Hermer, Manfred: my wartime experiences (February 6, 2007)
An interview/narrative of Manfred Hermer's experiences during World War II. Hermer served with the South African Corps of Signals and the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion. Interview took place on February 6, 2007.
Interviewee: Hermer, Manfred
ABSTRACT: Manfred Hermer Manfred Hermer was born in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1915. As a Jew, Manfred felt it was his duty to oppose Germany, so at age 25 he joined the South African Corps of Signals in 1940. After basic training in Potchefstroom, Manfred was sent to Rhodesia where he was attached to an Indian Division, followed by service in the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion in North Africa as a Division Signal Officer. Manfred was involved in the battles at El Alamein and Bariya. Being in this area allowed him to travel through Syria, Lebanon and Palestine. Manfred's active service ended as a captain, when he was injured and released at the end of 1945. Manfred's fondest memories are of meeting his physician brother, stationed with 2nd Division Field Ambulance, in the desert of North Africa. Also memorable was when the Jewish soldiers from two divisions were assembled in the desert, for a Passover seder complete with matzah and wine. After about a year of convalescence, during which he gave training to new soldiers, Manfred returned to civilian life as an architect. He moved to Victoria around 1990.
Interviewer: Fitch, Edward and Sharon
- In Collection:
- 48.4359, -123.35155
- 51.5, 10.5
- Canadian Military Oral History Collection
- HM_548
- Special Collections Finding Aid: https://search.archives.uvic.ca/edward-fitch-collection
- Rights
- This interview has been posted with the understanding that it may be used for research purposes only. Should the interviewee or their heirs have any objections to this interview being accessible on the Internet, it will be removed promptly. Contact UVic Special Collections for permission if using for other than research purposes: speccoll@uvic.ca
- DOI