New data released on experiences of Kindertransport refugees

New data has been released documenting the experiences of 10,000 predominantly Jewish children who came to Britain on the Kindertransport.

The figures from the Association of Jewish Refugees builds on a 2007 survey which was previously only published in the form of a database. The enhanced version now includes accompanying notes from the respondents.

The original survey included replies from around the world, with 1,500 questionnaires in addition to a supplementary survey of basic details of Kinder, now deceased. 1,025 main forms and 343 supplementary forms were returned.

AJR Chief Executive Michael Newman said: “This survey remains the only comprehensive historical study of the Kindertransport. It has always garnered much interest from the academic world and we are sure this newly enhanced resource will prove invaluable to those researching this unique episode in history.”

He added: “We are grateful to everyone who made this happen, both by working on the original survey results and processing the additional notes now. In particular we are grateful to the late Hermann Hirschberger, who pioneered the project and Bertha Leverton, who did so much to bring Kinder together, and Tom Heinersdorff, who provided technical expertise.”

Gina Burgess-Winning, who transcribed and formatted the ancillary notes in 2007 said, “I am so pleased that at long last the notes and stories will be accessible. It was a fascinating and very moving process typing them all up at the beginning of my own Holocaust research journey.”

The survey is available for viewing and download from the AJR website: Kindertransport Survey – AJR.

https://ajr.org.uk/kindertransport-survey/