Recollections
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Częstochowa town square
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1938 Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
First time Marian went to a cinema was in 1938. Marian went with his school class to a cinema in his home city of Częstochowa. After watching Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, everyone then made their own way home. At first Marian was not sure where to go, but after he recognised certain buildings, landmarks, he walked home. Marian was 7 years old.
First time Marian went to a cinema was in 1938. Marian went with his school class to a cinema in his home city of Częstochowa. After watching Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, everyone then made their own way home. At first Marian was not sure where to go, but after he recognised certain buildings, landmarks, he walked home. Marian was 7 years old.
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1939-1945 WWII Hunger
The first year and a half or so was the worst with regards to getting food. Often Marian and his family hod NO food. Marian said he found a half frozen onion, and biting into the onion caused tears in his eyes (Marian said schypawo, ie.: causing tears). A lot of children died from diseases – typhus… At the very beginning of World War Two, Marian remembered being at a neighbour’s home and listening to a large old radio – which had globes, to what was happening. The Germans knew where everything was in Częstochowa. The first two bombs hit the Synagogue and Kosher butcher. Chickens went flying everywhere.
The first year and a half or so was the worst with regards to getting food. Often Marian and his family hod NO food. Marian said he found a half frozen onion, and biting into the onion caused tears in his eyes (Marian said schypawo, ie.: causing tears). A lot of children died from diseases – typhus… At the very beginning of World War Two, Marian remembered being at a neighbour’s home and listening to a large old radio – which had globes, to what was happening. The Germans knew where everything was in Częstochowa. The first two bombs hit the Synagogue and Kosher butcher. Chickens went flying everywhere.
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WWII Supply Food to Jewish Ghetto
Being Polish Catholic, Marian was able to both enter and leave the Jewish Ghetto in Częstochowa. Marian helped supply food to the Jews there. The Jews had their own police within the ghetto, called Capo. On one occasion, when in the ghetto, Marian saw two German SS and an elderly Jewish man walking nearby. Marian then saw two Jewish Capo, armed with sticks, bash the elderly Jewish man for NO reason. The Jewish Capo were sucking up to the German SS, maybe to get more food, etc. …
Being Polish Catholic, Marian was able to both enter and leave the Jewish Ghetto in Częstochowa. Marian helped supply food to the Jews there. The Jews had their own police within the ghetto, called Capo. On one occasion, when in the ghetto, Marian saw two German SS and an elderly Jewish man walking nearby. Marian then saw two Jewish Capo, armed with sticks, bash the elderly Jewish man for NO reason. The Jewish Capo were sucking up to the German SS, maybe to get more food, etc. …
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WWII Stealing to Survive
German soldiers killed a cow and gave it to a butcher to make sausages for them. As the truck was being loaded with sausages, Marian quickly grabbed several large rings of greasy, very hot sausages, putting them inside his shirt so that they burned him, and ran home. Marian knew the butcher’s son.
Marian also recalled how sometimes he would take his menażka, (mess tin) a metal aluminum army food box, from which you could eat food, soup. And together go with other Polish children to the Wehrmacht (Regular German Army) cook. The Germans usually had food left over in a large pot and would fill the children’s menażkas.
German soldiers killed a cow and gave it to a butcher to make sausages for them. As the truck was being loaded with sausages, Marian quickly grabbed several large rings of greasy, very hot sausages, putting them inside his shirt so that they burned him, and ran home. Marian knew the butcher’s son.
Marian also recalled how sometimes he would take his menażka, (mess tin) a metal aluminum army food box, from which you could eat food, soup. And together go with other Polish children to the Wehrmacht (Regular German Army) cook. The Germans usually had food left over in a large pot and would fill the children’s menażkas.
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Flags
Polish Freedom Fighters would take down German Nazi flags, and then put up Polish flags, and rig it with a hand grenade. When a German tried to take the Polish flag down the hand grenade went off killing him. Next time a Polish flag was put up, the Germans would try to shoot it down. …
Polish Freedom Fighters would take down German Nazi flags, and then put up Polish flags, and rig it with a hand grenade. When a German tried to take the Polish flag down the hand grenade went off killing him. Next time a Polish flag was put up, the Germans would try to shoot it down. …
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WWII Russian Prisoners of War
When the Germans caught Russian soldiers, taking them prisoner, they would not feed them properly. Marian would go with his mum, Michalina, taking a large pot of soup to feed the Russian soldiers. The Russian soldiers made small wooden toys – animals with movable parts and tails, using their pocket knives which they would give to the children.
When the Germans caught Russian soldiers, taking them prisoner, they would not feed them properly. Marian would go with his mum, Michalina, taking a large pot of soup to feed the Russian soldiers. The Russian soldiers made small wooden toys – animals with movable parts and tails, using their pocket knives which they would give to the children.
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WWII Only For Germans
Especially in the beginning of the war, first few months, Germans would execute, hang people for NO reason, to put fear into people, to try to make it less likely for them to join partisans and fight back. Germans also placed signs on cinemas, cafes, restaurants, “Nur für Deutsche” (Only for Germans). Once the Polish partisans (Freedom Fighters) became more organised, every time a Polish person was hung, the Polish partisans would catch ten Germans and hang them together with their sign below their neck “Nur für Deutsche”. After this, less Polish people were killed for NO reason. …
Especially in the beginning of the war, first few months, Germans would execute, hang people for NO reason, to put fear into people, to try to make it less likely for them to join partisans and fight back. Germans also placed signs on cinemas, cafes, restaurants, “Nur für Deutsche” (Only for Germans). Once the Polish partisans (Freedom Fighters) became more organised, every time a Polish person was hung, the Polish partisans would catch ten Germans and hang them together with their sign below their neck “Nur für Deutsche”. After this, less Polish people were killed for NO reason. …
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WWII Grenades
On one occasion Marian had his brother Bolek (Bolesław), carrying a basket full of hand grenades with chicken eggs on top, were on their way to meet Zygmunt in a prearranged spot, in a forest. Marian and Bolek were stopped by two German Gestapo, who found the hand grenades, and told Marian and Bolek to put their hands up. Zygmunt, who was behind a tree nearby, saw all of this. Zygmunt walked up behind the Gestapo and said “Hände hoch” (Hands Up), and disarmed the Germans as Marian and Bolek quickly stepped away from each other so as to be out of the line of fire, and drew their pistols. Marian had a 7mm Belgian made Beretta pistol (4 inch barrel). Zygmunt took the two Germans further into the forest, and shortly after returned alone. Bolek asked, “Did you let them go?”, and Zygmunt said “Yes.” Marian saw that Zygmunt had a Tłumik (silencer) on his Sten submachine gun. If Zygmunt had let the Gestapo go, the whole forest would have been full of Germans within 10 minutes. …
On one occasion Marian had his brother Bolek (Bolesław), carrying a basket full of hand grenades with chicken eggs on top, were on their way to meet Zygmunt in a prearranged spot, in a forest. Marian and Bolek were stopped by two German Gestapo, who found the hand grenades, and told Marian and Bolek to put their hands up. Zygmunt, who was behind a tree nearby, saw all of this. Zygmunt walked up behind the Gestapo and said “Hände hoch” (Hands Up), and disarmed the Germans as Marian and Bolek quickly stepped away from each other so as to be out of the line of fire, and drew their pistols. Marian had a 7mm Belgian made Beretta pistol (4 inch barrel). Zygmunt took the two Germans further into the forest, and shortly after returned alone. Bolek asked, “Did you let them go?”, and Zygmunt said “Yes.” Marian saw that Zygmunt had a Tłumik (silencer) on his Sten submachine gun. If Zygmunt had let the Gestapo go, the whole forest would have been full of Germans within 10 minutes. …
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WWII Submachine Guns
On another occasion, Marian was walking through the city (Częstochowa), pushing a wheelbarrow full of Bergmann submachine guns covered with shit. Marian was helping supply weapons to Polish Freedom Fighters. A German Gestapo stopped Marian saying, “Kinde Kinder” (Children Children), “Little Boy, What do you have there” Marian said, “Shit.” The German looked and said, “Foo Scheisse (Shit) Raus hier (Get out of here).”
On another occasion, Marian was walking through the city (Częstochowa), pushing a wheelbarrow full of Bergmann submachine guns covered with shit. Marian was helping supply weapons to Polish Freedom Fighters. A German Gestapo stopped Marian saying, “Kinde Kinder” (Children Children), “Little Boy, What do you have there” Marian said, “Shit.” The German looked and said, “Foo Scheisse (Shit) Raus hier (Get out of here).”
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WWII Kerosene and Bullets
After curfew, Marian was walking along a street carrying a container full of kerosene. Germans started shooting at people. Everyone ran. The man running next to Marian said, “Ah! (noise of Pain), he had been shot in the leg? As Marian continued to run alongside a fence, a man moved a plank (which had been made movable deliberately) and grabbed Marian, pulling him to safety.
After curfew, Marian was walking along a street carrying a container full of kerosene. Germans started shooting at people. Everyone ran. The man running next to Marian said, “Ah! (noise of Pain), he had been shot in the leg? As Marian continued to run alongside a fence, a man moved a plank (which had been made movable deliberately) and grabbed Marian, pulling him to safety.
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WWII German SS and Doberman Attack Dog
And another time… Marian and his brother Bolek (Bolesław) were crawling through a wheat field. Two German SS saw the wheat moving, so they sent in their Doberman Dog (a large dog). The Germans were afraid to go into the wheat field themselves because they did not know who was there. The large German Doberman leapt at Marian. Marian had a one metre long oak pole in his hand (a pole that a forest ranger would normally use to measure firewood in cubic metres to sell to people). Anyway – as the dog attacked Marian, Marian swung the pole striking his belly and genitals. The Doberman yelped and ran back to the two German SS. The German SS then started firing their Bergmann submachine guns into the wheat field. Marian and Bolek, then crawled on earth strys dividing wheat field, so the Germans didn’t see any wheat moving, so Marian’s and Bolek’s position could not be found. Marian and Bolek made it to a river and escaped.
And another time… Marian and his brother Bolek (Bolesław) were crawling through a wheat field. Two German SS saw the wheat moving, so they sent in their Doberman Dog (a large dog). The Germans were afraid to go into the wheat field themselves because they did not know who was there. The large German Doberman leapt at Marian. Marian had a one metre long oak pole in his hand (a pole that a forest ranger would normally use to measure firewood in cubic metres to sell to people). Anyway – as the dog attacked Marian, Marian swung the pole striking his belly and genitals. The Doberman yelped and ran back to the two German SS. The German SS then started firing their Bergmann submachine guns into the wheat field. Marian and Bolek, then crawled on earth strys dividing wheat field, so the Germans didn’t see any wheat moving, so Marian’s and Bolek’s position could not be found. Marian and Bolek made it to a river and escaped.
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Strong Neck
A tall German SS with a very powerful build was hung by the neck inside a barn. The rope broke. The German SS was hung on a stronger rope and left handing overnight. In the morning, the German SS was found stumbling around the barn half conscious. This time the beam had broken. The German SS was taken outside and shot. That’s war.
A tall German SS with a very powerful build was hung by the neck inside a barn. The rope broke. The German SS was hung on a stronger rope and left handing overnight. In the morning, the German SS was found stumbling around the barn half conscious. This time the beam had broken. The German SS was taken outside and shot. That’s war.
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WWII Winter Snow and Wolf
Marian was walking through a forest, on his way to meet his brother Zygmunt and the other Freedom Fighters. As he walked in the snow, Marian saw a large hungry looking wolf. The wolf attacked. As the wolf leapt into the air, going for Marian’s throat, Marian pulled up his top with one hand, as he grabbed his Belgian (7mm Belgian made Beretta pistol) with his right hand, from between his belly and pants (where he usually carried his pistol). There wasn’t enough time or light to line up the sights so Marian just aimed along the barrel, aiming at the wolf’s torso, firing four bullets. Three bullets hit the wolf’s torso, one bullet hit the eye, killing the wolf. Marian wanted to keep the wolf’s fur. The wolf was too big and heavy to carry. So Marian put the wolf’s head on top of his own head and the wolf’s paws on his shoulders, and dragged the wolf. As all of this was going on a large number of partisans (Freedom Fighters) suddenly appeared – they had been doing a training exercise. They had been hidden behind trees, shrubs, up in the tree branches. They had been so quiet, even the wolf had not been aware of them. The wolf’s fur was matted, ie. not too clean.
Marian was walking through a forest, on his way to meet his brother Zygmunt and the other Freedom Fighters. As he walked in the snow, Marian saw a large hungry looking wolf. The wolf attacked. As the wolf leapt into the air, going for Marian’s throat, Marian pulled up his top with one hand, as he grabbed his Belgian (7mm Belgian made Beretta pistol) with his right hand, from between his belly and pants (where he usually carried his pistol). There wasn’t enough time or light to line up the sights so Marian just aimed along the barrel, aiming at the wolf’s torso, firing four bullets. Three bullets hit the wolf’s torso, one bullet hit the eye, killing the wolf. Marian wanted to keep the wolf’s fur. The wolf was too big and heavy to carry. So Marian put the wolf’s head on top of his own head and the wolf’s paws on his shoulders, and dragged the wolf. As all of this was going on a large number of partisans (Freedom Fighters) suddenly appeared – they had been doing a training exercise. They had been hidden behind trees, shrubs, up in the tree branches. They had been so quiet, even the wolf had not been aware of them. The wolf’s fur was matted, ie. not too clean.
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Russian truck WWII
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WWII Hat With a Bullet Hole
Towards the end of the war, a group of Russian soldiers went inside Marian’s parents home to have a meal, leaving a truck parked outside, with a rifle in it. Marian got up on the truck. Bolek put his hands on the rifle. The rifle fired and Marian’s hat flew off his head. Marian picked up his hat and put a finger through the bullet hole. If the bullet had gone an inch lower, Marian would have been killed. …
Towards the end of the war, a group of Russian soldiers went inside Marian’s parents home to have a meal, leaving a truck parked outside, with a rifle in it. Marian got up on the truck. Bolek put his hands on the rifle. The rifle fired and Marian’s hat flew off his head. Marian picked up his hat and put a finger through the bullet hole. If the bullet had gone an inch lower, Marian would have been killed. …
WWII Fun… and Later Death…
For fun, Marian and Bolek would unscrew anti-aircraft shell tips and take out the gunpowder which looked like spaghetti. They would place the gunpowder under a German helmet and light it and watch as the German helmet flew 40 – 50 metres up in the air, turning, making a whistling noise. On one occasion, Marian wanted to go somewhere (to a group of friends?) but Bolek wanted to go somewhere else. If he had listened to Marian he would have lived. Marian and Bolek ended up standing on a railway line within arms reach of each other. Bolek was trying to unscrew an anti-aircraft shell tip, something which he had done many time before. This time Bolek wasn’t able to unscrew it. He got frustrated and hit the anti-aircraft shell tip against the railway line. The anti-aircraft shell tip exploded. Shrapnel went into Bolek’s torso, damaged part of his jaw, and into his eye. A young boy, 100 metres away yelled in pain, after being hit by shrapnel in the backside. Marian, who was within arms reach of Bolek, was NOT touched (Marian was on the adjacent rail or sleeper). Bolek … “Yenchow” (ie. made some kind of noise in pain). Bolek bled out, died in around 8 minutes. Marian’s aunt was walking nearby, she grabbed Marian and took him home. Marian later saw Bolek in a coffin, one eye bandaged over and jaw straightened – covered with bandage. Marian regretted looking at Bolek in the coffin.
For fun, Marian and Bolek would unscrew anti-aircraft shell tips and take out the gunpowder which looked like spaghetti. They would place the gunpowder under a German helmet and light it and watch as the German helmet flew 40 – 50 metres up in the air, turning, making a whistling noise. On one occasion, Marian wanted to go somewhere (to a group of friends?) but Bolek wanted to go somewhere else. If he had listened to Marian he would have lived. Marian and Bolek ended up standing on a railway line within arms reach of each other. Bolek was trying to unscrew an anti-aircraft shell tip, something which he had done many time before. This time Bolek wasn’t able to unscrew it. He got frustrated and hit the anti-aircraft shell tip against the railway line. The anti-aircraft shell tip exploded. Shrapnel went into Bolek’s torso, damaged part of his jaw, and into his eye. A young boy, 100 metres away yelled in pain, after being hit by shrapnel in the backside. Marian, who was within arms reach of Bolek, was NOT touched (Marian was on the adjacent rail or sleeper). Bolek … “Yenchow” (ie. made some kind of noise in pain). Bolek bled out, died in around 8 minutes. Marian’s aunt was walking nearby, she grabbed Marian and took him home. Marian later saw Bolek in a coffin, one eye bandaged over and jaw straightened – covered with bandage. Marian regretted looking at Bolek in the coffin.
WWII Fishing
Marian would throw into the river, either German hand-grenades which had a wooden handle, or mydewka ie. explosive shaped like a bar of soap into which he would press a fuse, light it and throw into the fiver. Stunned fish would fly into the air. Marian gathered the fish with a basket.
Marian would throw into the river, either German hand-grenades which had a wooden handle, or mydewka ie. explosive shaped like a bar of soap into which he would press a fuse, light it and throw into the fiver. Stunned fish would fly into the air. Marian gathered the fish with a basket.
During the war, Marian saw bombings, bashings, shootings, executions, hangings, Germans using flame throwers, also frozen bodies. On one of the mass executions Marian saw, the Germans told people to get of of the area, so people would not see that would happen. On this occasion, Marian was hidden within the roof of a nearby house and could see everything. Marian saw the Germans shooting the people, bodies being put into mass graves, covered with lime and soil. Some of the people were only injured or not even shot – just pretending to be dead. Marian saw the soil move… ie. even if shot in the head, nerves can still cause limbs to twitch and move. And some of the people, under the soil were still alive for a short while…
Planes, Tanks…
Marian could tell if planes were going to or returning from a mission by he sound they made. ie. Going to a mission the planes were heavy – full of bombs and bullets, voo-voo sound… Coming back from a mission the planes were lighter, so made a different sound as they flew… Marian saw one large burned-out German Tiger tank, surrounded by 50 smaller burned-out Russian tanks, with human ashes inside…
Marian could tell if planes were going to or returning from a mission by he sound they made. ie. Going to a mission the planes were heavy – full of bombs and bullets, voo-voo sound… Coming back from a mission the planes were lighter, so made a different sound as they flew… Marian saw one large burned-out German Tiger tank, surrounded by 50 smaller burned-out Russian tanks, with human ashes inside…
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Bare Feet
To conserve his boots, Marian would usually only wear them in winter. Marian would often run barefoot to the forest, after curfew at night, to meet up with Zygmunt and the other Freedom Fighters. Often, Marian’s feet and legs were bruised, scratched and cut up from branches and stones. On one occasion, Marian sliced open his heel. Marian was able to hop faster on one leg than other boy were able to run on two legs. …
To conserve his boots, Marian would usually only wear them in winter. Marian would often run barefoot to the forest, after curfew at night, to meet up with Zygmunt and the other Freedom Fighters. Often, Marian’s feet and legs were bruised, scratched and cut up from branches and stones. On one occasion, Marian sliced open his heel. Marian was able to hop faster on one leg than other boy were able to run on two legs. …
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WWII Gypsies
Marian’s father, Jan had been taken by the Germans into forced labour. Marian’s mum, Michalina, busy buying and selling on the black market so the family could survive, so she often had no idea what Marian was up to. Marian said it was good for Gypsies to be camped near to where you lived, because Gypsies only stole from people who lived further away. Because the Gypsies were unable to read or write, when they received a letter or wanted to send someone a letter, they would ask Marian to read and also to write letter for them. After Marian read a letter to Gypsies, they would get someone else to read the letter again, just to make sure. Gypsies were talented blacksmiths making their own pots and pans, knives, etc. A Gypsy family wanted Marian to teach their children how to read and write. So Marian ended up living with the Gypsy family for several months, travelling with them, in their horse drawn wagon, from Poland to around the French border. Marian also witnessed two Gypsy men have a knife fight over a woman.
Marian’s father, Jan had been taken by the Germans into forced labour. Marian’s mum, Michalina, busy buying and selling on the black market so the family could survive, so she often had no idea what Marian was up to. Marian said it was good for Gypsies to be camped near to where you lived, because Gypsies only stole from people who lived further away. Because the Gypsies were unable to read or write, when they received a letter or wanted to send someone a letter, they would ask Marian to read and also to write letter for them. After Marian read a letter to Gypsies, they would get someone else to read the letter again, just to make sure. Gypsies were talented blacksmiths making their own pots and pans, knives, etc. A Gypsy family wanted Marian to teach their children how to read and write. So Marian ended up living with the Gypsy family for several months, travelling with them, in their horse drawn wagon, from Poland to around the French border. Marian also witnessed two Gypsy men have a knife fight over a woman.
WWII Training
Marian was able to hit small birds with his 7mm Beretta pistol from 15 – 20 metres. The birds were high up on branches and all that would be left after Marian shot them was some feathers. Zygmunt said, “Don’t shoot the birds.” ie. they sing for us. The other partisans said Marian is a better shot than they are. Marian was the only child there amongst the partisans in the forest. Marian was too young to go on missions with the partisans but did take part in a fair portion of their training, using all types of weapons, hand-to-hand combat, etc. After returning from missions, the partisans would give their guns to Marian, who would then take them apart, clean and oil them, and put them together again. Marian became an expert.
Marian was able to hit small birds with his 7mm Beretta pistol from 15 – 20 metres. The birds were high up on branches and all that would be left after Marian shot them was some feathers. Zygmunt said, “Don’t shoot the birds.” ie. they sing for us. The other partisans said Marian is a better shot than they are. Marian was the only child there amongst the partisans in the forest. Marian was too young to go on missions with the partisans but did take part in a fair portion of their training, using all types of weapons, hand-to-hand combat, etc. After returning from missions, the partisans would give their guns to Marian, who would then take them apart, clean and oil them, and put them together again. Marian became an expert.
To Instil Confidence in Dealing With Unexpected Danger
After Marian had left the partisans in the forest and was walking home, Zygmunt had one of the other partisans sneak up on Marian from behind. Marian pulled his pistol out and before he could shoot anyone, Zygmunt stopped him.
After Marian had left the partisans in the forest and was walking home, Zygmunt had one of the other partisans sneak up on Marian from behind. Marian pulled his pistol out and before he could shoot anyone, Zygmunt stopped him.
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WWII Bank Job and Saved From Execution
A group of Polish Freedom Fighters, dressed in high ranking German SS officer uniform, went to a German controlled bank and emptied the safe of all money and left. The Germans then realised they had been robbed and called for backup – more German soldiers. The backup, drove past the Polish Freedom Fighters, thinking they were Germans, saluted them. Further down the road, Germans had rounded up some people including Marian, and were about to execute them. Marian, being a young boy, had NOT been searched, so he still had his pistol, and was just waiting for an opportunity to pull it out and use it. A fancy Mercedes Benz car rolls up and stops. The Polish partisans, in their SS uniforms are also fluent in German, and they also had official paperwork (documents). Note: the Polish Underground also had their people within the German Department which made German documents. The Polish partisans approached the Germans, showing their paperwork and said, “We will take over.” So that’s how Marian was saved from execution this time.
A group of Polish Freedom Fighters, dressed in high ranking German SS officer uniform, went to a German controlled bank and emptied the safe of all money and left. The Germans then realised they had been robbed and called for backup – more German soldiers. The backup, drove past the Polish Freedom Fighters, thinking they were Germans, saluted them. Further down the road, Germans had rounded up some people including Marian, and were about to execute them. Marian, being a young boy, had NOT been searched, so he still had his pistol, and was just waiting for an opportunity to pull it out and use it. A fancy Mercedes Benz car rolls up and stops. The Polish partisans, in their SS uniforms are also fluent in German, and they also had official paperwork (documents). Note: the Polish Underground also had their people within the German Department which made German documents. The Polish partisans approached the Germans, showing their paperwork and said, “We will take over.” So that’s how Marian was saved from execution this time.
Battle in Forrest – on the way to help in the Warsaw Uprising
Marian’s older brother, Zygmunt Woznicki, was born 1925 and died in a major firefight with the Germans in 1944. He was leading a platoon to Warsaw to help in the Warsaw Uprising but never made it. About half way from Czestochowa to Warsaw, in a forest, Zygmunt and his men were surrounded by German troops who were themselves surrounded by other Polish freedom fighters, who were also surrounded by even more Germans (literally four circles). In the battle, Zygmunt was killed and buried in a mass grave. Zygmunt was just 19. Even in the year 2022, Marian was still feeling the hurt and loss, especially given that he does not know where his brother was buried.
Marian’s older brother, Zygmunt Woznicki, was born 1925 and died in a major firefight with the Germans in 1944. He was leading a platoon to Warsaw to help in the Warsaw Uprising but never made it. About half way from Czestochowa to Warsaw, in a forest, Zygmunt and his men were surrounded by German troops who were themselves surrounded by other Polish freedom fighters, who were also surrounded by even more Germans (literally four circles). In the battle, Zygmunt was killed and buried in a mass grave. Zygmunt was just 19. Even in the year 2022, Marian was still feeling the hurt and loss, especially given that he does not know where his brother was buried.
WWII Suicide
Marian saw two small boys near a campfire. The slightly larger boy told the smaller boy to go away. The remaining boy then dropped some bullets into the campfire and hunched over it, watching. The bullets went off, hitting the boy, who then fell into the campfire. Marian is quite sure it was suicide. …
Marian saw two small boys near a campfire. The slightly larger boy told the smaller boy to go away. The remaining boy then dropped some bullets into the campfire and hunched over it, watching. The bullets went off, hitting the boy, who then fell into the campfire. Marian is quite sure it was suicide. …
Frozen Fingers
Marian saw a Russian soldier help a German soldier get out of a trench. As the Russian grabbed hold of the German’s hand the German’s frozen fingers broke off. The German said, “That’s okay, Hitler will give me a new metal hand.”
Marian saw a Russian soldier help a German soldier get out of a trench. As the Russian grabbed hold of the German’s hand the German’s frozen fingers broke off. The German said, “That’s okay, Hitler will give me a new metal hand.”
WWII Dead Drunk
A Russian soldier fell into a large vat (tank) of alcohol and drowned. The other soldiers ignored the body and continued to drink.
A Russian soldier fell into a large vat (tank) of alcohol and drowned. The other soldiers ignored the body and continued to drink.
Hitler Youth
Towards the end of the war there was a lack of men, so the Germans also used Hitler Youth to man anti-aircraft artillery, close to where Marian lived. The Hitler Youth lived in Mobile wagons. They set everything on fire including ammunition artillery shells and fled, as the Russian Army Arrived. For safety Marian was forced to stay at a neighbour’s home because, bullets, artillery shells, etc. were set off by the fire.
Towards the end of the war there was a lack of men, so the Germans also used Hitler Youth to man anti-aircraft artillery, close to where Marian lived. The Hitler Youth lived in Mobile wagons. They set everything on fire including ammunition artillery shells and fled, as the Russian Army Arrived. For safety Marian was forced to stay at a neighbour’s home because, bullets, artillery shells, etc. were set off by the fire.
WWII Towards the End
Towards the end of the war, half of Marian’s immediate and extended family had been killed by the Germans. Marian left home with only what he was wearing. A friend went with him. They mainly walked, going through Poland, Austria, into the Italian Alps and beyond. They slept in barns, people gave them food, clothes that would have belonged to people’s brothers, husbands. Someone also gave them a wooden German hand wagon – the type that German fathers would bake tor their children. Marian and his friend put their acquired supplies on it. Marian wanted to keep going, not really knowing or caring where… But his friend missed home, so they turned back and started walking home. On part of their trip back towards Poland, Marian and his friend got a lift on a truck with Russian soldiers – forgetting about – abandoning their hand wagon and supplies.
Towards the end of the war, half of Marian’s immediate and extended family had been killed by the Germans. Marian left home with only what he was wearing. A friend went with him. They mainly walked, going through Poland, Austria, into the Italian Alps and beyond. They slept in barns, people gave them food, clothes that would have belonged to people’s brothers, husbands. Someone also gave them a wooden German hand wagon – the type that German fathers would bake tor their children. Marian and his friend put their acquired supplies on it. Marian wanted to keep going, not really knowing or caring where… But his friend missed home, so they turned back and started walking home. On part of their trip back towards Poland, Marian and his friend got a lift on a truck with Russian soldiers – forgetting about – abandoning their hand wagon and supplies.
Guard Duty
In 1953 – 1954 Marian was conscripted into Military Service at a (Military Academy) Shkowa pod officerska, near Krakow, Poland. Marian was an Elev – which means “Student in French”. On one occasion when Marian was on guard duty, he saw a man dressed in civilian clothes, aged in his 40’s, with his hands in pockets, pretending to be drunk. The man entered an area where civilians were not allowed to go. Marian, armed with a Polish Radom made 7.62mm calibre KBK rifle, bayonet extended, hid behind a column. As the man walked by, Marian hit him in the shoulder with the rifle stock. The man fell to the ground still with his hands in his pockets. Marian held bayonet at the man’s throat and blew his whistle for backup. More Elev came and found hand grenades in the man’s pockets. They started hitting the man. Marian told them to stop. The man, a Ukrainian, was taken away and interrogated. A few more men were captured or killed around the military academy. The interrogators found out that a division (that’s 15,000 men during peace time and 30,000 men during war) of elite, battle hardened German SS and Ukrainian SA troops were in the process of making their way from a forested area between Poland and Russia, through Poland, along the Czech border (High Country) with the aim of getting to West Germany. (It was nighttime) As they were making their way, commando type units were being sent out to destroy Polish military bases along the route, as well as destroying communication lines. The Polish Military alerted the Czech military and then the Polish air force was send in. Marian’s unit was then sent to the Czech border. The Polish air force had done a thorough job. Marian saw body parts all over the ground and hanging from tree branches. The weapons included trucks, mobile anti-aircraft artillery, and a large portion of the weapons were American, most likely supplied by air-drops. The German SS and Ukrainian SA troops had been living in the forest and amongst Ukrainians from 1945 until 1954. Marian’s unit was sworn to secrecy – i.e. officially nothing ever happened. Marian was given two week’s leave as a reward.
On another occasion Marian was on guard duty. There was this ‘arsehole’ captain who tried to catch Elev on guard duty asleep. Normally, if he saw someone, Marian was meant to fire his first shot up into the air as a warning and second into the person. Marian fired his first shot at the captain. The captain, sensing this, dived to the ground. Marian fired his second shot up into the air. The captain started shouting, “Don’t shoot,” after diving to the ground. And when he tried to stand he fell because a heel was shot off one boot. Again, as a reward for doing guard duty well, Marin was given two weeks leave. That captain never again tried checking up on Elev.
In 1953 – 1954 Marian was conscripted into Military Service at a (Military Academy) Shkowa pod officerska, near Krakow, Poland. Marian was an Elev – which means “Student in French”. On one occasion when Marian was on guard duty, he saw a man dressed in civilian clothes, aged in his 40’s, with his hands in pockets, pretending to be drunk. The man entered an area where civilians were not allowed to go. Marian, armed with a Polish Radom made 7.62mm calibre KBK rifle, bayonet extended, hid behind a column. As the man walked by, Marian hit him in the shoulder with the rifle stock. The man fell to the ground still with his hands in his pockets. Marian held bayonet at the man’s throat and blew his whistle for backup. More Elev came and found hand grenades in the man’s pockets. They started hitting the man. Marian told them to stop. The man, a Ukrainian, was taken away and interrogated. A few more men were captured or killed around the military academy. The interrogators found out that a division (that’s 15,000 men during peace time and 30,000 men during war) of elite, battle hardened German SS and Ukrainian SA troops were in the process of making their way from a forested area between Poland and Russia, through Poland, along the Czech border (High Country) with the aim of getting to West Germany. (It was nighttime) As they were making their way, commando type units were being sent out to destroy Polish military bases along the route, as well as destroying communication lines. The Polish Military alerted the Czech military and then the Polish air force was send in. Marian’s unit was then sent to the Czech border. The Polish air force had done a thorough job. Marian saw body parts all over the ground and hanging from tree branches. The weapons included trucks, mobile anti-aircraft artillery, and a large portion of the weapons were American, most likely supplied by air-drops. The German SS and Ukrainian SA troops had been living in the forest and amongst Ukrainians from 1945 until 1954. Marian’s unit was sworn to secrecy – i.e. officially nothing ever happened. Marian was given two week’s leave as a reward.
On another occasion Marian was on guard duty. There was this ‘arsehole’ captain who tried to catch Elev on guard duty asleep. Normally, if he saw someone, Marian was meant to fire his first shot up into the air as a warning and second into the person. Marian fired his first shot at the captain. The captain, sensing this, dived to the ground. Marian fired his second shot up into the air. The captain started shouting, “Don’t shoot,” after diving to the ground. And when he tried to stand he fell because a heel was shot off one boot. Again, as a reward for doing guard duty well, Marin was given two weeks leave. That captain never again tried checking up on Elev.
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WWII Character
Marian was with his oldest brother Zygmunt. Zygmunt had caught a German. On this occasion, Marian did not have his pistol with him. Zygmunt gave Marian a pistol and said … to finish him off, referring to the German. Marian refused to do so. The German soldier was also a human being. Note: we must keep in mind Marian was nearly killed by the Germans multiple times, and that half of Marian’s family had been killed by the German’s by the end of the war.
Marian was with his oldest brother Zygmunt. Zygmunt had caught a German. On this occasion, Marian did not have his pistol with him. Zygmunt gave Marian a pistol and said … to finish him off, referring to the German. Marian refused to do so. The German soldier was also a human being. Note: we must keep in mind Marian was nearly killed by the Germans multiple times, and that half of Marian’s family had been killed by the German’s by the end of the war.
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Street Fight in Lilydale
In the early 1960’s Marian was walking around Lilydale, Melbourne with two friends. They were attacked by seven hoodlums. Marian’s two friends dealt with one ‘punk’ each. One of Marian’s friends could only fight with one arm because he had a back muscle injured by a grenade during WWII. After Marian’s friends had dealt with their opponents, they turned to seen Marian standing and four or five men lying on the ground around him. Marian’s friends asked what happened? Marian just said, “They fell over…” Across the street was a police station. The local police watched the fighting through a window. After everything was finished they came outside, arrested the local hoodlums and left Marian and his friends alone.
In the early 1960’s Marian was walking around Lilydale, Melbourne with two friends. They were attacked by seven hoodlums. Marian’s two friends dealt with one ‘punk’ each. One of Marian’s friends could only fight with one arm because he had a back muscle injured by a grenade during WWII. After Marian’s friends had dealt with their opponents, they turned to seen Marian standing and four or five men lying on the ground around him. Marian’s friends asked what happened? Marian just said, “They fell over…” Across the street was a police station. The local police watched the fighting through a window. After everything was finished they came outside, arrested the local hoodlums and left Marian and his friends alone.
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Drag Racing in Port Melbourne
In 1981, Marian ordered a new metallic gold XD Ford Falcon Sedan (kind of gold-brown colour). The standard Falcon was 3.3 litres with a column shift transmission. Marian told the dealer he wanted his to be fast, so he paid $11,000 plus $500 extra. For this, Marian’s Ford had a 4.1 litre cross flow engine, optional four speed manual transmission and diff ratios as on police pursuit vehicles. Roughly a year or so later, a co-worker of Marian’s at KRAFT in Port Melbourne wanted to find out if his V8 Holden was faster than Marian’s Ford. So on the day, most of KRAFT’s workers lined a local street, and the drag race was on. Marian let his co-worker in his V8 Holden have a bit of a head start. Marian then floored it. Marian’s Ford finished a ½ km ahead of the Holden. From then on, until Marian finished working at KRAFT in 1993, another co-worker – a Greek man, kept offering to buy Marian’s Ford Falcon. I learned how to drive in Marian’s Ford Falcon. My Mum, Zofia, enjoyed driving this car.
In 1981, Marian ordered a new metallic gold XD Ford Falcon Sedan (kind of gold-brown colour). The standard Falcon was 3.3 litres with a column shift transmission. Marian told the dealer he wanted his to be fast, so he paid $11,000 plus $500 extra. For this, Marian’s Ford had a 4.1 litre cross flow engine, optional four speed manual transmission and diff ratios as on police pursuit vehicles. Roughly a year or so later, a co-worker of Marian’s at KRAFT in Port Melbourne wanted to find out if his V8 Holden was faster than Marian’s Ford. So on the day, most of KRAFT’s workers lined a local street, and the drag race was on. Marian let his co-worker in his V8 Holden have a bit of a head start. Marian then floored it. Marian’s Ford finished a ½ km ahead of the Holden. From then on, until Marian finished working at KRAFT in 1993, another co-worker – a Greek man, kept offering to buy Marian’s Ford Falcon. I learned how to drive in Marian’s Ford Falcon. My Mum, Zofia, enjoyed driving this car.
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Rescued at Caulfield Train Station
In 2008, Marian was 76. Marian saw several cops questioning a young girl. Marian winked at the girl and said loudly, “She’s with me.” The cops apologised, backing off. The young girl got on the train with Marian.
In 2008, Marian was 76. Marian saw several cops questioning a young girl. Marian winked at the girl and said loudly, “She’s with me.” The cops apologised, backing off. The young girl got on the train with Marian.
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Don’t Mess With Marian
At the end of 2014, Marian was 83. Marian was having a nap in the lounge room, and he slipped off the couch, hitting his head on brickwork around the heater. There was a bit of blood from the top of his head at the back. Marian went to Sandringham Hospital and it got checked out. The scan shows nothing so Marian is sent home. A few weeks later, Marian couldn’t walk properly, kind of dragging his right foot at an angle. I called an ambulance. The ambos had a look, were dismissive and left. At the start of 2015, Marian was driving his car out of a parking spot at the local shopping strip and smashed is Ford Fairmont into a shop front. No one was hurt. Someone called the cops and ambulance. Two cops asked for Marian’s driver’s licence. Marian held it out saying, “You can look, but not touch.” Note: when Marian got his first licence, he was told, you show it when asked but never give it to anyone. The two cops made the mistake of grabbing his hand. Marian’s military training kicked in instinctively, resulting in the two cops losing their balance and falling to the ground. A bit further away, a sergeant saw what happened, and turned around. Marian could see his body shaking from laughter. The sergeant walked over to Marian and said gently, “Make them happy, let them have the licence.” Later on, Marian still couldn’t walk properly. I took him to the local GP. She said to call an ambulance. At the Alfred Hospital they did a scan which showed that the hit on his head a few weeks earlier had caused a slow blood leak between the skull and brain, putting pressure on the brain, affecting his right foot. Marian was operated on, and later spent time at Caulfield Rehab Hospital. He made a full recovery and regained his driver’s licence after a second assessment (he was deliberately failed in the first). This happened when hospitals were still hospitals. Unlike what happened since 2020…
At the end of 2014, Marian was 83. Marian was having a nap in the lounge room, and he slipped off the couch, hitting his head on brickwork around the heater. There was a bit of blood from the top of his head at the back. Marian went to Sandringham Hospital and it got checked out. The scan shows nothing so Marian is sent home. A few weeks later, Marian couldn’t walk properly, kind of dragging his right foot at an angle. I called an ambulance. The ambos had a look, were dismissive and left. At the start of 2015, Marian was driving his car out of a parking spot at the local shopping strip and smashed is Ford Fairmont into a shop front. No one was hurt. Someone called the cops and ambulance. Two cops asked for Marian’s driver’s licence. Marian held it out saying, “You can look, but not touch.” Note: when Marian got his first licence, he was told, you show it when asked but never give it to anyone. The two cops made the mistake of grabbing his hand. Marian’s military training kicked in instinctively, resulting in the two cops losing their balance and falling to the ground. A bit further away, a sergeant saw what happened, and turned around. Marian could see his body shaking from laughter. The sergeant walked over to Marian and said gently, “Make them happy, let them have the licence.” Later on, Marian still couldn’t walk properly. I took him to the local GP. She said to call an ambulance. At the Alfred Hospital they did a scan which showed that the hit on his head a few weeks earlier had caused a slow blood leak between the skull and brain, putting pressure on the brain, affecting his right foot. Marian was operated on, and later spent time at Caulfield Rehab Hospital. He made a full recovery and regained his driver’s licence after a second assessment (he was deliberately failed in the first). This happened when hospitals were still hospitals. Unlike what happened since 2020…
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Photo of Marian is from Bentleigh West Primary School Yearbook, 2019
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Not Your Typical School Crossing Supervisor
Marian had been a school crossing supervisor for over 14 years. Marian always stood up against tyranny and for freedom from World War Two until COVID-19 scamdemic. Marian was a freedom fighter his whole life! Notes from 11 April 2022 – Marian said again re: Crossing Job. He told the boss, “You can stick your vaccine. You can stick your job. I resign.” Marian was 90.
Marian had been a school crossing supervisor for over 14 years. Marian always stood up against tyranny and for freedom from World War Two until COVID-19 scamdemic. Marian was a freedom fighter his whole life! Notes from 11 April 2022 – Marian said again re: Crossing Job. He told the boss, “You can stick your vaccine. You can stick your job. I resign.” Marian was 90.
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From Andrew to Humanity:
You don’t need to be aq strong young man or a super hero. ALL of us, from a young boy like Marian was during WWII to an elderly person with a bit of courage all of us, all of humanity, united with God, together we can achieve more than any of us can imagine! Remember: “Nie poddawaj sie” – “DON’T GIVE UP.” “If you want to be free, you DO WHATEVER IT TAKES.” |
