Nicholas Winton: The Unsung WWII Hero Who Saved Children

Have you ever heard of Nicholas Winton? Many people haven’t, but his story is one of incredible courage and selflessness during one of the darkest times in history. Nicholas Winton, a young British stockbroker, embarked on a hidden journey during World War II, which resulted in the secret rescue of 669 children, most of them Jewish, from Czechoslovakia. This act of incredible sacrifice has left a lasting legacy, showcasing the profound impact one individual can have even in the face of overwhelming adversity.

The spark of Winton’s remarkable mission ignited in December 1938 when he was about to embark on a ski holiday. Instead, a friend convinced him to visit Prague and witness the dire situation of refugees fleeing Hitler’s advancing forces. Moved by what he saw, Winton decided to act. Back in Britain, he forged a massive, covert operation to transport children to safety, away from the impending Nazi threat¹.

Nicknamed “Britain’s Schindler,” Winton worked tirelessly to organize eight trains from Prague to London and found British families to host the refugee children² . Working mostly alone, he leveraged his skills as a stockbroker to navigate the complex bureaucracy, securing necessary permits, and convincing officials on both ends³ . To maintain secrecy and protect all involved, Winton operated quietly, telling few about his work⁴.

The ninth train, tragically, never left Prague. It was scheduled for departure on September 1, 1939, the day World War II began, with 250 children on board; none of them were heard from again. Despite this heartbreaking loss, the children Winton did save went on to lead lives that would have been impossible without his intervention. Yet, for decades, his heroic deeds remained largely unrecognized, even by those he saved.

It wasn’t until 1988, nearly 50 years later, that Winton’s efforts were brought to light. His wife found a scrapbook in their attic with lists of children and letters from parents. This discovery led to a heartwarming reunion on the BBC television program “That’s Life!” where he was unexpectedly surrounded by those he had rescued, now adults⁵. This moment publicly unveiled his monumental, yet quiet, heroism.

Nicholas Winton was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2003 for his services to humanity. He passed away in 2015, leaving behind a legacy characterized not only by the lives he saved but also by the inspirational message his story conveys. Winton demonstrated that individuals have the power to confront evil and make a difference, even in the darkest of times. He teaches us that courage combined with action can lead to unimaginable outcomes, challenging everyone to ask themselves: “What can I do to make the world a better place?”

Let Nicholas Winton’s journey inspire you to recognize the power of individual action. The world is filled with opportunities to help, to change lives, and to leave a legacy of kindness and bravery. Be the change you wish to see, just as Winton did, and make a difference in the world.

1. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-berkshire-30895961 [↩]
2. https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/nicholas-winton-and-the-rescue-of-children-from-czechoslovakia-1938-1939 [↩]
3. https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20240328-in-history-nicholas-winton-rescues-children-during-holocaust-ww2 [↩]
4. https://www.yadvashem.org/press-release/02-july-2015-15-13.html [↩]
5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXZF9g_a_hg [↩]