The Holocaust Educational Trust is deeply saddened to learn of the loss of our dear friend Ingrid Wuga BEM.

Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this sad time. We will continue to share Ingrid’s story, ensuring that her testimony is never forgotten.

Ingrid was born in Germany in 1924 but came to Britain at the age of 15. Ingrid was able to escape Nazi occupied Europe on the Kindertransport, a rescue effort which brought nearly 10,000 unaccompanied Jewish children to Britain before the outbreak of the Second World War.

Ingrid initially became a nanny for a family in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, in Leicestershire. Ingrid’s mother and father were fortunately able to follow her to the UK.

Despite having a successful business and being well educated, they took the decision to leave everything behind in Germany and to take up positions as domestic servants. However, Ingrid’s aunt and uncle chose to remain in Germany and did not survive.

After a few months in England, Ingrid’s parents were offered jobs in West Kilbride, and the family moved to Scotland.

As the war progressed, Enemy Aliens were no longer allowed to live on the coast as it was feared that they may send signals to the German Army. Ingrid relocated to Glasgow, where she worked in a dress shop, sewing collars on British Army uniforms.

In Scotland she met and married Henry Wuga, a fellow Kindertransport refugee, and together they raised a family and were involved in many charitable organisations. Henry and Ingrid regularly shared their testimonies with students across Scotland. Ingrid was awarded a BEM in 2019.

Numerous students and teachers have been touched by Henry and Ingrid visiting their schools and sharing their testimonies.

Ingrid was also a great supporter of our Scottish Ambassadors, and the impact she had over the years is immeasurable. We are indebted to her for her tireless efforts to ensure that young people understand the human history of the Holocaust.

You can read our full statement here: http://het.org.uk/ingrid-wuga-bem-1924-2020