Father's WW2 Photos
Father's WW2 Photos
Pictures taken by him, friends or maybe even a military photographer?
A few printed as postcards very popular with the soldiers to send back to loved ones.
Sadly many would never see their families again.
These people volunteered or escaped from Prisoner of War camps, made their way to Egypt and joined in with the rest of the Polish troops.
I have not photo-shopped these other than repair bad creases. I feel the original patina should be left intact only enhancing faded ones to make the subject clearer.
Remember these are from the 1930's / 40's taken halfway across the world, during a bloody war. It's a testiment to my dad and the photographic quality of materials they have survived so well.
They are in no particular order but cover Hungary, North Africa, Palestine, Egypt, Cairo, Tobruk, El Alemein and of course Italy and Monte Cassino.
You know the Where's Wally books - you can look for my dad Where's Waldek!
After a while I became quite the expert at spotting him but only after I scanned the images and uploaded them.
The original prints are just 2.5 x 3.5 inches.
His stance, hair, very dark tan but most importantly his smile.
He always smiled bar a few where he and his unit are exhausted or injured and had nothing left to give.
I had seen many of these pictures as a child but not all? I didn't even realise how many included dad?
Photography might not steal their soul but it shows the emotions and personality of the people in them.
I have tagged them where text is written on the back.
If you recognise the locations or people please get in touch I would love to know.
Polish Gladiators of World War II - The Free Polish Forces.
Gladiators of World War II - The Free Polish Forces film
This film appears to cover the entire story of Polish life 1939 until the end of the communism in 1989 and is worth a watch.
I cant help but feel a deep sadness even today in 2020. I half expect to see my father in the newsreel as a young soldier.
Click below to view.
