|
|
Post by Bonobo on Mar 28, 2008 22:11:18 GMT 1
Franciszek sent us a photo of his father and his friend in Italy during WW2, with an Italian boy. ![]() www.republika.pl/jerzybo/Soldiers in Italy.jpg[/img] I will develop this thread into a bigger story about Polish soldiers who fought in the Western campaign. Soon. |
|
|
|
Post by franciszek on Mar 29, 2008 12:15:49 GMT 1
looking forward to it!
|
|
|
|
Post by jkustelski on Apr 26, 2008 16:04:44 GMT 1
Monte Cassino- Hard fought battle of WWIIThe town of Cassino and its abbey stood in the way of allied forces in their objective to liberate Rome. The German troops surrounded the abbey. From this vantage point, they controlled air and ground fire against the Allies. American and British forces were unable to take Monte Cassino from the Germans and withdrew from the battlefield. The Polish 2nd Corps took their place and were victorious. It succeeded in taking Monte Cassino after three weeks of fierce fighting in mountain terrain which left the troops exposed to enemy snipers on the slopes. Upon taking the abbey, the Poles raised the white and red flag of Poland on top of the ruins of the monastery. The Battle of Monte Cassino is an eternal monument to the gallantry of the Polish soldiers. Polish troops advance under fire:  Polish bugler announces the victory: [  Polish Flag is proudly raised above the Monastery after the Battle:  The Poles paid their share of victory at Monte Cassino: over on thousand killed, and three thousand wounded. Gen. Anders, commander of the 2nd Corps, before he died in London in 1972, expressed his wish to be laid to rest with his fallen soldiers near the monastery. After the war a cemetery was built at the foot of the Abbey by surviving soldiers of the 2nd Corps. At its entrance, the engraved epitaph depicts their bravery and dedication to Poland. In four languages it reads: "We, Polish soldiers For our freedom and yours Have given our souls to God Our bodies to the soil of Italy And our hearts — to Poland" Monte Cassino Polish heroes War Memorial:  At the conclusion of Polish military operations in and near Monte Cassino, the Polish government in Exile, (London) established a campaign cross to commemorate the battle. A total of 48, 498 crosses were awarded with accompanying award documents issued in the field to each soldier who took part in the battle. Polish Monte Cassino Cross:  My hope is that this post at least somewhat pays tribute to those who fought so hard and gave their lives for their country. Jim
|
|
|
|
Post by franciszek on Apr 27, 2008 15:16:57 GMT 1
Yes it does a moving and informative piece i have read a little of General Anders seems he was a great leader to his men in league with men like Montgomery and Rommel ?
|
|
|
|
Post by jkustelski on Apr 27, 2008 15:50:41 GMT 1
Yes it does a moving and informative piece i have read a little of General Anders seems he was a great leader to his men in league with men like Montgomery and Rommel ? Franciszek, Thank you, yes I agree that Gen. Anders was very much a great leader, perhaps a thread should be dedicated to such an important figure in Polish history. Unfortunately, he never returned to his native land and remained in G.B. in fear of the communists who he believed would kill him. I see your Father was in Italy in WWII, was he in Anders Army? Jim |
|
|
|
Post by franciszek on Apr 27, 2008 16:05:01 GMT 1
Yes that sounds like a good thread to start i dont know if he was in gen Anders army i was only young when he passed away so i do not have any one to ask my mother and brother have also passed away but i am currently checking with war records in the UK but just need some more paper work plus fee i will send some more photos would there be clues in uniform badges?
|
|
|
|
Post by jkustelski on Apr 27, 2008 16:16:42 GMT 1
|
|
|
|
Post by franciszek on Apr 27, 2008 17:07:57 GMT 1
|
|
|
|
Post by franciszek on Apr 27, 2008 17:12:09 GMT 1
|
|
|
|
Post by jkustelski on Apr 27, 2008 18:13:48 GMT 1
Franciszek, Hopefully this will help you in linking pics. Go to photobucket.com (or any other free photo sharing website) Open an account. If you have pictures on your hard drive, note where they are. Browse to them and upload. Right click the picture after it is downloaded. Properties Hold your mouse over the link in properties of the picture. sweep the link with your mouse. Right click copy In the reply field on this board click on the picture that says: insert image click between where it says ![]() and the other [img/] ctrl v (or paste) preview to make sure the image is linked you are done! The same goes for images on the web: Right click the image and go to properties follow the steps above. Hope this helps, Jim |
|
|
|
Post by franciszek on Apr 27, 2008 20:09:00 GMT 1
thanks for help i have photobucket the first time i sent a photo i litteraly copied the address by pen then typed it in it took me ages .I knew there was a way to copy & paste but did know how any way lets see what happens  |
|
|
|
Post by franciszek on Apr 27, 2008 20:22:07 GMT 1
|
|
|
|
Post by jkustelski on Apr 28, 2008 2:26:32 GMT 1
Franciszek, Thanks for sharing those pics! I cannot see any insignia but it is my understanding that white webbing belts are an indication of armoured personnel. Perhaps he was: Polish Second Armoured Division? Have you seen this insignia before:  This website has pictures of II Corps from the Sikorski Museum in London. (sorry it is in Italian) mg.cultura.marche.it/default_sik.aspAnd yes, this was under the command of Gen. Anders... Jim |
|
|
|
Post by Bonobo on Apr 28, 2008 19:50:27 GMT 1
thanks for help i have photobucket the first time i sent a photo i litteraly copied the address by pen then typed it in it took me ages .I knew there was a way to copy & paste but did know how any way lets see what happens Excellent stuff! Great historical value. Can you make them a bit bigger while scanning? |
|
|
|
Post by franciszek on May 3, 2008 9:50:43 GMT 1
thanks for help i have photobucket the first time i sent a photo i litteraly copied the address by pen then typed it in it took me ages .I knew there was a way to copy & paste but did know how any way lets see what happens Excellent stuff! Great historical value. Can you make them a bit bigger while scanning? they were scanned for me i dont have a scanner but may buy one soon |
|
|
|
Post by franciszek on May 3, 2008 9:53:44 GMT 1
Franciszek, Thanks for sharing those pics! I cannot see any insignia but it is my understanding that white webbing belts are an indication of armoured personnel. Perhaps he was: Polish Second Armoured Division? Have you seen this insignia before: no but i can recall him saying he was in tank think he said a Sherman i presume the poles had access to this American workhorse? This website has pictures of II Corps from the Sikorski Museum in London. (sorry it is in Italian) mg.cultura.marche.it/default_sik.aspAnd yes, this was under the command of Gen. Anders... Jim |
|
|
|
Post by jkustelski on May 3, 2008 13:03:32 GMT 1
Franciszek,
Yes, it is my understanding that the Poles used mainly American Sherman tanks in WWII. The color of your fathers beret is another indicator that he was in an armoured unit.
Jim
|
|
