Alojzy Jedamski

Alojzy Jedamski was born on March 22, 1925 in Tuszewo near Lubawa, as one of the four children of Augustyn and Leokadia (nee Dek). His parents ran a farm in the village of Blizno. He began his studies at a public school in his hometown and continued in Bursztynów.

In November 1941, the Jedamski family was forcibly taken to a German camp in the vicinity of Bydgoszcz for forced labor. In September 1943, Alojzy was forcibly incorporated into the German army. He began service in the Wehrmacht in December 1943.

After completing basic military training, he was sent to France. During the battles near Chambois, he fought on the German side. When the fight ended, Alojzy was captured by the Allies. An interview officer appeared before the captured group and asked them who felt Polish. It turned out that half of the prisoners raised their hands.

From April to June 1944, he was stationed in the Calais area, where he served as a guard. After the allies landed in Normandy, he was transferred to the front lines. He was later transported to Britain along with other prisoners from the German army.

By September 1944, he was back on the continent as a soldier of the 2nd Reconnaissance Platoon of the 10th Dragon Regiment, of the1st Armored Division. He served in this unit until the end of the war.

He was wounded twice: in November 1944 and April 1945. After Germany surrendered, he served in the occupation area in Emstek and Cloppenburg. In 1947 he returned to Blizno where he still lives today.

Since 1985, he has belonged to the ZBOWiD organization, and to the Koł Koleżenski 1 PDP "Torun" chapter, bringing together the soldiers of General Maczek.

Alojzy was an honorary member of the Federation of Polish Armored Organizations and a great Friend of the 1st Division. He kept particularly close contact with the soldiers of the mechanized battalion 10 BKPanc, continuing the traditions of the 10th Dragon Regiment.

He actively participated in commemorations in Poland and on the liberation path 1of the 1st Polish Armoured Division.

He was promoted to the corporal by General Maczek, promoted to Lieutenant after the war, and was awarded the Golden Cross of Merit and many Polish and Allied awards.

Major Alojza Jedamski, one of the last soldiers of the 1st Polish Armored Division of General Stanisław Maczek, passed away on June 28, 2023, at the age of 98.

Source: Polish First Armoured Division on FB