Giffnock man who fled Nazis died a month after 100th birthday

Tributes have been paid to the “extraordinary” Henry Wuga, who escaped Nazi Germany at the age of 15.

He began educating people about the horrors of the Holocaust.

Henry's death was announced by the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust on Sunday, March 17.

Chief executive Olivia Marks-Woldman said the group was “heartbroken”.

“Henry was a gentleman: charming, dapper and above all, a force for good,” she added.

“The work that he, and his late wife Ingrid, did in sharing their testimonies, made an immense impact on thousands of people across Scotland.

“All of us at the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust send our deepest sympathies to his daughters Hilary and Gillian and all his family and loved ones.

“Thank you for everything, Henry. We will miss you.”

Former first minister Nicola Sturgeon led the tributes, saying: “Henry was an extraordinary human being. While the world is a poorer place for his passing, there is no doubt that his life made it better.

“Alongside his beloved wife, Ingrid, Henry educated thousands about the horrors of the Holocaust and the lessons from it that we must never forget.

“With quiet dignity, he reminded us of the power of love and humanity. He was also full of stories and fun.

“He will be so enormously missed – but his legacy will endure.”

Henry as a boy in 1930 (Image: Archive image. Newsquest.)

First Minister Humza Yousaf also praised Mr Wuga’s impact on the country he came to call home.

“I’m devastated to hear of Henry’s passing. His loss will be felt by communities right across Scotland & beyond,” he posted.

“He worked over decades to remind us of the horrors of the Holocaust, which must never be forgotten.”

Henry with Ingrid in 2017 (Image: Archive image. Newsquest.)

Ahead of Mr Wuga’s 100th birthday in February, his local MSP Jackson Carlaw paid a tribute in Holyrood during First Minister’s Questions.

On Sunday night, Mr Carlaw posted on X: “How joyful it was just last month for us all to celebrate with Henry the reaching of his centenary.

“Today we mourn his passing & send much love to Hilary, Gillian & the family. In his own quiet way, Henry was a Statesman. May his memory be a blessing.”

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar described Mr Wuga as “warm, charming and compassionate”, adding: “We owe it to his generation to share their stories and always strive for peace.”

Henry was born in Nuremberg in 1924 and was able to escape the country thanks to the Kindertransport (Children's Transport), a humanitarian rescue programme which ran between November 1938 and September 1939.

While in Scotland he was arrested for sending innocent letters to his family, and after he was released he attended a Refugee Club in Glasgow.

It was there he would meet his future wife Ingrid, and Henry began to build a life where he worked as a chef.

Henry and his wife Ingrid (Image: Newsquest)

He was honoured with an MBE in 1999 for Services to Sport for Disabled People, recognising his long association as Ski Bob instructor for the British Limbless Ex-Service Men’s Association.