My Voice: Tommy Schweiger

Tommy was born in Berlin, Germany, in 1938, just after Kristallnacht. At that time there were already a lot of restrictions for Jews, and they had to wear a Star of David.

In August 1939, three days before the declaration of war, baby Tommy and his parents left Berlin by train, arriving at Waterloo Station, London, with only 10 shillings and a case full of nappies. The family then moved to Manchester in 1943.

Despite his parents struggling in the early years, Tommy had a beautiful childhood. At 19, Tommy left Manchester and returned to Germany, having been offered a 3-year apprenticeship, learning all about the textile business in one of the largest mail order companies in Germany. This was just the start of his colourful and successful business career.

Growing up as an only child, Tommy learnt that much of his family perished in the concentration camps. Tommy has since discovered he has relatives in America, Argentina, Israel and France. Had it not been for the Holocaust, he would have had a large family. Having his sons, grandchildren, and relatives around the world, reminds Tommy how lucky his life has been, despite the hardship his parents and ancestors went through.

Tommy's book is part of the My Voice book collection, a stand-alone project of The Fed, the leading Jewish social care charity in Manchester, dedicated to preserving the life stories of Holocaust survivors and refugees from Nazi persecution who settled in the UK. The oral history, which is recorded and transcribed, captures their entire lives from before, during and after the war years. The books are written in the words of the survivor so that future generations can always hear their voice. The My Voice book collection is a valuable resource for Holocaust awareness and education.