SPK Post No. 33 - Polish Armed Forces WWII

55 Years of SPK and 65th Anniversary of Monte Cassino Observance Set
by Janusz Nieduzak, SPK Commander

Polish Veterans of WW II are former members of the Polish Armed Forces who significantly contributed to the victory of the Allies in the Second World War. When the war ended, due to the infamous Yalta Agreement, Polish soldiers could not return to their homeland with arms and displayed standards.

In the protest, against such an unjustified treaty, the soldiers decided to stay in a free world. Although they took off their uniforms, they never stopped their efforts to regain freedom and justice for their country.

They scattered all over the world. Wherever they settled they formed veteran groups lo foster friendships and to perpetuate the priceless memories of the struggle for freedom.

According to the special bill (passed by the U.S. Congress), Polish veterans were granted visas to the United States of America. Some of them settled in Western New York. In Buffalo, the association of the Polish Veterans of World War II, known as SPK, Post #33, was formed in 1954, becoming part of the Polish Combatants' World Federation with headquarters in London, England.

It is a patriotic organization which unites in comradeship veterans of all branches of the Polish Armed Forces in exile. Bonded by the same ideals, members realize common goals set by ihe SPK status in serving Poland, and at the same time, being loyal and productive citizens of their new adopted country, the United States of America.

Throughout its existence, Post #33, together with the Detachment of the Ladies Auxiliary, actively participates in the community and achieved many accomplishments. Besides yearly patriotic observances, SPK promoted culture and cultivated the customs and traditions of their forefathers.

Over the years, Post #33 hosted four national SPK conventions as well as several distinguished guests, including Cardinal Karol Wojtyla, the late Pope John Paul II.

In 2001, the Post organized an exhibit of the Polish Armed Forces of WW II, which was displayed in many local colleges, at community festivals and many other places. As years have flown by. the organization started dwindling and many members departed. Despite that fact a year ago, though in lesser numbers, the Post was still proudly marching tall in the Pulaski Parade.

Above all, the Post's ultimate goal has been realized. In 2003, the symbolic memorial honoring Polish Armed Forces of WW II was erected, among other war memorabilia, on Buffalo's waterfront. It will serve as a perpetual record of the soldiers' struggles and sacrifices for freedom, also it will keep alive the scope of their deeds for posterity.

There are many books and many articles written about the ferocious battle for Monte Cassino but I would like to share some of my own experiences from that period of time. Though it was such a long time ago, far away in space and time, when spring time comes around and the splendor of May appears, simultaneously my thoughts and my memories go back to the Italian peninsula and it's battle grounds where many occurrences took place.

The mountainous Italian terrain is densely covered with red poppies in full bloom. The dusty winding roads are congested with heavy artillery, tanks and other military equipment. The weather is very hot and pre-battle preparation is intensifying.

The march of the Allied Forces toward Rome was halted at the fortified defense line, known as the Gustav Line, wiih the main obstacle - Monte Cassino. This pivotal bastion, ingeniously entrenched by the enemy in a mountaintop, pitted the Allies from seven nations for many months.

After several unsuccessful heroic attempts to break this defense line, and heavy losses, the Allied High Command entrusted this extremely difficult task to the Polish Second Corps, under the command of General Wladyslaw Anders. The Second Corps (to which I was assigned) was comprised of men from all walks of life. Some were highly educated, some were professionals and some were ordinary men. There was a big gap in age, but all were bound by an unprecedented friendship and deep patriotism, which I cherish so much.

After detailed for battle preparations, came May 11. I remember that day! At 11 o'clock at night the Second Corps launched a fierce attack at the fortress considered as unconquerable.

Suddenly a uniform blast of countless artillery shells changed night's darkness into day light. The ground around me was shaking and I could hear the pounding of my heart.

It took seven days and nights of constant fighting until finally on May 18 in the morning, the Polish flag was hoisted on the top of the ruins of Monte Cassino. Soon after, the Corps captured Piedimonte and the road to Rome was opened. Despite heavy losses it was a great moment for us.

The victorious soldiers were enthusiastically welcomed by the just liberated people calling: "Viva Polonia, bravo Polacho, per la vostra dellia nostra liberta!"

Along the way soldiers tried lo familiarize themselves with the language as well as the popular songs.

I clearly remember the town of Compabaso and the streets full of military men.

There a little boy with a beautiful voice sung for us a newest at that time song, dedicated to a mother "Mama". Young soldiers, lonely and far from home adopted it right away singing - I will quote a few words that I remember — "Mama sontanta felice, Viva lontano perche? La mia canzzone te dice. El piu per giorno per me..."

The victory of the Second Corps at Monte Cassino, beside being very important from the strategic point of view, brought hope and sent a strong signal to the oppressed people that "Jeszcze Polska nie zginela."

Shortly after, the Corps was re-equippcd and reorganized. It then moved along the Adriatic front where it distinguished itself in capturing many strategic points, the most important of them, the port Ancona and then Bologna.

Finally the war was over. My regiment was transported to Naples and boarded a huge ship. It was time to say good-bye to Italy. "Arrividerci bella ltalia." Within a few days, the ship was on high sea heading toward Great Britain for demobilization.

Many springs and Mays have flown by, but the flashbacks from those days often haunt me. Especially in my dreams, I see myself as a young man, full of life and energy with a head of dark, bushy hair, armed, and in full military uniform, running, crossing rivers, bridges or climbing steep hills densely covered with red poppies and many comrades left behind.

Those priceless memories wilt remain with me as long as I live.

These two important anniversaries will be observed on Saturday, May 2 at the 4 p.m. Mass at St. Stanislaus Church in Buffalo followed by a suitable program and refreshment at Marian Hall, Social Center.

For further information, call 824-3888.