VE Day: From Siberia to Bologna – A Polish Odyssey
Join us for a unique glimpse into the history of the Polish community to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, exploring the extraordinary journey of the Polish forces and their pivotal role in the Italian Campaign (1943-1945).
Our event will open with a poignant performance by the Polish children’s dance group from Manchester, led by Asia Gwiazdowska-Cullinan. Asia was handed a cultural legacy by her grandparents, who, unable to return home after the war, cultivated Polish song and dance so that future generations could continue to enjoy these traditions.
Following the performance, Marek Mrozek from The Polish Institute and Sikorski Museum in London will present a moving account of the II Polish Corps. Formed from civilians deported from their homes in Poland to Soviet labour camps, they became a fighting force of over 55,000 men and women. Their remarkable bravery and sacrifice were instrumental in key battles across Italy, including Monte Cassino, Ancona and Bologna, as part of the British Eighth Army.
This event is organised by Polish at Heart and forms part of this year’s celebration of Polish Heritage Days. It is sponsored by the Polish Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Manchester.
Image copyright permission: Narodowe Archiwum Cyfrowe (The Polish Digital Archives).
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