Four Thousand Lives: The Rescue of German Jewish Men to Britain, 1939

In November 1938, 30,000 German Jewish men were taken to concentration camps, and Clare Ungerson's book Four Thousand Lives tells the story of how Anglo-Jewry persuaded the British Government to establish a transit camp in Sandwich, East Kent, to save up to 4,000 men. The British Jewish community funded the rescue, with help from American Jewry, and the people of Sandwich reacted to the arrival of the German Jews.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 10 September 2019
Publisher: The History Press Ltd

In November 1938, approximately 30,000 German Jewish men were forcibly transported to concentration camps, where they endured torturous conditions, extreme hunger, and arbitrary deaths. In her book, Four Thousand Lives, Clare Ungerson recounts the remarkable tale of how the influential figures of Anglo-Jewry successfully persuaded the British Government to establish a transit camp in Sandwich, East Kent. This camp, known as Camp Sandwich, had the capacity to accommodate up to 4,000 men who were awaiting permanent settlement abroad. The funding for this rescue effort came primarily from the British Jewish community, with support from American Jewry. However, a significant challenge arose as most of the men had to leave their families behind. The question remained: Could they rescue their loved ones in time? Moreover, how would the residents of Sandwich, a town similar in size to the camp, respond to the arrival of a large number of German-speaking Jewish foreigners? It is worth noting that Sandwich had a well-organized branch of the British Union of Fascists. Lady Pearson, the BUF candidate for Canterbury, held the position of President of the Sandwich Chamber of Commerce, and Captain Gordon Canning, a prominent Fascist and close friend of Oswald Mosley, resided in the town. Canning and his esteemed associates frequently gathered at a local golf club to engage in recreational activities. This background adds an extra layer of drama to the race against time to save lives. Four Thousand Lives goes beyond portraying a mere act of salvation. It also provides a poignant insight into how a small English community grappled with the unexpected presence of so many German Jews in their midst. The book sheds light on the complexities of prejudice, discrimination, and resilience that emerged during this challenging period. It serves as a testament to the human spirit's enduring power and the remarkable achievements of those who worked tirelessly to rescue and support those in need.

Weight: 364g
Dimension: 234 x 197 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780750992350
Edition number: 2 New edition