A 92-YEAR-OLD Holocaust survivor has shared his horrific experiences with Bournemouth students.

When Walter Kammerling was just 15 years-old he was forced on a journey that would save his own life but would mean he’d never see his parents or sister again.

Now he has told his story to pupils at Avonbourne College who are around the age he was when his life changed forever.

Walter, originally from Austria but now living in Bournemouth, visited the Harewood Avenue school as part of a range of talks organised by the Holocaust Education Trust.

The Trust does its best to ensure young people learn about the atrocities from people who suffered at the hands of the Nazis.

The history students heard first-hand how Walter, witnessing the terrible brutality of the Nazis on fellow Jewish people in his home town, was able to flee to Britain through the Kindertransport scheme.

His older sister, who was 18 at the time, was also able to get a work visa for Britain but his middle sister at 17 was too young to work and too old for Kindertransport – she had to stay behind.

It was only after the war had ended and when Walter returned to Austria that he learned of the tragic fate of his family – his mother, father and sister had all been murdered in Auschwitz.

Avonbourne Trust’s CEO, Debbie Godfrey-Phaure, said: “It was an honour and a privilege to welcome back Walter Kammerling to our school.

“Nothing can bring history to life than the real-life testimonies of people who have lived through it.

“What is particularly poignant is that Walter was just the same age as our students are now when his life was so cruelly changed forever.

“Walter provides a powerful reminder to us all of the horrors so many experienced and I know our students were profoundly touched by his visit.”

In addition to hearing Walter share his experience the students were given the opportunity to ask him questions.

They followed this up with a series of workshops run by the Holocaust Education Trust.

The students were asked how the Holocaust should be remembered, who was responsible and how to define the Holocaust, in which six million Jews (around two-thirds of the then European Jewish population) were killed during Hitler’s regime in the 1930s and 40s.

After Walter’s visit, Avonbourne College students wrote a letter to Walter thanking him for his valuable time.

The Year 11 pupils said he had inspired them to work hard against the odds and to never give up. They said they feel they have a better understanding of the Holocaust since meeting him.

Principal of Avonbourne College, Jason Holbrook, said: “Listening to Walter’s powerful story has educated our students more than any text book could ever achieve.

“In their letter they have told Walter how his story has made them know that however hard life can get they will fight for what they believe is right – he has inspired them to make a difference.”