Poland in the UK

On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Operation Market Garden, the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Edinburgh organized events commemorating General Stanisław Sosabowski and the Polish 1st Independent Parachute Brigade (1IPB). The ceremonies were organized together with many Polish and Scottish partners, but in particular with two twin military units, i.e. the Polish Gen Sosabowski 6th Airborne Brigade from Krakow and the British 16th Air Assault Brigade Combat Team. These units carry on the tradition of the 1st IPB and the 1st Airborne Division, respectively, i.e. units whose soldiers fought together in Operation Market Garden in 1944.

There are many places in Fife associated with the Polish paratroopers, who stationed and trained in this region.  Also after WWII many of them returned to Scotland as veterans and made Fife their new home settling and starting their families in this region.

This year’s events included:

• An opening ceremony of the Weekend with Sosabowski at the cliffs on Kincraig Point, where in 1941 the 1st Independent Parachute Brigade was formed
• A series of historical lectures on Gen. S. Sosabowski, 1 IPB and Operation Market Garden conducted by experts in the history of this Brigade, including General Sosabowski's great-grandson – Professor Hal Sosabowski and Ret. Maj. Gen. Adrian Freer OBE
• A cross-country run named after Gen. Sosabowski in the footsteps of soldiers from the 1st Independent Parachute Brigade, who trained in Fife before Operation Market Garden
• A Scottish-Polish Ceilidh evening reflecting the  meetings of Polish soldiers with the local Scottish community in Fife during World War II
• Wreath-laying and candle-lighting ceremonies at monuments and memorial sites associated with Gen. S. Sosabowski and 1IPB, as well as at the graves of its soldiers.
• A service at Falkland Palace commemorating Polish, British, American and Allied soldiers who fought on the continent in Operation Market Garden during WWII 
• Receptions with the participation of representatives of local authorities and descendants of Polish soldiers from the 1st Independent Parachute Brigade living in Scotland.

Have a look at our short films presenting the events commemorating General S. Sosabowski and the 1st Independent Parachute Brigade.