A MEMORIAL to commemorate Harwich’s role in the Kindertransport will be unveiled next week.

The bench and information plaque, located on Harbour Crescent, will remember the 10,000 Jewish children who passed through the seaside town in 1938 escaping persecution from Nazi Germany.

Many of the children, aged between a few months old and 14, stayed in Harwich while suitable homes could be found for them.

Warners Holiday Camp, the Salvation Army Hostel and even local families helped to look after them during their stay.

Garry Calver, Harwich and district councillor, paid for and partly organised the memorial.

“I believe that Harwich should be very proud of its role in the Kindertransport,” he said.

“Every one of the children would have sailed past the spot where the memorial bench is to stand as they reached the safety of England.

“I am very grateful to everyone who has played a part in ensuring the story is not forgotten.”

The project was designed after a re-enactment of the Kindertransport passed through Harwich in 2009.

Many adults who had been saved by Englishman Nicholas Winton, who organised the original train journeys, as children participated in it and recounted their stories.

The memorial bench will be unveiled on Wednesday by John Gottesman, from the Colchester Synagogue, and Eric Dobson, a Harwich man who befriended the Jewish children when they arrived in the town.

His friendship with the survivors continues today.

Stephanie Tyrer, mayor of Harwich, and Allan Goggins, chair of Tendring Council, will attend the event at 12.30pm.

Members of Harwich Town Council and the Merchant Navy Association will also be present.