Simson Klein collection

Simson Klein was born in Poland on 22 July 1914, but he later emigrated with his family to Austria. He met his future wife Mary Glyn (b. 9 October 1914), an Englishwoman of Russian descent, at a dance in Belgium. They married on 21 June 1939. Mary’s family acted as Simson’s sponsor to come to Britain.

Because the authorities believed him to be Austrian, Simson was interned on the Isle of Man as an enemy alien in June 1940. By August 1941, Simson and Mary’s first son was due. However Simson was not allowed to move with Mary to Maidenhead; he had to remain in Manchester with his parents. Simson and Mary emigrated to Canada on 29 January 1956. Simson died on 7 July 1968 and Mary on 25 August 2014.

Simson had two brothers, both of whom came to Britain: Gerschon/Gerson, who was interned for 7 days at Kempton Park, and Alex, who arrived on a kindertransport. His parents and sisters Erna and Annie also made it to the UK.

Mary had a sister called Fay (married to Harry) and a brother called Sid (married to Jean). Another name mentioned in the letters is Solly, a close family friend.