The video was recorded by the Pilecki Institute as part of the “Witnesses to the Age” project.
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Our today’s interviewee:
Stefan Siekliński (1928-2021), soldier of the National Armed Forces - the unit commanded by Captain Henryk Flame “Bartek”. From July to August 1946 he operated in the unit commanded by his cousin, Leopold Siekliński “Poldek”. In 1946, as a result of rumors about Poland becoming the next republic incorporated into the Soviet Union, many young people joined the anticommunist resistance. The National Armed Forces were very active in Beskid Żywiecki. The Security Office organized a provocation (so-called “Lawina” operation) - the cursed soldiers were told that cars belonging to the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (a charity organization) would take them to Western Germany. The numerous soldiers who volunteered were gathered by the Security Office in a single building, which later exploded. All of the soldiers died. Stefan Siekliński did not volunteer for this transport, because his father advised him against it, suspecting that it could be a trap. Stefan avoided death once again when he felt that something was wrong in the location where he and his colleagues were quartered - he and “Poldek” led their companions to a safe spot, while the enemy troops were gathering right next to them. Commander Leopold Siekliński was captured, brutally interrogated, sentenced to death and executed. His unit broke up. When the amnesty was announced, Stefan Siekliński decided not to reveal himself. The Security Office arrested him anyway and subjected him to a brutal investigation. Eventually he wasn’t charged with anything, so they released him. The injuries sustained during the interrogation at the Security Office headquarters permanently affected his health.
Copyright by Instytut Solidarności i Męstwa im. Witolda Pileckiego.