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Talk: Austrian Refugees in the British Army

Date

Thursday, 23 October 2025
7:00 p.m.

Location

Austrian Cultural Forum London
28 Rutland Gate
London SW7 1PQ

Historian Robert Lackner, researcher at the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Research on Consequences of War, will speak about a lesser-known chapter of British-Austrian relations: the stories of Jewish and political refugees from Austria who escaped the Nazi regime, finding shelter in the United Kingdom. There, many went on to join the British Army, including elite units that operated behind enemy lines.

On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, this event honours the remarkable contributions of these exiled Austrians. Their stories, only now coming to light through recently declassified documents, offer a unique perspective on courage, resistance, and survival.

Join the event for a fascinating and in-depth insight into recent historical research!

The lecture will be followed by a Q&A session moderated by Tim Schmalz.

The research results are accessible here