Sir Nicholas Winton, a humble hero (2024)

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Much has been said and written about the greatness and humility of Sir Nicholas Winton. I’ve met him, and it’s true. He and his story have moved me to tears more than once. His death of course saddens me, but his life inspires me.

Sir Nicholas Winton, a humble hero (1)

Last year I met Sir Nicholas - or “Nicky” as he had come to be known - at Prague Castle, when the Czech President paid him the highest honour by bestowing on him the “Order of the White Lion”. Sir Nicholas had just flown to Prague, aged 105, in the back of an RAF plane, talking enthusiastically to the crew throughout the journey. He accepted a wheelchair at the Castle only because he did not want to delay the ceremony. Some of the children whom Sir Nicholas had saved, now in their 80s, were present at that ceremony, holding photographs of their younger selves at the time of their rescue. Most moving of all was Sir Nicholas’ extraordinary humility, as he paid tribute to those Czechs who had helped him to rescue the children, as well as to the British who had made room for them.

Though he kept his story largely to himself for 50 years, Sir Nicholas continues to inspire fresh generations. A week ago I was again moved to tears when I accepted on his behalf an award from Czech schoolchildren, from the primary school named after him in Kunžak. The children had made him a dear little suitcase, recalling the Winton children’s journey by train to the UK. On the luggage label was the inscription “The most beloved person on the Earth”. I was due to give Sir Nicholas the gift in the UK next week, but will now pass it to his family.

But while I am sad, I am also happy: that such a man lived, and that I had a chance to meet him. His motto was “If it’s not impossible, there must be a way”. He did the right thing, though not the easiest thing, and he sought no recognition. How different the world might be if we could all look back on our lives and say as much.

Jan Thompson

British Ambassador to the Czech Republic

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Published 2 July 2015

Sir Nicholas Winton, a humble hero (2024)

FAQs

What is the lesson of Nicholas Winton? ›

In today's fast-paced and often challenging world, Winton's story reminds us that determination and wellbeing are intricately linked, and that a strong sense of purpose, resilience, hope, and compassion can empower us to overcome obstacles and make a positive difference in the world.

What are the character traits of Nicholas Winton? ›

(Masters) Winton is humble about his past and the good he has done. He shows how he does not crave attention by even giving credit to the others who helped him make it all possible. He also constantly turns down questions as well by giving off a “shy” character.

Who was the man who saved the Polish children? ›

Sir Nicholas Winton MBE

What happened to the last train in One Life? ›

As depicted in One Life, a ninth train carrying 250 was due to leave Prague on Sept. 1, 1939, the day Nazi Germany invaded Poland, forcing its borders shut. Instead these children were interned in concentration camps. Only two of them survived World War II.

Who saved 669 children? ›

The incredible story of how Nicholas Winton – who was later dubbed "Britain's Schindler" – saved hundreds of children from the Holocaust, is being told in a new film. Exclusive BBC clips show the moment when Winton met some of the children he rescued.

Who was the English man who saved the Jews? ›

During World War II, Winton helped evacuate 669 Jewish children from Czechoslovakia via what was called the Czech Kindertransport train. He kept this activity a secret until 1988, after which he earned the nickname the "British Schindler."

What words could be used to describe the character of nicholas? ›

Nicholas is a wise child,who thinks like adults. He is sly,histrionic,critical and is ready to prove how wrong adults are. He is even a unique,inquisitive and romantic boy with stretch of imagination.

What is the story of Sir Nicholas Winton on BBC? ›

Sir Nicholas, known as Nicky to his friends and family, saved 669 young children in the nine months leading up to the outbreak of World War Two. But his actions only really became widely known in 1988, when he was celebrated on the BBC's That's Life programme when the children, then adults, were in the show's audience.

Who is the character Winton in the movie? ›

Anthony Hopkins and Johnny Flynn as Nicholas Winton, a British stockbroker and the son of two German-born parents who takes on an important role in the Kindertransport, an organised effort to rescue children from Nazi-occupied territory, in the lead-up to World War II.

Who saved Poland in ww2? ›

Virtually all of Poland in its prewar boundaries had been liberated by Soviet forces by the end of January 1945. After Germany's surrender, Soviet troops occupied most of eastern Europe, including Poland. As a consequence of decisions made by American President Franklin D.

How was Polish children treated? ›

Families were broken up, many victims were sent to concentration camps or to forced labor, and over 4,000 children were shipped to the Reich as suitable for Germanization. In all, at least 20,000 Polish children were taken from their families, transferred to the Reich, and subjected to "Germanization" policies.

Where is Sir Nicholas Winton buried? ›

Sir Nicholas' ashes are buried alongside his wife Grete's and youngest son, Robin, in Braywick cemetery, Braywick Road, Maidenhead SL6 1DH. As Robin died and was buried there in 1962, the grave is in the childrens section of the cemetery.

Is One Life based on a true story? ›

The movie tells a lesser-known true story from World War II centred on Nicholas Winton who risked his life to help transport Jewish children out of Prague, then Czechoslovakia. In advance of the full Nazi invasion of Czechoslovakia, Winton rescued 669 children.

What is the movie about the man saving children? ›

The 2024 film One Life starring Anthony Hopkins, Johnny Flynn and Helena Bonham-Carter recounts Nicholas Winton's quest to rescue children in German-occupied Czechoslovakia just before the outbreak of the Second World War.

Where was One Life filmed? ›

Uni-versal Extras provided casting support for the One Life feature film – featuring Sir Anthony Hopkins – in multiple locations across London and the South East of England. These locations included: Regents Park, Hemel Hempstead, Pinewood Studios, Mill Hill, Pinner, and Didcot – amongst others!

What is the story of Nicholas Winton on BBC? ›

He worked tirelessly to ensure money was raised and homes were found for the young refugees, rescuing 669 predominantly Jewish children from the Nazis in the months leading up to World War II. But it wasn't until a BBC television show, 'That's Life!

What is the true story of Nicholas Winton? ›

Sir Nicholas Winton was born in Hampstead, London in 1909. For nine months in 1939 he rescued 669 children from Czechoslovakia, bringing them to the UK, thereby sparing them from the horrors of the Holocaust. Sir Nicholas died in July 2015, aged 106.

When was Nicholas Winton on This Is Your Life? ›

"This Is Your Life" Sir Nicholas Winton (TV Episode 2003) - IMDb.

What happened to Barbara Winton? ›

Mrs. Barbara Winton, daughter and keeper of the legacy of Sir Nicholas Winton, passed away on September 20th, aged 68.

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