auction 258, held in March2024, item 2323. Bidding started at 80 EUR, and the item sold for 80 EUR.
