Bernd Koschland (right) at his retirement party with Chief Rabbi, Ephraim Mirvis

A HOSPITAL chaplain who escaped the Nazis as a child by Kindertransport has retired aged 85.

Bernd Koschland has worked as the Jewish chaplain at the Royal Free Hospital, Hampstead, for the past 20 years.

Describing his work, Mr Koschland said: “It is not just about patients of your own faith, and it’s not just about visiting patients, it’s about doing so much more.

It is dealing with people, their joys, their sorrows, their problems and their troubles.” Mr Koschland arrived in this country in 1939 on the Kindertransport train for children having escaped Nazi persecution.

Although retiring from the hospital, he said that he will continue his charity work with the Jews’ Temporary Shelter and the UK Kindertransport committee, while sharing his experiences with schools and adults.

Chief Rabbi, Ephraim Mirvis, who attended Mr Koschland’s recent retirement party, said: “Bernd, you have been a star. The Jewish community is immensely proud of your achievements – it’s my privilege to be associated with you.”