Glasgow Memorial Service Honoring WWII Veteran Emil Stock
A poignant ceremony is set to take place in Glasgow to commemorate the life and bravery of Emil Stock, a remarkable man who fled the Nazis, settled in Scotland, and fought on the beaches of Normandy during World War II. The remembrance event, scheduled for the 80th anniversary of his passing on November 6, will be attended by his son, Oliver, who is traveling from Canada to pay tribute to his father’s legacy.
The initiative to honor Emil Stock was spearheaded by Gareth Davies, a dedicated military historian who reached out to The Herald to organize the commemoration and locate any surviving family members of the late war hero. Through diligent research and collaboration, Davies was able to connect with Emil’s nephew, H.M.P. Stock PHD, residing in Australia. This connection led to a detailed exploration of the Stock family history and facilitated contact with Oliver, who now resides in retirement in Canada.
Emil Edward Stock’s early life was marked by turmoil and resilience. Born in Vienna in 1914 to parents Julius and Marie Stock, Emil experienced the upheaval of the Anschluss in 1938, which saw Austria assimilated into Nazi Germany, rendering it a perilous environment for Jewish residents like the Stock family. Despite the challenges posed by the oppressive regime, Emil pursued higher education at the Vienna University Philosophical School, delving into fields such as philosophy, oriental studies, and musicology.
However, the escalating anti-Semitic policies of the Nazis forced Emil to flee Austria with forged documents intended for Mexico. His journey took an unexpected turn when he arrived in Edinburgh and was initially detained as an enemy alien. Through perseverance and a plea for asylum, Emil was eventually released from internment and granted the opportunity to join the British army, where he served with distinction in the 1st Royal Tank Regiment.
The sacrifices made by Emil Stock’s family underscore the harrowing realities faced by many Jewish individuals during the Nazi era. Despite their efforts to secure safe passage for their sons, Julius and Marie Stock fell victim to the horrors of the Holocaust. Marie was arrested in Vienna and deported to an extermination camp, where she tragically perished. Julius, who had joined the resistance, met a similar fate, enduring internment and eventual transport to Auschwitz, where he lost his life at the age of 63.
Emil’s own wartime experiences were marked by courage and sacrifice, culminating in his participation in the D-Day landings at Normandy. Tragically, he sustained severe injuries during combat and succumbed to his wounds in Aberdeen on November 6. His legacy lives on through his family, including his wife Wilamina, whom he met in Edinburgh and with whom he had two children, Margaret and Oliver.
The upcoming memorial service in Glasgow serves as a poignant tribute to Emil Stock’s enduring bravery and resilience in the face of adversity. The event will be attended by a diverse array of individuals, including Royal Tank Regiment veterans, members of the Association of Jewish Ex Servicemen & Women, and the Chief Rabbi, who will offer a prayer in honor of Emil’s memory. The gathering aims to honor not only Emil’s personal sacrifice but also the broader legacy of all those who fought against tyranny during World War II.
Through the dedicated efforts of Gareth Davies and the support of various organizations and individuals, Emil Stock’s story continues to resonate with audiences around the world. His remarkable journey from fleeing the Nazis to fighting for freedom on the beaches of Normandy is a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who stood against oppression and tyranny during one of the darkest periods in human history. The Glasgow memorial service stands as a fitting tribute to Emil’s courage and sacrifice, ensuring that his legacy will be remembered and honored for generations to come.