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Gathering The Voices

Gathering The Voices

testimony from men and women who sought sanctuary in Scotland to escape the racism of Nazi-dominated Europe

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Bob Mackenzie – Life During the War

Bob loses his German but becomes proficient in English.

Once the war started we were only allowed to write twenty-five words per month through the Red Cross. When war broke out Janet joined the Land Army and Jessie looked after the house. So over the years one can say that Jessie virtually brought us up. Granny Mackenzie died and my sister and I moved into the big house and we were accepted as part of the family. Mr Mackenzie arranged for us to attend the local school. He asked the Headmaster if it would be possible to have two or three hours a week with the German class, so we could keep up our German language, but the Headmaster refused. So the German language faded away through lack of use.

10

When I moved to secondary school I decided to take German as a language and I’m sorry to say I ended up bottom of the class; mockery all round from the other members of the class. But the following year I got my own back by coming first in my class in English.

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Listen to the Testimony

https://gtvbeta.jacb.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/bob-mackenzie-life-during-the-war.mp3Press the play button to listen

Links to Other Testimonies by Bob Mackenzie

Background
Life Before the War
Immigration
Settling In
Life During the War
Integration
Discovering Sarok and Bob’s Return to his Childhood Home
Reflection on Life
BBC Interview on Youtube

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The Gathering the Voices Association is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Registered Scottish Charity Number: SC047809

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