Kresy-Siberia : Messages : 53865-53894 of 56882

Stefan!

I am ready to accompany them!

I know Kharkiv, it is 80 km away from my place of birth.

And Lviv - it's my favorite city because buried my father and grandmother.

It will be very interesting, our members must prepare questions.

Stan.

From: "stefan.wisniowski@..." <stefan.wisniowski@...>
To: Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, December 25, 2012 8:05 AM
Subject: [www.Kresy-Siberia.org] Ukraine travel advice for Janina Hayden (Duczynski)?

Dear members

I am passing Janina's questions about travel in Ukraine for an English-speaker to you for your advice.

Janina originally wrote to me before she was a member of the group, but now she can read our responses on the group postings.

Thanks in advance to our members for their help.

Best regards

Stefan Wisniowski

Sydney Australia

-------- Original Messages --------

MESSAGE 1:

...

My husband and I are planning a trip to Eastern Europe in May 2013

My grandfather is Captain Jan Julian Duczynski.

I believe my beloved auntie, Rena Sordyl was involved with creation of a memorial in Ukraine.

Rena told me many stories of their life in Poland, transport to Siberia etc and although I listened with great interest I didn't at the time think I would visit that part of the world.

Now I am planning - wanting to go to Kharkov and Lviv as well as Kiev and I am hoping you would be able to tell me exactly where this memorial is that includes a plaque on the ground with Grandfather's name.

I am in contact with Rena's two sons but they too have little information.

Hoping with all my heart that you can assist me in some way.

Yours sincerely
Janina Hayden (Duczynski)

...

MESSAGE 2:

...

I hope you don't mind if I continue to ask questions and your opinions, one that comes to mind is regarding travel in Ukraine.

We are on a tour, part river cruise finishing in Kiev and would like to travel by train to Kharkov. I know my auntie, Rena, did it a number of times so I imagine it is safe.

We are a middle-aged Aussie couple with no second language, do you have any recommendations?

All I want to see in Kharkov is the memorial so would one day and one or two nights be enough, depending on how long the train takes.

After Kharkov we wish to travel by train to Lviv, for a few days as multiple family members were born there but to best of my knowledge there is no family there now.

And then by train to Krakow from where we will spend about 10 days travelling by train/bus to Gdansk. This will include a visit to my grandmother's grave in Warsaw.

I would appreciate any comments you may have on these plans and thank you in advance for being helpful.

Regards,
Janina

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [http://www.kresy-siberia.org/]
From: Janina Hayden <janinahayden@...>
Date: Thu, December 20, 2012 9:49 pm
To: <kresy-siberia@yahoogroups.com>

Hello from Perth, Western Australia

Thank you for accepting me into this group.

My grandfather was Captain Jan Julian Duczynski who was imprisoned at Starobielsk and later murdered in Kharkov I believe. I believe the family was living in Lwow/Lviv when he was taken away.

The rest of the family - my father, a brother and sister as well as mother spent some time in Siberia. I believe my father escaped while there and found his way to England through Persia. He then served as a navigator in the Polish Air Force before relocating to Australia in 1949. The other family members also eventually travelled to London.

Kind Regards,
Janina

Reply | Messages in this Topic (6)

#53866

From: "Mark and Oyun" <mark_oyun@...>
Date: Tue Dec 25, 2012 7:06 pm
Subject: Re: [www.Kresy-Siberia.org] Ukraine travel advice for Janina Hayden (Duczynski)?

mark_oyun

Dear Janina,

While in Warsaw a trip should also be made to the Polish Army Cathedral where he also gets a plaque:
http://www.katedrapolowa.pl/ofiary.php?strona=56&imie1=&imie2=&nazwisko=&miejsce=
2832. Kpt. Julian DUCZYNSKI, ur.1892-06-24, [Born...]
miejsce urodzenia: Zloczow, [Place of birth...]
pomoc. skladnica uzbr. nr 6, zm. 1940, Charkow [Auxilliary Weapons Depot No.6. Died 1940, Kharkov]

Regards, Mark Ostrowski

--- In Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com, Mark wrote:
>
> 1039. Kpt. Duczynski, Julian Jan - � s. Zygmunta - born 1892 - murdered Apr-May 1940 at Charkow.
> There is an article about the ceremony. I had a note that he had been held at Starobielsk.
> http://www.katyn.org.au/kharkov.html
>
>
> Mark T.
> Canada
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: "stefan.wisniowski@..." stefan.wisniowski@...
> To: Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Monday, December 24, 2012 11:05:14 PM
> Subject: [www.Kresy-Siberia.org] Ukraine travel advice for Janina Hayden (Duczynski)?
>
>
> �
>
> Dear members
>
> I am passing Janina's� questions about travel in Ukraine for an English-speaker� to you for your advice.
>
> Janina originally wrote to me before she was a member of the group, but now she can read our responses on the group postings.
>
> Thanks in advance� to our members for their help.
>
> Best regards
> Stefan Wisniowski
> Sydney Australia
>
> -------- Original Messages --------
> >
> >
> >MESSAGE 1:
> >
> >...
> >
> >
> >My husband and I are planning a trip to Eastern Europe in May 2013
> >
> >My grandfather is Captain Jan Julian Duczynski.
> >
> >I believe my beloved auntie,� Rena Sordyl was involved with creation� of a memorial in Ukraine.
> >
> >Rena told me many stories of their life in Poland, transport to Siberia� etc and although I listened with great interest I didn't at the time think� I would visit that part of the world.
> >
> >Now I am planning - wanting to go to Kharkov and Lviv as well as Kiev� and I am hoping you would be able to tell me exactly where this memorial� is that includes a plaque on the ground with Grandfather's name.
> >
> >I am in contact with Rena's two sons but they too have little information.
> >
> >Hoping with all my heart that you can assist me in some way.
> >
> >Yours sincerely
> >Janina Hayden (Duczynski)
> >
> >...
> >
> >MESSAGE 2:
> >
> >...
> >
> >I hope you don't mind if I continue to ask questions and your opinions, one that comes� to mind is regarding travel in Ukraine.
> >
> >We are on a tour, part river cruise finishing in Kiev and would like to travel by train to Kharkov. I know my auntie, Rena, did it a number of� times so I imagine it is safe.�
> >
> >We are a middle-aged Aussie couple� with no second language, do you have any recommendations?
> >
> >All I want to see in Kharkov is the memorial so would one day and one or two� nights be enough, depending on how long the train takes.
> >
> >After Kharkov we wish to travel by train to Lviv, for a few days as multiple� family members were born there but to best of my knowledge there is no� family there now.�
> >
> >And then by train to Krakow from where we will spend� about 10 days travelling by train/bus to Gdansk. This will include a visit� to my grandmother's grave in Warsaw.
> >
> >I would appreciate any comments you may have on these plans and thank you in advance for being helpful.
> >
> >Regards,
> >Janina
> -------- Original Message --------
> >Subject: [http://www.kresy-siberia.org/]
> >From: Janina Hayden janinahayden@...
> >Date: Thu, December 20, 2012 9:49 pm
> >To: kresy-siberia@yahoogroups.com
> >
> >�
> >Hello from Perth, Western Australia
> >
> >
> >Thank you for accepting me into this group.
> >
> >
> >My grandfather was Captain Jan Julian Duczynski who was imprisoned at� Starobielsk and later murdered in Kharkov I believe. � I believe the family was living in Lwow/Lviv when he was taken away.
> >
> >
> >The rest of the family - my father, a brother and sister as well as mother� spent some time in Siberia. I believe my father escaped while there and found� his way to England through Persia. � He then served as a navigator in the Polish Air Force� before relocating to Australia in 1949. � The other family members also eventually� travelled to London.
> >
> >
> >Kind Regards,
> >Janina
>

Reply | Messages in this Topic (6)

#53867

From: Stanislaw Zwierzynski <zwierzinski1957@...>
Date: Tue Dec 25, 2012 7:44 pm
Subject: Re: [www.Kresy-Siberia.org] Re: Kazakhstan1940-42

zwierzinski1957

Gentlemen!

I got on a press of moderator (Krystyna???!!!???)

Do not give say the truth to Russian-polska man.

Or maybe it's for the best.

Stan.

Stan, thank you so much for channelling all of this information and material through to those of us in the West who would, otherwise, be unlikely to pick these sources up. I am reading through them with the aid of microsoft word translate (thanks for the tip on that Mark!).

Kind regards,
Anna Pacewicz
Sydney
Australia

--- In mailto:Kresy-Siberia%40yahoogroups.com, Stanislaw Zwierzynski <zwierzinski1957@...> wrote:
>
> Here, new materials of deportation, including Poles, to northern Kazakhstan in 1940-42
> .
> All materials written by Kazah histories in Russian.
> Two Abstracts of Ph.D. theses and interesting article.
>
>
> The value of these works especially in the lists of literature on this issue.
>
> Stan from M.
>

#53868

From: Stefan Wisniowski <stefan.wisniowski@...>
Date: Tue Dec 25, 2012 11:21 pm
Subject: Re: [www.Kresy-Siberia.org] Re: Kazakhstan1940-42

skwisniowski

Stan

Please write in Russian because we do not understand your translations at all.

Станислав, Пожалуйста, напишите на русском языке, потому что мы не понимаем ваши переводы на всех.

Best regards

С наилучшими пожеланиями

Stefan Wisniowski

Sydney Australia

On 26/12/2012, at 6:44, Stanislaw Zwierzynski <zwierzinski1957@...> wrote:

Gentlemen!
I got on a press of moderator (Krystyna???!!!???)
Do not give say the truth to Russian-polska man.
Or maybe it's for the best.

Stan.
From: annapacewicz <annapacewicz@...>
To: Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, December 25, 2012 12:54 PM
Subject: [www.Kresy-Siberia.org] Re: Kazakhstan1940-42

Stan, thank you so much for channelling all of this information and material through to those of us in the West who would, otherwise, be unlikely to pick these sources up. I am reading through them with the aid of microsoft word translate (thanks for the tip on that Mark!).

Kind regards,
Anna Pacewicz
Sydney
Australia

--- In mailto:Kresy-Siberia%40yahoogroups.com, Stanislaw Zwierzynski <zwierzinski1957@...> wrote:
>
> Here, new materials of deportation, including Poles, to northern Kazakhstan in 1940-42
> .
> All materials written by Kazah histories in Russian.
> Two Abstracts of Ph.D. theses and interesting article.
>
>
> The value of these works especially in the lists of literature on this issue.
>
> Stan from M.
>

#53869

From: "annapacewicz" <annapacewicz@...>
Date: Wed Dec 26, 2012 12:12 am
Subject: Post-War Repressions Hall of Memories

annapacewicz

Hi Group,
I am looking through the Post-War Repressions photographs (click under tab
Related Gallery), Hall of Memories, KSVM for the EGO project.

There are dozens of photographs, many from Syberiak associations without full
descriptions. Many simply say "zeslanie" (exiled) and all around 1953-1955. Also
the location on many is Kazachska SRS, Poland.

Can anybody shed any light on any of these photographs. Were these largely Poles
(ex Home Army?) deported to work camps in USSR after the War ... anymore
information would be appreciated thank you.

Kind regards,
Anna Pacewicz
Sydney

Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)

#53870

From: Maria Tapuc <marytapuc@...>
Date: Wed Dec 26, 2012 2:10 pm
Subject: Re: [www.Kresy-Siberia.org] Re: To all members

marytapuc

Best greetings to all!!!!!!!!!!!

Maria A. Tapuc

Buenos Aires, Argentina

marytapuc@...

De: Elzunia/Elizabeth Gradosielska/Maczka <elzunia@...>
Para: Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com
Enviado: lunes, 24 de diciembre de 2012 9:21
Asunto: [www.Kresy-Siberia.org] Re: To all members

Being a moderator is no easy task - for a start you have to read all the messages as soon as they appear and try to follow the line of thought. Krystyna puts 150% of her time and energy and life into the Virtual Museum. Few members understand her dedication, she's mostly invisible but responds quickly when necessary.
I only read the messages online nowadays and haven't followed the "discussion" but was shocked to see the language used, this has never happened before in our 12 years and I've been here from the very beginning! Krystyna reacted to the language and tone used, as she is supposed to do, not to the subject itself. The member in question must have had some kind of (hopefully temporary)"mental earthquake" which is really out of character for him. He is obviously a very knowledgeable person with valuable experiences beyond our usual scope. He did himself ask several times to leave the group and Krystyna followed his wishes. She's done nothing wrong and does not deserve the derogatory remarks made.
We do need more moderators, expecially at holiday times, so the task can be shared. Please consider helping out.

Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year, from a snowy Sweden,

Elzunia Gradosielska Olsson

--- In mailto:Kresy-Siberia%40yahoogroups.com, Krystyna Szypowska <kms0902@...> wrote:
>
> Thank you for your support, Stefan.
>
> I join you in hoping that other members join the moderator team, as you and I are far too busy with the development of the Virtual Museum to follow every single message on most days. We have just seen how thankless a task moderating can be, even when one follows a memberâ€™s explicit and repeated request.
>
> Kind regards,
>
> Krystyna
>
>
> From: stefan.wisniowski@...
> Sent: Sunday, December 23, 2012 9:39 PM
> To: mailto:Kresy-Siberia%40yahoogroups.com
> Cc: Kresy-Siberia Moderators
> Subject: To all members
>
> I wanted to say a few words on the recent exchanges between members, as they have aroused some feelings of upset and regret.
> 1.. We must recognise that this is a challenging group to moderate, because the topics we deal with are very emotional and are shrouded in past distortion and denial. Our volunteer moderators do the very best they can to maintain a civil and supportive tone to the discussions, and to see that our supportive and empathetic group values - tested over 11 years now - are maintained. While any moderator's actions can be questioned, this should be done in a respectful way as they serve us all in good faith.
>
>
> 2.. We need to share the workload in the group some more, so any members who would like to help serve as a group discussion moderator are invited to write to
> mailto:kresy-siberia-owner%40yahoogroups.com to see if they might be able to take on such a role in 2013, perhaps as part of a team.
>
> 3.. Members' points of view are bound to differ at times because we welcome members of all walks of life and political persuasions. However, the discussions should stay respectful and civil in tone. We can openly disagree with each other, but disparaging (name-calling) or offending a member or their point of view is not respectful.
>
> 4.. Discussions should also keep to the topic of the World War 2 fates of Polish citizens fighting for freedom and survival in the eastern Kresy and from exile. Though occasional off-topic messages of cultural or social interest (recipes, holidays, etc.) are not banned, current politics (Putin, Tusk, Obama, Harper, Israel, Smolensk, gun control, etc) are considered off-limits for this group.
>
> 5.. Lastly, I feel that it is always our loss when someone who is interested in our topic feels that they have to leave the group. We are all here to learn from each other, within the values guidelines we have set for the group. Diversity is welcomed, so long as we respect and support each other. However, sometimes people may genuinely decide that their feelings or values do not fit with the group's, and we are sometimes better off to lose a member that we will miss, than to risk losing the values and atmosphere that have made this group so special.
>
> Once again, I wish you all a happy holiday, and that the reconciliation of which several members have written may start within our own ranks.
>
> Warm regards
>
> Stefan Wisniowski
> Kresy-Siberia Foundation President
> Sydney Australia
>

Reply | Messages in this Topic (32)

#53871

From: "Eva" <eszegidewicz@...>
Date: Wed Dec 26, 2012 9:27 pm
Subject: message sent on behalf of John Halucha, Canada

eszegidewicz

Dear KS Friends,
I have been spending a very happy Christmas season with family, as I hope all of
you had an opportunity to do with your loved ones, and have not been at my
computer as much as usual. When I got back on I was flustered by how many of you
stole time away from worthy festivities to contact me. That is surely a
reflection of the season and the inherent generosity of the membership. I have
done nothing to deserve such affirmation.
The first few kind messages came before our Christmas celebrations went into
high gear and I was able to send some replies immediately. I hope to respond to
the rest of you individually in turn, but there are so many emails it will take
me some time and I wanted to immediately reassure all those who expressed
concern that I am fine. Yes, I was sad to leave the group because it I have met
many friends here. However, I fully intended to maintain private contact with
those who have been corresponding with me outside the forum and I was otherwise
in high spirits appropriate to this happy season.
When I wrote my brief goodbye I said that a long-winded explanation seemed
pointless. Obviously, I was wrong and I apologize for leaving misimpressions. I
never intended any of this to be about me and it is embarrassing to have caused
a fuss and now to go ahead with a long-winded explanation after all.
First, I was unfair to single out Stan for special mention. His "Canada" message
was, as I said, only the straw that broke the camel's back. It was not that I
felt personally insulted or hurt, it was that it seemed my ability to
participate in the group was being restricted by my geography and age. I am
gratefully aware of the privations I escaped by virtue of being born in Canada
after the defeat of Germany, but it seems false to suggest that because of when
and where I grew up I have no right to speak in the group on certain topics. It
was as distasteful as it would be if someone were to suggest that because Stan
grew up and was educated under the Soviet system, he is so distorted by
Soviet-era propaganda and misrepresentation that he is incapable of rational
discussion of some topics. Thank goodness, no one has said that as far as I
know.
I try to address specific posts on their substance, preferably with quotes,
rather than addressing the poster or his background. I eagerly encourage others
to question or challenge what I say, but vigorously object to criticism based on
who I am. The former technique is an opportunity to learn from one's mistakes,
the latter is an attempt to shut up opposition by bullying.
Neither do I think it is proper to beat anyone into silence based on education
level, perceived ulterior motives or biases, or any other personal
characteristics. Again I absolutely am not singling Stan out. I thought I was
seeing a new general pattern of unacceptable attacks by several contributors.
Sarcasm, derision, ad hominem arguments, straw man fallacies and begging the
question had become order of the day as opposed to occasional slips. Posters
were being dismissed as emotional, hysterical, censors, deniers, oppressors,
bullies and bigots. Some of those allegations were withdrawn against me
personally, but they were left to stand against other members or the group in
general without explanation or justification.
I waited in case I saw things differently by sleeping on it another night. There
were some very hopeful indicators from several posters, but there seemed to be
more ad hominem attacks rather than fewer. When a moderator suffered personal
abuse for accommodating a member's specific and repeated requests to
unsubscribe, it sounded as though the forum had reached the zenith of
inappropriateness. If even a moderator is not immune to personal insult, what
hope is there that ordinary members will enjoy common courtesy?
Please let me be clear: the moderators are not above criticism and several times
I almost raised objections for their failure to stifle personal allegations and
name-calling. But the constructive way to criticize is to say specifically what
is being objected to and specifically why, rather than vaguely alleging abuse of
power or using insulting terms.
Some weeks ago I got so fed up with the bullying that I overstepped my role and
tried to do the moderators' job for them. That was resolved with one member
apologizing to another, but I took some collateral damage in the process and
said I wouldn't overstep again. So when it looked as though the atmosphere was
turning more in that direction, I felt as though my only option was to withdraw.
I enjoy skirmishes. With a pretty thick skin, I don't shy from giving as well as
I take. I have tried other forums where dirty fighting turned out to be the
norm, but I prefer to argue about substance rather than personality and left
those in short order. Full disclosure: sometimes I played their game for awhile
and the itch was there a few times on KS, but this group has been so special
that giving in to the temptation would feel like a betrayal.
While I was nearing the end of my internal deliberation about whether to stay or
to go, some other members also posted their objections to squabbling and said
they just ignored all such debates. It is true that the computer does indeed
have a delete key and an off switch, and everyone is fully justified to
participate in some kinds of discussions and not others. (I keep blathering on
now only in the confidence that those bored by expositions such as this one
stopped reading a long way back.)
Unfortunately, it seemed that some of these critics were saying everyone
involved was equally distasteful, those who were defending as much as those who
were attacking.
So I finally decided to say goodbye.
On reflection, this all sounds sanctimonious and it probably wouldn't be hard
for anyone to find reasons among my posts to show why I have no right to cast
the first stone.
Cap in hand, I'm asking if I may be allowed to play again after what must seem
to some like a spoilt child running home in tears when he didn't get his way.
I apologize for adding to the drama. If I am allowed back I will try to be more
dignified. Should it ever seem to me again that the forum and I must part
company, I will exit more gracefully. At most, I will address my concerns to a
moderator rather than encumbering the entire group with a departing flourish and
then following up with an embarrassing public explanation like this one.

Thank you for your indulgence.

John Halucha,
Sault Ste Marie, Canada

#53872

From: Dan Ford <cub06h@...>
Date: Wed Dec 26, 2012 9:47 pm
Subject: Re: [www.Kresy-Siberia.org] message sent on behalf of John Halucha, Canada

godanford

You certainly don't need my permission, John, nor as far as I am
concerned do you have to be more dignified! -- Dan Ford US

On 12/26/2012 4:27 PM, Eva wrote [for John]::
> If I am allowed back I will try to be more dignified

#53873

From: "Barbara M." <bwbm5@...>
Date: Wed Dec 26, 2012 9:56 pm
Subject: Re: [www.Kresy-Siberia.org] message sent on behalf of John Halucha, Canada

bwbm5...

I agree with Dan and look forward to you slipping back among us. I am glad!

Basia (UK)

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

From: Dan Ford

To: Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Wednesday, December 26, 2012 9:47 PM

Subject: Re: [www.Kresy-Siberia.org] message sent on behalf of John Halucha, Canada

You certainly don't need my permission, John, nor as far as I am
concerned do you have to be more dignified! -- Dan Ford US

On 12/26/2012 4:27 PM, Eva wrote [for John]::
> If I am allowed back I will try to be more dignified

#53874

From: Mark <turkiewiczm@...>
Date: Wed Dec 26, 2012 11:10 pm
Subject: Re: [www.Kresy-Siberia.org] message sent on behalf of John Halucha, Canada

turkiewiczm

John,

Standing up against attacks on Canadian hockey makes my chest swell.

In my mind you are now the Don Cherry of K-S.

Ne need for more dignity; I think you are a more effective player when you carry your stick high and keep your elbows at the ready.

Mark T.
Canada

From: Barbara M. <bwbm5@...>
To: Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, December 26, 2012 4:56:40 PM
Subject: Re: [www.Kresy-Siberia.org] message sent on behalf of John Halucha, Canada

I agree with Dan and look forward to you slipping back among us. I am glad!

Basia (UK)

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

From: Dan Ford

To: Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Wednesday, December 26, 2012 9:47 PM

Subject: Re: [www.Kresy-Siberia.org] message sent on behalf of John Halucha, Canada

You certainly don't need my permission, John, nor as far as I am
concerned do you have to be more dignified! -- Dan Ford US

On 12/26/2012 4:27 PM, Eva wrote [for John]::
> If I am allowed back I will try to be more dignified

#53875

From: "LenardaSzymczak" <szymczak01@...>
Date: Thu Dec 27, 2012 12:08 am
Subject: RE: [www.Kresy-Siberia.org] message sent on behalf of John Halucha, Canada

John welcome back, you did nothing wrong. All you did was step aside and not participate in lowering the standard of KS GROUP.

As in all families we have our ups and downs, now let us focus on what the Group was really created for. Research, Remembrance, RESPECT and of course, nothing good happens without Reconciliation.

Happy New Year 2013 and may it be a much nicer, happier, with the group actually having empathy for each other, focusing on finding new Historical Articles, telling the truth, (truth is truth) and teaching new members with patience and guiding them in true assistance.

We are unique and special, so why are we trying to destroy ourselves and lower our standards, really stop and think, this is not about only you, there are many others in the group who benefit so much from all the wonderful information and if we do not respect our moderators, I myself have been put in order for mistakes or wrong information, then we have no format, boundary, respect, guidelines and are just a bunch of feral people rioting in a paddock the same as any other Forum.

We are Kresy-Siberia Group, unique and special and we are mentors, guides, historians, with actual Countries around the Globe, learning from us and many do not even realise, we are healers of our people, with a very important role to fulfil. Please be responsible, as there are many more people out there lost, looking for someone to assist them find home, find family, find who they are and where they come from and they want to do this in safety with understanding people as they can be fragile, once the pain of the journey sets in and they will keep coming because we offer them safe haven of research and we do need new members. Think about it, what happens when we, the old survivors are gone and the young ones need information? It will be the new ones we take on board now, who will keep teaching the new arrivals and keep KS alive and functioning.

We ourselves have been there and this is why we can assist and give them example and strength and understanding.

Kresy-Siberia would not exist without us and we would not be able to reveal or record or research with like minded people without Kresy-Siberia Group.

New day, New Year, start again and all hopefully better in the future. We are Kresy people, who are unique and special, take this to heart and rejoice that we have avenue to share this in a wonderful group of rare people.

Moderators, am I going to get into trouble for this rant? It is from my heart to all, because I see the goodness and potential in everyone and I have been very saddened by the high standard being dropped because of emotional persons. I should know I am one of them, forgive me and let’s get on with the job of being KS Group.

Warmest wishes

Lenarda, Australia

_,___

#53876

From: Krystyna Szypowska <kms0902@...>
Date: Thu Dec 27, 2012 12:13 am
Subject: Re: message sent on behalf of John Halucha, Canada

szypowska

Dear John,

I, for one, am happy to see you back. I am only sorry that I have been too ill and too busy to follow the discussions that you refer to, over the past weeks. I do hope that other moderators come forward to keep their eye on things in the future.

Kind regards,

Krystyna

-----

Krystyna Szypowska - Winnipeg, Canada

From: Eva

Sent: Wednesday, December 26, 2012 3:27 PM

To: Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com

Subject: [www.Kresy-Siberia.org] message sent on behalf of John Halucha, Canada

Dear KS Friends,
I have been spending a very happy Christmas season with family, as I hope all of you had an opportunity to do with your loved ones, and have not been at my computer as much as usual. When I got back on I was flustered by how many of you stole time away from worthy festivities to contact me. That is surely a reflection of the season and the inherent generosity of the membership. I have done nothing to deserve such affirmation.
The first few kind messages came before our Christmas celebrations went into high gear and I was able to send some replies immediately. I hope to respond to the rest of you individually in turn, but there are so many emails it will take me some time and I wanted to immediately reassure all those who expressed concern that I am fine. Yes, I was sad to leave the group because it I have met many friends here. However, I fully intended to maintain private contact with those who have been corresponding with me outside the forum and I was otherwise in high spirits appropriate to this happy season.
When I wrote my brief goodbye I said that a long-winded explanation seemed pointless. Obviously, I was wrong and I apologize for leaving misimpressions. I never intended any of this to be about me and it is embarrassing to have caused a fuss and now to go ahead with a long-winded explanation after all.
First, I was unfair to single out Stan for special mention. His "Canada" message was, as I said, only the straw that broke the camel's back. It was not that I felt personally insulted or hurt, it was that it seemed my ability to participate in the group was being restricted by my geography and age. I am gratefully aware of the privations I escaped by virtue of being born in Canada after the defeat of Germany, but it seems false to suggest that because of when and where I grew up I have no right to speak in the group on certain topics. It was as distasteful as it would be if someone were to suggest that because Stan grew up and was educated under the Soviet system, he is so distorted by Soviet-era propaganda and misrepresentation that he is incapable of rational discussion of some topics. Thank goodness, no one has said that as far as I know.
I try to address specific posts on their substance, preferably with quotes, rather than addressing the poster or his background. I eagerly encourage others to question or challenge what I say, but vigorously object to criticism based on who I am. The former technique is an opportunity to learn from one's mistakes, the latter is an attempt to shut up opposition by bullying.
Neither do I think it is proper to beat anyone into silence based on education level, perceived ulterior motives or biases, or any other personal characteristics. Again I absolutely am not singling Stan out. I thought I was seeing a new general pattern of unacceptable attacks by several contributors. Sarcasm, derision, ad hominem arguments, straw man fallacies and begging the question had become order of the day as opposed to occasional slips. Posters were being dismissed as emotional, hysterical, censors, deniers, oppressors, bullies and bigots. Some of those allegations were withdrawn against me personally, but they were left to stand against other members or the group in general without explanation or justification.
I waited in case I saw things differently by sleeping on it another night. There were some very hopeful indicators from several posters, but there seemed to be more ad hominem attacks rather than fewer. When a moderator suffered personal abuse for accommodating a member's specific and repeated requests to unsubscribe, it sounded as though the forum had reached the zenith of inappropriateness. If even a moderator is not immune to personal insult, what hope is there that ordinary members will enjoy common courtesy?
Please let me be clear: the moderators are not above criticism and several times I almost raised objections for their failure to stifle personal allegations and name-calling. But the constructive way to criticize is to say specifically what is being objected to and specifically why, rather than vaguely alleging abuse of power or using insulting terms.
Some weeks ago I got so fed up with the bullying that I overstepped my role and tried to do the moderators' job for them. That was resolved with one member apologizing to another, but I took some collateral damage in the process and said I wouldn't overstep again. So when it looked as though the atmosphere was turning more in that direction, I felt as though my only option was to withdraw.
I enjoy skirmishes. With a pretty thick skin, I don't shy from giving as well as I take. I have tried other forums where dirty fighting turned out to be the norm, but I prefer to argue about substance rather than personality and left those in short order. Full disclosure: sometimes I played their game for awhile and the itch was there a few times on KS, but this group has been so special that giving in to the temptation would feel like a betrayal.
While I was nearing the end of my internal deliberation about whether to stay or to go, some other members also posted their objections to squabbling and said they just ignored all such debates. It is true that the computer does indeed have a delete key and an off switch, and everyone is fully justified to participate in some kinds of discussions and not others. (I keep blathering on now only in the confidence that those bored by expositions such as this one stopped reading a long way back.)
Unfortunately, it seemed that some of these critics were saying everyone involved was equally distasteful, those who were defending as much as those who were attacking.
So I finally decided to say goodbye.
On reflection, this all sounds sanctimonious and it probably wouldn't be hard for anyone to find reasons among my posts to show why I have no right to cast the first stone.
Cap in hand, I'm asking if I may be allowed to play again after what must seem to some like a spoilt child running home in tears when he didn't get his way.
I apologize for adding to the drama. If I am allowed back I will try to be more dignified. Should it ever seem to me again that the forum and I must part company, I will exit more gracefully. At most, I will address my concerns to a moderator rather than encumbering the entire group with a departing flourish and then following up with an embarrassing public explanation like this one.

Thank you for your indulgence.

John Halucha,
Sault Ste Marie, Canada

#53877

From: Basia <basia@...>
Date: Thu Dec 27, 2012 5:31 am
Subject: message sent on behalf of John Halucha, Canada

basiazielins...

What a relief!

Warm welcome back John

I am looking forward to your continued participation

Warm regards

Basia Zielinska (Sydney)

I agree with Dan and look forward to you slipping back among us. I am glad!

Basia (UK)

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

From: Dan Ford

To: Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Wednesday, December 26, 2012 9:47 PM

Subject: Re: [www.Kresy-Siberia.org] message sent on behalf of John Halucha, Canada

You certainly don't need my permission, John, nor as far as I am
concerned do you have to be more dignified! -- Dan Ford US

On 12/26/2012 4:27 PM, Eva wrote [for John]::
> If I am allowed back I will try to be more dignified

#53878

From: Zenon Kuzik <zenon.kuzik@...>
Date: Thu Dec 27, 2012 8:23 am
Subject: Re: [www.Kresy-Siberia.org] message sent on behalf of John Halucha, Canada

zenon.kuzik

To my mind, John, you were dignity itself and I wouldn't have been able to show the same restraint.

Your further informative contributions are eagerly awaited. Welcome back, Canuck buddy!

An appreciative Kiwi,

Zenon Kuzik

PS John, could you shovel a wee bit of your snow down my way? The heat and humidity here are stifling.

From: Dan Ford <cub06h@...>
To: Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thursday, 27 December 2012 10:47 AM
Subject: Re: [www.Kresy-Siberia.org] message sent on behalf of John Halucha, Canada

You certainly don't need my permission, John, nor as far as I am
concerned do you have to be more dignified! -- Dan Ford US

On 12/26/2012 4:27 PM, Eva wrote [for John]::
> If I am allowed back I will try to be more dignified

#53879

From: Beata Hanks <beatahanks@...>
Date: Thu Dec 27, 2012 9:33 am
Subject: Re: [www.Kresy-Siberia.org] message sent on behalf of John Halucha, Canada

beatahanks

Come back, come back and stay with us!!!

I am one of those members who became frustrated, and quite frankly bored, with the back biting, and used my delete button with a flourish, however, I did not delete this message - to be honest I did not understand Stan's reference to Canada but, I do enjoy reading Stan's translated messages as I find it a challenge to try and decipher what the message actually means!

Dear John, please do not leave this group - I am no historian, politics bore me, but the messages sent in by people of a higher education than I have, are sometimes baffling, sometimes boring, but mostly, educational.

Please stay,

Beata (Skotna-Nikiel) Hanks

Melton Mowbray UK

From: Eva <eszegidewicz@...>
To: Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, 26 December 2012, 21:27
Subject: [www.Kresy-Siberia.org] message sent on behalf of John Halucha, Canada

#53880

From: Beata Hanks <beatahanks@...>
Date: Thu Dec 27, 2012 9:38 am
Subject: Re: [www.Kresy-Siberia.org] message sent on behalf of John Halucha, Canada

beatahanks

Oh Lenarda

As I began reading your message, a picture of my mum came into my mind, when she had something to say that meant a lot to her, her left hand would go to her hip and her right hand would point and wag her finger at us to emphasise the importance of what she was saying. Right on Mama Lenarda!!!

With love

Beata (Skotna-Nikiel) Hanks

From: LenardaSzymczak <szymczak01@...>
To: Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thursday, 27 December 2012, 0:08
Subject: RE: [www.Kresy-Siberia.org] message sent on behalf of John Halucha, Canada

John welcome back, you did nothing wrong. All you did was step aside and not participate in lowering the standard of KS GROUP.

As in all families we have our ups and downs, now let us focus on what the Group was really created for. Research, Remembrance, RESPECT and of course, nothing good happens without Reconciliation.

We ourselves have been there and this is why we can assist and give them example and strength and understanding.

Kresy-Siberia would not exist without us and we would not be able to reveal or record or research with like minded people without Kresy-Siberia Group.

Warmest wishes

Lenarda, Australia

_,___

#53881

From: Barbara Dunleavy <barbaraszczepanski@...>
Date: Thu Dec 27, 2012 9:44 am
Subject: Re: [www.Kresy-Siberia.org] message sent on behalf of John Halucha, Canada

barbaraszcze...

Hurray, hurray, hurray, hurray!!! Well, thank goodness for that. I am so pleased and relieved and what a wonderful end to this year and a brilliant start to the next. I hope our wonderful group will continue to support, help and educate (with a small E!) and the true spirit of this group will thrive and continue to thrive. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and I wish you all peace, happiness and good health in the New Year!

Welcome back John - thank you for thinking again and coming back to us!

My warmest wishes and respect and love to you all.

Barbara Dunleavy

Nottingham, England.

From: Eva <eszegidewicz@...>
To: Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, 26 December 2012, 21:27
Subject: [www.Kresy-Siberia.org] message sent on behalf of John Halucha, Canada

#53882

From: Barbara Dunleavy <barbaraszczepanski@...>
Date: Thu Dec 27, 2012 9:49 am
Subject: Re: [www.Kresy-Siberia.org] message sent on behalf of John Halucha, Canada

barbaraszcze...

Dear Lenarda - well said that women!!!!

You always write from the heart and I have the deepest respect and regard for you. My fondest wishes for a peaceful and happy New Year.

Warmest wishes,

Barbara Szczepanska Dunleavy

From: Beata Hanks <beatahanks@...>
To: "Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com" <Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, 27 December 2012, 9:38
Subject: Re: [www.Kresy-Siberia.org] message sent on behalf of John Halucha, Canada

Oh Lenarda

With love

Beata (Skotna-Nikiel) Hanks

John welcome back, you did nothing wrong. All you did was step aside and not participate in lowering the standard of KS GROUP.

As in all families we have our ups and downs, now let us focus on what the Group was really created for. Research, Remembrance, RESPECT and of course, nothing good happens without Reconciliation.

We ourselves have been there and this is why we can assist and give them example and strength and understanding.

Kresy-Siberia would not exist without us and we would not be able to reveal or record or research with like minded people without Kresy-Siberia Group.

Warmest wishes

Lenarda, Australia

_,___

#53883

From: "LenardaSzymczak" <szymczak01@...>
Date: Thu Dec 27, 2012 10:42 am
Subject: RE: [www.Kresy-Siberia.org] message sent on behalf of John Halucha, Canada

Beata, thank you, we are all happy to have John back and the group smiling again. Wag my finger, never thought about it, must be a Polish thing. I like the analogy and I do really love this group and the people in it, with a passion.

Happy New Year 2013.

Lenarda, Australia

From: Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Beata Hanks
Sent: Thursday, 27 December, 2012 8:39 PM
To: Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [www.Kresy-Siberia.org] message sent on behalf of John Halucha, Canada

Oh Lenarda

With love

Beata (Skotna-Nikiel) Hanks

John welcome back, you did nothing wrong. All you did was step aside and not participate in lowering the standard of KS GROUP.

As in all families we have our ups and downs, now let us focus on what the Group was really created for. Research, Remembrance, RESPECT and of course, nothing good happens without Reconciliation.

We ourselves have been there and this is why we can assist and give them example and strength and understanding.

Kresy-Siberia would not exist without us and we would not be able to reveal or record or research with like minded people without Kresy-Siberia Group.

Warmest wishes

Lenarda, Australia

_,___

#53884

From: "LenardaSzymczak" <szymczak01@...>
Date: Thu Dec 27, 2012 10:50 am
Subject: RE: [www.Kresy-Siberia.org] message sent on behalf of John Halucha, Canada

Dearest Barbara, it will be a good New Year now. Thank you. It always hurts when we lose a member and we celebrate when they come back. When we have to let them go to God in Heaven, this is different and we already have lost so many.

Let us truly hold what we have and cherish this treasure. (because in a blink it is gone) May the new year be good to you and bring you peace.

Warmest wishes

Lenarda, Australia

From: Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Barbara Dunleavy
Sent: Thursday, 27 December, 2012 8:49 PM
To: Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [www.Kresy-Siberia.org] message sent on behalf of John Halucha, Canada

Dear Lenarda - well said that women!!!!

You always write from the heart and I have the deepest respect and regard for you. My fondest wishes for a peaceful and happy New Year.

Warmest wishes,

Barbara Szczepanska Dunleavy

Oh Lenarda

With love

Beata (Skotna-Nikiel) Hanks

John welcome back, you did nothing wrong. All you did was step aside and not participate in lowering the standard of KS GROUP.

As in all families we have our ups and downs, now let us focus on what the Group was really created for. Research, Remembrance, RESPECT and of course, nothing good happens without Reconciliation.

We ourselves have been there and this is why we can assist and give them example and strength and understanding.

Kresy-Siberia would not exist without us and we would not be able to reveal or record or research with like minded people without Kresy-Siberia Group.

Warmest wishes

Lenarda, Australia

_,___

#53885

From: John Halucha <john.halucha@...>
Date: Thu Dec 27, 2012 3:49 pm
Subject: Re: message sent on behalf of John Halucha, Canada

john.halucha

Please, people, haven't I been punished enough? Imagine the polar opposite of Sally Field gushing, " ... you like me, right now, you like me!" I'm more like Lou Grant without his charm and wisdom, moulded in an era when becoming "part of the story" was the height of unprofessionalism earning the scorn of one's peers.
Ironically, I brought this humiliating attention on myself after complaining that the focus had shifted too much on personality and away from substance. Apologies for being so ungracious, because I know your welcome back comments are intended sincerely. The sooner we return to the story, our history, the happier I will be.

John Halucha
Sault Ste Marie, Canada

#53886

From: Zdzislaw Nowicki <znowicki@...>
Date: Fri Dec 28, 2012 3:20 am
Subject: RE: [www.Kresy-Siberia.org] Genocide & Deportations in Eastern European History

znowicki

All this talk of ethnic cleansing prompted a different angle of thought in me. What about the great immigration to the USA in the late 1800s and early 1900s?

I first joined this group a number of years ago as an aide to research my family history. The various posts have enabled me to trace a very fragmental maternal line back to 1814 in the Oszmiana area. My paternal line, in Wolyn, only goes back as far as the 1870s, so far.

On my mother's side, after the January Uprising of 1863-1864, one member of the family fled to the Stanislawow area, another was , presumably, deported to the Tbilisi area of Georgia. One of his descendants enlisted in the Red Army (as a Pole) before Hitler's Operation Barbarossa and subsequently transferred to the 'Berling Army' campaigning at Lenino, Warszawa and the fall of Berlin.

The relative that fled to Stanislawow ended up as vice-consul of the Austro-Hungarian Empire to Hamburg in Germany, was awarded the tile 'Ritter von' and then emigrated to the USA, followed by his wife and a few children later on. One of their sons served in the Austro Hungarian Army in the Balkans during WW1 and then transferred to the Polish army in 1918/1919, to be eventually murdered at Katyn.

Many members of the family in Stanislawow migrated to the Allegeheny area. Other relatives from Oszmiana migrated to New Jersey. I can only presume that they did not keep in touch or were even aware of each others' existence as the fragmentary tree made by one relative in California does not mention the ones in Pennsylvania.

I can find no records to indicate that any relatives on my paternal line emigrated to the USA. By 1940 on my father's side, the immediate family consisted of my grandmother, my father, one, possibly two, uncles and two aunts. My grandmother and her daughters (my two aunts) were deported by the Soviets in the first deportation of February 1940. One aunt lost one son and her husband had been deported to a different place in 'Siberia'. When the war ended, my grandmother and one aunt were repatriated to their original farm where they remained for the rest of their lives, the married aunt was relocated from Siberia to Szczecin where she was reunited with her husband. As Szczecin (Stettin) lay in the 'ziemie odzyskane' (the recovered territories), they were allocated a house that belonged to a German family that had been expelled/deported/moved on/ethnically cleansed. My ?two? uncles survived the war and the massacre of Poles in Wolyn and remained in their homes throughout these times.

After the war had ended, relatives on my maternal side moved or were moved from the Oszmiana area to the recovered territories towns of Glogow and Jelena Gora in Lower Silesia. Others were moved to the Kolobrzeg area in Pomerania and others ended up in Wilno/Vilnius in Lithuania.

This short history does not seems to be at odds with many of the histories I have gleaned from other members of the group. So far I have found out that my maternal uncle was killed in battle at Kolobrzeg in March 1945, one great uncle was killed by either the Soviets or Lithuanian partisans,and another great-uncle was murdered at Katyn, two relatives died either in, or on the way to, Siberia and two others disappeared, presumably died, in Siberia. That is 7 out 90 names that I know of from the 1920-1945 period, less than 10% . Was my extended family more fortunate than others? Are my relatives scattered across the globe because of Soviet policy?

These are the observations that have arisen in my mind from following the 'ethnic cleansing' thread and viewing it from a different angle. What do other group members think?

I wish a Happy and Prosperous New Year to you all.

Zdzis

Runaway Bay
Queensland
Australia
(where it's a sultry 32 degrees Celsius)

To: Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com
From: walter_orlowski@...
Date: Mon, 24 Dec 2012 02:33:34 +0000
Subject: Re: [www.Kresy-Siberia.org] Genocide & Deportations in Eastern European History

Hi Maria:

It is always a pleasure to read your informative posts.I am surprised to hear arguments that deportation of Poles from Kresy was not ethnic cleansing and Russification campaign. Genocide or ethnic cleansing was part of Soviet official policy towards national minorities from 1930. All national minorities of former Soviet Union, have a valid claim of genocide against former Soviet Union. The cleansing of Kresy was one of the most successful ethnic cleansing campaigns. It was a continuation of the Great Terror. Let me pose a question: How many Poles are there in Kresy today? There were 4.5 million at the start of WWII. There were over 2 million Poles in Belarus and Ukraine after 1922. Where are they? They were killed, expelled or deported because they were Polish.

Allow me to make a comment on Soviet Genocide in general. Genocide or "Ethnic cleansing" defines the mass deportations between 1930-33 and 1937-50.It can be best described as eliminating a large portion of the indigenous population and replacing them with ethnic Russians because of their national identity and religion. In 1930 the first victims were Poles along the Western Border of the Belarussian and Ukrainian Republics. There were over two million of them at that time. About half the Poles were either killed or deported to Gulags everywhere. Next in line were Jews also concentrated in the Western regions of the Republics of Belarus and Ukraine. They were uprooted and scattered throughout the Soviet Union but many were also sent to Gulags. For practical purposes it ended their communal and religious Jewish communities which existed there since the Jagiellonian times. Next came the Ukrainian famine and mass deaths and deportations primarily from Eastern Ukraine. Then Tatars and the people of Caucasus met the same fate. The early deportees had very high mortality rates, as high as 80% or more, largely because they were brought into virgin forests without food, tools, housing etc. In the camps to which we were deported the majority of inmates were Ukrainians from Eastern Ukraine and in the next largest group were Tatars and Kirgizians.

The mass killings and deportations once more were restarted in 1937 and lasted into WWII years were a continuation of ethnic cleansing of 1930 but combined with political purge of Stalin's opposition within the Communist Party, and thus the name the Great Purge or the Great Terror. The remaining Poles along the border were doomed. Thousands were executed and the rest deported. Large number of Belarusians were also killed. The Gulag system (comprised of concentration camps and extermination camps throughout the Soviet Union), was now operational and so many Soviet citizens were sent to fill the need for slave labor. The system did not differ in any way from the Nazi system of concentration camps.

The Russians used the vast expansive territory of Russia to control and suppress national minorities by uprooting and deportation of large proportion of entire nations. At the same time, those deportations facilitated Russification and provided slave labor. Gulag was a business enterprise for the NKVD.

With best regards and Merry Christmas,
Wladek

--- In Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com, Maria Szonert <mszonert@...> wrote:
>
> Barry;
> �
> Please note that according to the Genocide Convention genocide includes the following acts:
> �
> Article II
> In the present Convention, genocide means any of the following acts committed
> with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or
> religious group, as such:
> ( a ) Killing members of the group;
> ( b ) Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group;
> ( c ) Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to
> bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part;
> ( d ) Imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group;
> ( e ) Forcibly transferring children of the group to another group.
> �
> Please note that the same people who sentenced 25,700 Polish citizens to death they issued decrees to ship to oblivion the wifes and children of the murdered men.� So you have to view deportations, in particular the second deportation, in the context of the Katyn murders.� It is a different form of the same crime.�
> �
> All 5 types of genocidal activies listed above were employed by Stalin on the Polish territory incorporated to the Soviet Union.
> �
> Regards,
> Maria
> �
>
> >
>
> � -----------edited by WO--------
>
>

,
'disappeared, presumed dead

Reply | Messages in this Topic (10)

#53887

From: Dan Ford <cub06h@...>
Date: Fri Dec 28, 2012 11:51 am
Subject: Re: [www.Kresy-Siberia.org] Genocide & Deportations in Eastern European History (and emigration!)

godanford

Is that when they came? The neighboring town of Newmarket NH used to be
a cotton mill town. It has many family names ending in SKI. They are
however thoroughly assimilated English-speakers, so I doubt that they
came over post WW2.

I remember doing an article on logging in New Hampshire. The logging
bunkrooms had a sign on the wall DO NOT SPIT ON THE FLOOR in all the
languages of the successive waves of loggers over the past two hundreds
years--including Polish. The most recent was French; most of our loggers
now come from Quebec for the season. I don't remember the order in which
they appeared, for that was fifty years ago. - Dan Ford US

On 12/27/2012 10:20 PM, Zdzislaw Nowicki wrote:
> What about the great immigration to the USA in the late 1800s and
> early 1900s?

Reply | Messages in this Topic (10)

#53888

From: "fpleszak" <frank@...>
Date: Fri Dec 28, 2012 9:43 pm
Subject: More sad news

fpleszak

It is with great regret and sadness that I have to announce the death of two
notable veterans of the Polish 2nd Corps and bastions of the Polish community in
Manchester.

J�zef Kr�lczyk passed away at the age of 99 during the evening of 23rd December.

Originally from the Krakow region he was with his wife in Lw�w when arrested and
exiled by the NKVD. He worked in a forest near to Irkutsk where both his father
and brother died, but managed to nurse his seriously ill younger back to health.
After the `Amnesty' he was separated from his wife when he sailed to freedom
across the Caspian Sea whilst she remained in Kazakhstan caring for her sick
parents.

As a member of a gun crew he fought with 5KDP at Monte Cassino, Ancona and
Bologna. In 1946 his wife was repatriated to Poland from where she escaped to
find him in Italy. After the war they eventually settled in Manchester where he
has always been a prominent member of the SPK and Polish communities for which
he was quite rightly awarded with the highest state honours.

J�zef was active in the community until his recent illness � he was an
exceptional individual - kind, knowledgeable, helpful and modest - he will be
sorely missed.


Henri Strzelecki, better known to most as Mr Henri was the founder, visionary
and pioneer of Henri-Lloyd sports clothing. He died at the age of 87 on 26th
December after a long battle with illness.

He was born in Brodnica and escaped German occupied Poland to join up with the
Polish 2nd Corps for the battle of Bologna during which he showed incredible
courage and for which he was highly decorated.

After the war he too settled in Manchester, where he studied textile and fashion
design eventually launching his world renowned clothing line.

Active in the Polish community he was always cheerful, open and extremely
sociable.

Like J�zef, his very great friend, he is irreplaceable and he too will be
greatly missed by all.

RIP  J�zef Kr�lczyk 	  1913-2012
         Henri Strzelecki  1925-2012

#53889

From: "LenardaSzymczak" <szymczak01@...>
Date: Fri Dec 28, 2012 9:57 pm
Subject: RE: [www.Kresy-Siberia.org] More sad news

Deepest sympathy to their families.

They were the heart and soul of Kresy-Siberia, �because of their struggles and many others, �this group was formed.

Now they are in heaven with their mates, families, guiding us on our journeys.

Lenarda, Australia

From: Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of fpleszak
Sent: Saturday, 29 December, 2012 8:43 AM
To: Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [www.Kresy-Siberia.org] More sad news

It is with great regret and sadness that I have to announce the death of two notable veterans of the Polish 2nd Corps and bastions of the Polish community in Manchester.

J�zef Kr�lczyk passed away at the age of 99 during the evening of 23rd December.

Originally from the Krakow region he was with his wife in Lw�w when arrested and exiled by the NKVD. He worked in a forest near to Irkutsk where both his father and brother died, but managed to nurse his seriously ill younger back to health. After the `Amnesty' he was separated from his wife when he sailed to freedom across the Caspian Sea whilst she remained in Kazakhstan caring for her sick parents.

As a member of a gun crew he fought with 5KDP at Monte Cassino, Ancona and Bologna. In 1946 his wife was repatriated to Poland from where she escaped to find him in Italy. After the war they eventually settled in Manchester where he has always been a prominent member of the SPK and Polish communities for which he was quite rightly awarded with the highest state honours.

J�zef was active in the community until his recent illness – he was an exceptional individual - kind, knowledgeable, helpful and modest - he will be sorely missed.

Henri Strzelecki, better known to most as Mr Henri was the founder, visionary and pioneer of Henri-Lloyd sports clothing. He died at the age of 87 on 26th December after a long battle with illness.

He was born in Brodnica and escaped German occupied Poland to join up with the Polish 2nd Corps for the battle of Bologna during which he showed incredible courage and for which he was highly decorated.

After the war he too settled in Manchester, where he studied textile and fashion design eventually launching his world renowned clothing line.

Active in the Polish community he was always cheerful, open and extremely sociable.

Like J�zef, his very great friend, he is irreplaceable and he too will be greatly missed by all.

RIP J�zef Kr�lczyk 1913-2012
Henri Strzelecki 1925-2012

#53890

From: Krystyna Szypowska <kms0902@...>
Date: Fri Dec 28, 2012 10:04 pm
Subject: Re: [www.Kresy-Siberia.org] More sad news

szypowska

Thank you Frank, for letting the group know.

I wanted to add that Mr. Krolczyk’s life story is part of the People of the Polish Second Corps exhibition in the Virtual Museum (www.Kresy-Siberia.org) so I invite everyone to read about his fascinating life, and listen to his own account of his experiences.

Thank you again, Frank, for having recorded the interview with him, and scanned his photos, so that we could include these materials in the project.

Kind regards,

Krystyna

-----

Krystyna Szypowska - Winnipeg, Canada

Executive Director, Kresy-Siberia Foundation - registered in Warsaw (KRS 0000326445)

Chair & Exec Director, Kresy-Siberia (Canada) Inc. - Registered Charity No. 83341 6407 RR0001

Director, Kresy-Siberia (UK) - Registered Charity No. 1137210

Kresy-Siberia Virtual Mueum: www.Kresy-Siberia.org

"Established to inspire, promote and support research, remembrance

and recognition of Polish citizens’ struggles in the Eastern Borderlands

and in Exile during World War II."

From: fpleszak

Sent: Friday, December 28, 2012 3:43 PM

To: Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com

Subject: [www.Kresy-Siberia.org] More sad news

It is with great regret and sadness that I have to announce the death of two notable veterans of the Polish 2nd Corps and bastions of the Polish community in Manchester.

Józef Królczyk passed away at the age of 99 during the evening of 23rd December.

Originally from the Krakow region he was with his wife in Lwów when arrested and exiled by the NKVD. He worked in a forest near to Irkutsk where both his father and brother died, but managed to nurse his seriously ill younger back to health. After the `Amnesty' he was separated from his wife when he sailed to freedom across the Caspian Sea whilst she remained in Kazakhstan caring for her sick parents.

As a member of a gun crew he fought with 5KDP at Monte Cassino, Ancona and Bologna. In 1946 his wife was repatriated to Poland from where she escaped to find him in Italy. After the war they eventually settled in Manchester where he has always been a prominent member of the SPK and Polish communities for which he was quite rightly awarded with the highest state honours.

Józef was active in the community until his recent illness he was an exceptional individual - kind, knowledgeable, helpful and modest - he will be sorely missed.

Henri Strzelecki, better known to most as Mr Henri was the founder, visionary and pioneer of Henri-Lloyd sports clothing. He died at the age of 87 on 26th December after a long battle with illness.

He was born in Brodnica and escaped German occupied Poland to join up with the Polish 2nd Corps for the battle of Bologna during which he showed incredible courage and for which he was highly decorated.

After the war he too settled in Manchester, where he studied textile and fashion design eventually launching his world renowned clothing line.

Active in the Polish community he was always cheerful, open and extremely sociable.

Like Józef, his very great friend, he is irreplaceable and he too will be greatly missed by all.

RIP Józef Królczyk 1913-2012
Henri Strzelecki 1925-2012

#53891

From: AtticusFinch1048@...
Date: Fri Dec 28, 2012 11:02 pm
Subject: Re: [www.Kresy-Siberia.org] More sad news

atticusfinch...

Thanks Frank

Both would have known my Grandfather from around the community.

In a message dated 28/12/2012 22:04:45 GMT Standard Time, kms0902@... writes:

Thank you Frank, for letting the group know.

I wanted to add that Mr. Krolczyk’s life story is part of the People of the Polish Second Corps exhibition in the Virtual Museum (www.Kresy-Siberia.org) so I invite everyone to read about his fascinating life, and listen to his own account of his experiences.

Thank you again, Frank, for having recorded the interview with him, and scanned his photos, so that we could include these materials in the project.

Kind regards,

Krystyna

-----

Krystyna Szypowska - Winnipeg, Canada

Executive Director, Kresy-Siberia Foundation - registered in Warsaw (KRS 0000326445)

Chair & Exec Director, Kresy-Siberia (Canada) Inc. - Registered Charity No. 83341 6407 RR0001

Director, Kresy-Siberia (UK) - Registered Charity No. 1137210

Kresy-Siberia Virtual Mueum: www.Kresy-Siberia.org

"Established to inspire, promote and support research, remembrance

and recognition of Polish citizens’ struggles in the Eastern Borderlands

and in Exile during World War II."

From: fpleszak

Sent: Friday, December 28, 2012 3:43 PM

To: Kresy-Siberia@yahoogroups.com

Subject: [www.Kresy-Siberia.org] More sad news

It is with great regret and sadness that I have to announce the death of two notable veterans of the Polish 2nd Corps and bastions of the Polish community in Manchester.

Józef Królczyk passed away at the age of 99 during the evening of 23rd December.

Originally from the Krakow region he was with his wife in Lwów when arrested and exiled by the NKVD. He worked in a forest near to Irkutsk where both his father and brother died, but managed to nurse his seriously ill younger back to health. After the `Amnesty' he was separated from his wife when he sailed to freedom across the Caspian Sea whilst she remained in Kazakhstan caring for her sick parents.

As a member of a gun crew he fought with 5KDP at Monte Cassino, Ancona and Bologna. In 1946 his wife was repatriated to Poland from where she escaped to find him in Italy. After the war they eventually settled in Manchester where he has always been a prominent member of the SPK and Polish communities for which he was quite rightly awarded with the highest state honours.

Józef was active in the community until his recent illness he was an exceptional individual - kind, knowledgeable, helpful and modest - he will be sorely missed.

Henri Strzelecki, better known to most as Mr Henri was the founder, visionary and pioneer of Henri-Lloyd sports clothing. He died at the age of 87 on 26th December after a long battle with illness.

He was born in Brodnica and escaped German occupied Poland to join up with the Polish 2nd Corps for the battle of Bologna during which he showed incredible courage and for which he was highly decorated.

After the war he too settled in Manchester, where he studied textile and fashion design eventually launching his world renowned clothing line.

Active in the Polish community he was always cheerful, open and extremely sociable.

Like Józef, his very great friend, he is irreplaceable and he too will be greatly missed by all.

RIP Józef Królczyk 1913-2012
Henri Strzelecki 1925-2012

#53892

From: Stefan Wisniowski <stefan.wisniowski@...>
Date: Sat Dec 29, 2012 1:18 am
Subject: Statue of Wojtek Soldier Bear

skwisniowski

http://www.scotsman.com/news/brown-bear-adopted-by...

This is good news and a good article but it gives the impression the Polish soldiers all went back to Poland after the war - leaving the bear behind. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Best regards

Stefan Wisniowski

Sydney Australia

Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)

#53893

From: "annapacewicz" <annapacewicz@...>
Date: Sat Dec 29, 2012 3:53 am
Subject: Photos of General Maczek

annapacewicz

Dear group, I attach a link to some private collection photographs of Maczek
presenting Montgomery with the Virtuti Militari. They are published on flickr
but the ownder has given Stefan permission to use them so I am having them
published to the Hall of Memories on KSVM under Military Collections.

Kind regards,

Anna Pacewicz
Sydney

#53894

From: "annapacewicz" <annapacewicz@...>
Date: Sat Dec 29, 2012 3:56 am
Subject: Re: Photos of General Maczek

annapacewicz

Ooops with the link sorry:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/52018942@N05/sets/72157631947864610/