It may seem rather odd that as 2022 dawns we are honoured to have received a photograph of an envelope. However, the envelope photographed is a very special piece of College history but also captures a moment in time of significant world social and political history. 

Sent from Vienna on 21st November 1938 the envelope clearly shows stamps which vividly reflect the situation within the German Reich at the time. The contents of the letter are not known but it was sent in the aftermath of the devastating events of Kristallnacht in November 1938. The ‘Night of Broken Glass’ saw the unleashing of Nazi pogroms against the Jewish population of Austria which saw the overnight destruction of Jewish businesses, Synagogues and homes, with 30,000 Jewish men rounded up and sent to concentration camps. 

The recipient of the correspondence was 11 year old Klaus Schiller. Whom at the time was safely resident within Grimwade House having arrived at the College earlier that academic year after leaving Vienna with his Sister into the care of their Uncle in Cambridge. After Hitler had declared the Anschluss, Schiller's father, a gynaecologist, was imprisoned which prompted the moving of the children to England, thankfully to be safely joined 6 months later by their parents and grandparents. 

Klaus remained at the College until 1941 having entered School House following his time in Grimwade. It was at this time that he moved to continue his studies at Clifton College, Bristol, from where he won an exhibition in 1945 to follow in his Father’s career footsteps to study medicine at the Queen’s College, Oxford. His clinical training was at the London Hospital, to which he won a scholarship in 1948, qualifying in 1951. 

Klaus went on to have a distinguished medical career spanning four decades during which he trailblazed as a pioneer in the field of flexible gastrointestinal endoscopy. He was a fine diagnostician and above all else, cared about the welfare and treatment of his patients, many having cause to be extremely grateful for his care. 

Klaus’ energy was tremendous. He was highly cultured, with interests in literature, art, music, opera and also nature and his gardens. He was an dedicated and enthusiastic traveller, visiting many parts of the world for professional purposes but also travelled widely for interest and pleasure. He had an miscevious sense of humour, but at his core he was a serious person with a love of reasoned debate. He was a pacifist and actively supported many humanitarian organisations. 

He retired from the NHS in 1992, but continued in private practice, in medico-legal work and serving on advisory tribunals. Klaus sadly passed away in 2010 at the age of 83, survived by his wife of 48 years, Judith and their four children. 

A detailed obituary of Dr Schiller’s life can be found in The Lancet 

We are very grateful to have had the opportunity to gain some insight into the life journey of OS Dr Klaus Schiller (GH,SH, 38-41) following the receipt of the image from a Norfolk based stamp collector. Taking the time to share the photograph with the College he explained that the stamps had recently been added to his German stamp collection following purchase from a local stamp dealer. His own area of special interest borne out of his Mother’s German roots and his Mother in Law’s Belgian heritage, a cherished hobby he has reinvigorated as a means of relaxation from a long and stressful career as an Accountant. We appreciate him contacting us and prompting us to find out about Dr Schiller’s fascinating life.