The Holocaust survivor reflects on a life-changing reunion with her rescuer, facilitated by the beloved broadcaster
Category: Arts & Culture
Milena Grenfell-Baines, a 96-year-old Holocaust survivor, recently recounted the emotional moment she met Nicholas Winton, the man who saved her from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia when she was just nine years old. The reunion, which took place during a 1988 episode of the BBC program *That’s Life!*, was orchestrated by the late broadcaster Esther Rantzen, who discovered Grenfell-Baines's name on a list maintained by Winton.
Born Milena Fleischmann in Prague, Grenfell-Baines was one of 669 children rescued by Winton's Czech Kindertransport, a humanitarian effort that brought Jewish children to safety in Britain before the outbreak of World War II. "I was taken aback because this was 49 years after I had been saved from Nazi-occupied Prague in July 1939," she recalled. The call from Rantzen came as a surprise, and Grenfell-Baines initially thought it was a prank. "This is Esther Rantzen," she said, to which Grenfell-Baines humorously replied, "And I’m the Queen of England."
Rantzen persuaded Grenfell-Baines to come to the BBC studio, where she would meet Winton, the man who had organized her rescue. "She told us we were going to meet the man who had organized the Kindertransport," Grenfell-Baines recounted. "She also said: ‘Now, you’re not to tell him who you are.’" When the moment finally arrived, Grenfell-Baines was overwhelmed with emotion. She had been unaware of Winton's role in her escape until that day.
Winton, often referred to as the British Schindler, played a key role in saving the lives of many Jewish children during a time of great peril. His efforts, which included arranging for their transport to safety, are credited with saving countless lives. "If it was Nicholas Winton who helped me to escape, then I would be honoured to meet him – to thank him," Grenfell-Baines expressed during the show.
During the filming, Winton was visibly moved when he learned Grenfell-Baines’s name was among those he had saved. "He was in tears, and I was overwhelmed by the whole story," she said. The reunion marked a personal milestone for Grenfell-Baines and highlighted the importance of remembering those who acted bravely in the face of evil. "Thanks to *That’s Life!*, Nicky became not just a part of my life, but of my children’s and grandchildren’s lives," she stated.
In the years following their reunion, Grenfell-Baines and Winton developed a close friendship. She reminisced about attending his birthday parties and visiting him at his home. "He was a gentle man who never looked for thanks," she noted, adding that Winton was initially displeased with Rantzen for surprising him with the reunion. His daughter later described the event as "an ambush of an unsuspecting innocent."
Milena Grenfell-Baines has dedicated her life to sharing Winton's story, emphasizing the impact of his actions on her life and the lives of others. She has been active in speaking engagements at schools and organizations, ensuring that the legacy of Winton and the Kindertransport is not forgotten. In a poignant gesture of gratitude, she signed a letter organized by the Association of Jewish Refugees to honor Rantzen after she revealed her battle with stage four lung cancer. The letter expressed deep appreciation for Rantzen’s role in bringing Winton’s story to light.
On Holocaust Memorial Day in 2024, Grenfell-Baines and other survivors wrote, "If it wasn’t for [Esther Rantzen], nobody would ever have known about Nicholas Winton," underscoring the broadcaster's significance in preserving the memory of Winton's humanitarian efforts. This year marks the 85th anniversary of the Kindertransport, a momentous occasion that will see various commemorative events across the UK.
As Grenfell-Baines continues to honor the legacy of those who saved lives during the Holocaust, she remains committed to sharing her story and the stories of others who were rescued. "I spent my time going to schools and other organisations telling Nicky’s story," she affirmed. Her efforts serve as a reminder of the importance of compassion and action in the face of injustice.
Esther Rantzen passed away earlier this year, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and advocacy. Her impact on Grenfell-Baines’s life and the lives of many others is undeniable. The recent airing of a BBC video on October 2, 2026, showcased the reunion between Rantzen and the children saved by Winton, illustrating the lasting connections forged through acts of bravery and kindness.
As the world remembers the sacrifices made during the Holocaust, stories like that of Milena Grenfell-Baines and Nicholas Winton remind us of the power of individual actions to change lives forever. The upcoming commemorations will serve as a poignant reminder of the past and the enduring spirit of those who stood up against tyranny.