WARTIME GUIDES

We had the honor of accompanying a special guest from England, who traveled through France by motorcycle to pay tribute to his uncle — a former prisoner of war held in German camps Stalag XXA and Stalag XXB. In recent days, we had the privilege of being part of an extraordinary journey of remembrance. Our guest from England, after taking part in the anniversary commemorations in Saint-Valery-en-Caux, rode his motorcycle to Poland to visit sites connected to the wartime captivity of his uncle — a POW held in Stalag XXA in Toruń and later in Stalag XXB near Malbork. For the first time, we had the chance to act as guides and road pilots — our guest followed us on his motorcycle as we led him through locations that may have been part of his uncle’s experience in Stalag XXA. Although the surviving documentation was limited, we did everything we could to highlight the relevant places and provide historical context for life in the camp. Although we didn’t travel together to Malbork this time,...

Some journeys go far beyond sightseeing — they become personal pilgrimages into family history. This was the case for Wayne , who came to Poland to discover the places where his father, a British soldier and prisoner of war during World War II, was once held captive. Wayne’s father was a gunner in a tank crew . He was captured following the British retreat at Dunkirk and later interned in Stalag XXA in Toruń , and then transferred to Stalag XXB in Malbork . These details were uncovered through preserved wartime records. The most extraordinary moment of the visit happened in the Malbork City Museum , where Wayne saw something unimaginable — his father’s Bible from captivity , discovered by a local woman and donated to the museum. Such moments are incredibly rare and deeply emotional. Wayne was joined by his daughter, representing the next generation. Together, they experienced a moving journey through history — exploring Polish cities, landscapes, and cuisine, all while gaining a deepe...

I am delighted to announce that my latest article on prisoners of war at Fort XI has been published in issue 14 of the Atlas of Toruń Fortress. It brings me great joy and honor to contribute to the exploration and documentation of this incredibly important part of our region's history. In my article, I focus on a detailed understanding of the lives and fates of prisoners of war who were held at Fort XI during World War II. Through thorough research and source analysis, I aimed to reconstruct their daily lives, the challenges they faced, and the exceptional friendships and bonds that formed among those deprived of their freedom. Fort XI in Toruń, which is part of the Toruń Fortress, played a significant role as a prisoner-of-war camp. My goal was to highlight this significance and pay tribute to the memory of the prisoners of war who were held there. By sharing their experiences, I sought to bring readers closer to the dramatic reality of life in the camp, while also showcasing the ...

September is important month for Poles. We think about the occupation and people who lost their lives during the war. But for people whose relative fought in different fronts all over the world is also specific time. Brunskills family came to Poland to leran something more about their father's life during the war as a prisoner of war of stalag XXA and XXB It is rather typical that ex POWs didn't speak  about their life behind the barbed wire.  The Brunskills daughters  remember only stories about strong winter and lack of food. Even during childhood after the war, one of common memories is shouting father when he saw wasting food! Ladies during the trip told us that even their names were also connected to his imprisonment and he treated it as a symbol. Based on memories we saw parts of Stalag XXB to see how looks today, places from the best time of his life which was stolen by WWII.

Saturday 21 February was the one of the most beautiful day in our guide career. During offical celebration of International Tour Guide Day we were awarded for our job to preserve internetional hertiage. After the event we went back to work because this evening Hania had lecture dedicated to POW and uknown stories from Stalag XXA. We are happy that somebody have seen our passion. That was hit of motivation for harder work. Thank you!

Not so long ago, we found a trace of prisoners of war in Deutsch Eylau (now Iława,Poland) Stalag XXB.Therefore, we went there to check that information. Happily, thanks to Mr Michał Młotek the author of a blog fabryka-historii.pl we were able to see what is left from the camp. We have found a monument and an unique plan! This summer we will do more research about this and for sure we will add some more information on the blog. a plague on the monument To those brutally murdered during WWII  prisoners of Hitler's working camps in Iława - citizens                                                                 a monument an engine house which was built by ...