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This is the true story of a life lived through extraordinary circumstances, an eye-witness account of some of the most unjust actions inflicted on dispossessed and displaced German Jews during World War II: the traumatic experiences of Lutz Eichbaum, a refugee fleeing from Nazi Germany. As a boy in his mid-teenage years he was forced to leave everything behind that was familiar to him, plucked from his homeland, culture, friends and family – all irretrievably torn apart.

Every effort has been made to corroborate the facts in the narrative of this book. I have endeavoured to be as true to Lutz Eichbaum’s life experience as possible, using his memories, diaries and photographs, accounts from friends and family, archival and historical data and anecdotal information. The chapters relating to Lutz’s internment are based on his diary entries. However, much of the detail and depth of Lutz’s early life is locked away in his memory, and where I haven’t been able to find the key to open up events more fully, I have used my own imagination; tried to empathise with his pain and loss, his frustration and fear, his lack of choice in the circumstances. I have constantly striven for fairness and authenticity … ‘Ultimately all memoirs are attempts at inventing the truth’ (William Zinsser, Inventing The Truth: The Art and Craft of Memoir). It could even be said that if factual accuracy is paramount one might miss out on the true understanding of the experience.

As the persecution and injustice committed against the Eichbaum family has had significant consequences for our family (as it has similarly affected others) I feel a humble responsibility to tell his story and in so doing have found it a most fulfilling venture.

In the narrative of the period before 1945 I have referred to Ludwig Eichbaum as Lutz (the diminutive name), at which time he changed his name by deed poll to Leslie Ernest Everett; since that event I have referred to him in the narrative as Ernie, his preferred name.

The future needs memories.

Sue Everett

After many hours of taping at home for details, Sue was still ‘hungry’ for more information. She wrote to many people overseas including in England, USA and Germany as well as various embassies.

Adrian and Sue went on a long trip around Australia once again to find out more details. Her efforts speak for themselves.

Sincere thanks for your interest and for being such a caring daughter-in-law.

Ernie Everett (Lutz Eichbaum)