

Personal
memoirs / bios
Learn the history
through these personal stories
Helena ANTOLAK- Deported to Archangielsk region with her parents, sister, and brother. Her father later died in Kermine, and the rest of the family were sent to Ifundi in East Africa. Helena later joined the Women';s Auxiliary of the Polish 2nd Corps and worked in a hospital in Scotland. After the war, she settled in Scotland.
Zofia ARENT - Deported to Archangielsk region with her parents and siblings. Her parents and two sisters later died there. Zofia and the surviving two sisters spent 5 years at the Polish settlement in Valivade, India. After the war, hey lived in England and then Canada.
Bozena BALUT - Bozena Balut’s address to the Polish-Canadian Group on November 11, 1995. Inspired by her parents’ and grandparents’ generations, and by Polish soldiers serving in the Allied forces and in the Home Army. Dedicated to the memory of Jozef Majcher, soldier of the Polish Second Corps (and her mother’s older brother), killed in action in Italy in1944, and Stefan Jerzy Zukotynski, Flying Officer, RAF, Polish Squadron 300 (and her paternal grandmother’s youngest brother), shot down over France in 1943.
Danuta LUKOMSKA - Deported with her parents and three sisters to the Arkhangelsk region of Siberia. Her father died in a Siberian jail, and one sister died on a ship on the Indian Ocean. Danuta spent some time at the camp in Valivade, India, and in Koja, Uganda. After the war, sje settled in Canada.
Stefan BURACZEWSKI - Forcibly drafted into the Russian army, Stefan was then sent to a labour camp in Siberia. On release,he joined the Polish 2nd Corps and evacuated to Persia. He then joined the 1st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade in Scotland. He participated in 21 jumps, including Operation Market Garden over Arnhem, Holland.
Zygmunt CHOJECKI - Deported to a slave labour camp with his family, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps on release, trained with them in the Middle East, and participated in the Italian Campaign, including the battle of Monte Cassino. He settled in England after the war, where he met his wife who had played a major role at Bletchley Park.
Michal CZUBRYT - Michal was deported to Siberia with his wife Anna, and their infant son Jozef. Michal joined the Polish army, while Anna and Jozef spent 6 years at the Polish refugee camp in Valivade, India. Michal served in the3DSK of the Polish 2nd Corps and fought in the Italian Campaign. After the war, the family settled in Canada.
Franciszka DOBROWLANSKA - Born in 1906, she writes a detailed account of her life from early childhood. After their husbands were arrested by the Russians, she and her sister were deported to Siberia with their children. On release, they spent the war years in Koja, Uganda in Africa. She settled in the UK after the war, later emigrating to Canada.
Mieczyslaw DRELICH - Mieczyslaw fought in the September Campaign, then evacuated to Romania and made his way to the Middle East to join the 3rd Carpathian Rifle Brigade. with whom he fought at Tobruk. He also fought in the Italian Campaign with the Polish 2nd Corps. Among the medals he received was the VIRTUTI MILITARI. After the war, he settled in Australia.
Jan DREWNIAK - Born in 1919 in the Postolowka settlement of Tarnopol province, he was forcibly conscripted into the Russian Army in 1940. Released on 'amnesty', he joined the Polish 2nd Corps, evacuated to the Middle East, and later fought in the Italian Campaign. He met and married Lucia Materiale and lived in Italy after the war, before emigrating to Canada in 1948.
General Bronislaw DUCH - Participant in the September Campaign in Poland, he evacuated to France and then England. He was in charge of the 1st Polish Armoured Division in Scotland until 1943, and then took charge of the 3rd Carpathian Rifle Brigade during the Italian Campaign. After the war, he settled in England.
Miroslaw FERIĆ - Highly decorated pilot of the Polish Air Force in Poland, then in France, hen in the 303 Squadron in the UK. He was awarded the VIRTUTI MILITARI (Silver Cross), the Distinguished Flying Cross, and several Crosses of Valour with bars. He was killed in a training flight over Northolt on 14 February 1942.
Bronislawa FRANCUZ - Intellectually and physically disabled, she was deported with her family to Siberia, then evacuating with the Polish Army to Persia (Iran) and spent 6 years at the Valivade Camp in India before settling in the UK. She ended up being left alone in the UK when her family moved to the US, and she ended up in a mental institution for some years, before being moved to a Care Home.
Czeslaw FRANCZYK - The family were deported to Siberia in 1940. On release, Czeslaw's father Wojciech, and brothers, Karol and Zdzislaw, joined the Polish 2nd Corps, while Czeslaw, his mother Rozalia, and his sister Genowefa, spent 7.5 years in Massindi, Uganda. After the war, the family settled in Canada.
Lech FULMYK - Deported to Siberia with his family. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps but was discharged on medical grounds a month later. He was sent to Mombassa, Tanzania, East Africa, where he completed his education. After the war, he spent some years in England before emigrating to Canada.
Francziszek GABRYSZEWSKI - (aka Francis Gabreski) was born in the US of Polish parents. He was a member of the US Air force when the war raged in Europe, and asked to be assigned to the Polish 315 Squadron. He was later reassigned to a US Squadron in the UK. He was a highly decorated pilot who retired as a Colonel.
Andrzej GARLICKI - After his father was arrested by the Russians, he and his mother and brother were deported. His father was later executed by the Russians at Katyn. On release, Andrzej joined the Polish 2nd Corps and participated in the Italian Campaign. After spending 5 years in the UK, Andrzej emigrated to Canada.
Jan GARLICKI - After his father was arrested by the Russians, he and his mother and brother were deported. His father was later executed by the Russians at Katyn. On release, Jan joined the Polish 2nd Corps and participated in the Italian Campaign. After spending a few years in the UK, Jan emigrated to Argentina and later to Canada.
Witold GLINSKI - Deported with his family, he was separated from them and ended up in a labour camp near the Chinese border. He escaped, along with 6 other prisoners, and they made the incredible trek to India. Only 4 of them survived the journey. Witold joined the 1st Polish Armoured Division in England. He settled in the UK after the war.
Teodor GNIDEC - Arrested by the Soviets and sent to several prisons and a camp in Arkhangelsk. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps, trained in the Middle East, and fought in the Italian Campaign. After the war he came ot Canada on a two-year work contract and eventually settled in London, Ontario.
Bronislaw GODLEWSKI - As a Polish-American, he volunteered for the Polish Air Force in the UK and was grievously injured during a bombing raid over France, where he continued to direct the pilot in spite if his injuries. He lost both arms at the elbows as a result, and was awarded the VIRTUTI MILITARI medal for his extreme bravery. He returned to the U.S. after the war
GORAL and Radomski Families - The families were deported from the Eastern Borderlands in Feb. 1940. On release, they made their way to join the Polish 2nd Corps, evacuating to the Middle East, and eventually settling in the UK. Their story is told in the books: Midnight Train to Siberia and Escaping Siberia.
Piotr & Wladyslawa GRABOWSKI- Piotr fought in the September Campaign, was captured by the Germans and spent the rest of the war in a German Prisoner of War Camp. Wladyslawa was arrested by the Germans and sent to a Slave Labour Camp in Germany. A portion of their histories is presented here as excerpts from their daughter's book titled "The Soul's Journey".
Jozefa GRZESKOWIAK-KIERKIEWICZ - She describe the journey south in the USSR after they were released by the 'amnesty', and then the journey to reach the Abercorn Settlement in East Africa. Jozefa also provides details about the settlement and what it was like to live there for 4 years before returning to Poland.
Anna JAKUBOWSKA - As a member of the Home Army (AK), Anna participated in the Warsaw Uprising. She was subsequently captured by the Germans and spent time in three camps, the last one being Oberlangen that was liberated by the 1st Armoured Division. She married a soldier from that division, and they returned to Poland in 1947.
JAROSZEWICZ family - The parents were deported with 7 children.. On release, the father joined the Engineering Corps of the Polish 2nd Corps, and the oldest daughter joined the Women's Auxiliary of the Polish 2nd Corps. The mother, 3 daughters and one son spent the war years in Tengeru, Africa. The family spent a few years in the UK after the war, then eventually settled in the USA.
Stanislawa JASIONOWICZ - Deported at age 9 with her family to the gold-mining town of Dzytygara in Northern Kazakhstan. Released on 'amnesty', the family journeyed south to find the Polish Army being formed in the USSR, Her brother Edward joined the Cadets. The rest of the family spent the war years in Lebanon, before moving to the UK. Stanislawa became Sister Maria Teresa.
Alojzy JEDAMSKI - Alojzy Jedamski was a Soldier of the Reconnaissance Platoon 2, Squadron 10, Dragon Regiment, of the 1st Polish Armored Division. His war epic took him through his experiences from the Armoured Division's trail through France, Belgium, Netherlands, and Germany, where he was wounded twice. After the war, Alojzy returned to Poland.
KACZMARCZYK family - The family lived on the Sienkiewicz military settlement in Wolyn. The entire family were deported to Siberia. On release, the son Bronislaw joined the Polish 2nd Corps. The fate of the father is unknown. The mother returned to Poland in 1946. The 3 daughters ended up in South Africa. Bronislaw emigrated to Canada after the war.
Jan KASZUBA - Jan fought in the First World War and the Polish-Soviet war, after which he became a military settler. He and his family were deported to Siberia in February 1940. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps and served in the Middle East. After the war, he spent some years in England before emigrating to Canada.
Roza KISIELEWSKA - After her father`s arrest, she was deported to Kazakhstan with her mother and brother. When they reached Persia, she volunteered for the Women`s Auxiliary of the Polish 2nd Corps and served in the Italian Campaign. The family spent some years in Soouth America before settling in Canada.
Emil KLEBAN - Deported to Siberia. On release he joined the Polish 2nd Corps, then volunteered to be a paratrooper and was sent to Scotland via South Africa. In Scotland, he joined the 1st Polish Independent Paratroop Brigade and participated in the battle of Arnhem. After the war, he settled in Canada.
Stanislaw KLOCZKOWSKI - He was a wireless operator in the Polish Air Force during the September Campaign. He evacuated to France abd then to England. In January 1944 he was reassigned to special operations Squadron 301 based in Italy, and he stayed there until the end of the war. After the war, he settled in Canada.
Stanislaw (Stan) KOBYLAK - Deported to Siberia with his family, several members did not survive. On release, the remaining members of the family made their way south, where Stan's father joined the Polish 2nd Corps. Stan, his mother and brother, evacuated to Persia, and eventually made their way to a Polish refugee camp in Rhodesia. After the war, the family emigrated to the US.
Boleslaw KONTRYM - He was a man who had more lives than a cat - and more medals than a Soviet marsha. He fought on the Russian side in WW1, eventually joined the Polish side, participated in the Warsaw Uprising, escaped capture and then joined the1st Polish Armoured Division. He returned to Poland after the war and was tortured and executed by the Communist authorities.
Jozef KOSACKI - Jozef particiopated in the September Campaign, then evacuated to Hungary. He eventually made his way to France and then to England as part of the 1st Polish Armoured Division. He invented the mine detector that was used for the next 50 years and saved countless lives. After the war, he returned to Poland
Kazimierz KOWALISZYN - Deported to Siberia, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps on release.He ferried German POWs to New York, then ferried new recruits to the continent. He volunteered to be a paratrooper in the 1st Independent Parachute Brigade and fought at Arnhem where he was injured. After the war, he spent some years in England before settled in Canada.
Stanislaw J. KOWALSKI - Stanislaw describes the conditions in Kolyma, Siberia which he was one of the few to eventually escape. Freed by the 'amnesty', he made his way to join the Polish 2ns Corps, and was later transferred to the 1st Polish Armoured Division. He fought the European Campaign and settled in England after the war.
Marian KOZIELEWSKI - Marian was the brother of Jan Karski, who had changed his name to Karski. During the German occupation, Marian was the head of the Warsaw Police, and he did his best to thwart the German regulations. He was eventually arrested and sent to Auschwitz. Released in 1941, he later participated in the Warsaw Uprising.
Tadeusz KROL -This is a VERY DETAILED memoir of the Krol family experiences during WW2. Ted's father joined the Polish 2nd Corps and fought in Tobruk and the Italian Campaign, Ted joined the CADETS of the Polish 2nd Corps, while the rest of the family spent the war years in Tehran and Lebanon. After the war, the family emigrated to the USA.
Jozef KROLCZYK- He participated in the September Campaign and was later deported to Siberia with his family and his wife's family. His parents and one of his brothers died in Siberia. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps and served in the Middle East and in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he settled in the UK.
Michael KRUPA - He was deported to Siberia and then. joined the Polish 2nd Corps. He fought in the Italian Campaign, then volunteered to join the 1st Independent Parachute Brigade in order to connect with the Home Army in Poland. After the war, he settled in England and wrote "Shallow Graves in Siberia".
Irena KRZYSKOW-WALLACE - Deported to Siberia with her family. On release, her father joined the Polish 2nd Corps and fought in the Italian Campaign. Irena and her sister Mary, spent the war years in years in Africa - first at Outschoorn, then Digglefold, and finally Gatooma. In 1947, they joined their father in England, and eventually settled in Canada.
Jan KUDLA - Deported with his parents and siblings to a labour camp in Siberia, and their subsequent journey south to freedom. He joined the Polish 2nd Corps, then transferred to the 1st Polish Armoured Division and participated in the European Campaign. He returned to Poland after the war and worked for the underground, for which he was imprisoned.
Irena KUS - Deported to Siberia with her entire family. On release, her father joined the Polish 2nd Corps and fought in the Italian Campaign. One brother served in 304 Squadron of the Polish Air Force in the UK. Another brother joined the 1st Polish Armoured Division and fought in the European Campaign. Irena, her mother, and youngest brother spent 6 years in Masindi, Africa, then went to the UK, and eventually settled in Canada.
Waclaw KUZIA - Waclaw fought in the September Campaign in Poland, was captured by the Russians, and sent to several POW camps in the USSR. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps and served in the Military Police. After the war, he came to Canada on a 2-year work contract, and eventually settled in Winnipeg.
Maria KWASNIEWSKA - This is the story of how one photo of a famous Polish athlete with Adolf Hitler, became a pass for freedom. Maria won the bronze medal in the Javelin throw, which resulted in a photo taken with Hitler. She used that photo to gain access to the camps and save people from certain death.
Felicjan LOTH - Doctor Felicjan Loth, a first-rate surgeon, was arrested in February 1941 for helping organize an underground med school. Loth undergoes a default beating-and-recovery procedure, but then, instead of Auschwitz or a mass grave just outside the city, he is assigned to the medical personnel of the prison.
Danuta LUKOMSKA - Deported with her parents and three sisters to the Arkhangelsk region of Siberia. Her father died in a Siberian jail, and one sister died on a ship on the Indian Ocean. Danuta spent some time at the Valivade Camp in India, and the camp in Koja, Uganda. She settled in Canada after the war.
Wladyslawa MAJEWSKA - Reknowned performer with the "Wesola Lwowska Fala" that evacuated to Romania at the onset of the war, then made their way to France and eventually to Scotland. She performed with the troupe in Scotland and England, and then across Europe with the 1st Polish Armoured Division. She settle in the UK after the war.
Adam MARCINKIEWICZ - During the fighting for the city of Thielt, Belgium the Sherman Tanks of the 1st Polish Armoured Division came under heavy anti-tank fire and Lieutenant Marcinkiewicz carried out a raid on German positions during which a German Panzerfaust blew off his right hand. The German positions were taken and only then did Adam retire to the rear with severe blood loss. For this action he was awarded the Polish Cross of Valour and the British Military Cross.
MARKUT Stanislaw & Antonina - Both families were deported to Siberia. On release, Stanislaw joined the Polish 2nd Corps and was later transferred to the 1st Polish Armoured Division (1PAD). Antonina joined the 317 Transport Company of the Women's Auxiliary of the Polish 2nd Corps. They met and married after the war and eventually settled in the US.
MARTUSEWICZ-BALUT Krystyna - Krystyna was deported to Siberia with her mother and grandmother. On release, they made their way south and evacuated to Persia with the Polish Army, then were sent to the Valivade Camp in India. In 1947, they were moved to the Koja Camp in Uganda. They later emigrated to Canada.
Henryk MARYNOWICZ - Henryk participated in several battles of the September Campaign in Poland. He returned home and was deported to Kazakhstan with his mother, brother Wladyslaw and sister Jadwiga. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps and served in the Middle East. He was later seconded for study in the UK, where he settled after the war.
Jozefa MASLANKA - Jozefa was 12 years old when she was deported to Siberia with her parents and brothers in 1940. Released by the 'amnesty' she evacuated to Persia with the Polish army. She joined the Young Women Volunteers of the Polish 2nd Corps and pursued her education in the Middle East and later in England. After the war, she settled in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Leokadia MASLANKA - Leokadia was deported to Siberia with her family. On release, they evacuated the USSR with the Polish army and were sent to a Polish settlement in Africa. Leokadia later volunteered for the Women's Auxiliary of the Polish Air Force in the UK. After the war, she settled in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Adam MERCIK - His father was a member of the General Staff, so he evacuated to Romania with his parents, then made his way to Palestine where he entered cadet school. At age 17, he enlisted in the Polish 2nd Corps and participated in the Italian Campaign. He completed engineering studies in England and then settled in Canada.
Edward MOCZULSKI - Deported to Kokczetawska oblast in Kazakhstan with his family. On release,
he joined the 7th Anti Tank Regiment of the Polish 2nd Corps, and became a signalman. He
participated in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he spent some time in the UK before emigrating
to Kitchner, Ontario, Canada.
Casimir & Zofia MORAWSKI - The family was deported to Siberia. On release, Zofia and her
daughter ended up at Valivade Camp in India, while her husband and one son served in the Polish
2nd Corps. The other son was sent to a hospital in South Africa and settled there after the war,
They lived in the UK after the war, and eventually emigratyed ro Canada.
Zygmunt NAGORSKI - He fought in the September Campaign in Poland, then made his way to France to join the Polish Forces there. After evacuating to the UK, he joined the 1st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade based in Scotland. After the war, he emigrated to the U.S. and became a foreign policy expert and later founded the Centre for International Leadership, a training and development group for senior executives.
Prof. Wojciech NAREBSKI - Arrested by the Russians for working for the Home Army, he spent some time in prison before being sent to Siberia. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps and trained as a driver. He completed high school at the Cadet school in Barbara, and later participated in the Italian Campaign. After the war he returned to Poland where he completed a PhD and had many scientific successes.
Franciszek NEDZA - He participated in the September Campaign, then evacuated to Hungary, and made his way to France to join the army there. He then evacuated to the UK and joined the 1st Polish Armoured Division. He trained in Scotland and then participated in the European Campaign, settling in the UK after the war.
Boleslaw NIEMIEC - He fought in the September Campaign, then was arrested by the Soviets and deported to Siberia. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps, evacuated to Persia, trained in the Middle East, then fought in the Italian Campaign. He spent a few years in England before returning to Poland.
Stefan OLBRECHT - Deported at age 13 with his parents, grandparents, and siblings. On release, he joined the Cadets and evacuated with the Polish Army to the Middle East. He later volunteered to join the Polish 2nd Corps, and participated in the Italian Campaign. After the war he eventually settled in Canada.
Stanislawa PAWLIK - Deported with her parents and siblings to Zytygara in the northernmost region of Kazakhstan when she was 5 years old. Her parents and one brother died in Teheran in April 1942, just as they had reached freedom. She and her sisters spent the next 3+ years at the Isfahan orphanage in Persia (Iran), before continuing their studies in Lebanon. Stanislawa sailed to the UK in 1948, at age 13.
Jan PIECHOTA (aka WIKTOR) - Deported to Siberia with his family - his father and brother died there. On release, he joined the Cadets of the Polish 2nd Corps and later, the Polish Merchant Navy College in the UK. On graduating he spent 5 years in the Merchant Navy, before joining his family in Canada.
Eugeniusz PLAWSKI - Commodore of the Polish Navy during WW2. He was the commander of the ORP Piorun during the hunt for Bismarck. He truly was a Polish Naval hero. He settled in Canada after the war.
Piotr POLACIK - As a member of the Polish 2nd Corps - 3DSK, Piotr served in North Africa and in the Italian Campaign. He was awarded the VIRTUTI MILITARI Cross and the Cross of Valour, among other medals. After the war he signed up for a two-year work contract in Tasmania, Australia and then settled in Hobart.
Janina ROWBICKA-GRYZIAK - Deported to Siberia with her parents and siblingss. On release, the family travelled to the southern USSR where her father joined the Polish 2nd Corps. Janina, her mother, and siblings spent the war years at the Kidugala camp in Tanganyika. They eventually emigrated to Canada
Klemens RUDNICKI - Colonel Rudnicki fought in the September Campaign, then was part of the Home Army (AK) resistance, was captured by the Russians and spent time in prisons and work camps before evacuating to Persia with the newly-formed Polish Army. He joined the Polish 2nd Corps and fought in the Italian Campaign, before being transferred to the 1st Polish Armoured Division. He was highly decorated, including the VIRTUTI MILITARI medal, and DSO. He settled in the UK after the war.
Julian RYBARCZYK - Deported with his family, after his father was arrested. His father later joined the Polish 2nd Corps. Julian served in the 5th Battalion of the 2nd Brigade of the Polish 2nd Corps, and participated in the Italian Campaign. Wounded in action, he was sent to a hospital in Perthshire, Scotland. After the war, he remained in Scotland.
Zbigniew RYDELEWSKI - Deported to Siberia with his family. On release, his father joined the Polish 2nd Corps, but was later injured and sent to Lusaka, Rhodesia, where his wife and daughter later joined him. Zbigniew went to the Tengeru camp in Africa for a short time, then joined the Polish 2nd Corps in Egypt in 1942. After the war, he settled in the UK.
Wladyslaw RYSZKOWSKI - Deported to Siberia with his family, his father later died on the journey south. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps and was transferred to the 1st Polish Armoured Division in Scotland. He served in the Northern Europe Campaign and then in the Occupying Forces in Germany from 1945-1947. After the war, he settled in the UK.
RZEWUCKI Family - The family were deported to Siberia on 10 Feb 1940. When they were freed by the 'amnesty', the father Bronislaw, and his eldest son Wladyslaw, enlisted in the Polish 2nd Corps. The mother Marja, and three younger children (Czeslawa, Irena, and Tadeusz) spent the war years in Tengeru in East Africa. They settled in Canada after the war.
SIOMKAJLO Family - Except for 2 members who escaped to Hungary when the Russians invaded, the family was deported to Dzetygara in northernmost Kazakhstan where they were forced to work in a gold mine in the most primitive conditions. Only half the family survived. Four sisters spent some time in Kidugala, Tanganyika, then two of them joined the Polish Air Force in the UK, while the other two joined the convent in Rongai, Kemya.
Sabina Maria SKAL - Deported with her family from the Korsuny military settlement in Drohiczyn county, of the Polesie voivodeship. On release, she was sent to the Polish orphanage at Isfahan, Persia, then to South Africa. The family reunited in the UK after the war, and Sabina eventually emigrated to the USA.
Stanislaw SKALSKI - Stanislaw was a pilot in the Polish Air Force when the war broke out. When Poland fell, he made his way to the UK and joined the Polish Air Force there. He became the first Pole to command a RAF squadron, and was awarded the VIRTUTI MILITARI twice, the DFC twice, amnd the DSO. He returned to Poland after the war and was tried as a spy by the Communist government.
Emil SKULSKI - Emil served with the the Polish 2nd Corps in the Italian Campaign as a member of the 5 PAL unit - including fighting at Monte Cassino. In September 1944 he joined the 2nd Corp's 663rd Artillery Aircraft Squadron, and continued participating in the Italian Campaign as a pilot. Among other medals, he was awarded the VIRTUTI MILITARI, the Cross of Valour, and the Monte Cassino Cross #20707. After the war, he emigrated to the U. S.
Edward SLIWINSKI - Deported to Archangelsk, Siberia as a child, with his parents. They were released on 'amnesty' and made their way south. His father joined the 1st Polish Armoured Division and spent the war in Scotland, while Edward and his mother spent the war years in Massindi, Uganda in Africa. After the war, he lived in England before emigrating to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada..
Irena SLIWINSKI - Deported to Siberia as a child, with her sister and their parents. They were released on 'amnesty' and made their way south. Her father joined the Polish 2nd Corps and served in the Italian Campaign. Irena spent the war years in Massindi, Uganda in Africa, with her mother and sister. After the war, she lived in England before emigrating to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Aleksander SOBOTOWSKI - An account of his participation in the September Campaign, then evacuating through Romania and being interned there. He escaped and made his way to France, where he joined the Polish Army that had reformed there. He carried out some interesting undercover operations behind enemy lines.
Teresa SOKOLOWSKA - The family was deported to Siberia. On release, they evacuated to Persia (Iran) with the Polish Army, where Anna's step-father and brother joined the Polish 2nd Corps, while she, her mother and sister made their way to Santa Rosa in Mexico. The family emigrated to the US after the war, but her sister remained in Mexico.
Bronislaw SOKOLOWSKI - He fought in the September Campaign in Poland, as part of the 24th Heavy Artillery Company. He was later deported to Siberia with his family, On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps, and participated in the Italian Campaign. His brother joined the Polish Air Force in the UK, while his mother and two sisters were sent to Africa. After the war, they emigrated to Canada.
Jozefa SOLECKI - Deported to Siberia with her parents and siblings, her father died in the labour camp. On release, one brother joined the Polish 2nd Corps, while another brother joined the 1st Polish Armoured Division. The rest of the family went on to Kidugala and Tengeru in Tanganyika, Africa. Joaefa later volkunteered for the Polish Air Force in the UK. She met her future husband while serving in the 300 Bomber Squadron. After the war, they settled in Buffalo, New York.
Eugenia STANKIEWICZ - Deported from the Hallerowo Settlement to Siberia with his parents and siblings, one of whom died during the journey. His mother died just as 'amnesty' was declared, and his father joined the Polish 2nd Corps, and fought in the Italian Campaign. His older brother joined the Polish Air Force in the UK. He spent the war years in India with his younger sister and brother. After the war they emigrated to then USA
George STECIUK - With his parents, he was deported to Siberia at age 5, and does not recall much from their time there. After release, his father joined the Polish 2nd Corps and fought in the Italian Campaign, while he and his mother spent 5 years in Masindi. Kenya, East Africa, and then Tengeru. The family was reunited in the UK after the war, and then emigrated to Canada.
Leonia STEPIEN - Leonia was deported to Siberia with her husband and his family. On release, her husband joined the Polish 2nd Corps and she joined the Women's Auxiliary. After training in the Middle East, they both volunteered for the Polish Air Force in the UK. Her husnand was subsequently killed in a plane crash. Leonia settled in England after the war, and eventually met and married Stanislaw Stepien.
Maria STRONSKA - The family was deported to Siberia. On release they made their way south, where her father died in Uzbekhistan. They evacuated to Persia and then to Uganda. Her brother joined the 1st Polish Armoured Division and was killed at Caen. Maria spent some years in the UK before emigrating to Montreal.
Romuald SULINSKI- He was a pilot in the September Campaign in Poland, evacuated to Romania, made his way to France, then the UK, where he joined the Polish Air Force in the UK. He was the Commander to 300 Bomber Squadron and flew many combat mission with them. He and his entire crew died while executing a training flight after the war.
Eugenia SZKLARZ - Deported to Siberia with her family, his father later joined the Polish 2nd Corps and fought in the Italian Campaign. Her mother joined the Women's Auxiliary of the Polish 2nd Corps, while Eugenia entered the Girls' Cadet School. After the war, they spent some time in the UK before moving to Canada.
Kazimierz SZMID - Deported to Siberia with his family, his father died on the journey south. Kazimierz joined the Polish 2nd Corps, but then transferred to the 1st Independent Parachute Brigade. His brother joined the Polish 2nd Corps and participated in the Italian Campaign. His older sister joined the Women's Auxiliary of the Polish 2nd Corps, while his mother and younger sister spent the war years in Koja, Uganda. Kazimierz settled in the UK after the war.
Stefan SZNUK - Before the war, he was head of Polish Air Force training. He evacuated through Romania, to France and then the UK, where General Sznujk became Chief of Staff of the Polish Air Force in the UK. He emigrated to Canada after the war, and was instrumental in bringing 4.500 Polish veterans to Canada on a 2-year work contract.
Witold SZYMANSKI - In this memoir, titled "Human Traces", Witold describes pre-war life in the Kresy, the deportation of his family to forced labour in Siberia, his father joining the Polish 2nd Crops while he, his mother and sisters made their way to Masindi, Uganda. His mother died there. After the war, the siblings joined their father in England, where Witold pursued his studies and eventually settles in Wales. He married Kazimiera Kozlowska who had also been deported and had spent the war years in Massindi.
Stanislaw TARASZEWICZ - When the war broke out, he joined the Volunteer Formation of 600 young men to defend Wilno. He was subsequently arrested and interned in Lithuania. After escaping, he joined the Home Army (AK) and participated in many underground activities. He was deported to Siberia in April 1941, but released by the 'amnesty' several months later. He joined the 10th Sappers Battalion of the Polish 2nd Corps and fought in the Italian Campaign. He was awarded the VIRTUTI MILITARI medal. After the war, he lived in the UK, before emigrating to Canada in 1955.
Irene TOMASZEWSKI - Irene's parents and sisters were deported when her mother was 6 months pregnant with her. She was born at the Rosochy labour camp near Archangelsk. On release, her father joined the Polish 2nd Corps, while she, her mother, and her sisters made their way to the Tengeru settlement in Africa. After the war, the family settled in Canada.
Krystyna TOMASZYK -Deported to Siberia with her mother and brother, after her father had been arrested by the Russians. On release, her father joined the Polish 2nd Corps, while she, her mother, and her brother made their way to the Isfahan Orphanage in Persia, then to Pahiatua in New Zealand. After the war, the family settled in New Zealand.
Czeslaw TOPOSZKIEWICZ - Czeslaw fought in the September Campaign in Poland and, when it was over, he was arrested by the Russians and sent to a Siberian labour camp. After release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps and served in the Middle East and in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he settled in Canada.
Franciszek URBAN - He was deported to Siberia with his family. His mother and brother died on the journey south. Franciszek joined the Cadets in Palestine. On graduating, he enlisted in the Polish 2nd Corps. After the war, he settled in the US and had a varied and colourful career, travelling extensively and frequently living abroad.
Jan Wladyslaw URIASZ - Jan participated in the September Campaign in Poland, then evacuated to France to continue fighting the Germans. He was part of the 2nd Polish Rifles Division, and worked with the French Resistance for which he was awarded the "Crix de Guerre", France's highest military honour.
Romana WAL - Arrested for her involvement with the resistance, Romana was imprisoned in the Siberian Gulag for two years. After her release, she joined the Polish 2nd Corps in Uzbekistan. Subsequently, she was evacuated through Iran, Palestine and Egypt to England where she joined the Women's Auxiliary Air Force in 1943. She married in England and, with her husband and daughter, moved to Toronto and eventually to Seattle.
Henryk WARS - Prolific Polish composer, conductor, arranger, songwriter, both before, during and after WW2. As a member of the Polish 2nd Corps, performed in the Middle East and Italy, and composed the famous `Red Poppies on Monte Cassino`. He emigrated to the USA after the war, and continued composing for famous US singers.
Marian WIĄCEK - Marian was deported to Siberia at age 10, with his mother and siblings. On release, they made their way south and eventually reached Persia (Iran). From there, they were sent to the Koja settlement in Uganda. Marian joined the Cadets in Palestine and was later dent to England, where the family reunited after the war. He eventually settled in Canada.
Piotr WIGORSKI - Deported to Siberia, Piotr joined the Polish 2nd Corps on release, and fought in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he settled in Canada.
Izabela WILBIK - Izabela was a 17-year-old volunteer of the Home Army (AK) during the Warsaw Uprising. She was fatally injured while tending to a colleague, and died two days after he did. She was buried in haste, but her body was exhumed after the war and re-buried in the Powązki Military Cemetery in Warsaw.
Zbigniew WILSKI - His father was arrested soon after the Russians invaded, and was sent to Siberia. Zbigniew and the rest of the family were deported in June 1941. Released by the 'amnesty', he joined the 3DSK of the Polish 2nd Corps, and spent some time serving in the Middle East. He drove an ambulance during the Italian Campaign. After the war, he lived in the UK before emigrating to Canada .
Wojciech WINSKI - Born and raised by immigrant parents in Michigan, he volunteered for the Polish Air Force in Canada, and took the first flying courses at various locations in Canada. He then transferred to England, and flew with several squadrons there. At the end of the war, e transfer the US Air Force.and was killed during a training exercise.
Anton WITKOWSKI - When war broke out, Anton was on active duty and fought in the September Campaign. He then evacuated through Romania and eventually made his way to the Middle East, where he joined the Polish 2nd Corps. He later transferred to the Polish Air Force in the UK, and served at a number of RAF bases. After the war, Anton settled in the UK.
Michal WOJCZYNSKI - Michal fought in the September Campaign in Poland, then was captured by the Russians and sent to a POW camp in Siberia. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps, fought at the Battle of Tobruk and in the Italian Campaign.After the war, he first settled in Holland, and later emigrated to Canada.
Stefan WOJTOWICZ - Stefan was a pilot during the September Campaign in Poland, then evacuated to France, and later to England. He was assigned to the Polish 303 Squadron and was killed in action while in combat against several German fighters. He had been shot in the forehead by a cannon shell and crashed in flames 2 miles east of Westerham Village. He was 21 years old.
ZAK Family - The father served in the September Campaign, was captured and spent the rest of the war in a German POW camp, where he died in 1946. The rest of the family was deported to Siberia . On release, they evacuated to Persia (Iran) with the Polish Army, then made their way to Santa Rosa in Mexico. They emigrated to the US in 1948.
Anna ZARNECKI - The family was deported to Siberia. On release, they evacuated to Persia (Iran) with the Polish Army, where Anna's father joined the Polish 2nd Corps, while she, her mother and sister made their way to Santa Rosa in Mexico. The family emigrated to the US, but Anna remained in Mexico where she married and raised a family.
Elzbieta ZAWACKA - a female elite soldier of unprecedented courage, of the "Cichociemni" ("Silent Unseen) during WW2. When the new, Soviet-controlled regime took over Poland, she was a member of anti-communist "WiN" ("Freedom and Independence"). She also helped the Solidarity Trade Union in the 1980s.
Maria ZEGLINSKA - Deported to Siberia with her husband Eugeniusz, children Czeslaw and Danuta, parents Jozef and Zofia Baron, and brothers Jan and Adolf Baron. On release, Eugeniusz and Adolf joined the Polish 2nd Corps, while the rest of the family spent the war years at the Kidugala camp and the Rusape camp in East Africa. After the war, they settled in Winnipeg, Canada.
Zosia ZEMANEK - Deported with her mother and sisters, after her father and grandfather were arrested - they were executed as part of the Katyn masscres. Zosia joined the Women's Auxiliary of the Polish 2nd Corps in Persia and became a nurse. She participated in thre Italian Campaign. She settled n Canada after the war.
ZOZIA'S Story - Zosia (last name unknown) was taken to Germany for forced labour. When she returned to Poland in 1945, she was sent to Siberia, where she remained until 1946. Here, she provides a detailed description of these experiences. After living in Poland for a few years, she eventually settled in the UK.
Michael ZUKOWSKI - He was deported to Siberia with his family. On release, Mike, his father and his brother joined the Polish 2nd Corps. Mike was a tank driver in the 2nd Armoured Brigade of the Polish 2nd Corps, and participated in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he lived in the UK, before emigrating to the USA.
More memoirs are available at the Kresy Family website
at the following link