Searching for my hero relatives

[Kasha]

Here are some pictures of my mom, right after the war, and later.

[Kasha]

The last one is of my mom with my older sister and I. I was like 1....many many many moons ago!

[Kasha]

my grandmother's maiden name was Eugenia Krolik. Is that a Jewish last name?

[Kasha]

I just looked it up, and apparently it is a Jewish name. Could it be Catholic too, or just Jewish?

[Chopperman]

Great thread. I hope you continue to find answers

[StefanM]

I just looked it up, and apparently it is a Jewish name. Could it be Catholic too, or just Jewish?

I believe Krolik could be either. There are quite a few Polish surnames which can be.

Keep in mind also that so-called assimilated or converted Polish-Jews often changed an obviously Jewish surname to one that would not be recognisably Jewish as they wanted to be totally integrated within Polish life. This was mainly Polish-Jews from the professional classes.

[StefanM]

Kasha, Thanks for posting the photos of your mother.

I am especially intrigued by the insignia underneath the "Poland" patch on her left sleeve. It looks vaguely like outstretched wings of some description? Is it possible to make a higher resolution scan of just that area? Maybe another member could id it ?

[Gary J]

Looks to be the standard RAF shoulder flash.
Royal Air Force - Insignia

Gary J.

[StefanM]

Spot on Gary!

Worn on both sleeves by all RAF ranks below Warrant Officers, i.e from Aircraftman Second Class (AC2), through AC1, LAC, Corporal, Sergeant, and finally Flight-Sergeant.

So presumably she must have served in the PAF and the Polish Air Force Association might have further information?

[Kasha]

Her first husband did. His name was Count Christopher Grabowski. He also was decorated with the VM. He was a sailor after the war. My older half brother Marc is his son. Marc has schizophrenia. this was probably Chris's coat.