Hans-Wolter von Gruenewaldt, born in Hamburg, worked in the South African mining industry. When his efforts to return to Germany after the outbreak of World War II failed, he was interned in Britain and sent to Australia on the infamous Dunera voyage of 1940. Captive for more than five years at the Prisoner of War Camp near Murchison, he enlivened the camp with his artistic talent. He produced murals (many of which remain in the town), traditional portraits, caricatures of officers and compatriots, cartoons, landscapes and theatre scenery. After the war he settled in South Africa with his family, dying there in 1973. Axel von Gruenewaldt, son of the artist, presented his translation of his father’s wartime recollections and 200 of his artworks to the Murchison Historical Society in 2007. This handsome book, based on Axel’s gift, is a significant addition to studies of detention camps in the Tatura district and the wealth of talent unwittingly transported to Australia by the crew of the Dunera

Winner Victorian Community History Award 2018

Victorian Community History Award 2018 - Local History – Small Publication Award winner and commendations - Winner Includes bibliographical references (page 95)