Getting to know my father through his wartime diaries
It’s been quite a few months since I posted anything and I hope I haven’t lost all my followers! I have been totally engrossed in translating this second of my father’s two exercise books (over 150 pages of handwriting) and I’m now very close to finishing it. After this I have a small number of … Continue reading Delving into Book 2 of Józef’s Diaries
I was so pleased to be asked to give a presentation about Józef's diary to the (virtual) Polish Language and Culture Meet Up yesterday. It was the first time I had formally presented any information about this project and it was really encouraging to receive such positive feedback from everyone - so thank you very … Continue reading Project Update
In the aftermath of the devastating attack on the procession of carts, work continues to provide a safe crossing over the Vistula. 11/09/1939 [cont.]A cart was passing by so I requisitioned it in order to transport the casualties.More and more aircraft were appearing over the crossing point to try to prevent us from using the … Continue reading About Turn…
After emerging from a difficult, night time journey through the forest, Józef’s journey towards Sandomierz with the supply column continues. They soon come to a halt however, due to yet another bottleneck of a huge number of other supply column carts. Eventually things start to move and they find a way through 11/09/1939 At last … Continue reading The Call for a Doctor
Hearing all the reminiscences and recollections of VE Day 75 years ago today, made me think about what Józef might have been doing on that day. His diaries didn’t continue to that point, but looking at his military service records I can see that he was in Fordoun, Scotland where he was the doctor in … Continue reading VE Day at Polish Army Camps in Scotland
In the previous extract, Józef and the health cart were joined by the rest of the supply column in Nowy Korczyn and from there they headed north to Ucisków, where at last they found their squadron. After a few hours' rest they continued their difficult journey north-eastwards spurred on by the hope of being able … Continue reading Chaotic Behaviour Endangers the Division
A Life in Translation 