Sir Nicholas Winton — One Life
We often write about well-known historical figures — with a preference for heroes. In this chapter, we write about Sir Nicholas Winton, a lesser known hero. This young British stockbroker orchestrated the rescue of 669 predominantly Jewish children from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia on the eve of World War II.
Like our hero Adam, in ‘Adam in Taoland’, Nicholas Winton surrendered for a time his highly successful business career to selflessly stand for those who were unable to stand for themselves.
Lovingly known as ‘Nicky,’ he rescued innocent youth who were born into a certain faith, and who because of their religion were facing a death sentence due to Adolf Hitler’s oppression. While Nicky was repeatedly told what he was attempting to do was ‘impossible’, he refused to waver. He has said he worked on the motto that, “If something’s not impossible there must be a way to do it.’ We have several characters in our novels who live by the same principle.
Born Nicholas George Wertheim in Hampstead, London in 1901, Nicky had a fascinating early life and upbringing that shaped the person he would become. His immigrant parents had changed their surname to Winton in an effort to mask their German Jewish roots and integrate into British society, where at the time, Jews were not welcomed.
Winton attended Stowe School, a prestigious public school that had a significant influence on his character. His upbringing instilled in him the values of determination, empathy, a strong moral compass, and a commitment to humanitarian causes. This formed a solid foundation for the courageous and compassionate actions he took on when he saved hundreds of children during the Holocaust. After leaving school, Winton worked at various financial institutions, spending time in Hamburg, Berlin, and later in France.
Winton became active in protests against Nazi Germany. In 1938, during a visit to Prague, Nicky was moved by the plight of refugees fleeing the Nazis. He knew he had to help the Jewish refugee children fleeing Hitler’s scourge during WWII. Recognizing imminent danger, he organized eight trains to carry children to safety in Britain – part of an effort known as the ‘Kindertransport’. Winton worked tirelessly to find funds, secure visas and homes for the children, arrange for their safe passage, all while battling bureaucratic obstacles and the ticking clock of the war. This is a powerful example of what can be achieved by selfless individuals who take personal risks to protect the innocent during times of great peril.
Winton’s refugees were the only children saved from Czechoslovakia – 15,000 other Jewish children were ultimately captured in Czechoslovakia and slaughtered in the Nazi concentration camps, along with their family members. But the number of 669 hardly tells the whole story. It is estimated that 6000 people related to them are alive today as a result of Nicky’s heroics. They lovingly refer to themselves as ‘Nicky’s Children’. Sir Nicholas remained close to many from each generation until his death — at the age of 106!
Back to the ear. Once in Britain, the children faced a multitude of challenges as they adapted to their new lives. They had to learn English quickly to integrate into new schools and communities and adjust to a new way of life. Most challenging was the emotional trauma of being separated from their parents and families. Many held onto the hope of being reunited after the war. But sadly these reunions never happened, as their families perished in the Holocaust. But they persevered despite their experiences – a testament of resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
But there’s more, much more, to Nicky’s story of selfless sacrifice. Winton kept his wartime efforts a secret for nearly 50 years. His heroic actions during World War II remained unrecognized – until his wife’s extraordinary discovery of a scrapbook in the attic brought his deeds to light.
This scrapbook contained photographs and information for the 669 children he’d saved from certain death in the Holocaust. Nicky’s wife secretly revealed her find to the media, and Winton was invited to the BBC television program “That’s Life!” – where he was unexpectedly reunited with some of the children (now adults of course) he had rescued. It was a profoundly emotional surprise. This led to an outpouring of public gratitude and admiration – and led to Sir Nicholas Winton being knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2003. He was also awarded the Highest Honor of the Czech Republic.
Winton’s heroic story was immortalized in a movie titled “One Life” — a term that fully defines the great impact his one life made. The film is a story of courage, compassion, and humility. Released in 2023, the movie stars Anthony Hopkins as the older Nicholas Winton.
Sir Nicholas Winton’s story is a powerful example of how one person’s courage and determination, ONE LIFE, can make a significant difference in the world. Nicky freed innocent children who had zero liberties — just as Adam suffered growing up in Novana, and just like the many millions of Novanians that Adam and Tari led to liberation from AI oppression and Plakerol domination in ‘Homeland Rescued.’
Winton’s legacy is a testament to the difference one person can make in the face of adversity. Each of us is blessed with ‘one life’, as were Adam and Tariana in our novels. Let us resolve to do our very best, each and everyone of us, to leave a mark on this world. Let each of us make a difference, knowing no difference is too small.
