From Swabia via Palestine to Australia: The Temple Society and the Internment Camp in Tatura

The Temple Society is a small, free Christian religious community. It originated in Germany at the end of the 19th century. But how did its members from Swabia end up in Australia? Palestine and an internment camp in Victoria play an important role in this. Mark Herrmann, President of the Temple Society, shares his insights and some personal stories.

Every year on Memorial Day, relatives of camp inmates and people buried in the German cemetery in Tatura gather. Among them are also those who spent a few years of their childhood there and still have vivid memories of their time.

We were there in Tatura on November 17 and were able to talk to some eyewitnesses and relatives. In this small series, they share their stories and memories.

Mark Herrmann ist Präsident der Temple Society. Seine Eltern waren beide im Internierungslager in Tatura, Victoria. Source: SBS / Julia Grewe