Ceramic ashtray made in Rushen Internment Camp during Second World War
Date made: 1939-1945
Maker: van Issum
Description: A concrete ashtray with attached moulded plaster owl. Made in Rushen Internment camp during Second World War by donor's father, a Dutch(?) businessman named van Issum, who ran a toy factory within the camp.
(See MNH Archives for further documentation about the camp.)
The donor was also interned with his father and attended King William's College during the war. Bernhard van Issum appears on the Home Office index card of his mother Carola van Issum, date of birth 2.1.11, shown as Rushen Camp. The index card of his father Hans van Issum (dob 3.3.07) is annotated 'R/A [release application?] 3/4/45 subject to 6ar9a' then 'exempt 6ar9a 2/8/46'. It is also noted 'S of S'. The card is also noted 'p.t.o' but the reverse has not been scanned.
On the 1939 Register Hans van Issum is shown along with other German males at Butlins Holiday Camp, Clacton, whilst his wife and children are resident in Yorkshire. It would appear that he was among the first to be interned. His occupation is shown as 'Company Director (Plush Manufacturer).
Materials: ceramic, plaster
Object name: ashtray
Collection: Social History Collection
ID Number: 2012-0076
Subject tags : #WW2INTERNMENTMUSEUMCOLLECTIONS