David Jacobs

David Jacobs’ complete manuscript included extensive material on the history of his family we have omitted in order to concentrate his narrative on his wartime experiences. Thus we begin with Chapter 8. Similarly, we have omitted the final chapter which presents detailed genealogical tables giving a detailed history of his family. These excised materials can be consulted in the original manuscript deposited in the Archives of Concordia University.

Key Words

Chust (town in Carpathian region of Czech/Hungary/Ukraine), Volove (town in Carpathian region of Czech/Hungary/Ukraine), Brno (town in Czechoslovakia), Jasina (town in Czech./Hungary/Ukraine), Jablonec (Czech town), Gyergyo-Verhegy (town in Transylvania), partisan groups in forest, Auschwitz-Birkenau, Dr. Mengele, Warsaw, Warsaw Ghetto, Zichlin (a town), Dachau (concentration camp), Kaufering (camp in Bavaria), Allach (camp near Dachau), Liberation of the camps, Bilky (Czech town), Jewish Immigrant Aid Society (JIAS), Montreal.

Abstract

The author describes his family’s social setting and his youthful activities. His account of the wartime experiences commences with the German invasion of Czechoslovakia and the occupation of Brno on March 15, 1939, where the author was attending high school. He observes the defeat and humiliation of the Czech military. Describes the political effects of the invasion; the establishment of the Protectorates of Bohemia, etc., and the independent Slovakia as a fascist state. Ten-day journey to Chust; observes battle between Hungarian and Slovakian troops. Works in a lumber-mill owned by his father and uncle. In 1943 he meets with partisan leaders who are camped in the surrounding forests; arranges to bring them supplies. During 1943 Russians turn back the German onslaught on the Eastern front; the German retreat begins. Jews in Hungary and Czechoslovakia begin to hope for a German defeat and an end to the war. But on March 22, 1944 Germany occupies Hungary. Jacobs is placed in a labour brigade and Jews are forced into a ghetto. He is recruited into the ghetto police. On May 15, transports from the ghetto begin and he is transported to Auschwitz. Describes selections by Dr. Mengele and camp conditions. Short time later, Jacobs is transported to Warsaw where he works with a labour gang in the destroyed Jewish ghetto of Warsaw. Describes efforts at organizing prisoners. With the Russian advance, the camp is evacuated; about 10,000 inmates are forced to march--a distance of 110 kilometers--then describes the box-cars to Dachau. After a short stay, Jacobs is sent to Kaufering in Bavaria. In January 1945 he learns of his father’s death; his father and uncle had accompanied him in the various camps to this date. Describes sadistic Jewish Kapo. On April 24, 1945 prisoners are ordered to march to a new camp. German guards begin to defect. Reaches Dachau and then proceeds to Allach. Camp is liberated by the American army. Meets with American soldiers--one of whom speaks Yiddish--and with their help, takes over a farm house. The Czech government provides transportation to bring its citizens home: Jacobs travels to Prague and seeks out surviving family members. Goes to Budapest, then returns to Jablonec where he operates on the black market selling cigarettes supplied by a boyhood friend.

In Chapter 10, Jacobs’ wife Helen relates her wartime experiences, including a detailed family history. She was deported to Auschwitz and later to Camp "D" near Hamburg. She was liberated by the British army May 9, 1945.

Jacobs returns to his narration. In the immediate post-war years he goes into business as an exporter of costume jewelry and crystal--the same business his father had been in. With the Communist takeover of Czechoslovakia, he makes arrangements to emigrate to Canada, where he has relatives. Describes the difficulties of obtaining proper documents and the route through Budapest, Vienna and Brussels. He arrives in Montreal April 24, 1945.

Gives detailed account of settling in Montreal; his employment record and changes of residence. Among his undertakings are peddling with partner in Newfoundland, and owning a grocery store in Calgary for some years. At one time he decides to emigrate to the US where his wife has close family, but decides to make Montreal his home. For many years he owned a textile business in partnership with an old friend from his home town. Relates his family history--birth, education and marriage of children--until his retirement.

In "Postscript" describes a return visit, after 48 years, to his native district of Carpathia, which had been incorporated into the Soviet Union.