RECOMMENDATION FOR EMPLOYMENT

Profession: Dairyman, Woodcarver

Family name: REIJERS

Country of origin or former citizenship: Latvian

Religion: Lutheran

Special features: right leg amputated under the knee, has prothesis

Present location: British Zone, Germany

First names, age and relationship to head of family: Mikelis, 29 y. head

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY:

1921 Born in Rucava/Latvia as the son of a farmer.

1930-1936 Attended primary school in his home-village.

1937-1944 Worked in his fathers 250 acres farm. Main crops cultivated were wheat, rye, barley, oats, sugar-beets, potatoes, vegetables and fruit. ​Was trained in the operation of horse-drawn ploughs, harrows, mowing-machines, threshing-machines, rapers and binders. Livestock consisted of 22 cows, 6 horses, 18 pigs and approx. 30 head of poultry. Learned to feed, clean and take care of the Livestock. Was trained in the milking of cows by hand. Milk was sold to local dairy.               

1944-1946 Was conscripted into Latvian Legion as private soldier in an infantry regiment. Sent into action at the eastern front. In  April 1945 his right leg was injured, which resulted in its amputation below the knee. Released from hospital in April 1946.

1946 July -1950 Moved into a DP-Camp. From June 1946 until July 1950 he worked for the DP-handicraft workshop as a woodcarver and toy-maker. Learned to carve boxes, plates, ash-trays, ornaments etc. The workshops were closed w.e.f. the hand over of camps to German authorities.

At present Unemployed.

EMPLOYMENT POSSIBILITIES

Mr. Reijer's experience in the treatment of cattle which he gained while working on his father's farm for 8 years, strongly recommends him for the position of a dairyman or similar work. His thorough training as a farmer will be very handy if he will be employed in such capacity. Unfortunately the amputation of his right leg makes him unsuitable for his original trade. 

For 4 years Mr. Reijers has been employed as a wood-carver and toy-maker. He is capable of carving ornamental designs in wood with hand tools and can also been recommended for employment of that trade, or as a janitor or watchman.

DOCUMENTS ENCLOSED

1) Record of Personal Interview.

2) IRO Trade Testing Certificate.

3) Medical Report

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Marital status single

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Languages Latvian fl. German average

Source: https://digitalcollections.its-arolsen.org/03020104/name/pageview/6177741/6564562