Katyn victims

[Krakow1]

Copy of a letter sent by his wife to Red Cross in Chicago, USA. She explains that she had not heard of her husband, other than through other people. She says that he was last seen working at war hospital #504 in Tarnipol, then taken into russian captivity. She says her cousin who was at Starobielsk wrote home on 9 March 1940 and told her that her husband was there. She is asking for help.

[Krakow1]

Copies of letters all from 1940 to russian embassy in Berlin, one in russian, another letter in russian.

[Krakow1]

This is a questionnaire: what is interesting is that in many cases of the missing in the war: someone shows up and says yes, I have seen your husband, or i have seen his friend and gives family a false hope. The paper is dated 1957, she says that someone repatriating from soviets told her that doctor Kosinski from Krakow also was seen at Kamchatka, USSR. She therefore believes that her husband could possibly be there. Dr Kosinski bio will follow,

[Krakow1]

Major Mieczyslaw Kosinski, also a doctor who resided in Krakow.
Rests in the same place as Por Gebica. His wife also mentions some more doctors, she knew that they were together. All of the rest of the names she mentions are victims also.

[A.J. Zawadzki]

Fascinating and chilling letters, thank you for posting.

This is a "Katyn massacre in light of documents" with foreword by General Anders. . . . They really did a great investigation in this book but everyone refused to listen.

Agreed, the investigation is laid out superbly leaving no doubt who is reponsible for the murders. The first English language edition was issued in 1965, titled "The Crime of Katyn - Facts & Documents". A must read book for anyone interested in what has been called “the worst single unpunished crime in history”.

Regards,
Tony

[Krakow1]

First letter is from Ministry of Foreign Affairs dated 1956 stating that letter from Mrs Gebica was forwarded to PCK (Polish Red Cross) and that any questions should be addressed to PCK from now on. Basically passing the buck.
The letter of a bottom is a final instance ruling by Office of Voiewodship of Krakow, Military Section denying any financial allowance help to Mrs Gebica.
They are justifying it that just because he was called in 1939 to the war, (they fail to mention he is not back) that does not entitle her to any financial help.
And for years the poor people were in limbo, no help unless they come and say that their husbands are dead.

[Krakow1]

Por Emil Stach started his military service in Austrian army, then changed to Polish Army. Fought in the russian war as member of 12 Pulk Piechoty.

[Krakow1]

In Austrian uniform, and that is his austrian order, also some school papers from Jagiellonian University in Krakow.

[Krakow1]

His Polish badges and orders.

[Krakow1]

12 Pulk Piechoty cased and numbered badge and legitymacja.