Page 6 - My Memoirs - Max Kurz

1946-1948 Prague, Czechoslovakia
The 2nd World war had ended, the world was recovering from a major world conflict that recorded unprecedented loss of life, destruction, and genocide. My parents and I returned to Prague, Czechoslovakia in 1946. My father wanted to complete his medical degree and graduate at the Charles University in Prague. Charles University or historically known as the University of Prague, is the oldest and largest university in the Czech Republic. Founded in 1348, it was the first university in Central Europe. It is one of the oldest universities in Europe in continuous operation. Dad also wanted to find his parents, which resulted in him learning of their fate under German occupation.
I was 5 years old when I arrived in Prague, my recollections are visual, sensual, and emotional. I remember majestic buildings, shops with residences above, trees, parks, and busy vibrant and colourful areas, full of people. My parents appeared to have a more of joyful social life than the isolated drab existence in England.
was at school, my teacher was lovely, kind, I learnt quickly to speak Czech which was a benefit to my mother who could not speak the language and therefore needed me to assist her with the shopping. They were happy times, the environment and atmosphere appeared bright.
My most memorable first experience
That of course was the view from a child, what was really happening in Prague, Czechoslovakia economically, politically, and personally for my parents was a very different matter. Communist influence was gaining momentum, Soviet Russia would eventually occupy Czechoslovakia from 1948, which ultimately was the reason which forced my parents to leave the country in 1948. My mother was pregnant with Sabine and wanted her to be born in England. They had to separate again; my mother and I after being in an evacuation camp, found passage on a military ship bound for England. My Father had to escape from Czechoslovakia
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