„This friendship is a very real thing indeed.

”
POLAND AND NEW ZEALAND DURING
WORLD WAR II
 THE STATE OF WAR
“I am determined to blow up this ring which has been laid round Germany” [A. Hitler]
Poland was the only nation to fight in
Europe from the first to the very last Therefore Polish soldiers and their New Zealand brothers-in-arms were
day of the Second World War, the to join forces against the same enemy on many instances.
biggest conflict witnessed by This presentation shows selected fronts where their paths crossed and
humanity. When Germany invaded Poland, France and events that brought the two countries closer together.
Poland’s fate was greatly impacted Britain declared war on Germany. Given the
country’s reliance on British power for security “(…) For 54 Queen Salote of
by her geographic location, situated Tonga early
and considering economic motivation, New hours Poland
between two great powers, Nazi has stood alone joined with the
Germany and the Soviet Union, Zealand also declared war and became part of at the portals of
Allies when
WW2 came
which together in 1939 divided the Allies. civilisation around. Salote
Poland’s territory. A radio broadcast by Prime Minister Michael defending us as ordered fund
Joseph Savage on 5 September 1939 highlighted all free nations, raising for
Spitfires and
New Zealand’s approach: ‘Both with gratitude for and all we stand
eventually £15k
the past, and with confidence in the future, we for and hold (c.a $3 m today)
dear. She has was raised.
range ourselves without fear beside Britain. stood with Three Spitfires
Where she goes, we go, where she stands, we unexampled were ordered
stand.’ and
bravery and
named Queen
epic heroism. Salote, Prince Spitfire LF Mark IX, MJ502 ‘Prince Tungi Tonga II’, at No. 33
We greet her as Tungi and Tupou Maintenance Unit, Lyneham, Wiltshire, shortly before delivery to
a comrade.(…)” I. The gifts were No. 485 (New Zealand) Squadron RAF at Drem, Scotland. The
aircraft also served with the RAF during 1944, and in 1945 joined
“Mr Greenwood’s marked also with
the Mediterranean Allied Air Force in Italy. © IWM (E(MOS) 1323)
speech”, Evening tapa design.
Post, 4 September
1939
„New Zealand is ready to play the full part in the fight for democracy, justice, and freedom, said
the Acting Prime Minister (the Hon. P. Fraser), in a statement issued last night on receipt of word
that a state of war existed.
“This is not an occasion for many words; it is a dark day in the history of the world”, said Mr.
Fraser.(…)
“New Zealand is ready to do its part in assisting Great Britain in the conflict. The people of the
Dominion will, I know, throw themselves determinedly into any and every effort that may be
required of them.” (…)
“In the task that lies ahead much will be expected of everyone, and I know that every man and
Poland, September-October 1939 woman in the Dominion will play his or her part.”
Declaration of war, 1939 (Archives New Zealand, G 5 114 1658/39 1939) No Option But War, Statement by Mr Fraser, Evening Post, 4 September 1939
„Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few”
Sir Winston Churchill
Nearly 3,000 men of the RAF took part in the Battle of Britain –
those who Churchill called ‘The Few’. While most of the pilots were
British, Fighter Command was an international force. Men came
BATTLE OF BRITAIN
from all over the Commonwealth and occupied Europe – including „Never was so much owed by so many to so few” (W. Churchill)
New Zealand and Poland.

The first four Polish recipients of the Distinguished Flying Two airmen of the Polish Air Force Depot at RAF Blackpool
Cross of No. 303 Fighter Squadron © IWM (CH 1840) receiving instruction on the controls of an aircraft, 27 August 1940
© IWM (CH 1150)
A group of
pilots of No.
303 (Polish)
Fighter
Squadron RAF
A group of pilots of No. 303 Polish Fighter Squadron; standing by
National Digital Archives one of their
Hawker
After the September 1939 campaign, Polish airmen - well Hurricane Mark
IS at RAF in
trained and prepared for immediate action, were one of the Yorkshire, 24
first groups to be evacuated from Poland. They served October 1940
© IWM (CH
heroically in May-June 1940 in the defense of France. 1533)
In Great Britain, Polish airmen were initially formed into two
144 Polish pilots - roughly 5% of all RAF pilots - shot down 170
bomber squadrons (300 & 301) and two fighter squadrons
German planes, damaging an additional 36, which statistically was
(302 & 303). Over 80 Polish airmen also served into Royal
close to 12% of Luftwaffe losses suffered during the Battle of Britain.
Air Force units. In total, during WW2 the Polish Air Force
The majority of these shoot downs were done by the Polish 303
counted 16 divisions which fought over Europe and North
squadron. The 303 “Warsaw” Fighter Squadron named after Tadeusz
Africa. Polish airmen gained great fame through their
Kosciuszko was recognized as the best unit in the RAF. The division’s
participation in the Battle of Britain in July - October 1940.
engagements during the Battle of Britain became one of the most
prominent symbols of Poland’s contribution to the Allied cause.
 BATTLE OF BRITAIN
„Never was so much owed by so many to so few” (W. Churchill)
New Zealand’s most visible
contribution to the Battle of
Britain were the 135 men who
served in Fighter Command -
the third largest foreign
contingent after Poles. But
many New Zealand pilots also
served in Bomber Command,
including 75 (New Zealand)
Squadron. Other New The most prominent New
Zealanders flew supporting Zealander involved in the battle
missions as part of RAF Side view of Spitfire AB509 JM-C, belonging to Wing Commander JM Checketts DSO was Keith Park, the commander
DFC, Wing Leader of No. 142 Wing. RAF Station Horne. No. 142 Wing comprised of
Coastal Command, served in No. 130 (RAF) Squadron, No. 303 (PL) Squadron and No. 402 (CA) Squadron. No.s
of Fighter Command’s crucial 11
the ships and squadrons of the 303 and 402 Squadron badges appear on the engine cowl. No. 142 Wing Operated Group, which covered London
Group of New Zealand pilots from 'B' Flight, Number 32 Squadron, resting on the grass in front of from RAF Station Horne during the period of the Allied invasion of France. Air Force and southeast England.
Royal Navy. one of their Hurricanes at Royal Air Force Station Hawkinge. This is during the Battle of Britain. Museum of New Zealand
No other New Zealand-born
Air Force Museum of New Zealand
military figure had a greater
impact on history than Park, for
none have ever had such a
In 1938 the New Zealand government had ordered 30 Vickers Wellington Mk1C significant role in determining the
bombers. RNZAF aircrew were sent to England to train on the new aircraft. The course of a major battle.
crews were to fly the aircraft to New Zealand in batches of six. RAF official records
name this group as "The New Zealand Squadron", and as a result of Britain declaring
war against Germany, the New Zealand Government made the airman and the
aircraft available to the RAF. A decision by the British Air Ministry to give them the
defunct No. 75 Squadron (NZ) number plate on 4 April 1940, meant that the nucleus “O Thou that hearest prayer, And quick discerning mind,
Our brothers’ shield and guide, Through lonely wastes of sky
of The New Zealand Squadron personnel remained together as an operational unit of Who through the spacious air Uncharted ways to find,
the RAF. This was the first Commonwealth squadron to be so created in the WW2. In On high adventure ride, Nor faint nor fail
October 1946, in gratitude for the work done and sacrifices made by its New Zealand To watch or fight, Nor evil fear,
Near and afar, But know Thee near,
aircrew, Britain transferred the squadron number, badge and colours to the Royal
On wings of war, Whate’er assail (…)”
New Zealand Air Force. The RAF were to never again have a No. 75 Squadron, and For truth and right
No. 75 Squadron (NZ) Wellington’s aircrews at RAF Feltwell, Norfolk it is the only RAF Squadron to be given to a Commonwealth country by Britain. Give skill of hand and eye, Battle of Britain Hymn
„This friendship is a very real thing indeed.”
 As the delegate of the Polish
THE WODZICKIS & POLISH ARMY LEAGUE Red Cross, Maria Wodzicka set
The first Polish Consul-General „This friendship is a very real thing indeed.” to work doing what she could to
to be appointed to New help her fellow countrymen. A
Zealand, Professor K. talented speaker, she travelled
Wodzicki, has arrived at In late 1940, the Polish
Auckland from London on his extensively giving public
Government-in-Exile in London
way to Wellington, where he addresses to raise money and
will take up office. The
established the Consulate-
awareness about the situation
profesor, who is accompanied General of Poland in Wellington.
of the Polish people. Following
by his wife and their two Count Kazimierz Wodzicki was Three years ago today Poland
children, was formerly profesor one such talk on 26th November
appointed the Consul-General. took the first blow from the
of biology at Warsaw University
armed might of Germany. The 1941 in Palmerston North, the
College of Agriculture. Count Wodzicki worked to raise
story of her gallant resistance Countess spoke with Mrs Ann
Professor Wodzicki said he awareness among New „(…) Count Wodzicki
in the face of overwhelming W. Jacques about the
was proud to be the first Zealanders about Poland’s said he did not feel a
odds is one that will live for
representative of Poland to the stranger in New loneliness of Poles fighting
occupation by Germany and to Zealand. Since he had ever in the pages of history. Cut
Dominion, especially at a time
off from all possible assistance, alongside the NZ Division in the
when his countrymen were assist Polish nationals. arrived in Auckland he
had felt almost as the Polish Army, outnumbered Middle East. In December 1941
fighting with the British Empire It was largely thanks to his and as it was and without the
though he were in his the Polish Army League was
for the common cause of his wife’s diplomatic efforts that tremendous mechanised
freedom and liberty for the own country, owing to established in Palmerston North
entire world.”
New Zealand accepted a large the hospitality he had equipment that the aggressive
invading forces had prepared, with Mrs Jacques as its
Evening Post, 26 April 1941 number of Polish children. received, for which both
he and his Countess yet performer unparalleled organising secretary.
were greatly indebted. feats of valour in defence of its Countess Wodzicka was very
He brought a greeting native soil. (…) Poland was
overwhelmed and its people engaged in the preparations for
from all his fellow-
countrymen who were placed under subjection, a the Polish Children’s Camp at
now fighting with the subjection that has brought Pahiatua as the only Polish
untold misery and suffering to
Allied Forces for the member of the Committee set
freedom which was the countless thousands. But one
thing not even the power and up by Prime Minister Fraser to
Allies’s aim. (…)” Members from the Executive Committee of the Polish Army League:
Evening Post, 21 May
ruthlessness of Hitler could from left: A Stewart, L E Bale (President); T K Fraser (Treasurer); W act as „a liaison between the
1941 defeat – the soul of Poland. (…) A Jacques (organising secretary) public and the Polish children
Evening Post, 1 September 1942
and Staff. She worked tirelessly
on the children’s behalf, acting
as a mediator between the
„(…) I should like to take this opportunity of telling you how much I respect the sincerity with which you have expressed your camp and many governmental
convictions. You have made the ideal and achievements of the Polish people widely known and greatly respected in this and non-governmental
country. It is largely because of you that we have a deep knowledge of and sympathy and admiration for the courage and agencies involved with their
spiritual strength of the people of Poland during years of dreadful trial.(…)”
Prime Minister Peter Fraser in a letter sent to K. Wodzicki on 17 December 1945 welfare.
 (…) It is fitting that Palmerston North should be the home of the Polish Collection as it was in that city that
POLISH ARMY LEAGUE the Polish Army League was founded, and due to the warm-hearted generosity of the Palmerston residents
that the work of the League was established so rapidly and permanently, forming an unbreakable bond of
„This friendship is a very real thing indeed.” friendship between our country and that of our Polish allies, many of whom think of New Zealand as a land
far removed from the horrors of war and misery, a land where – as one Pole wrote – „people are different,
where goodness and kindnesss still reign.” - from a letter by Miss G C Tennent of Dannevirke
By January 1942, the first shipment of parcels and letters was mailed out to the Polish
Consulate in Cairo. A system where one person could "adopt" a soldier, gearing their parcels
to his needs, made sure no-one was forgotten. 10,000 Polish soldiers were ‘under the
protection’ of their New Zealand ‘foster-mothers’, who were sending them letters, books and
food parcels. In return, the soldiers wrote appreciation messages and sent their own artwork
and crafts to Palmerston North.

Dear Miss Jacques,

I wish to acknowledge receipt of your
letters of March 3rd and April 2nd
1942 as well as 27 packages
containing gifts for the Polish soldiers
in the Middle East. Selected gifts made by Polish soldiers as an expression of their heartfelt gratitude for New Zealand's treatment of the Polish children refugees and
appreciation of the great friendship shown to the soldiers through the sending of correspondence and parcels.
In their name and in mine I thank you
and the Polish Army League for your
kindness and generosity. New Zealand
„Members of the Polish Army League in Governor
These parcels have been distributed Palmerston North forwarded 57 parcels General, Lt-
among our soldiers lying in hospital yesterday to Polish soldiers in the Middle East. Gen Sir
Bernard Cyril
and I am sure that most of them will This league has been formed in order that these
Freyberg, and
soldiers, who have been entirely separated from
write you directly. their homes and families should receive
Mrs Ann
Jacques at
We several times had the pleasure of comforts, and the help of more women in this opening of
meeting some of the New Zealand work is being sought. It is hoped that an exhibition of
individual parcel will be sent to every Polish gifts from
Units in the Middle East and we were Polish
soldier in the Middle East, each one containing a
proud to fight side by side with such knitted garment, hussif, face-cloth, tinned food, soldiers. The
fine men. toilet requisites, and a personal letter. The exhibition was
held at the C
Thanking you again for the great effort committee welcomes assistance in the form of
M Ross
donations for the gift parcels, particularly knitted
you have done for us Poles, I remain. department
goods and hussifs or money to purchase tinned store (now the
Yours very sincerely, foods. Since Poland is in the hands of the enemy Palmerston
S. Kopanski personal letters from New Zealanders are also North Central
much appreciated by the Polish soldiers fighting Library) in
O.C.Polish Carpathian Division side by side with the men of the Empire. „ September
Exhibition of gifts made by Polish soldiers to be sent to New
Zealand, as displayed at Cupra Marittima, Italy. Manawatu Standard, 2 April 1942 1946
„They leave today for a hospitality camp which has been prepared for them at Pahiatua, where they
can continue their education and enjoy in the sanctuary of New Zealand the peace which their own
land cannot at present offer.” [Evening Post, 1 November 1944]
On 31 October 1944, a total of The children, mostly
733 Polish children and their POLISH CHILDREN OF PAHIATUA orphaned or having lost
105 guardians reached family members, found a
Wellington Harbour. On 1 „(…) in the sanctuary of New Zealand (…)” temporary refuge in Iran. An
November they settled into the international appeal was
Polish Children’s Camp at sent out. In 1943 New
Pahiatua, north of Wellington. Zealand Government invited
Together they had shared the the group to stay for the
fate of 1.7 million Poles who had duration of the war. Little
When on 9
been ethnically cleansed from June 1943 the they knew then, but it would
their homes in eastern Poland US transport be here that most of the
by the Soviet authorities, and ship Hermitage, children had found their safe
carrying a group
deported to forced-labour haven and permanent
of 706 Polish
camps throughout the Soviet children from home.
Union. Many of the deportees, Iran to Mexico,
Alexander Turnbull Library Alexander Turnbull Library
The war ended,
Alexander Turnbull Library
due to the harsh conditions and anchored for a but Poland did not regain its
short time in
inhumane treatment by the Wellington,
independence. Eastern
Soviets, did not survive the Maria Wodzicka Poland, where the children
journey or their exile in Siberia visited them of Pahiatua had been born,
or Kazakhstan. Of those 1.7 and envisaged became part of the Soviet
bringing a
million, 1 million died of illness similar group of Union and the rest of the
or starvation. In 1941, after Polish children country fell under the
being attacked by Germany, the to New communist domination. It
Zealand. She
USSR joined the Allies and was unsafe for the children
shared her idea
granted „amnesty” to the Poles. Alexander Turnbull Library Alexander Turnbull Library with Janet to return to their homeland
The Polish Army in the USSR Fraser – a wife and most of them had
was formed in 1941-1942. This of Prime nothing, and no one, to
Minister Peter
Army, together with the Fraser - and
return to.
Carpathian bridge formed the II eventually that Their story is one of
Polish Corps under the idea became a remarkable survival against
command of General Władysław reality. all odds in war and
Anders. After crossing the successfully integrating into
border into Iran, the fighting a foreign country. They
units began to travel back to became self-sufficient, hard-
Europe via Palestine. working, loyal citizens of
Alexander Turnbull Library Alexander Turnbull Library New Zealand.
"We shall have to take very severe measures. I can only tell you the men who have escaped
will be shot; probably the majority of them are dead already.”
Field Marshal Wilhelm Keite [known as Hitler’s yes-man in charge of PoW camps]
 THE GREAT ESCAPE 🏃
„(…) the men who have escaped will be shot”

Of the 76 Allied airmen who broke out, 50

were later executed by the Gestapo on the
direct orders of a humiliated Adolf Hitler.
Only three successfully evaded capture
(one Dutchman & two Norwegian pilots).
A cart used to remove the earth and a device for pumping One of the German guards in the entrance to the escape tunnel
air into escape tunnels, both made my POWs, in the "Tom" at Stalag Luft III © IWM (HU 21238) Among the 50 shot were Britons,
storage at Stalag Luft III. © IWM (HU 21225) Canadians, South Africans, Australians,
On the night of 24 March Norwegians, Lithuanians, Belgians,
1944, the largest prisoner of Frenchmen, Czech, Greeks as well as 3
war breakout ever New Zealanders and 6 Poles.
attempted occurred at
Works initially started
Stalag Luft III, a German
on three tunnels New
camp for captured Allied
codenamed ‘Tom’, Zealand &
airmen in Sagan (now Polish pilots
‘Dick’ and
Żagań, Poland). shot among
‘Harry. Ultimately all the 50:
Having taken over 750 men Arnold
the efforts
more than a year to Christensen,
concentrated on
prepare, this ‘Great Escape’ Porokoru
‘Harry’. By 25 March, (Johnny)
was unprecedented in its Pohe,
the 102-metre-long
organisation and scale, but John
A German guard in the "Harry" escape tunnel at Stalag Luft III. Photograph tunnel was ready. Williams,
also in its tragedy. probably taken in late March 1944. © IWM (HU 21234)
Antoni
Kiewnarski,
Włodzimierz
Kolanowski,
Stanisław
Król,
Jerzy
Mondschein,
Kazimierz
Pawluk,
German officers looking at the entrance to an Paweł
earlier tunnel dug by POWs under a stove at Tobolski 25 out of 50 escapees from Stalag Luft III, recaptured and executed by Gestapo
Stalag Luft III © IWM (HU 21217) in March and April 1944 after failure of the Great Escape © IWM (HU 1591)
A panoramic view of Stalag Luft III, Sagan © IWM (HU 21030)
 „(…) Squadron leader Trent, escaper number seventy-nine, poked his head
cautiously into a land of snow beyond the wire. The freezing bite of the
morning air, compounded in chills and heightened in purity in contrast to the
fetor of the tunel fug, was sweet with the fragrance of the pine woods and rich
with wild promises. Its sharpness stung the membranes of his nose and
brought moisture to his eyes.
‚My God, my God!’ He whispered his exultation – which was also a fervid
prayer of thanksgiving. Time telescoped upon itself and in a vivid flash the
past and the present and the future merged and tumbled joyously around him.
He was already back in England with Ursula and little baby daughter Christine.
And now, in the fields around Methwold, daffodils would be peeping through
the snow as, blossom by blossom, the spring began.(…)”
„Escape!” Matthew Wright, chapter The greatest escape of all by James Sanders
 OPERATION MOST III
„ We were running out of time and we discussed burning the plane.” Jan Nowak-Jeziorański (1914-2005) –
Polish journalist, writer, social worker
and patriot, known as „Courier from
The Polish intelligence Warsaw” for his work as an emissary
service played an between the Home Army command
important role in the and the Polish Government in Exile in
Allied camp. In 1944, the London, participant of the Warsaw
Uprising – was one of 4 passengers
Polish Home Army
brought to Poland by F/Lt S.G.
managed to recover an Culliford as part of Most III operation.
entire German V2 rocket.
Polish experts carried out The operation was undertaken
tests on the rocket. The cautiously as the German presence in
results and the most nearby villages was substantial. The
important components of aircraft had problems as upon
the rocket were to be attempting to take-off the aircraft
sent to London. Crucial wouldn't move. Suspecting the wheel
in this operation were brakes had become locked in the 'on'
New Zealand - Polish position, a crew member cut the
pilots duo. Flight Lieutenant Stanley George Culliford. Flight Officer Kazimierz Szrajer hydraulic lines leading to the brakes,
before discovering the Dakota's
267 Squadron Dakotas at North African landing ground wheels had sunk into the marshy
meadows. The crew could have
A high Polish military decoration, the Order of Virtuti The operation was carried out on the night of 25/26 Britain had secured a abandoned and destroyed the aircraft,
Militari, has been awarded to Flight Lieutenant Stanley July 1944. New Zealander, a 22-year old pilot of V2 rocket bomb for but with the help of the partisans, the
George Culliford, of Norsewood, Hawke's Bay.' He is Dakota of No. 267 Squadron RAF, Stanley George purposes of aircraft managed to take off at the
the second New Zealand airman to receive this Culliford, flew a top-secret mission from Brindisi, Italy investigation before third attempt and returned to Brindisi
decoration, the first being Wing Commander A. H. C. into a German-occupied Poland and landed at an the Germans
Boxer, D.F.C., R.A.F., of Nelson, who received it last commenced firing
with the parts. In late July 1944, the
Armia Krajowa outpost codenamed Motyl (Butterfly), parts were delivered to London.
year. Culliford, who is a son of Mr. and Mrs. A F these weapons at
Culliford, of Norsewood, has Since' the battle of El a village near Jadowniki Mokre (Tarnów region). southern England. The aircraft's crew also included F/O
Alamein been attached to Squadron 267 of the R.A.F. The transport plane had been fitted with additional How this came about J.P. Williams (navigator), F/Sgt J.
This squadron, which was engaged in transport flying, fuel tanks to allow it to stay airborne for at least 13 was revealed in Appleby (radio-operator). Security for
followed the Eighth Army to Tunisia, and operated in hours. Captain Culliford’s co-pilot was a Polish native London today (…) the operation (about 400 people) was
the Sicilian invasion, and then in Italy (…). Flight Officer Kazimierz Szrajer (who was also a Evening Post, 1 May 1945
Evening Post, 19 August 1944 provided by Armia Krajowa group
translator). A German V2 rocket © IWM (BU 11149) “Urban”.
 “
Finally, in a morning of July 25th, I was informed that the flight would take place that night.
(…) I suddenly realized that I never flew that type of aircraft, and started to be a little
apprehensive. (…) It took F/Lt Culliford, a New Zealander, about five minutes to introduce
me to Dakota. After referring me to instruments, fuel and undercarriage system, he made
me a fully qualified co-pilot. (…) It was to be my twentieth flight to the occupied Poland.
We took off from Brindisi at 7:30 p.m. escorted by a Polish Liberator. It was mostly for our
psychical comfort, since both planes were an easy target for German fighters. On board we
had some equipment and four passengers. Not only the common sense but also strict
regulations prohibited us from knowing whom they were.(…)
Our orientation point for landing was the outlet of the River Dunajec to the River Vistula. We
reached it according to plan, right on time. Down there they waited for us, and after signals
exchange, the lights appeared on four corners of the landing strip.(…)

We franticly tried to free the aircraft, all in vain. We were running out of time and we
discussed burning the plane. Finally, after an hour and five minutes on the ground, we
succeeded and took off for home. (…) Flying with the wheels down created a drag what
threatened with running out of fuel before reaching our base. We filled the hydraulic tank
with whatever fluid we could get: water, thermos tea, whatever. By the time we passed the
Tatra Mountains, we had the wheels up. (…) It was a beautiful, starry and calm night and we
all calmed down, calculating that after three hours of flight we’ll be back home and relatively
safe. I reflected on the group of people we left behind us, who already for five years fought
with the hated occupant, and who put a lot of effort into the “Third Bridge”. Our successful
flight back to Allied territory with the parts of V-2 was their triumph.(…)

Reminiscence of Most III (Wildhorn III) Operation by its’ co-pilot and interpreter
Major Kazimierz Szrajer (1919-2012)
“I have seen many towns destroyed, but nowhere have I been faced with such destruction.”
Gen. Dwight Eisenhower
The Warsaw Rising broke out on August 1, 1944 and lasted 63 days
until October 3, 1944. Almost 50,000 Home Army insurgents faced
the might of the German forces occupying the capital of Poland since
WARSAW UPRISING
1939. Armed conflict spread to all districts of Warsaw. „(…) nowhere have I been faced with such destruction”
The passivity of the Soviet Red Army units stationed on the other side
of the Vistula, and the degree to which the insurgents were
outnumbered in their fight against the Nazis, led to death about
16,000 Home Army fighters and 150,000 Polish civilian victims.

A group of Home Army soldiers with a female companion posing for A little girl passing by one of the many graveyards in the streets of
a photograph in a rubbled street of Warsaw. © IWM (HU 39144) Warsaw. © IWM (HU 105736)

The failure of the Rising was an

opportunity for Hitler to begin
the destruction of the Polish
capital, which he planned
before the start of World War II.
The Nazis destroyed over 70
percent of residential buildings
and 90 percent of historic
buildings. The exact amount of
losses of pieces of art,
monuments of science and
culture is unknown but
considered enormous.
 WARSAW UPRISING DROP SUPPLIES TO PATRIOTS
Since the Warsaw rising at the beginning of August, states a Rome message,
„(…) nowhere have I been faced with such destruction” R.A.F. and South African bombers from Italy have been dropping supplies
and ammunition to the Polish patriots in the capital. The British, South
African, and Polish crews of Liberators and Halifaxes have been making a
round trip of over 1700 miles through an area strongly defended by German
fighters. To drop supplies accurately they have had to come down low and fly
at slow speed, thus presenting very suitable targets to the ground gunners. A
total of over 100 aircraft have been sent on these missions. More than half
have successfully fought their way through all hazards. Twenty, one bombers
(…) Poland was the first, have so far been lost. The courage and endurance of the crews will rank with
and for a time the the outstanding acts of heroism of this war.
strongest fighting ally of Evening Post, 19 August 1944
Britain. Yet her capital is
(…) fighting the third battle Squadron Leader
in this war. Now Polish Stanisław Król
(left) and Warrant
airmen, sailors, and Officer Stanisław
soldiers in Italy and Kłosowski looking
Normandy have to watch out of a machine
gun hatch of their
the final extermination of Liberator in
Warsaw and her people. Brindisi.
However, they are Photograph taken
in September
perishing not because of 1944 during the
wrong timing – the timing Flight's
was excellent. The fact A Consolidated B-24 Liberator used to involvement in
drop supplies to the Warsaw Insurgents supply drops for
was that the city was the Polish Home
extensively mined by the Army in Warsaw.
Germans, and the people © IWM (MH 1213)

of Warsaw commenced
KRAKÓW MILITARY CEMETERY - COMMONWEALTH SECTION fighting when the The Warsaw Airlift was a British-led operation to re-
This cemetery contains 522 burials of the Second World War – 7 sailors, Russians were in the
360 soldiers, 128 airmen, 24 civilians ad 3 which are unidentified. Of those supply the besieged Polish resistance Home Army
eastern suburbs of
identified 389 are British, 15 Canadian, 22 Australian, 26 New Zealand, 50 in the Warsaw Uprising, after nearby Soviet forces
Warsaw. They are being
South African, 2 Indian and 15 Polish. defeated in spite of their chose not to come to its aid. It took place between
Poland and the Commonwealth countries were allies in the Second World heroism because they are 4 August and 28 September 1944, and was
War, but the German occupation made military and industrial installations not being given the suport conducted by Polish, British, Canadian, Australian,
and communications in Poland targets in the strategic bombing offensive, they desperately New Zealand and South African airmen flying
and, to help the Polish Home Army during the ill-fated Warsaw uprising of need.(…)
1st of August to 3rd of October 1944, long range supply-dropping missions from Celone and Brindisi in Italy. They were denied
(Dr) K.A. Wodzicki,
were flown from bases in Italy. In these and other operations many aircraft Consul-General of Poland
the flyover rights from their Soviet allies, who shot
were lost and their crews killed or captured. Evening Post, 17 August 1944 at them when the planes entered Soviet airspace.
“So ended the struggle for Cassino, a town that will be remembered in many countries for
many years to come.” [Recollections of an Old Soldier, Captain WJ Woodhouse, 2nd NZEF, 24th Battalion]
 The struggle for Cassino was one of the most brutal and costly battles
involving Polish and New Zealand forces in Second World War.
MONTE CASSINO BATTLE
“So ended the struggle for Cassino, a town that will be remembered in
many countries for many years to come.”
The way to Rome led through the
strategically pivotal Liri Valley. The
entrance to the valley, however,
was just over 10 kilometres wide
and was overlooked by the 500-
metre-high Monte Cassino,
topped by an historic Benedictine
monastery. Augmented by the
Germans’ meticulous deployment
New Zealand soldiers at Monte Cassino, 15 March 1944; The Jozef Pilsudski
of minefields, fortifications and
Institute flooding through demolition of
In October 1943, the stop-banks, Cassino was a
New Zealand division led defender’s dream and an
by Lieutenant-General attacking army’s nightmare.
Sir Bernard Freyberg Following a massive
arrived in Italy, now bombardment of the German
under German A Vickers machine gun crew of the 2nd New Zealand Division in action defences, the subsequent aerial
during attacks on German positions at Monte Cassino. © IWM (NA 12552) bombardment on the 15 February
occupation. In November
the New Zealanders which laid waste to the monastery
joined the Allied effort to and its environs, the assault of the
breach the Germans’ town’s well-defended railway
defensive Gustav Line station by the 28th Maori Battalion
by attacking its eastern on 17 February and a series of
other brave but unsuccessful Of all the battles involving the
margins. Early in 1944 it „(…) Maoris of the New Zealand Māori Battalion in the Second
was involved in an assaults, the cost proved to be too Division on the Eight Army front have World War, none was more
attempt to take Monte high and New Zealand troops distinguished themselves. The brutal or costly than the struggle
ceased seeking to advance and in Germans in one sector of the Maoris’ for Cassino. By the time WW2
Cassino, the key point in
early April the New Zealand line broke through, but the Maoris ended in 1945 the 28th Battalion
the German line blocking immediately attacked and wiped out the had become one of the most
the way to Rome. Commander of the Indian and New Zealand Division withdrew from the entire German force.(…)” celebrated and decorated units
Divisions at Cassino, Lt Gen Sir Bernard German troops captured by the New Zealanders at Cassino
Freyberg VC, 3 January 1944 being held beside a Sherman tank Cassino area. Evening Post, 10 January 1944 in the New Zealand forces.
 MONTE CASSINO BATTLE On the night of 11 May 1944, after long and difficult
preparations, the decisive fourth battle began to
“So ended the struggle for Cassino, a town that will be remembered in many break the Gustav Line by carrying out two operations
which involved the encirclement of the monastery

From December 1943 to January

countries for many years to come.” hill. The Polish advance was aimed at capturing the
mountain massif of Monte Cassino-Monte Cairo.
1944, the 2nd Polish Corps led by Despite fierce fighting and heavy causalities, the first
General Władysław Anders was attack on 12 May did not create the intended
“(…) We then had a spell of ten days
transferred to Italy, where it fought before moving into a mountain area to breakthrough, yet the operational objective was
until the end of the war. Polish troops take over from the Poles. This in itself reached. The second attack began on the evening of
were given orders to defend the was a new experience, as we had to load 16 May. On 18 May at 9.45 am, a patrol of the 12th
Sangro-Volturno river line, including all our gear on to mules, and coax the
animals along a narrow muddy track in Podolski Lancers Regiment reached the ruins of the
front positions in the Mainarde darkness. monastery at Monte Cassino. Soon after that, the
Mountains. They would then fight in I had been up on the previous day with Polish flag was raised there followed a little later by
the 4th Battle of Monte Cassino on the advance party to look over the area,
the British Union Jack next to it.
a patch of land fiercely defended by and as it was Easter Day, we shared our
rations with the Poles – hardboiled eggs,
elite German units. Since January carefully divided into small segments,
1944, the Allies had unsuccessfully English soldiers from 1/6 East Surreys battalions with chocolate and beer. Conversation was
ruins in the background, May 1944; The Jozef Pilsudski
tried to break the Gustav Line, carried on through interpreters, who
Institute 923 dead & 2931 wounded 350 dead & 1200 wounded
spoke at length in Polish and translated
suffering heavy causalities. The five- the equally long reply into a few words of
Polish 2nd Corps soldiers New Zealand Division
month-long Battle of Cassino was English! (…)” soldiers
fought by soldiers from all continents: Recollections of an Old Soldier. Captain WJ
Woodhouse, 2nd NZEF, 24th Battalion
Europe, Africa, Asia, America and
Oceania.
Polish and British flags
hoisted over ruins of
Monte Cassino Abbey
after its capture. © IWM
(MH 1680)

Troops of the
2nd Polish
Corps
throwing
grenades at
the enemy
during heavy
fighting
around Monte
Cassino. ©
Troops of the 2nd Polish Corps manning a heavy mortar in a Sherman tank driving through the ruins of San Angelo town, IWM (MH
sandbagged mortar site in Cassino, April 1944. © IWM (HU 128236) 14 May 1944, Italy, The Jozef Pilsudski Institute Monte Cassino Battle, May 1944; The Jozef Pilsudski Institute 1984)
 „Soldiers! My dearest Brothers and Children!
The moment for battle has arrived. Long have we waited for this
moment of revenge and retribution over our hereditary enemy. We
will fight shoulder to shoulder with the British, American, Canadian,
New Zealand divisions. (…)
The task that has befallen us will bring worldwide glory to the Polish
soldier. In these moments of trial we will be in the minds and hearts
of the entire Polish nation. The spirits of our fallen brothers in arms
will support us. Let the lion awake in your heart! (…)
Soldiers – we march ahead with the holy motto of “God, Honor,
Homeland” in our hearts, remembering Germany’s bandit attack
against Poland, the German-Soviet partitions of Poland, the
thousands of ruined towns and cities, the murders and tortures
inflicted on hundreds of thousands of our brothers and sisters, the
millions of Poles deported to Germany as slaves, the plight and
sorrow of our country, our suffering and exile, with the faith in the
justice of Divine Providence.”

- General Anders wrote in his order to the soldiers of the 2nd Polish Corps in the
eve of the Cassino Battle

General Władysław Anders asked to be buried alongside his fellow soldiers at the
Cassino Cemetery and his wish was met after he died in 1970 in London.
 “Red poppies on Monte Cassino,
Instead of dew, drank Polish blood.
As the soldier crushed them in falling,
For the anger was more potent than death.
Years will pass and ages will roll,
But traces of bygone days will stay,
And the poppies on Monte Cassino
Will be redder having quaffed Polish blood.”

Polish military song

of WW2 composed during the Battle of
Monte Cassino;
lyrics by Feliks
Konarski, music by Alfred
Schütz

„They shall grow not old as we that

are left grow old
Age shall not weary them, nor the
years condemn
At the going down of the sun and in
the morning
We will remember them”

„The Ode”, from „For the Fallen”

Laurence Binyon, London, 1914
LOCATIONS

Żagań, Poland Warsaw, Poland

London, Great Tarnów, Poland

Britain

Cassino, Italy

Pahiatua, New
Zealand

Palmerston North,
New Zealand
 PHOTOGRAPHY Ref: 1/2-003634-F. Alexander Turnbull 101I-696-0426-06 / Leher / CC-BY-SA 3.0;
COPYRIGHTS & Library, Wellington, New Zealand Bundesarchiv, Bild 146-2005-0044 /
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(2) Poland, September-October 1939, camp, Pahiatua. Ref: 1/2-003665-F. Wikimedia Commons // Bundesarchiv, Bild
source: Bundesarchiv, Bild 101I-121-0010- Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New 101I-696-0426-14 / Leher / CC-BY-SA 3.0 //
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E10458 / CC-BY-SA 3.0; Bundesarchiv, in a Polish camp, Pahiatua. Ref: 1/4- (19) Image of Polish soldier in Italy, sent to
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Rutkowski, Heinz / CC-BY-SA 3.0 – Polish refugees on their train journey to (20) The Jozef Pilsudski Institute // Imperial
Wikimedia Commons // 'New Zealand Pahiatua from Wellington. Ref: 1/2-003644- War Museum // Sir B. Freyberg - Wikimedia
declares war on Germany', URL: F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, Commons // Bundesarchiv, Bild 146-1975-
https://nzhistory.govt.nz/new-zealand- New Zealand // Children in play area of a 014-31 / CC-BY-SA 3.0 // Māori
declares-war-on-germany // Imperial War Polish refugee camp in Pahiatua. Ref: 1/4- Battalion survivors of action in Greece,
Museum 001376-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, performing a haka in Helwan, Egypt for
(3) Dywizjon 303 in colour – Wikimedia Wellington, New Zealand // Mrs K Skwaiko the King of Greece - Wikimedia Commons
Commons watches her pupils study in the boys' (21) Imperial War Museum // The Jozef
(4) National Digital Archives, Poland classroom at a Polish refugee camp, Pilsudski Institute
//Imperial War Museum ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Pahiatua. Ref: 1/4-001374-F. Alexander (22) Gen. Tadeusz Klimecki and
& SPECIAL THANKS www.wellington.msz.gov.pl
(5) No. 75 Squadron (NZ) Wellington’s Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand // Gen. Władysław Anders, June 1943 –
aircrews at RAF Feltwell, Norfolk – Kindergarten group at a Polish refugee Wikimedia Commons
Wikimedia Commons // Air Force Museum camp, Pahiatua. Ref: 1/4-001365-F. The Jozef Pilsudski Institute, London
(23) Kaye, George Frederick, 1914-2004.
of New Zealand // Sir Keith Park – Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New World War 2 New Zealand soldiers, Atina,
National Digital Archives, Poland
Wikimedia Commons Zealand Italy. New Zealand. Department of Internal
National Library of New Zealand POL Embassy in NZ
(6) Account of Polish Forces relationship Air Force Museum of New Zealand @PLinNewZealand
(11) A large group of Allied POWs on Affairs. War History Branch :Photographs
with, and the donation of gifts to, the Polish parade at Stalag Luft III, Sagan, © IWM (HU relating to World War 1914-1918, World Palmerston North City Library
Army Leaque - Ian Matheson City Archives 21087) – Imperial War Museum Imperial War Museum, London
War 1939-1945, occupation of Japan,
(7) Kazimierz Wodzicki with wife Maria and (12) Imperial War Museum Korean War, and Malayan Emergency. Ref:
children after arrival in Auckland, 1941 – (13) British prisoners of war tend their DA-06015-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Polish Embassy in Wellington
Embassy of the Republic of Poland in garden at Stalag Luft III, © IWM (HU 20930) Wellington, New Zealand // The Jozef
Wellington // Palmerston North City Library - Imperial War Museum @polishembassynz
Pilsudski Institute // Guthrie, Bruce, active
(8) Envelope addressed to the Polish Army (14) F/L S. G. Culliford – from Culliford 1939-1945. Graves of members of the 26th
League - Ian Matheson City Archives // Family album // F/O K. Szrajer – Battalion, New Zealand Expeditionary
Exhibition of gifts for New Zealand from www.poland.us // 267 Squadron Dakota - Force, Cassino, Italy. New Zealand.
Polish soldiers - Ian Matheson City Archivesfrom Culliford Family album // Imperial War Department of Internal Affairs. War History
// Miniature mountain hut from Polish soldier Museum // Jan Nowak-Jeziorański - Branch :Photographs relating to World War
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from Polish soldier - Ian Matheson City (16) Warsaw Uprising: Firing of 32-35 cm occupation of Japan, Korean War, and
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