Erich Liffmann

The Australian Government refused to extend his visa and he returned to Australia in 1947 to pursue a musical career in and around Melbourne, where he often performed in schools, night clubs and Masonic Lodges.

Liffman was able to return to London near the end of 1946. He was eager to travel to Germany to find whether any of his parents (Hermann and Mathilde), three brothers (Alfred, Willy, Max) and a sister (Selma) had survived. He was initially refused entry into Germany, but was able to tour the occupied British zone by joining a Navy entertainment show called the "Tokio Express".

Six weeks after enlisting in the Australian Army, he became an "overnight singing sensation" following two broadcasts from the Melbourne-based radio station 3KZ. Until the War's end, he combined Army duties with a significant singing career with regular broadcasts from Melbourne radio and other venues. This included working with Gertrude Johnson in 1943, as part of the nascent National Theater, to produce the opera: The Magic Flute, where he appeared as Tamino. He also took the opportunity to study with Clive Carey at the Melba Memorial Conservatorium of Music. His performance activities assisted in raising thousands of pounds for the war effort and associated charities. This included a charity associated with Lady Jacobena Angliss.

From September 1940 until May 1941, he and his colleagues were interned in two separate, hot dusty compounds located in Hay, New South Wales. The British Government had managed to round up a significant collection of intellectuals, artists, musicians, designers, craftsmen and chefs. As such, Camp 8 was quickly transformed into an open university, where he devoted more time to his musical studies and participated in shows such as a rewritten version of Snow White, where he played Prince Charming.

Because of his Jewish background he decided to escape from Nazi Germany and flee to England in 1939 by obtaining a trainee permit. Unfortunately, he lacked a Work Permit and, despite a contract with Gaumont British, was prevented from working by the British Musicians Union.

Erich Liffmann (born 22 September 1914 Herrath, Germany, died 11 June 1987 Elwood, Victoria, Australia) was a classically trained musician.