| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | MSS1586 |
| Collection type | Manuscript |
| Measurement | 2 wallets: 2 cm. |
| Object type | Manuscript |
| Maker |
Thow, Max Wright, James Harold 'Lefty' |
| Place made | Australia |
| Date made | 1991 |
| Access | Open |
| Related File This file can be copied or viewed via the Memorial’s Reading Room. | AWM371 95/0794 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
| Copying Provisions | Copyright restrictions apply. Only personal, non-commercial, research and study use permitted. Permission of copyright holder required for any commercial use and/or reproduction. |
Wright, James Harold 'Lefty' (Private, b.1916 - d.2002)
Description
Collection consists of two typewritten manuscripts: 'A Four Year Hiccup' by Max Thow combined with 'The Lantern of Hope' by Jim Wright; and 'The Lantern of Hope' [Book One] by James Wright.
The first of the manuscripts, 'A Four Year Hiccup' by Max Thow combined with 'The Lantern of Hope' by Jim Wright, describes Wright's service as a private in the intelligence section of 2/12 Battalion during the Second World War. It includes his being taken prisoner at Tobruk, brief stays in camps at Tahuna and Capua, and conditions at Camps 57 in Italy, mentioning escape attempts and camp life. When Italy capitulated, Wright was moved to Stalag VIIIA at Gorlitz (now Zgorzelec in Poland), and spent time working in sugar and paper factories at Berlau. The forced march through Poland, Czechoslovakia and German is described, mentioning the treatment of the Russians and a brief stay in a concentration camp. This manuscript also includes stories of other POWs, descriptions of various incidents, yarns, and poetry.
The second manuscript 'The Lantern of Hope' [Book One] by James Wright, is a supplement to the first manuscript expanding on some of the experiences and describing new ones. The author acknowledges that not all the stories are totally factual.
Also see PR00042, the collection relating to TX50 Private Patrick Joseph Lattin of the same battalion, who was with Wright throughout the period described.