CHILDREN who were forced to leave their homes to escape the clutches of the Nazis will return to Harwich to mark the anniversary of the lifesaving Kindertransport rescue operation.

It has been 77 years since 241 mostly Jewish children arrived in Harwich in the largest of the transports organised by Sir Nicholas Winton.

He helped save the lives of 669 Czech children in 1939 by organising safe passage for them to the UK.

He was part of a large rescue effort, known as the Kinder transport, which saw a recorded 9,354 unaccompanied children rushed to the country in 1938 and 1939.

The vast majority arrived in Harwich via ferry from the Hook of Holland, with hundreds accommodated in Dovercourt holiday camp .

A day of commemoration will take place at various venues around Harwich on July 1.

A service will be held in St Nicholas’ Church, the Electric Palace cinema will screen special Kinder transport archive material and the Redoubt Fort will display a special exhibition.

The steam locomotive Tornado, together with a set of vintage carriages, will operate a series of special train journeys from Harwich to Manningtree along the first part of the route used by the arriving Kinder in 1938 and 1939.

Nick Winton, son of Sir Nicholas, who died in July last year, said: “The Kinder transports bringing refugee children to safety showed the most humanitarian and generous spirit of this country at one of the worst times in recent history.

“My father’s role as one of many helping save those in danger is a reminder that each of us can make a profound difference to the world.

“Each life saved is a gift to be celebrated.

"I am delighted that these re-enactments will be an opportunity to remind each one of us of the importance we play on the world stage."

  • Tickets to enjoy the commemorative steam train journeys, which will operate from noon to 5.30pm between Harwich and Manningtree, are available at a discounted price for Harwich and Manningtree Standard readers.

The organisers are offering discounted tickets for the steam-hauled shuttle services in recognition of the unique contribution made by Harwich residents so many years ago.

Normally priced at £50 for adults and £25 for children, the discounted tickets are available for £25 and £12.50 respectively, if they are purchased by May 15.

All proceeds will go to the Nicholas Winton Foundation’s nominated charities, helping refugee and disadvantaged children.

The discounted price is available for local residents.

For more information, go to papyrus-rail.com