Siegfried Mehlitz Sr.

My Journey started 7th July 1952 in West Berlin (US Sector). I left Berlin by Bus with approximately 50 to 60 other men between the ages of 18 to 25. The bus went on the Autobahn through the Russian Zone (later East Germany or DDR). The Russian checkpoint was Marienborne. Later we crossed into the British Zone at Helmstedt. In the evening we arrived at Bremen Camp Lesum where it was a gathering camp for immigrants and displaced persons (now referred to as ‘refugees') from there we were eventually directed to different countries.

On the 11th of July 1952 am, we boarded the train to Bremerhaven. Columbus quay where we disembarked from the train and boarded the USN S General Harry Taylor which was a troop transport of a liberty class. There was approximately 600 to 800 male persons of all ages of various trades and professions designated to go to Canada as farm laborers. Also there were more than 100 immigrants or dependents which went to New York, USA which included women and children. We were segregated from this group and had no contact with them. Certainly, it was no luxury liner and we bedded down in large sleeping quarters in 5 tier bunks, some of which were not occupied. This journey was made under strict US Navy rules. We received between $10 or 20 Script dollars (military money) which we could spent at the PX Shop to buy cigarettes, chocolates and other small items.

After 2 to 3 days sea voyage, the Mess Hall was thinning out more and more due to sea- sickness and one did not have to wait in long line up at meal hours, which were held in large Mess halls.

In the late evening of July 18, 52, we entered the mouth of the Halifax Harbor. We were then able to see the first sighting of Halifax but the ship had to remain outside as it was too late for immigration processing. On the 19th at a.m. We finally stepped ashore at Pier 21. It certainly looked different then compared to the present day. Everyone was happy the voyage was over and now reality finally set in and we all had to face the fact that we were in a new country using a different language, different customs, etc.

Later the immigration process was carried out. It was a beautiful sunny July day so we embarked on a little sightseeing trip returning later to Pier 21 where we all boarded the CNR train at the present time, one of those passenger cars still stands outside Pier 21. The CNR train left that evening traveling along the Gaspe. Quebec City and Montreal, 40 0r 50 people, including me, got off the train at the CNR station. From there, we took the train to Ottawa Union Station. From the back entrance of the Union Station we were bussed by OTC to the backyard of the Employment Immigration Center in Ottawa (Albert St). There we stepped off the bus and stood in the yard where the farmers pointed at us choosing the different immigrants to work on his farm. He could only point due to the language barrier.

The contract with the government specified that the new immigrants must stay at least one year on the farm, which was designated and repay the government's loan for the ship's transportation to Canada. If you did remain for one year, then you did not have to pay for the inland transportation. Later on it was possible that you could pay in advance for your transportation by ship plus the inland fare and you could leave that particular farm and would receive an employment book from the employment office which gave you the opportunity to work wherever you wished. I chose to pay in advance because in the first 3 months, I changed to 3 different farms due to unsatisfactory conditions.

But I am still here in Canada after 55 years, overcoming all the hardships and tribulations, which I encountered as a young man to a new country. I have been a Canadian citizen for more than 50 years. I live in New Brunswick and every time I visit Halifax N.S. I always feel it is my duty to Pier 21. I would like to congratulate all the people connected with making Pier 21 a museum. I also would like to congratulate the friendliness of the staff at Pier 21 who always make my visit most welcome. 

On my 50th anniversary, I was interviewed by some of the Pier 21 staff and made a tape. I was also interviewed by the CBC at that time.

S.A Mehlitz, Sr.