Memoirs of a Child Holocaust Survivor

A young boy’s world is shattered by war, but his fight for survival, resilience, and love endures beyond the Holocaust.

These are the memories of Harry Fox, who, as a young Jewish boy in central Poland, witnessed the horrors of the Holocaust. His ninth birthday fell in July 1939—less than two months later, his world was torn apart by war. From the very beginning of World War II until his liberation on 8 May 1945, he endured unimaginable suffering as the Nazis sought to annihilate all Jews, regardless of age, character, or gender.

These memories are not only his story but also a tribute to his vibrant family—his parents, little sister, and countless relatives—who perished along with centuries of Jewish culture and tradition. His journey continues beyond the war, arriving in England on 14 August 1945, as one of the first groups of child survivors invited by King George VI. Their arrival and rehabilitation in the Lake District are depicted in the 2020 BBC film ‘The Windermere Children’.

For years, he and his elder brother believed they were the sole survivors from their town. Only later did they discover a third—an even younger cousin.

The author of this memoir is Harry Fox’s wife, who lovingly preserved his memories so they would never be lost. Together, they revisited every moment—of heartbreak, survival, and hope—to honour the truth of his story. This is more than a memoir—it is their tribute to love, courage, and resilience.

“I was once giving a talk alongside three professors to five hundred graduates and undergraduates. The professors each tried to explore ‘why’ the Holocaust happened. I had to set them straight—there is NO ‘why’.” — Harry Fox

‘Unique in its scope—revealing the world lost, the horror survived, and what came next.’

"An emotive and beautifully written read—horrifying, heart-wrenching, and full of hope in equal measure."