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Whether you’re a filmmaker seeking a historian consultant, a colleague historian in need of research support, or someone delving into genealogy, do not hesitate to contact me anytime! I am here to help.
My name is Jiri Kluc. Born and raised in the Czech Republic, I am a passionate historian with a profound interest in the intricacies of 20th-century history, particularly the events surrounding World War II. My literary contributions have been recognized with numerous national awards, showcasing my commitment to delving into the past.
Having graduated from Charles University Prague, I am currently pursuing my Ph.D., focusing my academic journey on the history of Czechoslovakia and Central Europe during the 20th century. In my research, I am eager about preserving the stories of Holocaust survivors and WWII Veterans, with the goal of safeguarding their testimonies for future generations.
My most recent publication sheds light on the remarkable life of Ervin Hoida, a 105-year-old WWII veteran. Ervin, the last surviving veteran of the Battle of France in 1940 and a member of the Czechoslovak Armoured Brigade during the siege of Dunkirk in 1944-45, was rediscovered living in obscurity in Liverpool, UK. His captivating experiences are chronicled in my latest book, a testament to my dedication to uncovering and sharing the untold stories of history
With Jan Ihnatik (1922), a survivor of the Soviet Concentration Camp Gulag and a WWII veteran of the Eastern Front, who served as an artillery officer in the 1st Czechoslovak Army Corps in the Soviet Union.
With WWII veteran Ervín Hoida (1918-2024), who managed to escape from occupied Czechoslovakia, joined the Czech army abroad in 1939, and fought in the Battle of France in 1940. Later, he served as a tank driver in the Czechoslovak Armoured Brigade, contributing to the siege of the city of Dunkirk in 1944-45.
With Josef Muller (1920-2021), who lived an incredible narrative and survived a forgotten chapter of the Holocaust. As part of Jewish labor units sent with the Hungarian army to the Eastern front, he luckily escaped, joined the Allies, and became a WWII hero. Josef liberated the Ukrainian capital Kiev in 1943 with his unit, and he later served as an officer in the 1st Czechoslovak Army Corps in the Soviet Union.
With Věra Schiff (1926-2023), born in Prague, who survived the concentration camp Terezin, where she tragically lost her entire family, emerging as the sole survivor. I had the privilege of meeting her in Canada.
While initially not intending to become a tour guide, my extensive history research has unearthed countless fascinating stories that I am compelled to share. It’s the richness of these narratives that has driven me to embrace the role of a tour guide.
Join me on a tour, and let me impart my passion for history to you! I’ve delved into numerous captivating stories during my research, and I believe that history is meant to be shared and experienced. Together, we can explore the past, uncover forgotten tales, and enrich our understanding of the world’s historical tapestry.