And FOUND!
LaSt year Eliana hadjisavvas, a phD student in modern history at Birmingham University, asked us to help with her fascinating research on the immigration of holocaust survivors to the British mandate for palestine at the end of World War II, and their subsequent internment in British-run camps in colonial Cyprus from 1946-49.
‘I’m keen to contact any British ex-servicemen based in either palestine or Cyprus during this period,’ she told us. ‘I’m confident some with personal memories of this littleknown episode of post-war British history are still alive.
‘at the end of the war, thousands of Jewish refugees attempted to enter palestine by embarking on illegal voyages from Europe across the mediterranean.
‘most of the ships were intercepted by British Forces, with the refugees subsequently detained in 12 internment camps in Cyprus. more than 52,000 refugees passed through Cyprus until the camps’ dissolution in 1949.’
We put Eliana in touch with 12 former servicemen based in palestine or Cyprus at that time — all with eye-witness accounts and some even with photos and documents to enrich her research.
now antony tinker has written, on behalf of his father, then based in Egypt intercepting messages for the British Government: ‘he’s now 87 but still very informative. although he signed the official Secrets act back then, maybe it’s no longer relevant?
‘he listened to ships’ messages and helped send ships back. the Daily mail is bought every day in his household, and I’m sure he’d love to talk to Eliana.’
nIF there is someone you would like to trace, write to Gill Whitley, 1 Newbrook house, New hall Lane, Preston, Pr1 5Pe, enclosing an SAe, or send an email to monica.porter@dailymail. co.uk — including a contact phone number. All communications will be answered as soon as possible. this column is researched with the aid of Peopletracer (www.peopletracer.co.uk). A small donation will be requested for employing Gill Whitley’s services.