Wundersitz, Josephine (Civilian b.1938)

Collection relating to the experiences of Josephine Wundersitz's childhood during the Second World War. The collection consists of two versions of Wundersitz's memoir.

The earliest version, circa 1997, is a photocopy of a 13 paged draft typescript reminiscence with titled "Childhood memories of World War 2". In the document Wundersitz recalls her rural childhood near Maitland, SA, and focuses on her family's experiences during the Second World War. There are recollections from a child's point of view of rural home life covering such topics as the Volunteer Defence Corps, farming, school and the psychological impact of the war on family members especially women. There is some mention of her family's German extraction in the typescript. It is arranged under broad subject headings including childhood fears, isolation and anxiety for women.

The later finished version, created in 2007, is longer at 48 pages and includes extracts from the wartime editions of South Australian Education Gazettes and the Maitland Watch. This later version include a larger range of topics and the author provides both childhood recollections and adult reflections. Also included are family photographs, images of family documents and objects and extensive analysis of the Education Gazette and the Maitland Watch.