THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE
ARANDORA STAR

The Carndonagh Connection by PADDY McCLURE

 

Friedrich Riha, from Vienna,
a survivor in later years

"COLLAR THE LOT"

The British War Cabinet was already in place and decisions were taken at the highest level to round up undesirable aliens who could possibly pose a threat to Britain, now in the throes of war.
Little or no consideration was given to their long term residence in the country, their contribution to the hotel, restaurant, cafe, engineering and many other industries over many years.
"Collar the lot," Churchill demanded! The trauma that families, friends and relations went through at that time was a continual nightmare for them, as secrecy and swift internment took precedence over everything else.
The round-up of aliens/internees continued and they were billeted in army camps, hotels, holiday camps; anywhere that could be found, just as long as they were out of circulation and away from the public and their families.



Erwin Frenkel,
survivor

A decision was taken at the War Cabinet to export these internees/aliens to Canada and Australia. A total 7,500 were to be selected and three ships were to sail by June 24th, 1940, if possible.The Duchess of York was the first to sail, with 2,500 internees to Canada; twice her normal capacity for passengers.
It was now July 1st, 1940 and the Arandora Star was the next ship to receive internees for shipment to Canada. She had undergone many structural changes since the war broke out and was now converted into a troopship.
Cesare Carnozzi was one of the internees to board with the Italian group. The Germans and Austrians arrived shortly afterwards at Liverpool and they too were put on board, not knowing where they were going to, nor were they told.
Some days previous to this the German armed forces had landed and taken control of all of the Channel Islands and Britain was now an island under continual siege and bombardment.
The Arandora Star slipped anchor at Liverpool docks on Monday, 1st July, 1940, bound for Canada with her complement of internees, crew and escort troops on board.

Part 3
"INSENSITIVE REMARKS"

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