WARTIME GUIDES

 Situated in a strategic location between Toruń and Bydgoszcz , Emilianowo (German: Emilienau ) played a crucial role in the Polish resistance movement as early as 1940. This small forest lodge became one of the most important contact points for underground networks operating around the German DAG ammunition plant in Bydgoszcz , and most importantly – for Allied POWs escaping from Stalag XXA in Toruń and from German forced labor detachments in the surrounding towns and villages . A Forest Gateway to Freedom The so-called northern route of escape passed through Emilianowo. It was a covert trail leading across Pomerania toward the Baltic ports, mainly Gdańsk. For many escaped POWs, this was the first secure stop along their journey. In Emilianowo, they could rest safely, receive new clothes and false documents, get food supplies, and obtain crucial information to help them reach the coast. Among those who passed through Emilianowo were Allied officers such as T. Cullen , J. Grieg...

Cellars, basements and secret closets often hide more that any museum. See what I found in one of them very close to Stalag XXA area!

War began 1st September 1939 but 7th of this month is a special day for Torun. After six days when Germans invaded Poland after few skirmishes they took over city. Luckly there weren't many victims of attacks and all monuments survived. Polish soldiers before they left town destroyed two bridges. Since first days of occupation Nazi started to realize their program of creating new society on conquered lands. Civilians like  offcicals, leaders or representatives these groups which could be basis of undeground strucutres in future were imprisoned in Fort VII and Fort VIII. till end of October 1939 many of them were shot in Barbarka forrests Fort VII - Memorial for civilian victims First: Kees Palsma Nederlands writer, Behind: monument in Barbarka forrest When it comes to soldiers after Poland defeated Germans started to organize POW camps. Railway connections, old forts casued that Torun was perfect city to set up here Stalag (XX A (20a)) which was "home" fo...

That was wonderful trip. During three days we saw couple of places connected with POW path of Jack Stansfield. Moreover thanks his son Michael we saw notes with memories of last days in Stalag XXA in Torun. In opposit to all facts which says that prisoners left camp in late december 1945 Jack wrote that they started to march on 21 january! That means that lasts groups of POW left camp in 10 days before Torun was liberated. Fortunatley Jack survived afeter he escaped from march. He met russians army and polish partizants. Below we presents you short memories about Jack and trip to Poland... My father was called Jack Stansfield, he was born in August 1918. He was brought up in the market town of Malton in North Yorkshire where his parents were publicans. He joined the Territorial Army in March 1939 and was mobilised on the declaration of war. Jack enlisted in his local regiment joining the 5th Battalion of the Green Howards. After a short time at the Regimental HQ in Richmond, North...

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!