Die Nibelungen-Besprechung by Hans Wolter von Gruenewaldt (English Translation)

Lyrics of an alcoholic ballad by Adolf Wilke
Written down and illustrated by Hans Wolter von Gruenewaldt
Made in Prisoner of War Camp No.13 Murchison, Victoria, Australia.

During WW2, German Prisoners of War were confine in Australia at Camp 13 Murchison, Victoria. A theatre group was established to present plays and concert performances and, at one time, Die Nibelungen, a traditional German legend by Hempel, was to be staged. A meeting was scheduled, supposedly for rehearsal and discussion, but the gathering took shape n a very different way due to illegal home-brewed alcohol being consumed. Adolf Wilke created this parody, Die Nibelungen – besprechungm describing the comical events of the evening.

A record of this ballad was complied by Hans Wolter von Gruenwaldt who hand wrote the script and drew the illustrations. There were three editions of this production, each created individually. It was a demanding task and the third copy held in the tatura War Time Camps Collection made for Gustav Pohlig bears the note: “3rd and irrevocably the last edition”. The whereabouts of the second copy made for Adolf Wilkie is not known. The first of three editions was Hans Wolter’s own copy which is in the possession of his son Axel who resides in South Africa.

This publication, a copy of Hans Wolter’s original manuscript, provides that English translation. Although re-formatting has meant the translated text is not in Hans wolter’s own handwriting as presented in the original version, the chosen font is similar and does not detract unduly from the original script.

Original German manuscript also available via the History Victoria Bookshop here

Produced by the Murchison and District Historical Society Inc.

Paperback, 24pp, 2023

$15.00

4 in stock