The remarkable life story of Joe Stirling has been told in a new book by Phyllida Scrivens with a forward written by Shirley Williams
Escaping Hitler. A Jewish Boy’s Quest for Freedom and His Future
Published by Pen and Sword History Books 2016
Joe spoke eloquently at the book launch held at the Shul on Sunday 7th February 2016 which was accompanied by a delicious tea.
He recalled the arrival of the Nazi army in his town. He watched them march across the Rhine and remembers asking his father why the Nazi party had decided his family were no longer Germans.
I have heard the story of how he walked out of Germany into Holland before but his is an exodus that needs retelling in every generation. He was sent back to Germany from Holland and eventually escaped to England on the Kindertransport. The story is told in a matter of fact fashion with astonishingly little rancour or bitterness.
Joe lived with British families and completed his schooling in this country. He joined the British armed forces and after the war married and settled in Norfolk where he began a life as a travel agent eventually creating a business of his own. He has a long and distinguished history of public service as a political agent and eventually became Sheriff of Norwich. Well into his nineties he continues to tell children of his life as part of living history projects. There can be few of his generation remaining that are so lucid and compelling.
Article by Peter Prinsley
Escaping Hitler by Phyllida Scrivens can be purchased directly from the author at the discounted price of £19.50 plus £4.00 postage and packing. Either mail a cheque for £23.50 payable to P. Scrivens at 7 St Lucia Court, 38 Yarmouth Road, Norwich NR7 0ED, or call her on 01603 300212 or email her at [email protected]