Miss Marie Rosenberg

Title: Miss

Epithet: Rushen Camp internee, Isle of Man (1940 - 1941)

Record type: Second World War Internees

Biography: Biographical history:
Dr Marie Rosenberg (also referred to as Maria Amalia/Marulla/Murielle in paperwork) was born in Vienna, Austria on 8 July 1907. She studied botany, zoology and philosophy at the University of Vienna from 1926, earning her doctorate in 1930. Between 1930 and 1932 she held a post in the Kaiser Wilhelm Institut fur Biologie, Berlin-Dahlem and from 1932 at the University of Berlin - in 1933 she was dismissed by the Nazi Government on racial grounds. On moving to England in October 1933 Marie obtained research work in London until 1935 and then a research studentship (1935-1937) and post of Assistant Naturalist on the scientific staff of the Freshwater Biological Association, 1937-1943, based pre-war at its laboratory at Wray Castle, Ambleside, Lake District on the banks of Windermere.

As an Austrian subject Marie applied for naturalization in November 1938 but the application was not processed speedily. From her Alien Registration Card we learn that she visited the Island as a free woman from 20 November 1939 staying care of Mrs T L Delaney at 39 Daltry House, Bradda W. Road, Port Erin until 11 December 1939 (leaving for Wray Castle, Ambleside, Westmoreland). In June 1940 when North Lancashire was declared a protected area she was interned despite being previously classified as a category C alien and exempted from internment at a Preston tribunal in late October 1939.

Marie arrived in Rushen Camp, Port Erin, Isle of Man on 18 July 1940 and was based at Bradda, Port Erin (internee no. 2896). it is believed she worked at the marine biological station in Port Erin and became life-long friends with Ruth Borchard, one of the founder members of the Service Exchange which operated in the camp. Under the exchange work receipts, ‘service tokens’, were exchanged for goods or services. Essentially an artificial economy was established to provide internees with an income. These tokens were made from cutting up thousands of cornflake boxes and putting their rubber stamp on. At its height the Exchange employed over a thousand women, from occasional jobs to full time. By winter 1940 the rationing of material together with the increasing release of internees meant the scheme was unsustainable, and was finally liquidated in November 1941.

Marie was released on 14 January 1941, but as a Category C ‘enemy alien’ was not able to return to Wray Castle; instead she was permitted to continue as an employee of the Freshwater Biological Association though based in Cambridge (The Botany School). Whilst in Cambridge, she and a number of fellow released internees continued to operate the Service Exchange, seemingly bringing with them materials made in Rushen Camp to sell in Cambridge. We can see from the handwritten ‘Service Exchange Cash Book – Cambridge March 11 1941’ that Marie Rosenberg paid off the money she owed for her cardigan (2023-0044/1) whilst in Cambridge.

In July 1942 Marie married Dr W G Burton. They had a daughter Agneta/Anita.

Marie died in January 1982.

From Registration Record:

Internee number 2896.

18 July 1940 arrived at Rushen Camp c/o Bradda Private, Port Erin. - Date of Birth 8.7.1907 in Vienna. - Profession Research Biological - Address of last residence outside U.K. Vienna. - Single. - Austrian Passport 783639 Vienna 26.6.29. - Conditional landing at Dover 31.10.33. - Conditions cancelled 10.8.37. - To Vienna 10.12.36. - Returned U.K. 29.1.37. - Exempt Internment until further order. & from special restrictions. Preston Tribunal 31.10.39. -

7.1.41 Leaving Isle of Man for deleted. - 14.1.41 Leaving Isle of Man for Cavendish Corner, Hills Road, Cambridge.

Visited the Island 20.11.39 Daltry House, Bradda W. Road, Port Erin C/o Mrs. T. L. Delaney. - 11.12.39 Leaves Isle of Man for Wray castle, Ambleside, Westmoreland. Permission to leave I.o.M. G.O. Permit No. 2 produced to & stamped by Sergt. A. Corris, Station Sergt. - From Registration Card in box Isle of Man Constabulary Registration of Aliens Roos - Schodl. Registration number 537376 issued 27.1.34 at Bow Street.

Occupation / profession: research biological

Nationality: Austrian

Gender: Female

Date of birth: 08 July 1907

Place of birth: Vienna

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