Knighthood for Managing Director of Classic Tours

The investiture of Sir Erich Reich took place on 21 May 2010 at Buckingham Palace. He was awarded the Knight of the British Empire (KBE) for services to charity by HRH The Prince of Wales.
 
Sir Erich pioneered the concept of worldwide charity challenges through Classic Tours and has inspired more than 42,000 people to raise £60 million net for over 300 charities. The honour is also in recognition of his work as Chairman of the Kindertransport Group, involvement with the Association of Jewish Refugees and commitment to ensure that future generations learn from past horrors, including facilitating the erection of public monuments in commemoration of the Kindertransport.
 
Sir Erich Reich was one of the 10,000 Jewish children who came to this country in 1939 at the age of four as part of the Kindertransport to escape Nazi occupied Europe. Many including Sir Erich never saw their parents again.
 
Born in Vienna in 1935, Sir Erich is believed to be the only Austrian-born person to have ever been awarded the Knight of the British Empire. An Austrian film crew was granted exclusive access to Sir Erich’s investiture at Buckingham Palace to mark the historic occasion for a television documentary.
 
Sir Erich said: “To accomplish anything worthwhile it is essential to work with similar minded people.  The team at Classic Tours tirelessly support my original concept of helping charities fundraise through overseas challenge events.  My kindred spirits and fellow survivors of the Holocaust have helped to ensure that past horrors are not forgotten by future generations. This honour isn’t just for me but for everyone involved in my achievements.”