Poland in the UK

The local Scottish and Polish communities had the opportunity to listen to lectures on Gen. Sosabowski, walk the proposed Sosabowski Way in Fife as well as attend a series of meetings, workshops and accompanying exhibitions. We hope that soon the Sosabowski Way will connect all the places associated with the presence of the 1st Parachute Brigade in Fife, including Kincraig Point (where the 1st Brigade was created), Largo House (where the soldiers were stationed), Lundin Tower (concrete base of the jumping tower) as well as numerous coastal fortifications, where the soldiers had their exercises.

On 24 September Dr. Marek Stella-Sawicki, the author of a book about Gen. Sosabowski, entitled "A Debt of Dishonour" presented a historical lecture together with a film-interview with British soldiers involved in Operation Market Garden in 1944. On 25 September, which also coincided with the 55th anniversary of General Sosabowski's death, the great-grandson of General Sosabowski - Prof. Hal Sosabowski presented a historical talk on his great-grandfather’s life from the perspective of a close family member.

The aim of the lectures was to present, mainly to the local Scottish community in Fife, the Polish history and the profile of General Sosabowski. The talks were attended by representatives of local authorities, descendants of the soldiers of the 1st Parachute Brigade, land owners of the property through which the proposed route is to cross, as well as the local community and representatives of Polish diaspora in Scotland.

The pinnacle of the weekend was the ceremony at Kincraig Point, where in 1941 the 1st Independent Parachute Brigade was originally created. The ceremony, opened by CG Ł. Lutostański together with prof. Hal Sosabowski, was followed by singing of patriotic songs with the Polish scouts.

The participants were also able to view an exhibition entitled "Elementary Biographies" on Gen. Sosabowski in Upper Largo, whereas Roger Pickering from Forth Pilgrim presented a historic introduction to Sosabowski's sites in Fife.

The last part of the commemorative events was organised in the Polish SPK House in Kirkcaldy. An exhibition on the “Silent Unseen” and the period of their training in Fife was presented there. A fundraiser was also organised to collect funds for the creation of a memorial room dedicated to Gen. Sosabowski at the SPK House in Kirkcaldy.

Next Year the Consulate General is planning the official opening of the Sosabowski Way with the participation of the General’s family, Polish military units associated with 1st Independent Parachute Brigade, descendants of Polish paratroopers from Scotland and numerous representatives of Polish and Scottish local communities.

The Consulate General is also in the process of filming a documentary that will present the history of General Sosabowski and the 1st Parachute Brigade.