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...
This blog is dedicated to people who were imprisoned in Stalag XXA in Thorn in 1939-45. We would like to show you that in the shadows of the beautiful gothic city there is also forgotten history.