Harry Olmer
Harry Olmer | |
|---|---|
| Born | Chaim Olmer 15 November 1927 Sosnowiec, Poland |
| Died | 15 January 2026 (aged 98) United Kingdom |
| Citizenship | British |
| Occupations | Dentist; Holocaust educator |
| Known for | Survivor of multiple Nazi camps; member of The Boys (Holocaust survivors) |
| Children | 4 children and 8 grandchildren |
| Awards | British Empire Medal (2018) Member of the Order of the British Empire (2023) |
Harry Olmer MBE (born Chaim Olmer; 15 November 1927 – 15 January 2026) was a Polish-born British Holocaust survivor, dentist and educator.[1] He survived Nazi forced-labour and concentration camps, including Płaszów, Skarżysko-Kamienna, Buchenwald, Schlieben, and Terezín. After the war he was brought to the United Kingdom as one of The Boys, a group of child survivors rehabilitated in the Lake District.[2] In later life he became a prominent speaker on Holocaust education and was appointed MBE for his work.[3][4][5]
Early life
Harry Olmer was born in Sosnowiec, Poland on 15 November 1927, the fourth of six children.[6] After the Invasion of Poland in 1939, antisemitic persecution intensified. In 1940 the family fled to the village of Miechów-Charsznica, where Jews were subjected to forced labour.[2]
In 1942, Jews from the region were rounded up. During a selection, women and children were deported to Bełżec and murdered on arrival. Olmer, his brother, and his father were selected for forced labour.[2]
Holocaust
Płaszów
Olmer was deported to the Płaszów forced-labour camp in Kraków, where he worked on railway construction.[2]
Skarżysko-Kamienna
He was later transferred to the Skarżysko-Kamienna HASAG munitions camp, where prisoners filled shells and mines with toxic chemicals. Thousands died from poisoning, disease, starvation, and shootings during selections.[2]
Buchenwald and Schlieben
In July 1944 he was transported to Buchenwald and then to its subcamp Schlieben, where HASAG operated another weapons factory.[2]
Terezín and liberation
In April 1945, as the Red Army advanced, Olmer was moved to Terezín, where he was liberated on 8 May 1945.[2]
Post-war life
After recovery, Olmer was brought to the United Kingdom in 1945 as part of the group later known as The Boys or The Windermere Boys. The story of this group was later documented in a 2020 film The Windermere Children by the BBC.[7][8]
Olmer lived initially near Windermere in the Lake District, learned English, and completed his education.[9] He qualified as a dentist in 1950 and later served in the British Army.[2]
He married, raised four children, and had eight grandchildren. In retirement he became a dedicated Holocaust educator, speaking widely in schools, universities, and public forums.[2][3]
Olmer died 15 January 2026, at the age of 98.[10][11][6][12]
Honours
Olmer was recognised in the King's first New Years Honours list 2023, with an MBE for his service to Holocaust education.
| Year | Honour | Honours list | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | British Empire Medal ( BEM) | 2018 New Year Honours | For services to Holocaust education.[9] |
| 2023 | Member of the Order of the British Empire ( MBE) | 2023 New Year Honours | For services to Holocaust education.[13][14] |
Legacy
Olmer is remembered as one of the most active Holocaust educators in the United Kingdom. His testimony is preserved by the Holocaust Educational Trust, the Lake District Holocaust Project, and the MyVoice initiative.[2][3]
Further reading
- Olmer, Harry (2025): My revenge on Hitler is my family. My Voice. ISBN 978-1526192370
See also
- Holocaust survivors
- Kindertransport
- The Windermere Children
- Holocaust education
- Holocaust Educational Trust
References
- ^ "Dentist to share experience as Holocaust survivor". Dentistry. 11 March 2020. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Harry Olmer MBE". Retrieved 16 January 2026.
- ^ a b c My Revenge On Hitler Is My Family. ISBN 978-1526192370.
- ^ "Chaim Olmer". 45aid Society. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
- ^ "Harry Olmer". 45aid Society. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
- ^ a b "Harry Olmer, Holocaust survivor who became one of the 'Windermere Boys'". The Telegraph. 22 January 2026. Retrieved 23 January 2026.
- ^ "Holocaust survivor portrayed in film The Windermere Children to receive OBE". Jewish News. 8 March 2023. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
- ^ Nelson, Sara (26 January 2020). "The True Story Of The WW2 Holocaust Survivors Who Became The Windermere Children". Huffington Post UK. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
- ^ a b "Holocaust survivor made 'human again' in Windermere made MBE". 9 March 2023. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
- ^ "Harry Olmer, Holocaust survivor and Windermere Boy, dies aged 98". Jewish News. 15 January 2026. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
- ^ "Harry Olmer, Holocaust survivor and educator, dies at 98". Jewish Chronicle. 16 January 2026. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
- ^ Karen Pollock CBE (16 January 2026). "It is up to us to carry Harry Olmer's legacy onwards". Jewish News. Retrieved 26 January 2026.
- ^ "Holocaust survivor made MBE says Britain allowed him to 'become human again'". Independent. 9 March 2023. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
- ^ "Harry's war and his revenge on Hitler Survivor tells his story in new memoir under auspices of Manchester's The Fed". Jewish News. 1 October 2024. Retrieved 16 January 2026.