English Translation

#44481

From: "JennyS" <seasidejenny@...>
Date: Sun May 1, 2011 9:23 pm
Subject: Lost Between Worlds: Recent Book

seasidejenny

Having just finished "Lost Between Worlds" by Edward Herzbaum, I wanted to let
others know of this enthralling first-hand account. Please visit the website for
background information on its creation. Krystyna has done a beautiful job of
pulling it all together. http://www.lostbetweenworlds-herzbaum.com/index.htm

In particular, one feels so strongly the despair inherent in the Siberian labour
camp and, later, the continual emptiness that he feels, the sense that he has
lost his way. As a psychological profile of the wandering Polish experience, it
is remarkable.

An added bonus for me was that both our fathers were in Khanaquin at the same
time; Edward described New Year's Eve while my father described Christmas Eve. I
now see what it means to others who have said that reading my father's book lets
them follow in a family member's footsteps.

Krystyna's father made some statements that speak to so many, are such clear
indicators of how it must have felt, and are overwhelming comments on his
situation:

"Sometimes I wonder how I can take things so lightly, like a man suffering from
a terminal illness who walks among the living and nobody knows that he is sick,
so he tends to forget himself."

"Life could have been beautiful, but it didn't happen and whatever is left from
it for us, it's not very valuable."

"Although it is good to learn and to get acquainted with the world, there is a
certain limit, I've seen too much."

He comes to feel that he doesn't fit into the old world anymore and fits into
the new one even less.

As well, Edward is a beautiful writer: "An old song came to my mind, flew across
the room and disappeared." And "Outside, of course, it's dark now because it is
night, and the fog is so thick you can hang your coat off it..."

Definitely recommended for those who want to read about the many ordeals faced
by Poles in one book: Nazi arrest, Siberian labour, freedom in Iran, the army in
Palestine, fighting in Italy.

Regards,
Jenny Skulski
Vancouver, BC

#44482

From: Danuta Janina Wójcik <sandlily@...>
Date: Sun May 1, 2011 9:22 pm
Subject: English Movie - Karol - A Man Who Became Pope

gosford27

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVWYLkAeNaI

Part 1 of 19

The life of a Pope an extraordinary and moving journey through 50 years of history.

1930's Poland, 10 year old Karol Wojtyla has dreams, many dreams. One by one they are shattered. First by the loss of his beloved mother and brother. Then, by the outbreak of the war and the death-fleeing human exodus which ensued. And finally, by the first signs of the Jewish persecution.

These events will mark the start of Karol's long journey from worker, to poet and teacher. A journey full of encounters that eventually leads him to become a priest and finally, in 1978 to become the man we all now know, a man who mas marked an era, a man who has made history as Pope John Paul II.

#44483

From: "Larry F" <larrydna@...>
Date: Sun May 1, 2011 9:41 pm
Subject: New member

larrydna

My mother's parents were both from this region. My grandfather was Max A. Joffe;
his mother was an Epstein and his father's first name is unknown to me. �He
ended up establishing pharmaceutical and chemical companies in Moscow, Ufa and
Shanghai, where he provided financial assistance to several thousand Russian
Jews to emigrate to Israel or North America. This great grandmother Epstein had
a sister. She married a Rabinowicz (Anglization). Two sons were dispatched to
Europe to sell my hrs father's pharmaceuticals and chemicals. One son went
initially to the U. K. And changed his name to Beloff (an illustrious subsequent
family). The other som initially went to Belgium, but ended up in London and
changed the name to Rubin. I have a chart of all of these Epsteins (others of
which migrated tothe U.K. And some eventually to the U. S.)
�
My grandmother was a Margolin from Minsk where her father was a prominent
businessman. He was Adolph Margolin and his wife was Mary. They died in Siberia
with two sons in the 40's. A cousin was shot in 1905 in the uprising against the
Czar.

My mother, Raia Joffe graduated from USC and married my father, Sidney Fox. I
have two brothers. We have all been academics, but I spent mor of my career at
two Fortune 50 companies. Myiddle brother snd I have a daughter and a son. Both
sons have three children. I am "retired", but my wife contends that I have
flunked retirement.
We have returned to live in Austin, TX snd travel a lou.

Reply | Messages in this Topic (65)

#44484

From: "JanZ" <janz@...>
Date: Sun May 1, 2011 11:31 pm
Subject: Re: Angels at CAW

zajaczkowski...

http://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krzy%C5%BC_i_Medal_Niepodleg%C5%82o%C5%9Bci

Barbara,

The Krzyz Niepodleglosci, was the Independence Cross, awarded in the early 1930s to those who fought for the independence of Poland.

I also have copies of relatives applications to be awarded the cross, which I received from CAW. One was successful, whereas others were not. But all very interesting as they give description of their service during WWI, prior to independence.

You can read more about this cross and medal on Wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross_of_Independence

Janusz Z

----- Original Message -----

From: Barbara Scrivens

To: Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Sunday, May 01, 2011 1:21 AM

Subject: [Kresy-Siberia] Angels at CAW

Dear group,

The past two days I’ve been blessing the angels at the Centralne Archiwum Wojskowe. They have sent me nine pages of information regarding my paternal grandfather, including an precious A4 typed curriculum vitae which has given me details of his education, his volunteering in the Polish-Bolshevik War and the granting of his piece of land in Niweck.

I emailed them last May, after someone from the group suggested they would accept not only emails, but also those written in English (bless you too!). I was very exact in my questions, regarding not only whether they had information on him, but also whether he was connected to the 7 Infantry Division. I expected a return email of yes or no and if yes, give me instructions. I did not include my postal address, a mistake.

However, the CAW not only found information on my grandfather, but also took the trouble of sending it to the Polish Embassy in Wellington, whose angels of their own forwarded it to me.

As usual, these papers answer questions and pose new ones.

I’ve been trying to find out exactly how these pieces of land were given, when he got his and by whom (not among the questions I asked CAW). The certificates I have show a date of ruling by the Pow.Kom.Nad. (data orzeczenia o przejęciu Pow.Kom.Nad.) of 19.IX.1921. It seems as if the specific osada was recorded on 28.XI 1921 and he got his Uchwały PKN o nadaniu on 11.XI.1922.

A further certificate with the same dates shows he got a loan of 400zł to build a house, barn and stables. Another one, dated 17/IX/1923 seems to be checking up that the work got done.

I don’t suppose anyone would know what Pow. Kom. Nad. Stands for? Could it be Powiat Komitet Nadgraniczny?

I’m still working on a letter my grandfather sent to the Komitetu Krzyża i Medalu Niepodległości, requesting that Niepodległośi. It was denied on 15.XII.1936. I’m taking it to mean that whoever took over from the PKN, was keeping the osadniki to the 20 years, no less.

Email address for CAW: caw@...

Be specific in your request.

Even though you’re emailing, don’t forget to include your postal address.

With thanks and kind regards

Barbara Scrivens

Auckland

#44485

From: "Barbara Scrivens" <scrivs@...>
Date: Mon May 2, 2011 1:18 am
Subject: RE: Angels at CAW

barbara.scri...

Dear Pan Antoni,

Thank you for that. Yes, it is interesting for me. I so appreciate it. I don’t suppose you know of a publication Zołnierza Polskiego? Apparently he had horticultural articles published in it.

Kind regards

Barbara Scrivens

Auckland

From: Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Antoni Kazimierski
Sent: Sunday, 1 May 2011 10:18 p.m.
To: Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Kresy-Siberia] Angels at CAW

Barbara,

What an interesting result.

The land was distributed and authorized by Powiatowy Komitet Nadawczy of a particular region. So it is a likely reference to that organization.

antoni530

No virus found in this incoming message.
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Version: 9.0.894 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3595 - Release Date: 05/01/11 06:34:00

#44486

From: "Barbara Scrivens" <scrivs@...>
Date: Mon May 2, 2011 3:00 am
Subject: Re: Angels at CAW

barbara.scri...

http://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krzy%C5%BC_i_Medal_Niepodleg%C5%82o%C5%9Bci

Hi Janusz Z,

Thank you for that. I was wondering why he needed independence from just 400zł. Solves another question. Seeing that particular medal

“honors those who deserve to be actively for Polish independence in the period before World War II or during the period of fighting and of armed Polish between 1918 - 1921, with the exception of Polish-Russian war on Polish territory.”

I doubt it would pertain to my grandfather as he served most of his time in the defence of Lwów and probably stayed on Polish soil. I’ve not quite figured out what happened to him on November 5, 1918 in Lublin, or when he was with the 3^rd Cavalry until January 1919. I’m going to need my Devonport angel to help with that one. There is my translation and a translation from someone who knows the nuances.

It is still wonderful that he decided to write to them, as I now have his CV up to the age of 24, which he included with the letter.

Many thanks - Barbara

Barbara,

The Krzyz Niepodleglosci, was the Independence Cross, awarded in the early 1930s to those who fought for the independence of Poland.

You can read more about this cross and medal on Wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross_of_Independence

Janusz Z

#44487

From: Krystyna Mew <krystynamew@...>
Date: Mon May 2, 2011 5:20 am
Subject: Re: Lost Between Worlds: Recent Book

krystynamew

Jenny, thank you so much for taking the time to write this.

Krystyna

From: JennyS <seasidejenny@...>
To: Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sun, May 1, 2011 11:23:28 PM
Subject: [Kresy-Siberia] Lost Between Worlds: Recent Book

Having just finished "Lost Between Worlds" by Edward Herzbaum, I wanted to let others know of this enthralling first-hand account. Please visit the website for background information on its creation. Krystyna has done a beautiful job of pulling it all together. http://www.lostbetweenworlds-herzbaum.com/index.htm

In particular, one feels so strongly the despair inherent in the Siberian labour camp and, later, the continual emptiness that he feels, the sense that he has lost his way. As a psychological profile of the wandering Polish experience, it is remarkable.

An added bonus for me was that both our fathers were in Khanaquin at the same time; Edward described New Year's Eve while my father described Christmas Eve. I now see what it means to others who have said that reading my father's book lets them follow in a family member's footsteps.

Krystyna's father made some statements that speak to so many, are such clear indicators of how it must have felt, and are overwhelming comments on his situation:

"Sometimes I wonder how I can take things so lightly, like a man suffering from a terminal illness who walks among the living and nobody knows that he is sick, so he tends to forget himself."

"Life could have been beautiful, but it didn't happen and whatever is left from it for us, it's not very valuable."

"Although it is good to learn and to get acquainted with the world, there is a certain limit, I've seen too much."

He comes to feel that he doesn't fit into the old world anymore and fits into the new one even less.

As well, Edward is a beautiful writer: "An old song came to my mind, flew across the room and disappeared." And "Outside, of course, it's dark now because it is night, and the fog is so thick you can hang your coat off it..."

Definitely recommended for those who want to read about the many ordeals faced by Poles in one book: Nazi arrest, Siberian labour, freedom in Iran, the army in Palestine, fighting in Italy.

Regards,
Jenny Skulski
Vancouver, BC

#44488

From: Steve Sobot <s.sobot@...>
Date: Mon May 2, 2011 9:13 am
Subject: Re: In Memory of Julia Lotys Szajta

srsobot

I will light a candle for your mother and pray for her and all her family and friends.

With much respect,
Steve

On 30/04/2011 16:42, ursula lord wrote:

On a sad note, my mother Julia (Lotys) Szajta born on Nov. 1,1918, went home to the Lord on Easter Sunday morning. My sister and I were at her side around the clock since Good Friday. She was buried at St Stanislaw Cemetery in Buffalo, NY. where on our family grave is written: "Bog, Honor, Ojczyzna". (God, Honor, Country).

She was deported to Syberia on the 13th of April 1940 with her mother. The crucifix that she had carried with her from Baranowicze, Poland to Siberia, through Persia and India was at her side. She was a courageous, hardworking, loving woman. We, the family, thank God for the gift of her life.

Z Bogiem,
Urszula Szajta
Massachusetts
USA

Reply | Messages in this Topic (4)

#44489

From: "Antoni Kazimierski" <ASKAZIMIERSKI@...>
Date: Mon May 2, 2011 11:44 am
Subject: Angels at CAW

antoni530

Barbara,

Just had a quick look and I can see that the publication ZOLNIERZ POLSKI started in 1919 and continued to 1939.

Copies of some of the older issues are available at

www.archiwumallegro.pl/search/179047/zolnierz-polski-czasopismo.html at a modest price.

The question is which year?

The other way would be to contact Redakcja czasopisma 'Zolnierz Polski' w Warszawie.

antoni530

#44490

From: "Antoni Kazimierski" <ASKAZIMIERSKI@...>
Date: Mon May 2, 2011 11:53 am
Subject: Angels at CAW

antoni530

Barbara,

the redakcja of Zolnierz Polski is 'Bellona' SA at Grzybowska 77, 00-844 Warszawa,

and email is biuro@...

antoni530

#44491

From: ursula lord <uslord7@...>
Date: Tue May 3, 2011 12:17 am
Subject: Re: In Memory of Julia Lotys Szajta

uslord7

Thank you so much for your kind words, prayers and for lighting a candle.
Likewise, I will say a prayer for you and yours.
May God keep you in His loving care.
Urszula

--- On Mon, 5/2/11, Steve Sobot <s.sobot@...> wrote:

From: Steve Sobot <s.sobot@...>
Subject: Re: [Kresy-Siberia] In Memory of Julia Lotys Szajta
To: Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com
Date: Monday, May 2, 2011, 5:13 AM

I will light a candle for your mother and pray for her and all her family and friends.

With much respect,
Steve

On 30/04/2011 16:42, ursula lord wrote:

On a sad note, my mother Julia (Lotys) Szajta born on Nov. 1,1918, went home to the Lord on Easter Sunday morning. My sister and I were at her side around the clock since Good Friday. She was buried at St Stanislaw Cemetery in Buffalo, NY. where on our family grave is written: "Bog, Honor, Ojczyzna". (God, Honor, Country).

She was deported to Syberia on the 13th of April 1940 with her mother. The crucifix that she had carried with her from Baranowicze, Poland to Siberia, through Persia and India was at her side. She was a courageous, hardworking, loving woman. We, the family, thank God for the gift of her life.

Z Bogiem,
Urszula Szajta
Massachusetts
USA

Reply | Messages in this Topic (4)

#44492

From: "Barbara Scrivens" <scrivs@...>
Date: Tue May 3, 2011 4:24 am
Subject: RE: Angels at CAW

barbara.scri...

Dear Pan Antoni,

Thank you so much. I will write to them. You never know...

Many thanks

Barbara Scrivens

From: Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Antoni Kazimierski
Sent: Monday, 2 May 2011 11:54 p.m.
To: Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Kresy-Siberia] Angels at CAW

Barbara,

the redakcja of Zolnierz Polski is 'Bellona' SA at Grzybowska 77, 00-844 Warszawa,

and email is biuro@...

antoni530

No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 9.0.894 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3608 - Release Date: 05/02/11 06:34:00

#44493

From: "Julek" <jayplowy@...>
Date: Tue May 3, 2011 7:12 pm
Subject: access to liberaries

julek2205

http://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&lr=&q=related:J2JVK5lkEtoJ:scholar.googl\
e.com/&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=Vz2-TcyeEIm2sAPJxMTYBQ&sa=X&oi=science_links&ct=sl-relat\
ed&resnum=4&sqi=2&ved=0CDMQzwIwAw

#44494

From: "Julek" <jayplowy@...>
Date: Tue May 3, 2011 7:20 pm
Subject: Private Libraries

julek2205

I don't have access to the private libraries and news agencies that are free to
college students or faculty. Does anyone know who might have access to those
resources and who would be willing to help research for us?

see link below for Santa Rosa information that I would be interest in receiving.

http://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&lr=&q=related:J2JVK5lkEtoJ:scholar.googl\
e.com/&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=Vz2-TcyeEIm2sAPJxMTYBQ&sa=X&oi=science_links&ct=sl-relat\
ed&resnum=4&sqi=2&ved=0CDMQzwIwAw

Copy the link into a word document and then paste it into the address bar of
Google.com

Julek

#44495

From: "Elizabeth Olsson" <elzunia@...>
Date: Tue May 3, 2011 9:31 pm
Subject: RE: Polish ballad about the deportations

elzuniao

English Translation

(literal only-not set to rhyme or music)

1.We shall remember the tenth of February

We were still asleep when the Soviets came

They placed our children onto sleighs

And escorted Us to the main railway station

2.We travelled through Poland for five days

But we could only say goodbye to it through cracks in the sides

On the sixth day the Soviet engine roared

The sound went through Us like a dagger

3.This sad moment, this terrible hour

The aching heart tries to forget

But we will not forget this terrible moment

When we were bundled into a wagon, as dark as a coffin

4.We travel right through Russia, pass the Ural Mountains

And so we continue on and on and on

Sad was the caravan in which We travelled

They only gave Us a piece of bread each morning

5.Children, frozen, collapse

As we travel We leave corpses along the way

We feel cut off from the world, forests and trees all around Us

Not even the sound of a bird is to be heard

6.Although its wintertime and the frost is severe, we are forced to labour in the forest

Our spirits are low due to hunger and homesickness

We are all alone, the guards have abandoned Us

They have no need to watch Us, they know that We have nowhere to run

7.The epidemic of typhus is spreading rapidly amongst Us

Our number buried under pine trees is growing

Big white coffins clad in pine greenery,

Around Us kneel Our tearful mothers

8.Our Lady, Queen of Poland, have mercy upon Us

Upon the polish land and Us the exiles

Help Us to return to Our Fatherland

O Pure Maiden and Queen of Poland

(I don’t remember who I got this translation from)

pozdrowienia
Elzunia Gradosielska Olsson
Alingsås, Sweden
Names: Maczka. Gradosielski.
Kresy: Osada Krechowiecka. Wilno.
Siberia: Monastyriok. Siewzeldorlag, Komi.
Army: Pestki 316 Transport. Sappers 5KDP.

From: Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of stefan.wisniowski@...
Sent: Saturday, April 30, 2011 11:41 AM
To: Kresy-Siberia Group
Subject: [Kresy-Siberia] Polish ballad about the deportations

I received this message from our Australian friend Halina Prociuk, whose husband his mother and brother were deported by the Soviets. It included the words of 2 versions of the "Sybiraks' Ballad - February 10th 1940"

Would anyone be inspired to translate these?

Regards

Stefan Winsiowski

...Przesylam Ballade Sybirakow “10 LUTY 1940”. W tym dniu moj maz z matka I bratem zostal wywiezionu na Syberie.

Dostalam to od naszej kolezanki z harcerstwa ale chyba autor jest nieznany albo moze Krysia to napisala...

Pozdrawiam serdecznie

Halina Prociuk

BALLADA SYBIRAKÓW „10 LUTY 1940”

10 luty 1940r.-będziem pamiętali
przyszli sowieci gdyśmy jeszcze spali
i nasze dzieci /to nas/ ze snu obudzili
na główne stacje nas poodwozili.

O Polsko nasza ziemio ukochana
w 39-tym cała krwią zalana
nie dość że Polskę na pół rozerwali
jeszcze Polaków na Sybir wygnali

O straszna chwila o straszna godzina!
Rodząca bóle swoje zapomina
Ale o tamtej nie zapomnę chwili gdy nas w ciemny wagon
Jak w trumnę włożyli.

O żegnaj Polsko -żegnaj chato miła-
O zegnaj ziemio -któraś nas karmiła
Uciekamy się do Matki Przeczystej
Gdy odjeżdżamy ze ziemi ojczystej.

Dni cztery polską ziemią my jechali
Lecz myśmy ją tylko przez szpary żegnali
W piątym dniu maszyna sowiecka ryknęła
Jakby sztyletem każdego przeszyła.

Mijają doby tygodnie mijają
Raz na dzień chleba i wody nam dają

Jedziemy przez Rosję i góry Uralu
I tak jedziemy wciąż dalej i dalej.

Czwartego marca stanęła maszyna
Już inny transport z nami się zaczyna-
Jedziemy autem a potem saniami
Przez śnieżną tajgę-rzekami lasami.

smutna była nasza karawana,
„Kipiatku” z chlebem dali nam co rana
Dzieci zmarznięte z sani wypadają
A na noclegach umarli zostają..

Jesteśmy sami straż nas zostawiła -
Bo cóż tu będzie koło nas robiła-
Świat nam zamknęli -wszędzie lasy drzewa
Tylko ptaszyna nam czasem zaśpiewa.

Choć przyszła wiosna słońce zajaśniało
Lecz u nas wcale nie poweselało.
Tyfus okrutny wśród ludu się szerzy
Co dzień to więcej pod sosnami leży.

Słoneczko złote późno dzisiaj wstało
Gdy do baraków rano zaglądało-
Widziało trumny sosnami przybrane
Nad nimi klęczą matki zapłakane.

O Polsko nasza Ziemio nasza święta
Gdzie twoje syny gdzie twoje Orlęta~?
Dziś w Syberyjskie tajgi przyjechali
Czy ciebie kiedyś będą oglądali?

O Panno Święta co z Ostrej świecisz bramy-
Z serc Tobie wiernych- wydrzeć Cię nie damy!
Powróć nas powróć do Ziemi Ojczystej!
Królowo Polski- Panienko Przeczysta..

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here is the second version:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Była też inna wersja opisana w „Syberjadzie” - Zbigniewa Domino.

10 luty będziem pamiętali- przyszli sowieci gdyśmy jeszcze spali-
I nasze dzieci na sanie wsadzili-wszystkich Polaków na Sybir gonili.

Przez cały miesiąc transportem jechali-ginęli z głodu z zimna umierali,
A na tym Sybirze tajga straszna bieda -ale nasz Polak wrogowi się nie da.

Nie da się wrogowi -nie ugnie kolana -chociaż by miał zginąć Ojczyzno kochana.
Polsko ukochana -ty nasza miłości! wrócimy do ciebie- jak da Bóg Wolności!

#44496

From: "Elizabeth Olsson" <elzunia@...>
Date: Tue May 3, 2011 9:35 pm
Subject: RE: Polish ballad about the deportations

elzuniao

This is the original Polish version – there seem to be slight variations in the texts …

From: Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Elizabeth Olsson
Sent: Tuesday, May 03, 2011 11:32 PM
To: Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [Kresy-Siberia] Polish ballad about the deportations

English Translation

(literal only-not set to rhyme or music)

1.We shall remember the tenth of February

We were still asleep when the Soviets came

They placed our children onto sleighs

And escorted Us to the main railway station

2.We travelled through Poland for five days

But we could only say goodbye to it through cracks in the sides

On the sixth day the Soviet engine roared

The sound went through Us like a dagger

3.This sad moment, this terrible hour

The aching heart tries to forget

But we will not forget this terrible moment

When we were bundled into a wagon, as dark as a coffin

4.We travel right through Russia, pass the Ural Mountains

And so we continue on and on and on

Sad was the caravan in which We travelled

They only gave Us a piece of bread each morning

5.Children, frozen, collapse

As we travel We leave corpses along the way

We feel cut off from the world, forests and trees all around Us

Not even the sound of a bird is to be heard

6.Although its wintertime and the frost is severe, we are forced to labour in the forest

Our spirits are low due to hunger and homesickness

We are all alone, the guards have abandoned Us

They have no need to watch Us, they know that We have nowhere to run

7.The epidemic of typhus is spreading rapidly amongst Us

Our number buried under pine trees is growing

Big white coffins clad in pine greenery,

Around Us kneel Our tearful mothers

8.Our Lady, Queen of Poland, have mercy upon Us

Upon the polish land and Us the exiles

Help Us to return to Our Fatherland

O Pure Maiden and Queen of Poland

(I don’t remember who I got this translation from)

Would anyone be inspired to translate these?

Regards

Stefan Winsiowski

...Przesylam Ballade Sybirakow “10 LUTY 1940”. W tym dniu moj maz z matka I bratem zostal wywiezionu na Syberie.

Dostalam to od naszej kolezanki z harcerstwa ale chyba autor jest nieznany albo moze Krysia to napisala...

Pozdrawiam serdecznie

Halina Prociuk

BALLADA SYBIRAKÓW „10 LUTY 1940”

10 luty 1940r.-będziem pamiętali
przyszli sowieci gdyśmy jeszcze spali
i nasze dzieci /to nas/ ze snu obudzili
na główne stacje nas poodwozili.

O Polsko nasza ziemio ukochana
w 39-tym cała krwią zalana
nie dość że Polskę na pół rozerwali
jeszcze Polaków na Sybir wygnali

O straszna chwila o straszna godzina!
Rodząca bóle swoje zapomina
Ale o tamtej nie zapomnę chwili gdy nas w ciemny wagon
Jak w trumnę włożyli.

O żegnaj Polsko -żegnaj chato miła-
O zegnaj ziemio -któraś nas karmiła
Uciekamy się do Matki Przeczystej
Gdy odjeżdżamy ze ziemi ojczystej.

Dni cztery polską ziemią my jechali
Lecz myśmy ją tylko przez szpary żegnali
W piątym dniu maszyna sowiecka ryknęła
Jakby sztyletem każdego przeszyła.

Mijają doby tygodnie mijają
Raz na dzień chleba i wody nam dają

Jedziemy przez Rosję i góry Uralu
I tak jedziemy wciąż dalej i dalej.

Czwartego marca stanęła maszyna
Już inny transport z nami się zaczyna-
Jedziemy autem a potem saniami
Przez śnieżną tajgę-rzekami lasami.

smutna była nasza karawana,
„Kipiatku” z chlebem dali nam co rana
Dzieci zmarznięte z sani wypadają
A na noclegach umarli zostają..

Jesteśmy sami straż nas zostawiła -
Bo cóż tu będzie koło nas robiła-
Świat nam zamknęli -wszędzie lasy drzewa
Tylko ptaszyna nam czasem zaśpiewa.

Choć przyszła wiosna słońce zajaśniało
Lecz u nas wcale nie poweselało.
Tyfus okrutny wśród ludu się szerzy
Co dzień to więcej pod sosnami leży.

Słoneczko złote późno dzisiaj wstało
Gdy do baraków rano zaglądało-
Widziało trumny sosnami przybrane
Nad nimi klęczą matki zapłakane.

O Polsko nasza Ziemio nasza święta
Gdzie twoje syny gdzie twoje Orlęta~?
Dziś w Syberyjskie tajgi przyjechali
Czy ciebie kiedyś będą oglądali?

O Panno Święta co z Ostrej świecisz bramy-
Z serc Tobie wiernych- wydrzeć Cię nie damy!
Powróć nas powróć do Ziemi Ojczystej!
Królowo Polski- Panienko Przeczysta..

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here is the second version:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Była też inna wersja opisana w „Syberjadzie” - Zbigniewa Domino.

10 luty będziem pamiętali- przyszli sowieci gdyśmy jeszcze spali-
I nasze dzieci na sanie wsadzili-wszystkich Polaków na Sybir gonili.

Przez cały miesiąc transportem jechali-ginęli z głodu z zimna umierali,
A na tym Sybirze tajga straszna bieda -ale nasz Polak wrogowi się nie da.

Nie da się wrogowi -nie ugnie kolana -chociaż by miał zginąć Ojczyzno kochana.
Polsko ukochana -ty nasza miłości! wrócimy do ciebie- jak da Bóg Wolności!

#44497

From: "Elizabeth Olsson" <elzunia@...>
Date: Tue May 3, 2011 10:13 pm
Subject: RE: Polish ballad about the deportations

elzuniao

I’ve found another version of this song in my files – I hope you can read the attachment

From: Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Elizabeth Olsson
Sent: Tuesday, May 03, 2011 11:35 PM
To: Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [Kresy-Siberia] Polish ballad about the deportations

This is the original Polish version – there seem to be slight variations in the texts …

English Translation

(literal only-not set to rhyme or music)

1.We shall remember the tenth of February

We were still asleep when the Soviets came

They placed our children onto sleighs

And escorted Us to the main railway station

2.We travelled through Poland for five days

But we could only say goodbye to it through cracks in the sides

On the sixth day the Soviet engine roared

The sound went through Us like a dagger

3.This sad moment, this terrible hour

The aching heart tries to forget

But we will not forget this terrible moment

When we were bundled into a wagon, as dark as a coffin

4.We travel right through Russia, pass the Ural Mountains

And so we continue on and on and on

Sad was the caravan in which We travelled

They only gave Us a piece of bread each morning

5.Children, frozen, collapse

As we travel We leave corpses along the way

We feel cut off from the world, forests and trees all around Us

Not even the sound of a bird is to be heard

6.Although its wintertime and the frost is severe, we are forced to labour in the forest

Our spirits are low due to hunger and homesickness

We are all alone, the guards have abandoned Us

They have no need to watch Us, they know that We have nowhere to run

7.The epidemic of typhus is spreading rapidly amongst Us

Our number buried under pine trees is growing

Big white coffins clad in pine greenery,

Around Us kneel Our tearful mothers

8.Our Lady, Queen of Poland, have mercy upon Us

Upon the polish land and Us the exiles

Help Us to return to Our Fatherland

O Pure Maiden and Queen of Poland

(I don’t remember who I got this translation from)

Would anyone be inspired to translate these?

Regards

Stefan Winsiowski

...Przesylam Ballade Sybirakow “10 LUTY 1940”. W tym dniu moj maz z matka I bratem zostal wywiezionu na Syberie.

Dostalam to od naszej kolezanki z harcerstwa ale chyba autor jest nieznany albo moze Krysia to napisala...

Pozdrawiam serdecznie

Halina Prociuk

BALLADA SYBIRAKÓW „10 LUTY 1940”

10 luty 1940r.-będziem pamiętali
przyszli sowieci gdyśmy jeszcze spali
i nasze dzieci /to nas/ ze snu obudzili
na główne stacje nas poodwozili.

O Polsko nasza ziemio ukochana
w 39-tym cała krwią zalana
nie dość że Polskę na pół rozerwali
jeszcze Polaków na Sybir wygnali

O straszna chwila o straszna godzina!
Rodząca bóle swoje zapomina
Ale o tamtej nie zapomnę chwili gdy nas w ciemny wagon
Jak w trumnę włożyli.

O żegnaj Polsko -żegnaj chato miła-
O zegnaj ziemio -któraś nas karmiła
Uciekamy się do Matki Przeczystej
Gdy odjeżdżamy ze ziemi ojczystej.

Dni cztery polską ziemią my jechali
Lecz myśmy ją tylko przez szpary żegnali
W piątym dniu maszyna sowiecka ryknęła
Jakby sztyletem każdego przeszyła.

Mijają doby tygodnie mijają
Raz na dzień chleba i wody nam dają

Jedziemy przez Rosję i góry Uralu
I tak jedziemy wciąż dalej i dalej.

Czwartego marca stanęła maszyna
Już inny transport z nami się zaczyna-
Jedziemy autem a potem saniami
Przez śnieżną tajgę-rzekami lasami.

smutna była nasza karawana,
„Kipiatku” z chlebem dali nam co rana
Dzieci zmarznięte z sani wypadają
A na noclegach umarli zostają..

Jesteśmy sami straż nas zostawiła -
Bo cóż tu będzie koło nas robiła-
Świat nam zamknęli -wszędzie lasy drzewa
Tylko ptaszyna nam czasem zaśpiewa.

Choć przyszła wiosna słońce zajaśniało
Lecz u nas wcale nie poweselało.
Tyfus okrutny wśród ludu się szerzy
Co dzień to więcej pod sosnami leży.

Słoneczko złote późno dzisiaj wstało
Gdy do baraków rano zaglądało-
Widziało trumny sosnami przybrane
Nad nimi klęczą matki zapłakane.

O Polsko nasza Ziemio nasza święta
Gdzie twoje syny gdzie twoje Orlęta~?
Dziś w Syberyjskie tajgi przyjechali
Czy ciebie kiedyś będą oglądali?

O Panno Święta co z Ostrej świecisz bramy-
Z serc Tobie wiernych- wydrzeć Cię nie damy!
Powróć nas powróć do Ziemi Ojczystej!
Królowo Polski- Panienko Przeczysta..

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here is the second version:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Była też inna wersja opisana w „Syberjadzie” - Zbigniewa Domino.

10 luty będziem pamiętali- przyszli sowieci gdyśmy jeszcze spali-
I nasze dzieci na sanie wsadzili-wszystkich Polaków na Sybir gonili.

Przez cały miesiąc transportem jechali-ginęli z głodu z zimna umierali,
A na tym Sybirze tajga straszna bieda -ale nasz Polak wrogowi się nie da.

Nie da się wrogowi -nie ugnie kolana -chociaż by miał zginąć Ojczyzno kochana.
Polsko ukochana -ty nasza miłości! wrócimy do ciebie- jak da Bóg Wolności!

#44498

From: "Elizabeth Olsson" <elzunia@...>
Date: Tue May 3, 2011 10:17 pm
Subject: RE: Yellow Daffodils and Rubber Boots

elzuniao

I hope your Mom continues to improve Hania. What a cute poem, thank you, very moving as usual – in a happy way, for a change.

From: Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Anne Kaczanowski
Sent: Sunday, April 24, 2011 4:03 PM
To: Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Kresy-Siberia] Yellow Daffodils and Rubber Boots

I almost lost my 87 year old Mom this week, who broke her hip and went into kidney failure....but by the grace of God, this Easter weekend she has seemed to improve.

Perhaps there is still a lesson to be taught and her time was extended. My Mom always loved the rebirth of spring, so for everyone on this Easter Sunday I share my thoughts.

Hug your Moms and your Dads and all your little ones, and realize how precious their lives are to each of us.

Yellow Daffodils and Rubber Boots

I asked my Mom to tell a story of a childhood memory

Of her little Polish village when she was young and free

She thought for a moment as she reached into her roots

And quickly said : "Yellow daffodils and rubber boots.

When I was a child, our family was very poor

We didn’t have much that’s for sure

A pair of shoes one was lucky to own

And you wore them till they were fully outgrown

Summer days we ran with barefeet till the sunset

We pastured cows in fields even tho’ the grass was wet

We did our chores and scampered through forests dense

To own a pair of playshoes was a big expense

We washed our clothes in a stream nearby

And stood in waters above knees and thighs

When the sun warmed the banks of the sunny creek

We’d dry the clothes and rest our feet

We picked a lot of mushrooms when we were small

And reached everyplace where one could crawl

Then we would sell them to people who could afford to pay

And gave our parents the money we’d made that day

Springtime quickly forced the daffodils out of the ground

And as soon as their heads popped out, there I could be found

One day I couldn’t believe what was in front of my eyes

The yellow daffodils held the biggest surprise.

Here was a pair of black rubber boots just for me

I knew they were mine because they said “Marie”

The mushroom money had been used to buy me a treat

Though secondhand, they just fit my little feet

I was the richest girl in the village that day

As I showed off by boots in work and play

So when daffodils arrive in the birth of spring

You never know what surprises they’ll bring."

This Easter brought my family all something very special.

hania

#44499

From: "Elizabeth Olsson" <elzunia@...>
Date: Wed May 4, 2011 9:33 am
Subject: RE: Polish ballad about the deportations

elzuniao

Kliknij, żeby pobrać utwór w formacie mp3

Now that we’re on the subject of songs:

Does anyone have a translation of the “Hymn Sybiraków”?

sł. M. Jonkajtys; muz. Czesław Majewski;

Z miast kresowych, wschodnich osad i wsi,
Z rezydencji, białych dworków i chat
Myśmy wciąż do Niepodległej szli,
Szli z uporem, ponad dwieście lat!

Wydłużyli drogę carscy kaci,
Przez Syberię wiódł najkrótszy szlak
I w kajdanach szli Konfederaci
Mogiłami znacząc polski trakt...

Z Insurekcji Kościuszkowskiej, z powstań dwóch,
Szkół, barykad Warszawy i Łodzi;
Konradowski unosił się duch
I nam w marszu do Polski przewodził.

A myśmy szli i szli - dziesiątkowani!
Przez tajgę, stepy - plątaniną dróg!
A myśmy szli i szli - niepokonani!
Aż "Cud nad Wisłą" darował nam Bóg!

Z miast kresowych, wschodnich osad i wsi,
Szkół, urzędów i kamienic i chat:
Myśmy znów do Niepodległej szli,
Jak z zaboru, sprzed dwudziestu lat.

Bo od września, od siedemnastego,
Dłuższą drogą znów szedł każdy z nas:
Przez lód spod bieguna północnego,
Przez Łubiankę, przez Katyński Las!

Na nieludzkiej ziemi znowu polski trakt
Wyznaczyły bezimienne krzyże...
Nie zatrzymał nas czerwony kat.
Bo przed nami Polska - coraz bliżej!

I myśmy szli i szli - dziesiątkowani!
Choć zdradą pragnął nas podzielić wróg...
I przez Ludową przeszliśmy - niepokonani
Aż Wolna Polskę raczył wrócić Bóg!!!

Unfortunately the link to the mp3 doesn’t seem to work – maybe some clever person can work it out for us

#44500

From: Dan Ford <cub06h@...>
Date: Wed May 4, 2011 10:59 am
Subject: Re: Polish ballad about the deportations

godanford

I was curious to know what Google made of it, so here it is. Blue skies!
-- Dan Ford

The cities of frontiersmen, the eastern settlements and villages,
The mansion, white mansions and cottages
We still went to the Independent,
They walked with persistence, over two hundred years!

Wydłużyli way tsarist executioners
Siberia led by the shortest route
And the Confederates marched in chains
Marking the graves of Polish road ...

The Kosciuszko Insurrection, with the two uprisings,
Schools, barricades of Warsaw and Lodz;
Konradowski spirit hovered
And we in the march to the Polish led.

And we walked and walked - decimated!
The taiga, steppes - messy ways!
And we walked and walked - undefeated!
As much as "Miracle" God gave us!

The cities of frontiersmen, the eastern settlements and villages,
Schools, offices and houses and cottages:
We went back to the Independent,
As with the annexation, twenty years ago.

Because of September, from the seventeenth
Again walked the long way each of us:
Through the ice from the North Pole
Over the Lubyanka, the Katyn Forest!

On the inhuman land Polish road again
Designated nameless crosses ...
He did not stop us, the red cat
Because Poland before us - getting closer!

And we walked and walked - decimated!
While the betrayal of desire to share our enemy ...
I passed by the People - unbeaten
Free Poland until God saw fit to go back!

On 5/4/2011 5:33 AM, Elizabeth Olsson wrote:
>
> sł. M. Jonkajtys; muz. Czesław Majewski;
>
> Z miast kresowych, wschodnich osad i wsi,
> Z rezydencji, białych dworków i chat
> Myśmy wciąż do Niepodległej szli,
> Szli z uporem, ponad dwieście lat!
>
> Wydłużyli drogę carscy kaci,
> Przez Syberię wiódł najkrótszy szlak
> I w kajdanach szli Konfederaci
> Mogiłami znacząc polski trakt...
>
> Z Insurekcji Kościuszkowskiej, z powstań dwóch,
> Szkół, barykad Warszawy i Łodzi;
> Konradowski unosił się duch
> I nam w marszu do Polski przewodził.
>
> A myśmy szli i szli - dziesiątkowani!
> Przez tajgę, stepy - plątaniną dróg!
> A myśmy szli i szli - niepokonani!
> Aż "Cud nad Wisłą" darował nam Bóg!
>
> Z miast kresowych, wschodnich osad i wsi,
> Szkół, urzędów i kamienic i chat:
> Myśmy znów do Niepodległej szli,
> Jak z zaboru, sprzed dwudziestu lat.
>
> Bo od września, od siedemnastego,
> Dłuższą drogą znów szedł każdy z nas:
> Przez lód spod bieguna północnego,
> Przez Łubiankę, przez Katyński Las!
>
>  Na nieludzkiej ziemi znowu polski trakt
> Wyznaczyły bezimienne krzyże...
> Nie zatrzymał nas czerwony kat.
> Bo przed nami Polska - coraz bliżej!
>
> I myśmy szli i szli - dziesiątkowani!
> Choć zdradą pragnął nas podzielić wróg...
> I przez Ludową przeszliśmy - niepokonani
> Aż Wolna Polskę raczył wrócić Bóg!!!
>

#44501

From: "Alex" <alex.weldon18@...>
Date: Wed May 4, 2011 1:27 pm
Subject: Re: Lost Between Worlds: Recent Book

alexandraweldon

--- In Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com, "JennyS" <seasidejenny@...> wrote:
>
> Having just finished "Lost Between Worlds" by Edward Herzbaum, I wanted to let
others know of this enthralling first-hand account. Please visit the website for
background information on its creation. Krystyna has done a beautiful job of
pulling it all together. http://www.lostbetweenworlds-herzbaum.com/index.htm

I just wanted to add my support to Jenny's recommendation of this book!  A
fascinating read; Mr. Herzbaum invites you into his deepest thoughts and
feelings, so much more than a retelling of events.

Alex.

#44502

From: "anitah80" <anitah80@...>
Date: Wed May 4, 2011 6:32 pm
Subject: Can you help?

anitah80

I am trying to fill in blanks in my memory of childhood spent in area around
Pyshma.  My family, Emanuel and Fanny Mandelbaum and I came from Bielsko-Biala,
Poland, we fled to Lvov at the beginning of WW II and from there we were taken
to Siberia in 1940. I was two years old at the time.  Both my parents worked at
cutting down trees and planting potatoes. I have a document signed in Pyshma,
Sverdlovsk on March 10, 1946 giving my family permission to leave Russia.  We
returned to Bielsko-Biala in May, 1946.

I would love to hear from anyone with similar experiences.  What was the daily
life like? Where did the supervisors live?  I do not remember them living in the
long barach where we lived?  I remember being in a school situation and learning
Russian songs, who were our teachers and where did they come from?  My parents
decided to remain put in 1941-42 when Poles were freed from labor camps.  Many
went south through the Caucuses.  I understand that perhaps 10% of Poles
remained in their camps.  What was the rationale for such decisions?  For those
who returned to Poland in 1946, was this a group emigration?

I would greatly appreciate any help at all. Thank you.

Anita Hotchkiss, Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts

#44503

From: Dan Ford <cub06h@...>
Date: Wed May 4, 2011 8:46 pm
Subject: Re: Can you help?

godanford

On 5/4/2011 2:32 PM, anitah80 wrote:
>
> I am trying to fill in blanks in my memory of childhood spent in area
> around Pyshma. My family, Emanuel and Fanny Mandelbaum and I came from
> Bielsko-Biala, Poland, we fled to Lvov at the beginning of WW II and
> from there we were taken to Siberia in 1940. I was two years old at
> the time. Both my parents worked at cutting down trees and planting
> potatoes. I have a document signed in Pyshma, Sverdlovsk on March 10,
> 1946 giving my family permission to leave Russia. We returned to
> Bielsko-Biala in May, 1946.
>
Wow. Six years! Did all survive?
>
>
> I would love to hear from anyone with similar experiences. What was
> the daily life like? Where did the supervisors live? I do not remember
> them living in the long barach where we lived? I remember being in a
> school situation and learning Russian songs, who were our teachers and
> where did they come from? My parents decided to remain put in 1941-42
> when Poles were freed from labor camps. Many went south through the
> Caucuses. I understand that perhaps 10% of Poles remained in their
> camps. What was the rationale for such decisions? For those who
> returned to Poland in 1946, was this a group emigration?
>
Anita, leaving for Persia (Iran) in 1942 was a very risky thing to do. I
saw a figure that ten percent died en route. You could get lost (I
believe there were no directional signs in the Soviet Union). Family
members could get separated. So some people decided to stay just where
they were.

And in some places the NKVD did not tell people about the "amnesty," or
refused to let them go because their work was needed.

I'm sure that others here will have much more to say, and from
first-hand experience in some cases.

Blue skies! -- Dan Ford

(Durham NH)

#44504

From: "petermuskus" <muskus@...>
Date: Thu May 5, 2011 7:21 am
Subject: Re: Can you help?

petermuskus

Anita,

You ask some very interesting questions so I look forward to the answers. My
Babusia got back to Poland in 1956.

If 114,000 left with Anders Army, this is probably less than 10% of those
deported. So over 90% were left in their camps (or between the camps and
Persia), or had already died. Anyway considerably more than 10% were left behind
- does anyone disagree with these approximate figures?

Best wishes
Peter

Names: Latawiec, Muskus
Poland: Rawa Ruska near Lwow, Przychojec near Lezajsk
Prisons: Brygidki, Lwow and Alma Ata
Kazakhstan: Alga, Aktyubinsk
Camps: Karaganda, Dzhezkazgan
Siberia: Dolgiy-Most in Krasnoyarsk Krai
Africa: Grazyna Muskus in Tengeru
Army: Tashkent cadet camp, Aquitania to New York, 316 Squadron UK, radar
mechanic
Present location: London and Nairn, Scotland

--- In Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com, "anitah80" <anitah80@...> wrote:
>
> I am trying to fill in blanks in my memory of childhood spent in area around
Pyshma.  My family, Emanuel and Fanny Mandelbaum and I came from Bielsko-Biala,
Poland, we fled to Lvov at the beginning of WW II and from there we were taken
to Siberia in 1940. I was two years old at the time.  Both my parents worked at
cutting down trees and planting potatoes. I have a document signed in Pyshma,
Sverdlovsk on March 10, 1946 giving my family permission to leave Russia.  We
returned to Bielsko-Biala in May, 1946.
>
> I would love to hear from anyone with similar experiences.  What was the daily
life like? Where did the supervisors live?  I do not remember them living in the
long barach where we lived?  I remember being in a school situation and learning
Russian songs, who were our teachers and where did they come from?  My parents
decided to remain put in 1941-42 when Poles were freed from labor camps.  Many
went south through the Caucuses.  I understand that perhaps 10% of Poles
remained in their camps.  What was the rationale for such decisions?  For those
who returned to Poland in 1946, was this a group emigration?
>
> I would greatly appreciate any help at all. Thank you.
>
> Anita Hotchkiss, Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts
>

#44505

From: Helen Bitner <helen.bitner@...>
Date: Thu May 5, 2011 8:58 am
Subject: Re: Can you help?

helenbitner

Anita

This group has a wealth of experiences to share and I wish you every success in your search.

My late husband said that their group at Station 91 on the Kartaly-Akmolinsk Railway in Kazakhstan were never informed by the Soviet authorities that they were free but found out through the newspapers Pravda and Izvestia about the "Amnesty". Also, they came a across Poles riding rough on top of the coals on the railway trucks who were in appalling condition - clothes in tatters and half starved but determined to join the army of General Anders. Their group at Station 91 endlessly discussed the matter of joining up with the Polish Army forming in the south but they could not reach a decision on how to go about organizing such a long and hazardous journey. They did not know how to even start.

They were literally rescued by a Pole, Tadeusz, who had already joined the Polish Army forming in the south. His family was at Station 91 also and he offered to get the necessary travel documents and tickets for those who could cover the cost. The four families collected 24,000 roubles towards their expenses but some families decided not to make another dangerous journey to yet another unknown destination with little hope of safe arrival. Tadeusz; who had an air of authority and was fluent in Russian spent two days wooing and bribing an officer of the NKVD at Akmolinsk to obtain tickets and travel permits. Even then the local Kazakhs were very skeptical that the travel permits were genuine and that the local Soviet would allow them to leave, regardless of the "amnesty". They left Station 91 by train on 11th February 1942 and arrived in Guzar after about three weeks. Their food supply was always precarious but they were among the more fortunate of the deportees because they were relatively secure during the actual journey. In Guzar various diseases were rampant and up to 150 deaths a day were recorded. Once again to get on a train to the port of Krasnovosk was another scramble to brave the NKVD who were as obstructive as they could be regarding the evacuees. The crossing of the Caspian Sea to Pahlevi was likened to walking through hell by more than one, including my husband who said when he studied Dante's Inferno it reminded him of that crossing.

In addition to all of the above difficulties that had to be surmounted there was only a small window of opportunity when leaving was possible . This was from 31st July 1941 up to when the Soviets withdrew "amnesty' on 16th January 1943. Sadly thousands more Poles who wanted to get out were unable to do so.

All the best

Helen

On 4 May 2011, at 19:32, anitah80 wrote:

#44506

From: Gita Urban-Mathieux <burbanma@...>
Date: Thu May 5, 2011 12:47 pm
Subject: Re: Can you help?

burbanma

Anita,

If you have not read it I recommend you read The Endless Steppe by Esther Hautzig. It is listed in Amazon.

Gita Urban-Mathieux, Virginia

From: anitah80 <anitah80@...>
To: Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wed, May 4, 2011 2:32:01 PM
Subject: [Kresy-Siberia] Can you help?

I am trying to fill in blanks in my memory of childhood spent in area around Pyshma. My family, Emanuel and Fanny Mandelbaum and I came from Bielsko-Biala, Poland, we fled to Lvov at the beginning of WW II and from there we were taken to Siberia in 1940. I was two years old at the time. Both my parents worked at cutting down trees and planting potatoes. I have a document signed in Pyshma, Sverdlovsk on March 10, 1946 giving my family permission to leave Russia. We returned to Bielsko-Biala in May, 1946.

I would love to hear from anyone with similar experiences. What was the daily life like? Where did the supervisors live? I do not remember them living in the long barach where we lived? I remember being in a school situation and learning Russian songs, who were our teachers and where did they come from? My parents decided to remain put in 1941-42 when Poles were freed from labor camps. Many went south through the Caucuses. I understand that perhaps 10% of Poles remained in their camps. What was the rationale for such decisions? For those who returned to Poland in 1946, was this a group emigration?

I would greatly appreciate any help at all. Thank you.

Anita Hotchkiss, Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts

#44507

From: Danuta Janina Wójcik <sandlily@...>
Date: Thu May 5, 2011 4:48 pm
Subject: First finds in Katyn exhumation

gosford27

http://www.thenews.pl/international/artykul154756_first-finds-in-katyn-exhumation.html

First finds in Katyn exhumation

05.05.2011 14:16

Archaeologists working at a former Soviet killing field in Bykivnia, Ukraine, have found new evidence testifying to the murder of Polish citizens there during World War II.

A so-called police chip containing the identification number of a Warsaw district police officer has been revealed today, bolstering Polish convictions that 3500 victims from the Katyn Crime are buried at the site.

In 2007, Polish archaeologists working at Bykivnia discovered the dog tags of Sergeant Jozef Naglik, as well as a comb with the names of four Poles inscribed on it.

The names tallied with the so-called Ukrainian List, which makes up about 15 percent of the 22,500 Poles murdered by Soviet Secret Police (NKVD) during the Katyn Crime.

Poland plans to open a necropolis on the site, with a tentative opening date of April 2012.

The current excavations, led by the Council for the Protection of Struggle and Martyrdom Sites (ROPWiM) mark the final stage in the process before construction of a cemetery begins.

Soviet victims from several nations are understood to be buried at the site, with some estimates as high as 150,000.

Polish experts began investigating the site in 2001, with the blessing of authorities in Kiev. (nh)

#44508

From: Danuta Janina Wójcik <sandlily@...>
Date: Thu May 5, 2011 4:57 pm
Subject: Poland’s ‘millionaire mayors’ revealed

gosford27

Poland’s ‘millionaire mayors’ revealed

05.05.2011 10:37

A new report finds that the richest local government politicians also happen to be the mayors of Poland’s major cities.

Analytical research led by the Rzeczpospolita daily, which looked into the financial declarations of Polish city mayors, found that nine of them have personal fortunes of over 1 million zloty (250,000 euro).

The ‘millionaire mayors’ hail from the cities of Warsaw, Gdansk, Krakow, Wroclaw, Olsztyn, Poznan, Szczecin, Rzeszow and Gorzow Wielkopolski.

The city mayors were mostly found to have holdings in real estate, stocks, and works of art, while their earnings are comparable, ranging from 11,900 to 12,900 zloty per month.

The richest city mayor by far is Warsaw’s Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz, who declared a fortune of 4,861,000 zloty (1.2 million euro), while Pawel Adamowicz from the Baltic city of Gdansk has over 2.8 million zloty.

Jacek Majchrowski, the mayor of Poland’s spiritual capital of Krakow, was found to have around 2.66 million zloty, while Wroclaw mayor, Rafal Dutkiewicz has 1.98 million zloty.

Meanwhile, Piotr Grzymowicz, the mayor of Olsztyn, the capital of Warmia-Masuria, one of Poland’s poorest regions with its unemployment rate soaring above 20 percent, has amassed a fortune amounting to 1.59 million zloty.

The report also shows the highest rise in fortunes by the mayors. In 2005, Gdansk mayor Pawel Adamowicz declared 73,000 zloty, while that fortune had risen to over 2.8 million zloty in 2010. (jb)