Education

J Mannion: Hans Elsner, German Airforce Mapmaker

Posted on: Mon 6 Mar 2023

From war torn Germany recovering from the devastation of WW2 to life and compulsory Unionism in remote, arid Port Augusta starting as a Porter in the railways…  then on to Quorn, also in the railways. Hans gives us insight into the early days of railway in outback South Australia and life for a German immigrant.

This interview was provided by Historian John Mannion and used with permission.

John Mannion Historian interviews Hans Elsner

Main photo: South Australian Railways narrow gauge and broad gauge steam locomotives shunting at Port Pirie on 30 Jan 1962 Wikimedia Commons

Hans Elsner (in pith helmet) and Ernest Nowak. Photo provided by John Mannion and used with permission

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