Peter's Backpack

Canada, ca. 1940-41

Image Slideshow

An old, light brown canvas backpack with dark tan leather straps and rope to close at the top.
Military surplus backpack belonging to Peter Oberlander.
The back of an old, light brown canvas backpack with dark tan leather straps.
Back view of backpack made from canvas with leather straps.

Peter Oberlander was a German-Jewish refugee in Britain. He was deported to Canada as an “enemy alien” in the early 1940s.  He was moved between four internment camps in New Brunswick and Quebec. Peter and other internees were put to work in the forests of New Brunswick chopping wood and planting trees. They also made supplies like nets, backpacks and sewing kits for the Canadian military. 
 
During this time, Peter’s family in Britain did not know where he was. They were desperate to find him and have him released. They wrote to the British and Canadian governments, refugee agencies, and American diplomats seeking information about him.
 

Donated to the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre by Wendy Oberlander. 2019.048.002

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