The Monte Cassino Mass

All images courtesy of Joanna Jeziorowska

3 days ago on 18th May 2011, Toruń's Historical War Museum (http://www.muzeumhw.pl/) organised a patriotic holy mass to mark the 67th anniversary of the end of the Battle of Monte Cassino. Piotr Olecki the founder of the museum gave his reasons for organising the poignant event. "We noticed that every year more and more citizens have begun to forget about the many important events from Polish history", he remarked.

Veterans from the battle together with representatives from the World Association of Home Army and Toruń's Deputy Commander Garrison descended on the military church for a special mass. It was followed by an informal meeting at nearby school number 11. There soldiers sang old songs, veterans shared their war memories with high school students and an old gramophone played the tune "The Red Poppies on Monte Cassino" - one of the best known Polish military songs of World War II.

It was on 18th May 1944 that the Polish II Corps took Hill 593, a strategic defense point during the infamous Battle of Monte Cassino. The Poles had unusual help in the form of an Iranian bear called Wojtek. Raised by the Polish soldiers he helped to carry artillery shells during the battle.

Here is a link to a Youtube slideshow of some images from Monte Cassino:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxCZ7MFrou8&feature=player_detailpage

Many thanks to Piotr Olecki for organising this memorable event and for the photographs that he kindly sent in to TORUŃ DAILY PHOTO. The images were taken by Joanna Jeziorowska, a high school student.

Tales from Poland's Dark Past

Piotr Olecki

Polish WWII uniforms

Piotr points out some original photos

The Collection of artefacts include these neatly folded pyjamas worn

by an English prisoner-of-war

Artefacts taken from Toruń's prisoner-of-war camps

Meet Piotr Olecki a German language teacher and the passionate founder of Toruń's Historical War Museum. Locked away and virtually hidden in a small basement in a local high school, one can find the musuem - only a very small percentage of what Piotr owns. As part of his hobby, Piotr has unearthed a fascinating collection of historical war items - many taken from the nearby WWII stalags (prisoner of war camps) that once circled Toruń.

Most Polish people understandably what to forget about the dark past that was WWII. However, there is still immense educational value to be learnt and what Piotr has achieved in his unique collection is invaluable. Often he ropes in help from his students to help maintain the museum...and as a result, they too become interested in history.

We toured the cabinets together and Piotr gave me a personalised account of each exhibit. There were winter snow boots, barbed wire fences, a home-made chess board created by a prisoner and even old cans of Brylcreem used by the English prisoners-of-war. The most shocking item was an old helmet covered in bullet holes. Holding it in his hands, Piotr explained to me that this was worn by a French partisan when he was shot by the Nazis. He pointed to the numerous bullet holes and then to a large gaping hole to the side of the helmet. That was where the Nazis plunged an axe into the skull. You could still make out the partisan's matted hair inside the helmet. A brutal and shocking reminder of the dark past.

The museum is open every day (by appointment only) and is well-worth a visit by anyone interested in Toruń during the Second World War. You can visit their website at: www.museumhw.pl .

National Mourning: Memorial March & Service

Last night, the citizens of Toruń came together to pay their respects to both the Katyn masacre and the Smolensk air crash disaster. Thousands of Torunians marched in a procession through the streets of the old town. This culminated in a moving ceremony in the old market square. TDP was there to capture the moment and bring our readers right here into the midst of it all.

Incidentally, it's been confirmed that the funeral of President Lech Kaczyński and his wife Maria Kaczyńska will take place on Sunday in Kraków, where their bodies will be buried at the Wawel. This is a very special honour as the Wawel is usually reserved as the burial site for Poland's Kings and Queens. Many world leaders, including Barack Obama will be attending the funeral.

"Quilt-a-thon"

[click image to enlarge]

These "comfort quilts" were all made in about 4 hours by some very talented and caring volunteers. They were made as part of the "Service For Soldiers" Fair event held last Sunday at the Wollaston Congregational Church. These quilts will all be given to soldiers who are wheelchair bound. I like the pattern of the window light upon the quilts.

Fight! Fight! Fight!

Yesterday on a beautifully hot spring day, the citizens of Toruń were treated to a real spectacle. A re-enactment team of 17th Century Polish soldiers entertained the crowds with some colourful sword play. The event took place in the moat that lines the Old city walls of Toruń. There was also an archery contest, strong man competition and authentic old Polish food for the crowds to enjoy. And enjoy they did!