Charles Coward Blue Plaque

About This Blue Plaque

Charles Coward, born in 1905, was a British soldier and humanitarian who became known as the “Count of Auschwitz” for his daring efforts to rescue prisoners from the notorious Nazi concentration camp during World War II. Serving in the British Army, Coward was captured by the Germans in 1940 and eventually sent to Auschwitz III, a slave labor camp near the main extermination center.

Remarkably, Coward managed to convince the Germans that he was a collaborator, enabling him to gain a privileged position within the camp. He used this status to secretly aid Jewish inmates, smuggling food and medicine while also assisting in their escapes. Coward’s clever manipulations and sheer bravery saved an estimated 400 prisoners from the gas chambers.

After the war, Coward returned to England as a hero, settling in this house on Chichester Road in Edmonton, where he lived until his death in 1976. The Borough of Enfield, located in north London, was home to many brave veterans like Coward who quietly resumed their lives after demonstrating incredible courage in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Coward’s selfless actions and ingenious methods made him a beacon of hope during one of history’s darkest chapters. His story serves as an enduring reminder of the power of individual resolve and the indomitable nature of the human spirit, even in the midst of unfathomable cruelty and suffering. This plaque stands as a testament to Charles Coward’s extraordinary legacy, ensuring that his heroic deeds will never be forgotten.