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.
Zdzislaw PESZKOWSKI - A detailed description of the evacuation from the USSR and the training in the Middle East of the 1st Regiment of the Krechowiecki Lancers of the Polish 2nd Corps.
Halina BABINSKA- Deported with her family, her parents died as a result of the conditions. She spent time in the Middle East, eventually settling in Canada
Alojzy BACH - He was sent to forced labour in Germany, then conscripted into the German army. He eventually joined the Polish 2nd Corps. After the war, he settlede in Canada
Czeslaw BALINSKI - Czeslaw described the deportation and life in Siberia in an essay he wrote as a cadet in the Middle East in 1942.
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.
Edward BATOR - Deported with his family - he and one brother joined the Cadets, while his father and two older brothers joined the Polish 2nd Corps and participated in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he spent some time in the UK before emigrating to the USA. He later served in the US military.
Helena BATOR - Deported to Siberia,s he joined the Polish 2nd Corps then volunteered for the Women's Auxiliary of the Polish Air Force in the UK. After the war, she settled in Winnipeg, Manitoba,
Mieczyslaw BATOR - Deported to Siberia, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps and filled out a questionnaire in the Middle East in 1943. This is a translation of what he wrote.
Michal BEDNARCZYK - Michal fought in the September Campaign in Poland, was captured by the Russians a nd sent to a POW Camp in Siberia. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps and fought in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he spent some time in the UK before emigrating to Canada.
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.
BERNADINE SISTERS of St. Francis - Sister Marietta (Romualda Smolicz), Sister Clarine Gomulka, and Sister Laetissima Grula of Delaware County, PA. describe their deportation experiences.
Teofila BIBIK - Teofila participated in the Home Army (AK) in Poland. She served as a courier. In 1957 she emigrated to Canada and became a successful entrepreneur,
Jan BIELATOWICZ - Jan fought in the September Campaign in Poland, then evacuated to Hungary. He eventually made his way to Palestine, fought at Tobruk, then fought in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he settled in the UK
Kazimierz BIELSKI - Deported to Siberia by the Russians, on release he joined the Polish 2nd Corps. He served in the Middle East and in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he came to Canada on a two-year work contract, after which he settled in Winnipeg.
Kajetan BIENIECKI - After participating in the Home Army (AK), he escaped Soviet-occupied Poland and made his way to Italy. Here he describes that journey in great detail. After the war, he settled in Canada.
Stanislaw BIERNACIK - Stanislaw fought in the September Campaign, evacuated to Romania, joined the Polish forces in France, evacuated to the UK, joined the 1st Polish Armoured Division, and fought in the European Campaign. After the war, he spent some years in the UK before emigrating to the U.S.
Kazimierz BIERNACKI - When the Russians invaded Poland, Kazimierz was forcibly conscripted into the Russian Army. Released by the 'amnesty', he joined the Polish 2nd Corps and served in the Middle East and in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he emigrated to Canada.
Feliks BILOS - Deported to Siberia, Feliks joined the Polish 2nd Corps and fought in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he settled in Canada.
Richard BITNER-GLINDZICZ - An excerpt from the book "Song for Kresy" : The journey south, after the 'amnesty'
Aleksander BOGDAN - Deported to Siberia with his parents and siblings, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps and fought in the Italian Campaign. He spent some years in the UK before emigrating to Canada.
BOGUSLAWSKI Family - The five young siblings were deported to Siberia and their grandfather insisted on going with them, even though he was not on the list. It was thanks to him that the children survived Siberia.
Emilia BOHDANOWICZ-FULMYK - Deported with her family to Siberia. On release, they reached the Polish army and evacuated to Persia. She lived in Teheran and Beirut until 1947 when she moved to the UK. She later settled in Canada.
Krystyna BOJANOWICZ-KACZMARSKA - Deported with her parents and sister, who died in exile. She reached Persia, then spent the war years in Beirut, Lebanon. She moved to England after the war, and eventually emigrated to the U.S.
Henryk BOLCEWICZ - A Polish pilot who flew missions in the September Campaign in Poland, then in France, and later in 301 Squadron in the UK. He spent the latter years of the war in several German POW camps. Henryk settled in England after the war.
Stefania BORST - She describes the 6 years spent in Kazakhstan with her 2 small children and her maid
Helena BOZEDAJ-DEMBINSKA - Helena participated in the Home Army (AK) in Warsaw, was arrested and sent to Germany for forced labour. After the war, she lived some years in the UK before emigrating to Canada.
Jan BRODA - Conscripted into the German Army, Jan managed to escape and join the 1st Polish Armoured Division where he served for the rest of the war. After the war he spent a few years in the UK before settling in the US.
Joanna BRODNIEWICZ - Deported to Siberia with her parents and sister, her father joined the Polish 2nd Corps on release from the labour camp. Joanna spent the war years in Isfahan, then Beirut. After the war, she spent some years in England before emigrating to the U.S.
Jan BRZESKI - Served in the 1st Polish Armoured Division and participated in the European Campaign. This text describes some of his wartime experiences. After the war, he returned to Poland.
Leonard BRZEZINSKI - Served in the Polish 2nd Corps, Signals Unit, and participated in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he came to Canada on a 2 yr work contract
Michal BRZEZOWSKI - Served in the Polish Air Force, in the September Campaign, in France, and in the UK. He was shot down over the Thames Estuary and his body was never found.
Tadeusz BUBIEN - Deported to Kazakhstan with his family in April 1940, he describes the harrowwing experiences that his family endured on several collective farms before finally making it back to Poland in 1945.
Jan BULA - Jan fought in the September Campaign, then evacuated to Roumania. He made his way to France to continue the fight, then evacuated to the UK. He joined the 1st Polish Armoured Division and fought in the European Campaign. After the war, he settled in Breda.
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.
Zbigniew BURAS - Zbigniew was 6 months old when he was deported to Kazakhstan with his family in April 1940. On release, the family spent some time in Valivade, India, then relocated to Koja, Uganda. After the war, they settled in the UK.
Pior BURCZYNSKI - Piotr fought in the September Campaign in Poland, and was then captured by the Russians and sent to a POW camp in Siberia. On Release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps and fought in the Italian Campaign. He emigrated to Canada after the war.
Teresa BUREK-OSZURKO - Deported to Siberia with her parents, grandparents and siblings, her father joined the Polish 2nd Corps when they were released. The rest of the family spent the war years iat the Valivade Camp in India, then settled in Buffalo, New York after the war
Waclaw BUTOWSKI - Forced labour for the Germans. then conscripted into the German army. He eventually escaped and joined the 1st Polish Armoured Division. After the was, he returned to Poland.
Ludomir CABUT - Deported to Siberia with his entire family, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps when they were released. He later transferred to the Signals Unit of the 1st Polish Armoured Division (1PAD) and participated in the European Campaign. He settled in the UK
Andrzej CHENDYNSKI - Deported with his parents and 2 brothers, he was the only one who survived. Here he describes life in an orphanage in the USSR and then his life in Valivade, India.
Tadeusz CHICHLOWSKI - Tadeusz fought in the September Campaign in Poland and was then captured by the Russians and sent to a POW camp in Siberia. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps and fought in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he settled in Canada.
Kazimierz CHMIELOWICZ - Participated in the September Campaign, then was in a Russian POW camp. On release, joined the Polish 2nd Corps and fought in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he settled in Canada.
Bozena CHODAKOWSKI - Deported to a slave labour camp with her family, her parents and brother died in the USSR. She and a remaining brother were evacuated to Persia and subsequently to Balachadi Camp in India. Bozena later settled in the US while her brother settled in Canada..
Aleksander CHODASIEWICZ - Deported to a slave labour camp in Siberia. He joined the Polish 2nd Corps on release, and served in the Middle East and Italy. He settled in the UK after the war.
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.
Cecilia CHOJNO - Deported to Archangelsk, Siberia with her family, she spent some time in Palestine, before spending 6 years at the Polish refugee camp in Koja, Uganda. After the war, she spent some time in England, before emigrating to Winnioeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Mieczyslaw CHOMICKI - Deported to Siberia with his parents, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps on release, then transferred to the 1st Polish Armoured Division. He settled in Breda after the war.
Antonina CHORZEPA - Deported to a slave labour camp with her family, two of her brothers were later conscripted into the Russian army. Antonina returned to Poland in 1946.
CHROCIELEWSKI - Description of the Caspian Sea Crossing to Persia in 1942
Feliks CHUSTECKI - Deported to a slave labour camp at age 14 with his family, he later became a pilot in the Polish Air Force in the UK, and settled in Britain after the war.
Franciszek CHWILOWICZ - Franciszek was a sargeant in the Polish Air Force in the UK, and settled in Canada after the war.
Wanda CHYCZEWSKA- Deported with her family to a slave labour camp in Siberia, she then spent the war years in a Polish refugee camp in Tanzania. After the war, she lived in England, before emigrating to Canada.
Mieczyslaw CISZALOWICZ - He describes pre-war life on the settlement in Eastern Poland before he was deported to Siberiawith his parents and siblings. He also describes life in Siberia, life in Masindi in East Africa, and then his life after the war.
Karol COMPLAK - Member of the 1st Polish Armoured Division who participated in the European Campaign and was part of the occupation force in Germany after the war.
Lech CYGANIEWICZ-HALKO - Excerpt from his book "The Anchor The Chosen Coat of Arms" describing life at Stalag IX-B Fallingbostel where Warsaw Uprising participants were taken.
Stanislaw CZACZKA - Deported to Siberia, he joined then Polish 2nd Corps, trained in the Middle East, and participated in the Italian Campaign. He settled in the UK after the war
Roman CZERNIAWSKI - Initially spying for Poland, then Britain and then pretending to spy for Germany while instead working for the Allies, during his extraordinary undercover life Roman Czerniawski had not only been a secret agent, he had also been a double and triple agent.
Wladyslaw CZEZOWSKI - At the onset of WW2, Wladyslaw was forcibly conscripted into the Russian Army and served there for nearly two years before being released by the 'amnesty'. He joined the Polish 2nd Corps and fought in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he settled in Canada.
Bernard CZORTEK - Bernard was deported by the Russians. Released by the 'amnesty', he joined the Polish 2nd Corps and fought at Tobruk and in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he settled in Canada.
Boleslaw CZUBAK - He fought in the Septmber Campaign, was captured by the Russians and sent to Siberia. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps, taught in a Cadet School in Palestine and was later sent to the Italian front. After the wsr, he settled in Canada.
Anna CZUBRYT - Anna was deported to Siberia with her husband Michal, 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. After the war, the family settled in Canada.
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.
Jan CZWARNO - Jan fought in the September Campaign, evacuated to Rumania and made his way to France. He was part of the Dunkirk evacuation to the UK. He joined the 1st Polish Armoured Division, trained in Scotland, then fought in the European Campaign. After the war, he settled in Canada.
Jerzy CZYCZKO - Jerzyfought in the September Campaign, then was captured by the Russians and sent to a POW camp in Siberia. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps, trained in the Middle East, and fought in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he settled in Canada.
Waldemar CZYZ - Waldemar was a member of the 1st Polish Armoured Division and and participated in the Northern European Campaign. He settled in the US after the war
Wladyslaw DABROWSKI - At the age of 16 years, Wladyslaw was deported to Kazakhstan with his family. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps, trained in the Middle East, and fought in the Italian Campaign. He returned to Poland after the war.
Andrzej DEBICKI - A very detailed account of his experiences: as a participant in the September Campaign in Poland, he was a POW at various Russian camps. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps, and participated in the Italian Campaign. He was awarded the VIRTUTI MILITARI medal
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.
Wawrzyniec DRAPALA - Born in 1900, Wawrzyniec fought in WW1 and the 1920 Polish-Soviet war. In 1940, he was deported to Siberia with his family. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps, trained in the Middle East, then fought in the Italian Campaign. After the war he emigrated 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.
Stanislaw DREWK - Duriing the war, he first served in the German army, then he escaped and joined the 1st Polish Armoured Division. After the war, he returned to Poland.
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.
Edward DRZYSTEK - Deported to Siberia as an infant with his mother and grandmother, he then spent 6 years at the Polish refugee camp in Masindi, Uganda, East Africa. After the war, the family settled in Canada.
Franciszek DUBANSKI - Deported to Siberia with his family. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps, trained in the Middle East, and fought in the Italian Campaign. After the war, the family settled in Canada.
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.
Maria-Anna DZIAD - The family were deported to Siberia then spent 6 years at the Polish refugee camp in Tengeru, East Africa. After the war, the family settled in Canada.
Irena EHRLICH - Deported to Siberia with her parents and siblings. On release, she joined the Polish 2nd Corps, her brother joined the Cadets, and the rest of the family spent 5 years in East Africa. She emigrated to Canada after the war, first to Saskatchewan, and then to Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Rudolf FALKOWSKI - Conscripted into the Russian Army - Sent to Siberia - Joined the Polish Air Force in the UK. Excerpts of the diary he wrote at the time give a unique glimpse into what was really happening in Poland - in Siberia - in the UK.
Bronislaw FEDOROWICZ - Deported to Siberia with his family, Bronislaw spent 6 years at the Tengeru Polish refugee camp in Arusha, Tanzania. After the war, the family reunited in England, before emigrating to Canada in 1952.
Jan FEDOROWICZ - Deported to Siberia with his parents and siblings. On release, his father and older brother joined the Polish 2nd Corps, while the rest of the family spent 5 years in Tengeru, in East Africa
Bronislaw FEDZIN - Deported to Siberia with his family. On release, some members of the family joined the Polish 2nd Corps, others were forced to join Berling's Army, and still others remained in the USSR until after the war,
Witold FERENC - Deported to Siberia with his family. Several family members died there. On release, Witold joined the Polish 2nd Corps, his brother joined the Polish 1st Armoured Division, and his mother and sister spent the war years in Africa. After the war, Witold settled in Canada.
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.
Edwarda FIJAL- Deported to Siberia with her family. On release, she joined the Women's Auxiliary of the Polish 2nd Corps and worked as s a nurse at a hospital in Rehevot, Palestine.
Roman FIGIEL - Served in the 1st Polish Armoured Division in Northern Europe. Settled in Breda after the war, where he married a Dutch girl he had met earlier.
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.
Karol FRANCZYK - The family were deported to Siberia in 1940. On release, Karol joined the 3rd Carpathian Rifle Brigade of the Polish 2nd Corps. He was a Corporal in the 5th Battalion, and served in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he settled in Canada.
Zdzislaw FRANCZYK - The family were deported to Siberia in 1940. On release, Zdzislaw joined the Polish 2nd Corps - 4th Armoured Regiment "Skorpion" - and served in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he settled in Canada.
Zygmunt FRANKEL - Jewish child deported to the steppes of Kazakhstan with his mother
Josef FRANTISEK - Josef was a Czech national who joined the Polish Air Force and became one of their leading aces. He died in a flying accident and is buried at Northolt in the UK.
Jerzy FRIEDRICH - Deported to Siberia, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps when 'amnesty' was declared. He participated in the ItalianCampaign. After the war, he emigrated to Argentina, and later settled in Seatle, Washington, USA..
Wolf FRYDLAND - Deported to Siberia, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps when 'amnesty' was declared. He later transferred to the 1st Polish Armoured Division and participated in the European Campaign. After the war, he settled in the UK.
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.
GAC Family - Deported to Siberia, father and son joined the Polish 2nd Corps when 'amnesty' was declared. The rest of the family spent some time in Persia, then moved to the Country Club and Valivade camps in India. After the war, the family reunited in England, and eventually emigrated to Canada.
Michal GALAZKA- Deported to Siberia with his mother and brother. When 'amnesty' was declared the family evacuated to Persia, then were sent to a Polish refugee camp in East Africa, where Michal completed his education. After the war, the family emigrated to Ottawa, Canada.
Zofia GALINA - Deported to Kazakhstan with her parents and sisters. Her father was conscripted to the Russian Army, while her mother and sisters spent years on a collective farm. The mother and an aunt died there, and the girls were later repatriated to Poland.
Franciszek GARBIZ - Deported to Siberia, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps on release, and served in the 2nd Warsaw Armoured Division, 1st Regiment of Ulans of Krychowiec. He fought in the Italian Campaign and emigrated to Canada after the war.
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.
Karol GASKA - His mother was deported to Siberia, and Karol was born in the USSR as she made her way to find the Polish army. Evacuated to Persia, they were then sent to the Santa Rosa Polish colony in Mexico. After the war, they settled in Canada.
Czeslaw GASZYNSKI - Deported to Siberia with his family. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps, served in the Middle East and the Italian Campaign. After the war, he settled in Canada.
Wanda GAWEL-SZUWALSKA - Deported to Archangelsk with her family. On release, she joined the Polish 2nd Corps and trained in the Middle East, before joining the Polish Air Force in the UK, where she served as a Clerk General Duties until the end of the war.
Edviga Danuta GAWRYSZEWSKA - Deported to Archangelsk with her husband and two young children, her husband died on the journey south. Dana and her children lived in Iraq for some years, then in the UK, and finally in Italy.
Feliks GAZDA - Polish pilot who evacuated Poland in September 1939 and made his way to France and then England. He flew missions in Africa as well as in Europe. After the war, he emigrated to Argentina, and then moved to Montreal.
Wanda GERTZ - Participated in the Home Army during WW2, captured by the Germans and sent to a series of POW camps. She settled in England after the war.
Stan GETMAN - Deported to Siberia, he eventually made his way to France then to England, where he became a highly-decorated pilot of the Polish Air Force in the UK. After the war, he settled in England.
Rudolf GIBAS - Officer Cadet captured by the Germans and spent time in POW camps,escaped and reached the UK where he joined the 1st Independent Parachute Brigade, and later joined the Polish Air Force in the UK. Eventually settled in the U.S.
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.
Jerzy GLOWCZEWSKI - Escaping Warsaw after the Germans attacked, he made his way to the Middle East and joined the Polish 2nd Corps. He later transferred to the Polish Air Force in the UK an served in the 308 Polish Squadron. He settled in Poland after the war, and also lived in the U.S. and Egypt.
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.
Leokadia GNITECKA - Leokadia was taken to slave labour in Germany. On release, she spent some time in a DP camp. After the war, Canada was looking for nurses, so she chose to emigrate to Canada. She married Andrzej Nowakowski in Winnipeg,and they raised their children in the area.
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
Irena GOLENIENWSKA - Deported with her family. On release, she was sent to the Valivade Polish refugee camp in India. After the war, she emigrated to the USA.
Janusz GOLUCHOWSKI - Participant of the Warsaw Uprising at age 16, he was captured and taken to Germany for forced labour. Liberated by the Americans, he then joined the 1st Polish Armoured Division. He returned to Poland in 1947.
Zbigniew GONDEK - After his father\s arrest by the Russians, he was deported with his mother. After release, he joined the 3DSK of the Polish 2nd Corps and he participated in the Italian Campaign. He was awarded the VIRTUTI MILITARI medal. His father was executed at KATYN.
Karol GONTAREWICZ - After release from Siberia, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps and fought in Tobruk and in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he settled in Canada.
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".
Jerzy GRADOSIELSKI - He participatesd in the September Campaign, then was deprted to Siberia by the Russians. After release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps and he participated in the Italian Campaign. He was awarded the VIRTUTI MILITARI medal and 2 Crosses of Valour.
Mieczyslaw GRECZYLO - His father was executed at Katyn, and he wes deported to Siberia with his mother. They ended up spending 9 years in Uganda. In 2006 he helped raise money to renovate the church and cemetery in Massindi.
Helena GROSSOWNA - Helena was a very popular star in Poland prior to WW2. After thw war broke out, Helena became very involved in the Home Army, including participating in the Warsaw Uprising. She was a Prisoner of War at the Oberlangen camp in Germany. She returned to Poland after the war.
Jan Zbigniew GRUSZKA - After release from the labour camp, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps, trained in the Middle East and participated in the Italian Campaign. He describes life in the camp, as well as the events of the Italian Campaign.
Jozef GRZEGORCZYN - Jozef served in the 1st Polish Armoured Division throughout the European Campaign, then spent two years in Germany with the occupying forces. He eventually settled in Canada.
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.
Walter GUBERNACZUK - Walter participated in the September Campaign before being deported to Siberia by the Russians. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps, serving in the Middle East and in the Italian Campaign. He settled in Canada after the war.
Konstantine GULAKOW - Deported to Siberia by the Russians. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps, serving in the Middle East and in the Italian Campaign. He later settled in Canada.
Michal GUTOWSKI - Career officer and famous equestrian who fought in the 1939 September Campaign, then made his way to the UK to join the 1st Polish Armoured Division. He fought in the European Campaign, was highly decorated, and eventually promoted to Brigadier General.
Edward HAJDUKIEWICZ - A member of the Polish Air Force that evacuated Poland in September 1939 and made his way to France and England. He flew missions as part of several squadrons, including the 300 Bomber Squadron. After the war he settled in Montreal.
Zbigniew HELON - Deported to Siberia with his parents, he and his mother spent 5 years in Africa while his father fought with the Polish 2nd Corps. He returned to Poland in 1947, and later emigrated to Australia.
HERZOG Family Chronicles (1866-2000) - Covering the following topics: Deportation / India / the Polish 2nd Corps / Katyn.
Leon HOFMAN - Leon served in the Polish Army during the September Campaign. He was captured by the Germans and sent to a POW camp in Germany. After the war, he spent some years in Argentina before settling in Canada.
Zbigniew HOSZOWSKI - Deported to Siberia with his family. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps. In 1943 he transferred to the Polish Air Force in the UK. He eventually emigrated to Canada.
Lt-Col HUGHES - She was the Principle Matron at the Teheran Hospital where Polish refugees arriving in Persia in 1942 were treated. This is an excerpt from her diary where she goes into great detail on how the hospital was set up and the challenges they faced in treating the Poles.
Irena HUNKA- Deported to Siberia. On release, she evacuated to Persia with the Polish army, then spent 8 years in a Polish refugee camp in Uganda. She eventually emigrated to Canada.
Jozef ISANSKI - Jozef fought in the September Campaign, then became a Russian POW. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps and fought in the Italian Campaign. He emigrated to Canada after he war.
Konstanty JACKIEWICZ - Served in the Border Patrol during the September Campaign. Captured by the Russians and imprisoined for over 2 years. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps and fought in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he emigrated to Canada.
Roman JAGIELLOWICZ - Roman was 16 years old when he was deported with his family, he then joined the Polish 2nd Corps, and participated in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he settled in Canada.
Franciszek JAKIELASZEK - Deported with his family, he then joined the Polish 2nd Corps, 6th Armoured Regiment, and participated in the Italian Campaign.
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.
Edward JANCZYK - He fought in the September Campaign and became a Russian POW. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps and fought in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he settled in Canada.
Jozef JANKOWSKI - He fought in the September Campaign and was captured by the Russians. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps and fought in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he settled in Canada.
Romuald JANUSZKIEWICZ - Educated in Poland before the war, he fought in the September Campaign and was captured by the Russians. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps and fought in the Italian Campaign. He ended his military service as Lieutenant Colonel. After the war, he settled in Canada.
Nadzieja JAREMA-DUBANSKA - She and her family were deported to Siberia by the Russians. On release, she joined the Women's Auxiliary of the Polish 2nd Corps and served as a battlefield nurse in the Italian Campaign. After the war, she settled in Canada.
Emilia JARMASZ - Deported to Siberia where she remained for 6 years before being repatriated to Poland in 1946. She later emigrated to Canada.
Alfred JARMOLINSKI - Alfred fought in the September Campaign, then became a Russian POW. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps and fought in the Italian Campaign. In 1950, he emigrated to Canada.
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.
Frederik JASKIW - Forcibly conscripted into the Red Army, he later became a German POW. After spending some time in the UK after the war, he eventually emigrated to Canada.
Karol JASTRZEBSKI - Participated in the September Campaign in Poland, was captured by the Russians and sent to Siberia. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps and served in the Middle East and in the Italian Campaign. After the war, Karol returned to Poland.
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.
Witomila JEZIERSKA - Witomila is the child of Katyn victim, Lieutenant Wincenty Witold Wołk of the Heavy Artillery Battalion, who was a lecturer at the Mazovia School of Air Artillery in Zambrow. This is the story she presented to the Strasbourg Tribunal.
Jan JEZIORANSKI - Jan was a member of the Home Army (AK), participating in the Warsaw Uprising, and acting as a courier between Warsaw and London. He settled in the west after the war, and returned to Poland when he retired.
Mieczyslaw JODELUK - After fighting with the Polish Army in France, he was interned in Switzerland, and later joined the joined the 3rd Rifle Brigade of the1st Polish Armoured Division (1PAD) and participated in the European Campaign. He returned to Poland after the war.
Antoni JOZWIAK -He fought in the September Campaign, was captured by the Germans, amd spent the rest of the war as a POW in a German camp. After the war, he returned to Poland, then emigrated to Canada in 1953.
Edward JURCZENKO - Deported to Siberia. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps, evacuated to Persia, trained in the Middle East, and fought in the Italian Campaign. He settled in the UK after the war.
Bernard JURCZYK - Forcibly conscripted into the German army, Bernard eventually escaped and made his way to the 1st Polish Armoured Division. He fought with the Division in the European Campaign, and was killed at the battle of Kapelsche Veer in Holland, His body has never been found.
Justyn JURKIEWICZ - Justyn fought in the September Campaign, was captured and sent to a POW camp in Germany where he remained until liberation. In 1946, he returned to Poland, but later emigrated to Canada.
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.
Czeslawa KADELA - Deported to Siberia with her family. On release, her father and brother joined the Polish 2nd Corps. The rest of the family remained in the USSR and returned to Poland in 1946. Czeslawa later emigrated to Canada
Mieczyslaw KALASKA - Mieczyslaw escaped Poland at the onset of WW2, made his way to the UK, and eventually joined the Polish 2nd Corps. He served in the battles of Tobruk, Monte Cassinio, and Ancona. Mieczyslaw emigrated to Canada on a two-year work contract and eventually settle
Czeslaw KAMINSKI - After his release from Siberia, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps, and then transferred to the 1st Polish Armoured Division. Here, he describes the Division's progress through northern Europe, and his role in the action.
Antoni KARKOTA - After his release from Siberia, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps, trained in the Middle East, and fought in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he emigrated to Canada.
Augustyn KARLOWSKI - Augustyn was 16 when he joined the 1st Polish Armoured Division and served with them in France before evacuating to Scotland. The Division later fought in the Northen European Campaign. Augustyn settled in Scotland after the war.
Stanislaw KARUBIN- Stanislaw was part of the Polish Air Force during the September Campaign, then flew in France and later in England. He was awarded the VIRTUTI MILITARI cross and the Distinguished Flying medla.
Genowefa KASPRZYK- Genowefa was deported to Siberia with her family. On release, her parents and two brothers died on the journey out of the USSR. She and her surviving sister spent 2 years at the orphanage in Isfahan in Persia, then were sent to Dingleford in South Africa, then to Rhodesia.
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.
Stanislaw KASZUBA - He and his family were deported to Siberia in February 1940. On release, he made his way to Persia. After the war, he emigrated to Canada.
Antoni KAZIMIERSKI - Antoni was deported to the Archangelskaja oblast of Siberia with his family. After the war, he settled in th UK.
Jozefa KIERKIEWICZ - Jozefa was deported to Siberia with her family. They spent 6 years at at the Polish refugee camp in Abercorn in East Africa, before returning to Poland in 1947.
Danuta KIEZUN - Translated excerpts of an interview where Danuta describes her role as a paramedic in the Warsaw Uprising.
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.
Jozef KISZKA - Jozef joined the Polish 2nd Corps and fought at Tobruk and in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he settled in Saskatchewan, 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.
Krystyna KLEMENSOWICZ - Deported to Siberia with her family. On release they were sent to a Polish refugee camp in Tanzania, Africa where Krystyna spent most of her teenage years and completed her education. After the war, she settled in Canada.
Kazimierz KLIMASZEWSKI - Kazimierz participated in the September Campaign in Poland. He was captured by the Germans and sent to a POW camp in Germany. He escaped and made his way to the Polish army. After the war, he settled in Canada.
Jozef KLIMCZAK - Jozef fought in the September Campaign, then escaped to France to join the reconstituted Polish army. He served with the 1st Polish Armoured Division through the European Campaign, where he was wounded twice. After the war, Jozef settled in the UK.
Zygmunt KLIMCZAK - Deported to Siberia, Zygmunt then joined the Polish 2nd Corps and fought at Tobruk and in the Italian Campaign. 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 (Bill) KOBYLEC - Boleslaw had been a pilot in Poland when war broke out. He made his way to the UK and served in the Polish Air Force in the UK. Here is his recollection of a bombing mission
Anna KOCHEL - Deported to Siberia with her family, she then spent the war years in the Polish refugee camp in Mombassa, Kenya. From Africa she went to the UK, then to the US.
Stanislaw KOCIOLEK - Fought in the September Campaign in Poland, then evacuated through Hungary to France and England before being sent to Iraq to join the Polish 2nd Corps. He trained in Palestine then fought in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he came to Canada on a two-year work contract.
Stefania KOCIOLEK - Deported to Siberia with her parents and brother. On release, they journeyed south to the Polish army outpost, and her father was lost on the way. Stefania, her mother and brother ended up at the Santa Rosa camp in Mexico. In 1948, they emigrated to Canada.
Jurata KOHUT - Deported to Siberia with her mother and sister, she then spent the war years in a Polish refugee camp in Kenya. From Africa she went to the UK, and eventually settled in Canada.
Leokadia KOLANO-WIKTOR - Deported to Siberia with her family, two brothers died there, then her father died while training with the Polish 2nd Corps in Iraq. She then spent the war years in a Polish refugee camp in Koja, Uganda. From Africa she went to the UK, and eventually settled in Canada.
Krystyna KOLODYNSKA - Deported to Kazakhstan with her mother, after her father was arrested, she then spent the war years at the Pahiatua Camp in New Zealand. Her father fought in the Italian Campaign and joined his wife and daughter in New Zealand after the war.
Kazimiera KOLODZIEJ - Deported to Siberia with her family, she spent the war years in the Polish refugee camp in Tengeru, Africa. From Africa she went to the UK, then Canada.
Wladyslawa KONDRACKA - Deported to Siberia with her family, she spent a year in a Polish refugee camp in Uganda, Africa before volunteering for the Polish Air Force in the UK. After the w, she lived in Australia for a few years, before returning to Poland.
Tadeusz KONOPACKI - Participant of the Warsaw Uprising, then became a German POW, after which he joined the 1st Polish Armoured Division (1PAD).
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.
Marian KOPIEC - Joined the1st Polish Armoured Division in the UK and trained as a radio telegraphist with the goal of joining the Home Army in Poland.
Bronislaw KORBA - Deported to Siberia, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps, then transferred to the1st Polish Armoured Division in the UK and fought in the European Campaign. After the war, he emigrated to Canada.
Franciszek KORNICKI - Franciszek Kornicki was a Polish fighter pilot who served in the Polish Air Force in Poland, France and Britain during the Second World War and later served in the Royal Air Force (RAF). He was the last surviving Polish fighter squadron commander from the Second World War..
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
Jan KOSTELNYK - Conscripted into the Russian army, then sent to a work camp in Siberia. On Release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps and fought in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he settled in Canada.
Jan KOWALCZUK - Deported to Siberia, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps on release. After the war, he settled in Canada.
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.
Bronislawa KOWALSKA - Deported to Siberia with her family, she settled in Canada after the war.
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.
Stanislaw KOWALSKI - Stanislaw describes his home village of Hucisko Pieniackie, in the Tarnopol region, and what happened to the village and its inhabitants after the war.
Stoslaw KOWALSKI - Stoslaw was deported to Siberia by the Russians. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps, trained in the Middle East, and fought in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he emigrated to Argentina.
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.
Janina KOZLOVSKIS - Janina was 13 when she was deported to Siberia with her family. On release, she was sent to a Polish refugee camp in Uganda, East Africa. After the war, she settled in Canada.
Halina KOZLOWSKA - Deported to Siberia with her family. On release, she joined the Women's Auxiliary of the Polish 2nd Corps. Her two brothers also joined the Polish 2nd Corps and were killed in action exactly 4 months apart, during the Italian Campaign.
Walter KOZLOWSKI - Deported to Siberia with his family, and forced to work in a gold mine. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps and served in the Middle East, North Africa, and the Italian Campaign. After the war, he settled in Canada.
Henryk KOZUBSKI - Arrested by the Russians, he was imprisoned in Tarnopol then was sent to a work camp in Siberia. On release he joined the 3rd Carpathian Rifle Brigade of the Polish 2nd Corps and fought in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he settled in Canada.
Henryk KRASOWSKI - Deported to Siberia with his family, and forced to work in a gold mine. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps and served in the Middle East, North Africa, and the Italian Campaign. After the war, he settled in Canada.
Adam KREUTZER - Escaping Poland when the Germans invaded, he made his way to France to join the Polish Army. He then trained in Scotland and fought in the European Campaign with the 1st Polish Armoured Division. After the war, he settled in Canada.
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.
Bronislaw KROLIKOWSKI - He participated in the September Campaign then evacuated to Romania where he wahe joined the Polish 2nd Corps and served in the Middle East and in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he returned to Poland.
Father Lucjan KROLIKOWSKI - He was deported to Siberia and then. joined the Polish 2nd Corps. He ended up at the Tengeru Settlement in East Africa.. After the war, he brought 145 Polish orphans to Canada.
Adam KROPINSKI - Adam was a highly decorated Pilot of the Polish Air Force in the UK, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. After the war, he and his family emigrated to British Columbia, Canada.
Emilia KROSTA - Deported to Siberia with her mother and brother, she then spent the war years at the Polish refugee camp in Tengeru, Tanzania, East Africa. After the war, they settled in Canada.
Walerian KRUK - Deported to Siberia with his family, On release he evacuated to the Middle East where both his parents died. He joined the Polish 2nd Corps Cadets, and spent the war years in Palestine and Egypt. After the war, he spent some time in England before emigrating to Canada.
Zofia KRUK - Deported to Siberia with her family, On release she ended up at the Tengeru Polish Settlement in East Africa. After the war, she spent some time in England before emigrating to Canada..
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".
Stanislaw KRUPA - He was deported to Siberiaat age 10. Released by the 'amnesty', he spent the wear years in the Middle East. After the war, he, his mother, and sister, emigrated to Canada.
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.
Adolf KRZYWDZINSKI - Fought in the September Campaign, Was captured and deported to Siberia with his family. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps and fought in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he settled in Canada.
Walenty KUBIS - Deported to Siberia with his family. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps and fought in the Italian Campaign, where he was awarded the VIRTUTI MILITARI. After the war, he settled in England.
Wladyslaw KUCHARCZYK - Deported to Siberia with his family. On release, he and his father father joined the Polish 2nd Corps and fought in the Italian Campaign.. In 1947, they joined their father in England, and eventually settled in Canada.
Eleonora KUCZKOWSKA - Deported to Siberia with her family,she was repatriated to Poland in 1946. In 1970 she emigrated to 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.
Edmund KUFFEL - Taken to forced labour by the Germans, he escaped and joined the Polish 2nd Corps in Italy. After the war, he continued his education in England and Ireland before emigrating to Canada.
Bogdan KULIK - Excerpts fromThe Kulik Family Odyssey describing the deportation of the family members andtheir subsequent release from captivity.
Anna KURYLO - Deported to Siberia with her family, she subsequently joined the Young Women Volunteers of the Polish 2nd Corps, and participated in the Italian Campaign. She spent several years in England before emigrating to Canada.
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.
Genowefa KUZIA - Deported to Siberia with her family, they spent some time in India before sailing to the Polish refugee camp at Santa Rosa, Mexico. After the war, she 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.
Adolf KRZYWDZINSKI - Adolf joined the Polish 2nd Corps. under General Anders, in a heavy field artillery unit. Adolf trained in Iran, Iraq, Palestine, and Egypt, before setting sail for Italy where he fought in many battles, including Monte Casino. After the war,he settled in Canada.
Janina LANG - Deported to Siberia with her family. On release, her father joined the Polish 2nd Corps. She, her mother and sister spent the war years in Abercorn and Lusaka in Rhodesia, Africa. After the war, the family reunited in the UK, and eventually settled in Canada
Julian LANG - Deported to Siberia with his family. On release, he joined then10th Medium Artillery of the Polish 2nd Corps, and fought in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he came to Canada on a 2-year work contract.
Jozef LAWINSKI - Fought in the September Campaign in Poland, was captured by the Russians and sent to a POW camp in Siberia. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps, trained in the Middle East and fought in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he settled in the UK.
Zygmunt LAWRYNOWICZ - Participated in the Home Army (AK), was a Prisoner of War, escaped and joined the Polish Army, spent some time in England, then settled in Argentina.
Jozef LEDUCHOWICZ - Family of 7 deported to Siberia. Four family members spent the war years in Kidugala, Africa, one joined the Polish 2nd Corps, and two joined the Polish Air Force in the UK.
Edmund LEWANDOWSKI - Edmmund fount in the September Campaign, was captured by the Germans, escaped, and joined the 1st Polish Armoured Division. After the war, he settled in Breda.
Wladyslaw LEWY - Wladyslaw was deported to Siberia with his family. On release, he served with the Polish 2nd Corps in the Italian Campaign. After the war he emigrated to Canada.
Tadeusz LEISISZ - Tadeusz was a Lieutenant-Commander of the Polish Navy during WW2 and served aboard several Polish destroyers. He spent some years in Poland after the war, before settling in Manchester, England.
Aloysius LIGON- Aloysius served with the Polish 2nd Corps in the Italian Campaign. After the war he emigrated to Canada on a 2-year work contract.
Stanislaw LINDA - Conscripted by the German Army, he was captured by the British in 1944, and enlisted in Polish 2nd Corps.
Romuald LIPINSKI - Deported to Siberia with his family, then joined the 12th Podolski Lancers Regiment of the Polish 2nd Corps, and fought in the Italian Campaign. After the war he settled in the USA.
Marian LISOWSKI - Conscripted into the Red Army, Marian was eventually released by the 'amnesty', joined the Polish 2nd Corps, and fought in the Italian Campaign. After the war he moved to Canada on a two-yer work contract.
Eugenia LIUSZ - Deported to Siberia with her family, she then joined the Women's Auxiliary of the Polish 2nd Corps, and trained as a nurse in the Middle East before being transferred to a Polish hospiital in Scotland. After the war she settled in Canada.
Witold LOKUCIEWSKI - Member of the Polish Air Force in Poland, France, and the UK, he was the last commander of 303 Squadron. Prisoner of War of the Germans, who took part in "The Great Escape" but was re-captured. He settled in Poland after the war.
Henryk LORENC - Deported with his family to Siberia - 4 perished there and only 3 survived. He spent some years in the Polish refugee camp Tengeru, East Africa, then joined the Polish Cadets in the Middle East. After the war, he settled in Canada.
Janina LORENC - At age 10, Janina survived forced deportation to Soviet labour camps in Siberia. She spent 6 years in Tengeru, Africa and several years in England and before settling in Winnipeg in 1951.
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.
Tadeusz LUBIENIECKI - Deported with his parents and brother, Tadeusz joined the Poliush 2nd Corps in the USSR, evavuated to the Middle East, and was then transferred to the Polish Air Force in the UK. He settled in the UK after the war.
Antoni LUBNIEWSKI - Deported to Siberia with his family, Antoni joined the Polish 2nd Corps in the USSR, trained in the Middle East, and fought in the Italian Campaign. He settled in the UK after the war.
Witold LUKASZEWSKI - Witold was deported to Siberia with his parents. After being released, he ended up in India. After the war he settled in the USA. Included here is an extract from his book "Three Uniforms" where he describes life in Kazakhstan
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.
Boleslaw LUTOMIRSKI - Boleslaw served in the State Police in Poland before WW2. He was arrested by the Russians and eventually executed as part of the atyn massacres.
Danuta MACZKA-GRADOSIELSKA - Deported to Siberia with her family. On release, she joined the Women's Auxiliary of the Polish 2nd Corps (316 Transport Company). Her brother also served in the Polish 2nd Corps.
Andrzej and Zosia MADERA - Andrzej joined the Polish 2nd Corps and served in the Middle East and the Italian Campaign. Zosia served in the Women's Auxiliary of the Polish Air Force in the UK. They settled in Canada after thw war.
Wacek MAJ - The whole family was deported to Siberia. On release, Wacek joined the Wilenski Reconnaissance Unit of the Polish 2nd Corps. He eventually served with the 3DSK in the Italian Campaign. After the wear, he came to Canada on a two-year work contract.
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.
Dr. Adam MAJEWSKI - Fought in the September Campaign, then evacuated to Hungary and made his way to France and Great Britain. Served with the Polish 2nd Corps in the Middle East and the Italian Campaign. Returned to Poland after the war.
Stefania MAJGIER - The whole family was deported to Siberia. On release, they were sent to Masindi, Uganda in Africa. After the war, she returned to Poland.
Boleslaw MAKOWSKI - The family was deported to Siberia. On release, Boleslaw joined the Polish 2nd Corps and fought in the Italian Campaign. He was awarded the VIRTUTI MILITARI medal. After the war, he came to Canada on the 2-year work contract.
Zofia MALACHOWSKA-PTASNIK - An excerpt from her diary detailing the daily happenings during the train journey to Siberia.
Alina MALISZEWSKA - Alina and her mother spent 5 years in exile in Kazakhstan, before returning to Poland after the war. She became a renowned artist, producing drawings, books, and short videos.
Edward MARCHEWKA - An excerpt from “An American Patriot – Son of Poland” written by his son, showing the impact of Edward volunteering to join the 1st Polish Armoured Division.
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.
MARCZAK Family Odyssey - The family was deported to Siberia. On release, 2 of them joined the Polish 2nd Corps, 2 members joined the 1st Polish Armoured Division (1PAD), 2 spent the war years in Africa, and 1 member stayed behind in Russia
Feliks MARCZYNSKI - Feliks was sentenced to hard labour in Siberia. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps, then transferred to the 1st Polish Armoured Division (1PAD) and fought in the European Campaign. He settled in the UK after the war.
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.
Maria MARZEC - Deported to Siberia, on release Maria joined the 316 Transport Company of the Polish 2nd Corps and participated in the Italian Campaign. After the war, she settled in Canada.
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.
Michal MASLANKA - Michal was deported to Siberia. On release, he evacuated the USSR with the Polish army and later volunteered to join the Polish Air Force in the UK, where he served as Flight Sergeant / Navigator. After the war, he settled in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Dr. Zdzislaw MASZADRO - He escaped the invading Russians and made his way to France, where he joined the Resistance. He was later arrested by the Germans and sent to Buchenwald Concentration Camp. On liberation, he joined the 1st Polish Armoured Division.
Genowefa MATKOWSKA - Deported with her family, they were later sent to the Polish refugee camp in Masindi, Uganda, East Africa. After the war, they settled in Canada.
Helena MAZURKIEWICZ-LAPINSKA - Deported to Siberia, she and her children later spent some years in Lebanon, while her husband Waclaw served with the Polish 2nd Corps in Tobruk and in the Italian Campaign. The family settled in Canada after the war.
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.
Jan MICHALCZYSZYN - Jan described the deportation and life in Siberia in an essay he wrote as a Cadet in the Middle East in 1942.
Mikolaj MICHALCZYSZYN - Mikolaj described life under the Russians and the elections they held prior to deporting them to Siberia. He wrote this in answer to a questionnaire as a member of the Polish 2nd Corps in the Middle East in 1942.
Leon MICHALSKI - Leon evacuated Poland at the onset of WW2 and made it to Hungary, and then to France. When France fell, he evacuated to England, where he was part of a number of Air Force Squadrons, at several bases in the UK. After the war, he emigrated to Argentina and later Costa Rica.
Piotr MICHALSKI - Piotr was deported to Siberia. On release, he joined the 3 DSK of the Polish
2nd Corps. He fought in the Italian Campaign, then joined the Polish Resettlement Corps in
England, before emigrating to Canada.
Edward MICKANIEC - Edward fought in the September Campaign and later joined the Polish
2nd Corps in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he emigrated to Canada.
Zbigniew MIECZKOWSKI - Zbigniew evacuated Poland to Romania, and eventually made his way to join the Polish army in France. He later evacuated to the UK and landed in Scotland where he became part of the 1st Polish Armoured Division. He fought with the Division through the European Campaign.
Stanislaw MILCZYNSKI - Stanislaw fought in the September Campaign, then joined the Home
Army and led his company in the Warsaw Uprising. Released from the POW camp, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps in Italy. After some time in England, he emigrated to Canada.
Bohdan MINTOWT-CZYZ - Bohdan fought in the September Campaign,was captured by the Russians and sent to a POW camp in Siberia. Released by the 'amnesty', he made his way south and joined the Polish 2nd Corps. After the war, he settled in England..
Eugemiusz MOCARSKI - Deported to Siberia with his family, he lost his parents and his 4 siblings. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps and fought in the Italian Campaign. After some time in England, he emigrated to 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.
Julian MOLINSKI - Deported to Siberia, he then joined the Polish 2nd Corps, and fought in the
Italian Campaign. After the war, he emigrated to Canada.
Czeslawa MONIAK-KRYGIEL - The family were deported to Siberia. On release, she and her
brother made their way to Persia and eventually to the Valivade camp in India. After the war, she spent some time in the UK, then emigrated to 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.
Adam MOSSAKOWSKI - Adam fought in the September Campaign in Poland, and was then captured by the Russians. Deported to Siberia, he then joined the Polish 2nd Corps. After the war, he settled in Canada.
Hela MOROZ - Deported to Siberia with her family. On release, she spent time in the Middle East and then at the Valivade Camp in India. After the war she settled in the UK.
Alfons MRZYK - He was forcibly conscripted into the German Army. He later joined the Polish 2nd Corps. After the war, he returned to Poland.
Franciszek MULTAN - He joined the Polish 2nd Corps on release from Siberia and fought in the
Italian Campaign. After the war, he emigrated to Canada.
Mieczyslaw MUMLER - Polish pilot in Poland, France, and in the UK. He was the commander of
the first Polish Squadron (#302) during the Battle of Britain.
Zbigniew MUSKUS - After his father's arrest, the family were deported by the Russians.Released by the 'amnesty' they headed south to find the Polish army being formed in the USSR.His father joined the Polish 2nd Corps, while Zbigniew joined the Air Force. After the war, he settled in the UK.
Piotr NADOLSKI - Piotr describes the invasion of Poland by the Russians, the fake elections, and
the deportations.
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.
Eleonora NAJEWICZ - She was deported with her family to Siberia by the Russians when she was 7 years old. After leaving the USSR in 1942, she and her sister Leontyna ended up in Isfahan and Mouk Mikael in Persia (Iran), then in Lebanon, and finally in Africa. She emigrated to Canada after the war.
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.
Jozef NESSEL - Deported to Siberia, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps on release, and was then transferred to the 1st Independant Parachute Brigade where he later became an instructor. He settled in Scotland after the war.
Marceli NEYDER - Marceli trained to be a pilot in Poland. At the onset of WW2, he evacuated to Roumania and made his way to France, then England, where he flew in a number of Air Force Squadrons including the 302, 303, and 307. His plane is believed to have crashed into the Mediterranean Sea.
Wladyslaw NIEDOCHODOWICZ - Escaping Poland through Romania, he eventually joined the Polish Army in France, then evacuated to the UK and became 2nd Lieutenant of Artillery in 1st Polish Armoured Division (1PAD). He fought in the European Campaign.
Eugenius NIEDZIELSKI - Eugeniusz served in the 1st Polish Armoured Division (1PAD). He fought in the European Campaign. After the war, he settles in England.
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.
Wladyslaw NIEWINSKI - Deported to Siberia by the Russians. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps, evacuated to Persia, trained in the Middle East, then fought at Tobruk and the Italian Campaign. He emigrated to Canada on a two-year work contract.
Marian NIEWOLSKI - Participated in the September Campaign as part of the Polish Air Force. Evacuated to Romania, then made his way to France and subsequently to England where he was a gunner in the Polish Air Force in the UK. He emigrated to Canada after the war.
Andrzej NOWAKOWSKI - Deported to Siberia with his family, On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps and fought in the Italian Campaign. In 1947, he emigrated to Canada on a 2-year work contract.
Stanislawa OBLIK - Deported to Siberia with her family, On release, she evacuated to Persia and she spent the rest of the war years in Lebanon. After the war, she emigrated to Canada.
Eleonora OLBRECHT - Deported to Siberia with her family. On release, the family spent the rest of the war years in Lebanon.. After the war they eventually settled on Canada.
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.
Wladyslaw OLEJNICZAK - He fought in the September Campaign in Poland, was captured by the Germans and spent the rest of the war in the POW camp Stalag 6C in Germany. After the war he settled in Canada.
Eugenia ORLUKIEWICZ - Deported to Siberia with her family, her mother and brother perished there. After the war she settled in Canada.
Piotr ORLUKIEWICZ - Forcibly conscripted into the Red Army. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps and was an ambulance driver during the Italian Campaign. After the war he settled in Canada.
Antoni OSTOWICZ - The 1st Polish pilot to shoot down an enemy aircraft in the Battle of Britain, he became the 1st Polish airman to lose his life in combat during the battle. He was shot down over the English Channel and his body was never found. He was 29 years old.
Krystyna OSTROWSKA - Deported to Siberia with her parents and brother, herr father perished in the labour camp. Krystyna wrote a detailed diary of this experience, filling many exercise books, but her story only came to light when she was 90 years old.
Mieczyslaw OZIEWICZ - Deported to Siberia with his family, he later became a radio operator in the 300 Bomber Squadron of the Polish Air Force in the UK. After the war, he emigrated to Canada.
Jozef PALIMAKA - Deported to Siberia with his family, he later became a mechanic in the Polish Air Force in the UK. After the war, he lived in England for a few years before emigrating to Canada.
Zofia PASZEK - She and her family were deported to forced labour camps in Germany. After the war, Zofia emigrated to Canada and eventually reunited her family in Canada.
Ludwik PASZKIEWICZ - Ludwik served in the Polish Air Force in Poland, France and England, where he was part of the 303 Squadron. He was killed in action during the Battle of Britain.
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.
Tadeusz PECAK - As a teenager, Tadeusz was deported with his family to Siberia. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps, and participated in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he spent some time in England, then emigrated to Canada.
Florian PEREPECZKO - Florian took part in the 1939 September Campaign, then evacuated to Hungary. He fought with the Polish Army in France, then joined the 1st Polish Armoured Division and participated in the European Campaign. He settled in the U.K. after the war.
Pawel PETRYK- Pawel spent 6 years in Siberia before returning to Poland in 1946. He emigrated to Canada in 1961.
Stanislaw PETRYK - Stanislaw spent 6 years in Siberia before returning to Poland in 1946. He emigrated to Canada in 1970.
Zygmunt PIATKIEWICZ - Deported to Siberia, he later joined the Polish 2nd Corps and fought in the Italian Campaign. He was twice awarded the Cross of Valour, as well as the Silver VIRTUTI MILITARI medal. After the war, he settled in the UK.
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.
Stefania PIECZONKA - Deported to Siberia with her family. On release, they spent some time in the Middle East before being sent to a Polish refugee camp in East Africa. After the war she settled on Canada.
Zygmunt PIECZONKA - Deported to Siberia with his family. On release, they were sent to the Tengeru Polish refugee camp in East Africa. After the war he settled on Canada.
Zbigniew PIERSCIANOWSKI - With the rank of Major, he was a participant in various Polish units across Europe during WW2. After the war he eventually settled on Canada.
Rajmund & Jadwiga PIERZCHAJLO - Her family were deported to Siberia, but she escaped and was later a slave labourer in Germany. He was a prisoner at Auschwitz, and other German camps. After the war, they emigrated to Canada.
Henryk PIETRZAK - Pilot in the Polish Air Force in Poland, in France, and in the UK. He became an ace, and later commended 309 Squadron. He settled in England after the war.
Leopold PIKULSKI - Deported to Siberia with his family. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps and evacuated to the Middle East.He later volunteered to join the 1st Polish Armoured Division in Scotland, and fought in the European Campaign. After the war, he settled in Canada.
Henryk PILOZOW - Henryk fought in the September Campaign, was deported to Siberia, joined the Polish 2nd Corps, trained in the Middle East, then fought in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he emigrated to Canada.
Jadwiga PIŁSUDSKA - Jadwiga served in the British Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) during WW2. She delivered about 230 planes. She never caused an air accident or damaged any air craft!
Barbara PIOTROWSKA-GANCARCZYK - Barbara participated in the Warsaw Uprising as part of the Home Army (AK) in Poland. She was captured by the Germans and spend some time in prison. After the war, she participated in the reconstruction of Warsaw.
Czeslawa PIOTROWSKA - Czeslawa was deported to Siberia with her family. Released by the 'amnesty', they spent the rest of the war in East Africa. After the war, she and her husband moved to Port Arthur, Ontario where they raised their family.
Jan PIOTROWSKI - Jan was deported to Siberia, joined the Polish 2nd Corps, trained in the Middle East, then fought in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he emigrated to Canada on a two-year work contract.
Michal PIOTUCH - Michal was deported to Siberia with his wife and daughter. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps, and served as a guard in Palestine. After the war, he emigrated to New Zealand on where he joined his daughter.
Marian PISAREK - Served in the Polish Air Force at the onset of WW2, then evacuated to France. When France fell, he found his way to the UK where he became a highly decorated member of the Polish Air Force in the UK. He was killed in action on 29 April 1942.
Ludwik PISARSKI - Deported to Siberia by the Russians, he joinesd the Polish 2nd Corps on release, trained in the Middle East and fought in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he settled in Italy..
Jerzy PISKOR - A member of the Home Army in Poland during the war. He evacuated through Czechoslovakia and joined the Polish 2nd Corps in 1945. In 1947, he emigrated to Canada on a two--year work contract.
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.
Jakub PLEWA - He fought in the September Campaign, was captured by the Russians, and sent to a POW work camp. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps and participated in the Italian Campaign. He emigrated to Canada on a two-year work contract.
Janina PLOSKA - Deported to Siberia with her family. On release they evacuated to Persia and were then sent to a Polish refugee camp in East Africa. After the war, she settled in Canada.
Julian PLOWY - Born in Siberia after his family had been deported there from eastern Poland. After release, he spent the war years at the Polish settlement in Santa Rosa, Mexico and later settled in the U.S.
Zbigniew PNIEWSKI - Zbigniew describes how he escaped from the German-controlled part of Poland, and made his way through Yugoslavia and Hungary to Syria. He joined the 3rd Carpathian Rifle Brigade of the Polish 2nd Corps and fought at Tobruk and in the Italian Campaign.
Jozef POCHORYLO - Jozef was deported to Siberia. On release he joined the Polish 2nd Corps and served in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he settled in Canada.
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.
Piotr POLANSKI - He fought in the September Campaign,evacuated to Beirut, Joined the 3rd Carpathian Rifle Brigade of the Polish 2nd Corps and served in the Middle East, then fought in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he emigrated to Canada on a 2-year work contract.
Ryszard POLANSKI - Ryszard was a gunner in the Polish Navy during WW2. He served aboard: ORP Burza, Kujawiak, Poirun, and Blyskawica. After the war, he settled in Scotland.
Felicja POLKOWSKA - Polish civilian teacher in Baranowicz, Poland, September 1939 to April 1940; deported to Siberia, April 1940 to April 1943; inmate in Ashkhabad Prison, Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic, Soviet Union, April 1943; escaped from Soviet Union to Iran, 1943
Ewa PONIŃSKA-KONOPACKA - Participant in the Warsaw Uprising of 1944, she then spent years in a German Camp doing slave labour. After the war, she settled in Canada.
Janina POPKIEWICZ - Janina served as a courier for the Home Army (AK) in Lwow, After the war, she repatriated to Krakow before emigrating to Canada in 1958.
Anna POPLEWSKA - Anna recounts her family's journey to Siberia and the subsequent journey south to freedom in Persia.
Krystyna PRZEDNOWEK - Deported with her family to Siberia, released by the 'amnesty', she evacuated to Persia with the Polish Army, then was sent to a Polish refugee camp in East Africa. After the war, she spent some years in Englnd before emigrating to Canada..
Father Jan PRZYBYSZ - Deported to Siberia in 1941, Father Jan recounts how he brought spiritual aid to his fellow deportees.
Janina PRZYGONSKA - As a child, Janina was deported to Siberia with her parents and siblings. Only 3 of them survived the ordeal. Janina and her sister spent the war years in a Polish orphanage in Africa. They moved to Canada after the war, where they joined their surviving brother.
Maria QUAS de PENNO - Deported with her extended family, her younger sister and brother died in the USSR, On release, her father joined the Polish 2nd Corps, while the rest of the family were sent to Masindi in Uganda.
Henryk RADECKI - Deported with his family, Henryk became a Cadet on release, and attended the Mechanics Course in Heliopolis, Palestine. After the war, he settled in Ste. Catharines, Ontario, Canada.
Wladyslaw REDA - Deported to Siberia, he then joined the Polish 2nd Corps and served in the Middle East and the Italian Campaign. After the war, he settled in Canada.
Jerzy REMBOWSKI - An officer of the State Police until 17 Sept. 1939 - A prisoner of the KOZELSK II camp - An officer of the 11th Gendarmerie Squadron of the Polish 2nd Corps. He returned to Poland after the war.
Barbara ROBASZEWSKI - Deported to Siberia with her family. On release, her father joined the Polish 2nd Corps, The rest of the family spent some time in the Middle East, then at Camp Morogoro in Uganda, Africa, After the war, they reunited in the UK and eventually moved to the USA
Jan RODOWICZ - Jan was a hero of the Home Army (AK) who participated in the Warsaw Uprising and was later killed by the Security Services. He was awarded the VIRTUTU MILITARI cross.
Zofia ROGALSKA-DYNA - She served with the Women's Auxiliary of the Polish 2nd Corps in Italy where, in 1946, she married Wladyslaw Dyna. After the war, they spent some time in the UK and eventually emigrated toCanada.
Benjamin ROGOZINSKI - Deported to Siberia with her family. On release, he was conscripted into the Kosciuszko Division and fought in battles from Moscow to Berlin. He moved to Berlin after the war, and eventually settled in Brazil.
Aleksander ROMANKO - He was deported to Siberia with his parents, who died there. On release, he joined the 3rd Carpathian Artilleries Regiment of the Polish 2nd Corps, and participated in the Italian Campaign. After the war he spent some in the UK, and eventually emigrated to Canada
Maria ROMANKO - Deported to Siberia with her parents and two brothers. On release, the family was scattered between India, Africa, the Middle East and the UK. After the war, the family reunited in the UK and eventually emigrated to Canada
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.
Wincenty RUSINOWSKI - Deported to Siberia. On release, he spent some time in the Middle East and India, then was sent to a Polish refugee camp in Africa. After the war, he settled in Canada in 1953.
Jan RUSZKOWSKI - Deported to Siberia, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps when he was released by the 'amnesty'. He trained with the Corps in the Middle East and participated in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he eventually settled in Argentina where he was a successful architect.
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.
Karol RYBCZYNSKI - Arrested and held in prison in early 1940, then deported to Siberia in July 1940. The memoir ends abruptly at the point that 'amnesty' was declared.
Stanislaw RYBCZYNSKI - as a teenager, Stanislaw was deported to Siberia with his brother and his parents. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps, and later transferred to the 1st Independent Parachute Brigade. After the war, he settled in Canada.
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.
Jan RYMARCZUK - Deported to Siberia with his family. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps, served in the Middle East and in the Italian Campaign, After the war, he spent some time in England before emigrating to Canada.
Stanislawa RYMARCZUK - Deported to Siberia with her family. On release, she was sent to the Tengeru Polish refugee camp in Tanzania, East Africa. After the war,she spent some time in England before emigrating to Canada.
Aleksandra RYMASZEWSKA - Deported to Siberia with his family. On release, she and her surviving sister were sent to the Isfahan orphanage in Persia (Iran). She later studied in Lebanon. After the war, she settled in the UK.
Waclawa RYSZKOWSKA-ZUCHOWSKA - Deported to Siberia with her family, her husband later died on the journey south. On release, she joined the Women's Auxiliary of the Polish 2nd Corps and served in a hospital in the Middle East. After the war, she settled in the UK.
Walentyna RYSZKOWSKA - Lost her father and 2 siblings in the Ukrainian massacres in the Kresy, then sent to forced labour in Germany with her mother and remaining sisters. She joined the Polish 2nd Corps in 1945 and served in a hospital in the Italy. After the war, she 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.
Bozena SAIN-DZIEGLEWSKA - An excerpt from her book „Z MIEJSCA NA MIEJSCE — opowiadania rodzinne" [“FROM PLACE TO PLACE – Family Stories”] where she describes an extraordinary Christmas Eve during their exile in the USSR.
Jan SAJEWICZ, OMI - Emigrated to Canada in 1938, then spent 1943 to 1948 ministring to Polish refugees in Africa, before returning to Canada.
Janina SARNIAK - Deported with her parents, a sister and 2 brothers, only she and one brother survived. Once evacuated to Persia, Janina spent a long time in hospital and then in an orphanage in Isfahan, before being sent to the Pahiatua Camp in New Zealand. .
Tadeusz SAWICZ - Pilot in Poland at the onset of the war, he evacuated through Romania, and reformed in France, before evacuating to the UK. He was a Pilot & Wing Commander in the Polish Air Force in the UK. After the war he settled in Canada.
Stefan SELIGMAN - Deported to Siberia. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps, served in the Middle East and in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he settled in the UK.
Marian SEROWKA - Marian was forcibly conscripted into the German army. He later escaped and joined the 1st Polish Armoured Division. After the war, he settled in the UK.
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.
Major General Franciszek SKIBINSKI - Served in a number of positions in the 1st Polish Armoured Division throughout the European Campaign.
Hipolit SKINDER - On release from Siberia, Hipolit joined the Polish 2nd Corps and fought in the Italian Campaign. He emigrated to Canada on a 2-year work contract, and eventually settled in Winnipeg.
Wanda SKROBECKI - Wanda was deported to Siberia with her family. On release, her father joined the Polish 2nd Corps, and she as evacuated to Persia (Iran) with her mother and sister. She attended school in Teheran and then in Lebanon. After the war the family migrated to Canada and then to the U.S.
Jan SKRZYPCZAK - Jan was arested by the Russians trying toi cross the border. He describes the conditions in the prisons he was kept in, then in the forced labour camp in Siberia he was sent to. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps.
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.
Wladyslaw SKWAREK - Wladyslaw was deported to Siberia with his family. On release, he joined the Polish Cadets and completed his studies at the Cadet School in Egypt. After the war, he emigrated to Canada.
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.
Marian SLOWINSKI - Fought in the September Campaign, evacuated to Hungary, escaped to France, then evacuated to the UK. Joined the 1st Polish Armoured Division and fought in the European Campaign. He returned to Poland after the war.
Maria SMOLENSKA - Deported to Siberia with her family.On release, she joined the school of the Young Women Volunteers of the Polish 2nd Corps and continued her education. After the war, she lived in England before emigrating to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Stanislaw SMOLENSKI Sr. - He fought in the September Campaign, was captured by the Russians and sent to Kozielsk, then to Archangelsk. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps and served in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he settled in Canada.
Stanislaw SMOLENSKI Jr. -Deported to Siberia with his mother and brothers. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps and fought at Tobruk and in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he spent some time in the UK before emigrating to Canada.
Kazimierz SMOLINSKI - He fought in the September Campaign, was then captured by the Russians and deported to Siberia.On release, he joined the s Polish 2nd Corps and fought in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he emigrated to Canada.
Eugenia SMOLNICKA - She was deported to Siberia with her parents. Her mother died there. On release, her father joined the Polish 2nd Corps, and Eugenia was sent to the Pahiatua Childrens' Camp in New Zealand, where she settled after the war.
Wladyslaw SMROKOWSKI - He was the Commander of the 1st Independent Commando Company and the 2nd Battalion of Motorized Commandos, and fought in the Italian Campaign with the Polish 2nd Corps. After the war he emigrated to the U.S.
Jozef SMYK - Deported to Siberia, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps and served in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he spent some years in England before emigrating to the U.S.
Waclaw SOBANSKI - Born in the U.S. but raised in Poland, Waclaw was a highly successful fighter pilot who volunteered for the RCAF and later transferred to the USAF during WW2.
Stanislaw SOBIECH - Deported to Siberia, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps and served in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he he emigrated to Canada on a 2-year work contact, eventually settling in Winnipeg.
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 filled in a qustionnaire in the Middle East in 1943, detailing life in the labour camp in Siberia. His description of life there is very detailed, and includes a list of 32 people who died there.
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.
Jan SOKOLOWSKI - A member of the 3rd Carpathian Brigade at Tobruk, he describes the action there, as well as joining the Polish 2nd Corps in the Middle East, and the move to Italy.
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.
Stanislaw SMOLENSKI Jr. - Deported to Siberia with his mother and brothers. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps and fought at Tobruk and in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he spent some years in England before emigrating to Canada.
Eugeniusz SOLEMNIK - Deported to Siberia with hisparents and siblings, only he and his sister Eugenia survived. Eugeniusz attended the Cadet School in Palestine, then spent some time in England, before emigrating to Canada.
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
Bronislaw STARCZEWSKI - He was deported to Siberia. After release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps and fought in the Italian Campaign. After the war he emigrated emigrated to Canada on a 2-year work contract, then settled in Thunder Bay..
Barbara STAWSKA - Shewas deported to Siberia. After release, she evacuated to Persia with the Polish 2nd Corps and then was sent to the Polish Valivade Camp in India. After the war she emigrated emigrated to Canada and settled in Winnipeg.
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.
Marcin STEPIEN - The family was deported to Siberia, where all trace of Marcin ere eventually lost. His wife and children returned to Poland after the war.
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.
Stanislaw STEPIEN - Stanislaw participared in the September Campaign, then evacuated to Hungary and made his way to France to join the Polish forces there. He was thern evacuated to the UK, where he joined the 1st Polish Armoured Division. He settled in Bradford after the war.
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.
Wladyslaw STRONSKI - He fought in the September Campaign, then was a POW at Dachau. On release, he made his way to Italy and joined the Polish 2nd Corps. He spent some years in the UK before emigrating to Montreal.
Barbara STRUTYNSKI - She was deported to Kazakhstan as a todler, with her mother and grandparents. Her father, a judge, had been arrested earlier and was executed at KATYN. Barbara spent 6 years in exile, returning to Poland in 1947. She later emigrated to the U.S.
Zygfryd STRYJECKI - Entertaining description of the incredible number of times Zygfryd escaped from the German capture, before he finally joined the 1st Polish Armoured Division.
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.
Barbara ŚWIĄTEK - Her father was massacred by the Russians at Katyn. She and her mother were deported to Siberia, where her mother died. She was repatriated to Poland after the war and became very involved in the Sybirak Association.
Sabina ŚWIĄTEK - The family was deported to Siberia. On release they spent some time in the Middle East and then in India. After the war, they settled in the UK
Boleslaw SYREWICZ - Deported to Siberia, he was released by the 'amnesty', and joined the Polish 2nd Corps. He evacuated to Persia, then trained in Palestine and Egypt, before sailing for Italy. He participated in all the battles in Italy. After the war, he emigrated to Argentina.
Andrew SYSKA - The family was deported to Siberia, and this is an excerpt from the family story, detailing their deportation and the time they spent in Siberia.
SZABANOWICZ Family - The entire family of Muslim Tatars was deported to Siberia They spent some years in Tengeru, Africa, anf later Nairobi, before the family moved to the UK.
Joanna SZABABLICKA-RABKIN - The entire family was deported to Siberia They spent some years in Tehran, then India, and emigrated to the USA after the war.
Edmund SZABAMROWICZ - Conscripted into the German army, Edmund later escaped and joined the 1st Polish Armoured Division. He served in the entire European Campaign with the division. After the war, he settled in Breda.
Bazyli SZCZERBA - Bazyli fought in the European Campaign with the 1st Polish Armoured Division, and partook in the liberation of Breda, where he settled after the war.
Marianna SZCZEPANSKA - Marianna was deported to Siberia with her family - her parents, her brother, and her two sisters died there. Marianna spent the rest of the war years in a variety of orphanages, including Santa Rosa in Mexico. She eventually settled in Winnipeg, Canada.
Edward SZCZEPANSKI - Edward was deported to Siberia with his family, On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps, trained in the Middle East, and fought in the Italian Campaign. He eventually settled in Winnipeg, Canada.
Michal SZCZEPANSKI - Michal was deported to Siberia with his family, On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps, trained in the Middle East, and fought in the Italian Campaign. He eventually settled in Winnipeg, Canada.
Wladyslaw SZCZEPANSKI - Deported to Siberia. On release, he joined the Polish Army and was a captain in the 5th Kresy Battalion CKM of the Polish 2nd Corps. He served in the Middle East, and in the Italian Campaign, including the battle of Monte Cassino. After the war he settled in Canada.
Anna SZCZEPONEK - Anna recalls life for the post-WW2 Polish refugees at the Coombe Park Camp in Whitchurch, in the UK.
Jozef SZEWARD - Deported to Siberia. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps and fought in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he came to Canada on a 2-year work contract.
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.
Witold SZMIDT - Deported to Kazakhstan with his family. On release, he joined the cadets and eventually joined the 3rd Infantry Regiment, of the Carpathian Rifle Division, of the Polish 2nd Corps. He participated in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he settled in England.
Franciszek SZMUNIEWSKI - Fought in the September Campaign, was captured by the Russians and sent to a POW camp in Siberia. On release, he joined the the Polish 2nd Corps - 10th Battalion Sappers Corps, and participated in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he settled in England.
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.
Urszula SZULAKOWSKA - Urszula describes life at Melton Mowbray Polish Resettlement Camp in the UK, from 1957 to 1958.
Wanda SZWENDER - Deported from the Baterowka Settlement to Siberia with her parents and three siblings. On release, they spent some time in the Middle East, then were sent to the Valivade Camp in India. After a short stay in the UK, the family emigrated to Canada.
Wladyslaw SZWENDER - He was deported to Siberia with his mother and sister. On release, he served in the 2nd Brigade of the 3DSK of the Polish 2nd Corps, and fought in the Italian Campaign. After the war he came to Canada on the 2-year work contract.
Tadeusz SZYMANSKI - He was deported to Siberia by the Russians. On release, he served in the Polish 2nd Corps, and fought in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he settled in the UK.
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.
Waclaw SZYPULEWSKI - He was a pilot during the September Campaign in Poland. He evacuated to Romania, and later escaped to England where he joined the Polish Air Firce in the UK. He served in the 309 Squadron. After the war, he settled in Montreal, Canada.
Stanislaw TEBINKA - He was deported to Siberia and later joined the Polish 2nd Corps. He trained in the Middle East and fought in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he emigrated to Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.
Kazimierz TERAJEWICZ - He was deported to Siberia and later joined the Polish 2nd Corps. He trained in the Middle East and fought in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he spent some time in the UK, then emigrated to Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada.
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.
Anna TOMERA -Deported to Siberia with her family. On release, her father joined the Polish 2nd Corps,and they lost all trace of him. Anna stayed in a number of orphanages, including the Polish refugee camp in Uganda. She settled in Canada after the war.
Antoni TOMSZAK - He served in the September Campaign, then evacuated to Hungary. He made his way to the Middle East and joined the 3rd Carpathian Rifle Brigade and fought at Tobruk and in the Italian Campaign. He settled in Canada after the war.
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.
August TRELLA - August served with the 1st Polish Armoured Division in the European Campaign. After the war, he settled in Breda.
Katarzyna TUCZYNSKA-SAWICKA - Deprted with her family, her mother died on the journey south to find the Polish army. Her brothers joined the Polish 2nd Corps, while she, her father, and her sister spent 5 years in Koja, Uganda. After the war, she settled in Canada..
Jerzy TUMANISZWILI - Jerzy Tumaniszwili was a Polish naval commander of Georgian aristocratic descent. A World War II veteran and later an émigré to the United States, he received the rank of rear-admiral from the government of Poland in 2008.
Jozef TUMIELI - Jozef Tumiel, was an officer of the Polish Army in the USSR, Commander of the General Staff of the Polish 2nd Corps, and special orders officer to General Anders. After the war he settled in North Rhodesia (now Zambia).
Ryszard TURKIEWICZ - Ryszard was deported to Siberia. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps, served in the Middle East and in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he settled in Canada.
Karolina UCHMAN - This is an excerpt about Mombasa, Kenya - Masindi, Uganda - Koja, Uganda in Africa, from the book "Karolina Remembers"
UNSIGNED - A child remembers life in Meshed, Persia (Iran) after release from the USSR
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.
Maria URBANIAK - She was a lawyer in Wilno and was deported to Kazakhstan. On release, she joined the Polish 2nd Corps and served in the Middle East and in England. After the war she emigrated to Seatle, Washington, USA.
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.
Anna USOWICZ - She was captured and taken to forced labour in Germany. Both her brothers joined the Polish 2nd Corps. After the war, the family were reunited in the UK and Anna eventually emigrated to Canada
Marian WALENTYNOWICZ - He was a Polish architect, cartoonist, and writer. During the Second World War he served as a correspondent in the 1st Polish Armoured Division of General Maczek.
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.
Leon WANDYCZ - Leon was caught in France, away from his family, when the war broke out. He joined the Polish army there, then evacuated to Scotland where he joined the 1st Polish Armoured Division and fought the European Campaign. He settled in Scotland after the war.
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.
Henryk WARSZA - Deported to Siberia, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps on release, and served in the Military Police as Sergeant. He served in the Middle East and the Italian Campaign. He settled in Canada after the war.
Jan WARZEL - Taken to forced labour by the Germans, Jan escaped and made his way to the Polish 2nd Corps where he served in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he settled in Canada.
Aniela WAWRZYNCZYK - Aniela was deported to Siberia with her family. She then spent 5 years at the Valivade Camp in India before settling in England.
Stefan WAYDENFELD - Stefan was deported to Siberia with his parents.On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps, trained in the Middle East, and participated in the Italian Campaign, including the battle of Monte Cassino. He settled in England after the war and wrote "The Ice Road".
Stefan WESOLOWSKI - Soldier of Poland at age 9, Corporal at age 12, Stefan was a highly decorated Naval hero of Poland and the U.S., serving onboard the ORP Blyskawica and the USAT Ganandoc during WW2. He and his family settles in the United States after the war.
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.
Tomasz WIELGAT - Conscripted into the Red Army, he later escaped and joined the Home Army (AK) in Wolyn. He settled n Canada after war.
Julian WIELGOSZ - Julian, a pilot in the Polish Air Force in the UK - 305 Squadron, describes flying missions over Germany during WW2.
Jozef WIERCINSKI - Deported to Siberia, Jozef ended up at the Polish refugee camp in Santa Rosa, Mexico where he married and had 2 children. Jozef died before the family could emigrate to the U.S. His wife and children return to Poland.
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.
Henryk WIKTOROWICZ - Henryk was deported to Siberia with his family. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps and participated in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he settled in Canada.
Karolina WIKTOROWICZ - Karolina was deported to Siberia with her family. Her mother placed her and her sister in an orphanage in Uzbekistan and she was later sent to the Polish settlement in Masindi, Uganda. 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.
Eugenia WILKOWSKA - Eugenia was deported to Siberia with her family. On release,she spent 6 years at the Polish refugee camp in Koja, Uganda. After the war, she settled in Canada.
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 .
Longin WINNIK - He was deported to Siberia with his wife and family. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps, and fought in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he settled in the UK.
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.
Barbara WISZOWATY-BROZYNA - Barbara was a member of the Home Army (AK) in Warsaw and took part in the Warsaw Uprising. After the war, she lived in the British sector of Germany before emigrating to Canada.
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.
Edward WOJCIECHOWSKI - Deported to Siberia, on release he joined the Polish 2nd Corps. After the war, he settled in Canada.
Henryk WOJCIECHOWSKI - Forcibly conscripted into the German army, he eventually escaped and joined the Polish 2nd Corps. After the war, he settled in Canada.
Tadeusz WOJCIECHOWSKI - At age 14 he was sent to forced labour in Germany, and later conscripted into the German Army.Escaping, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps. After the war, he settled in Canada.
Kazimierz WOJCIK - Deported to Siberia with his family. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps and fought in the Italian Campaign. After the war, he settled in Canada.
Janina WOJCIKOWSKA-WIKTOR - Deported to Siberia with her family. On release,she joined the Women's Auxiliary of the Polish 2nd Corps, trained in the Middle East, and participatedin the Italian Campaign. After the war, sshe settled in Canada.
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.
Jozef WOJDYLA - Deported to Siberia with his family, on release he joined the Polish 2nd Corps. Once in the Middle East he was chosen to train with the 1st Independent Parachute Brigade in Scotland. As a paratrooper, he took part in the Market Garden action.
Michal WOJDYLA - Deported to Siberia with his family, on release he joined the Polish 2nd Corps. As a member of the 3rd Carpathian Rifle Brigade he took part in the Italian Campaign, including Monte Cassino.
WOJEWODZKA Twins - Alina and Iwona were deported with their mother and spent nearly 2 years on a collective farm in northern Kazakhstan. On release, they joined the Junior Women's Auxiliary of the Polish 2nd Corps and served in the Middle East.
Kazimierz WOJTAS - Deported to Siberia with his family, he joined the Cadet School in the Middle East, then served with the British Army for the next 10 years, before emigrating to Canada.
Waclaw WOJTAS - Deported to Siberia with his family, he joined the British Army in England and served for a number of years before emigrating 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.
Stefania WOJTULANIS - Stefania was a pilot in the ATS service and was the first woman to fly 1,000 hours on combat aircraft. After the war, she settled in the USA.
Rozalia WOLCZYK - Rozalia was deported with her family. Three family members died in Siberia. Two brothers joined the Polish 2nd Corps, and two brothers joined the cadets. The rest of the family spent 6 years at a Polish settlement in Africa. After the war, she settled in Canada.
Witold WOROBIEJ - Witold fought in the September Campaign, was captured by the Russians and sent to a POW camp in Siberia. On release, he evacuated the USSR to Persia, then served in the 1st Polish Armoured Division in Scotland and in the European Campaign. After the war, he settled in Breda.
Ryszard WOZNIAK - Ryszard served in the 1st Polish Armoured Division in Scotland and in the European Campaign. After the war, he settled in Breda.
Wladyslawa WROBLEWSKA-CHALKO - Wladyslawa was deported to Siberia. On release, she joined the Polish 2nd Corps and served as a nurse in the Middle East and the Italian Campaign. After the war, she spent some years in the UK before emigrating to the USA.
Marian WRZYSZCZ - Marian recalls how the Melton Mowbray Camp was set up in 1946-47, to house Polish servicemen and women after WW2.
Tadeusz WYSOCKI - Tadeusz escaped Poland and joined the Polish Army in France. When France fell, he evacuated to the UK and was a member of the 1st Polish Armoured Division - 10th Mounted Rifle Regiment.
Aleksandra ZABAWA - Aleksandra was deported to Siberia with her family. On release, they were evacuated to Persia (now Iran) and spent the war years in Polish refugee camps After the war, Aleksandra settled in Winnipeg, Canada.
Tadeusz ZABICKI - Tadeusz was a highly decorated pilot of the Polish Air Force in the UK. He was killed, along with half his crew, when his plane crashed on a mission near Amsterdam.
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 ZAKRZEWSKA - was a member of the Home Army, code named “Hanka Biała”. She served as a courier during the Warsaw Uprising and was killed while attempting to deliver a message.
Eugeniusz ZALESKI - was a member of the Polish Air Force in Poland and then in the UK. After the war he spent some time in England before emigrating to Canada. He spent years developing the air line industry in northern Manitoba.
Wladyslaw ZARCZYNSKI - Describes pre-war life in Wolyn province, the Ukrainian massacres, deportation to slave labour in Germany, post-war refugee camps in Germany, and emigration to Australia.
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.
Janusz ZAWODNY - Professor Zawodny was part of the Home Army during WW2 and participated in the Warsaw Uprisong. He settled in the USA after the war and taught at several universities. He authored the book "Death in the Forest" about the KATYN massacres.
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.
Eugeniusz ZEGLINSKI - Deported to Siberia with his and his wife's family. On release, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps and fought in the Italian Campaign, while the rest of the family spent the war years in East Africa. After the war, they settled in Winnipeg, Canada.
Aldona ZEKRZEWSKA - Deported to Siberia with her parents and siblings. On release, her father and brother joined the Polish 2nd Corps and fought in the Italian Campaign, while the rest of the family spent the war years in a Polish settlement. After the war, they settled in the UK.
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.
Lech Marian ZIOLOWSKI - Deported to Siberia, he joined the Polish 2nd Corps on release, and later switched to the 1st Independent Parachute Brigade and participated in Operation Market Garden.
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.
Agnieszka ZUREK- Deported to Siberia with her family, she lost her husband and five of her seven children. She and her surviving children spent 6 years at the Tengeru Polish refugee camp in Tanzania, East Africa. After the war, Agnieszka settled in Canada
Janina ZWIERCIADLOWSKA - Deported to Siberia with her husband and 2 young children. On release, she and her surviving son were sent to the Polish refugee camp in Santa Rosa, Mexico. After the war, she settled in Manitoba, Canada.
Maciej ZWIERZ - Maciej describes life as a cadet at the Military Medical Academy in Warsaw between the years 1935 and 1939. After the war, Maciej settled in Canada.
Ignacy ZYWOTKIEWICZ - Ignacy was deported to a wok camp in Siberia, where he toiled for nearly 2 years. Released by the 'amnesty', he joined the Polish 2nd Corps, fought at Tobruk in North Africa, aand in the Italian Campaign.. After the war, Ignacy settled in Canada.
More memoirs are available at the Kresy Family website
at the following link