Polish soldiers meet Wojtek the bear ‒ Grimsby's tribute to Second World War heroes
A LASTING tribute to a heroic regiment of the Polish Army that made a Grimsby park its home towards the end of the Second World War has been unveiled.
In 1939, when Germany invaded Poland, a number of soldiers escaped their stricken country, and – via the Carpathian mountains – gathered in the Middle East.
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IMPRESSIVE SIGHT: George Palejowski comes face to face with the impressive carving of Wojtek – a bear that became the mascot of the 22nd Company Polish Army Service Corps – in Weelsby Woods. Pictures: Jon Corken. Buy photos at www.thisisphotosales.co.uk/grimsby or by calling 08444 060910
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IN PROCESSION: A parade walks towards the plaque for the unveiling.
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REVEALED: Mayor of North East Lincolnshire Councillor Susan Pickett, right, and Christine Bojen look at the plaque.
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IN HONOUR: George Palejowski with the sculpture of the bear.
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BEAR HUG: Michael Suszczenia meets an old friend.
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BIG CAT: In a picture from the Grimsby Telegraph published in November 1988, members of the Carpathian Lancers Association meet in Weelsby Woods. On the lion is Pam Ferenc, widow of former lancer Teodor Ferenc, who died in 1984. Members of the Carpathian Lancers helped clear the woods of the barbed wire and fencing which covered the area when it was a prisoner of war camp and later a demobbing camp for Poles after the war. Their work was being honoured at a ceremony.
The Polish Army had 33 horse cavalry regiments, which called themselves the Carpathian Lancers, as a result.
After service under Allied command in North Africa and enhancing their immense reputation through their part in the Italian campaign at Monte Cassino, the Lancers returned to Britain.
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At the end of the war, the regiments were brought to Grimsby in 1945 and stayed in the military camp at Weelsby Woods while awaiting demobilisation.
But, as their motherland had then been occupied by communist Russia, nearly 1,000 men stayed and settled in Grimsby after the unit was disbanded in 1947.
To honour the regiment, the Anglo-Polish Society Of North East Lincolnshire has been fundraising over the past year so a commemorative plaque could be placed in Weelsby Woods.
After receiving support and donations from North East Lincolnshire Council, the Humberston Sea Lions, the Cleethorpes RAF Association and other groups, the memorial was finally unveiled at a moving ceremony yesterday.
Veterans of the regiment were joined by relatives of servicemen and dignitaries to witness wreaths being laid at the memorial as the Polish and English national anthems were sung and the Last Post sounded.
Accompanying the plaque is an impressive carving of Wojtek – a bear that became the mascot of the 22nd Company Polish Army Service Corps.
Wotjek would travel with the soldiers wherever they were posted, and was famed for drinking with the troops.
Speaking after the ceremony, Szymon Elmczyski, of the Anglo-Polish Society, said: "Today is a tremendously proud day for us.
"It is the culmination of over a year's work by the society and we have been absolutely delighted with the support that we have received from both Polish veterans, local organisations that have helped us and the people of North East Lincolnshire.
"The memorial is not only a tribute to the brave soldiers who were based here after a long and hard fight during the war, but it is also a landmark for the Polish people who now live in this area.
"Both they and their British counterparts can visit the memorial and see that they are part of a wider association between Grimsby and Poland.
"To this day, I speak to regimental veterans who still remember the tremendous affection with which they were welcomed into the homes of ordinary townspeople of Grimsby who realised the hardship and suffering that they had on their journey to the town.
"We are delighted to commemorate the regiments' valour and their close relationship with this town."
Former Carpathian Lancer George Palejowski, who still lives in Grimsby, said: "It was very special to be here today to see the memorial officially unveiled.
"It is a great honour to me and my comrades that this memorial is here.
"Being back here in the park brings back a lot of memories. I remember standing on guard in the exact spot of the memorial for hours' when this was a military base.
"When we came over to Britain, Grimsby was wonderful to us; the people were so friendly and kind to us – I will never forget their kindness.
"I am so proud of the memorial and hope the town benefits from it as well."
Christine Bojen, whose father was a Carpathian Lancer decorated for bravery, said: "It is a tremendous honour to be here today to see the plaque unveiled.
"Unfortunately, my father passed away almost four years ago, but this is a wonderful tribute to him and the rest of the regiment."
Comments
by SpaldingGY
Monday, October 31 2011, 7:46AM
“A wonderful monument and story, please leave this alone for all to see and enjoy, we owe them alot.”
by blue90blue
Sunday, October 30 2011, 10:57PM
“THIS IS WONDERFUL SUCH A MASCOT HAS BEEN PUT IN THE WOODS THESE POLISH MEN DID AND STILL DO A LOT FOR THIS COUNTRY THEY WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN ESPECIALLY THOSE SOILDIERS WHO FOUGHT THE WAR WITH US GOD BLESS THEM ALL AND SCUM PLEASE LEAVE THIS STATUE ALONE AND THINK IF IT WAS NOT FOR THEM YOU WOULD NOT BE HERE NOW”
by freddyparky
Saturday, October 29 2011, 1:10PM
“Superb to see this monument and to celebrate the bravery of our Polish allies in the Second World War and the continuing links between our countries. Well done to the Anglo-Polish Society for their sterling work.”
by cleefish70
Saturday, October 29 2011, 11:16AM
“I grew up in Alvingham and we had a lot of polish men working on the farms and fruit farm I always remember them been honest and grateful hard workers .
I have a son in law Pawel of whom I am very proud when I was working in Germany We went to Krakow were just outside was a terrible german prison amp on my visit I saw prof of how the polish people suffered and now I am glad we in grimsby can find it in our hearts to honor those brave men and young lads.
Thank you Cleefish”
by kittycloe
Saturday, October 29 2011, 10:40AM
“About time we thanked the Poles for what they did for this country in the war. Not only that what a lot of people dont know was the amount of help they gave us during the Battle Of Britain, and after the war was over they were not allowed to take part in the Victory Parades, Oh well a tribute at last .... better late then never.... Just hope the SCUM can leave it alone”