A Polish Voice: and my father, the man who always listened

During World War II, a Polish soldier was deported to the Soviet Union and imprisoned in a Siberian prison camp. After being reunited with his compatriots in Scotland, he trained as a paratrooper and took part in the WW2 Operation Market Garden, Arnhem in 1944. His story was recorded by his father on a Dictaphone machine, inspiring The Polish Voice, a historical record of their lives and a tribute to their friendship.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 18 April 2023
Publisher: Brown Dog Books

In 1938, a young teenager named John joined the Polish Army, facing the daunting prospect of deployment to the Soviet Union. Tragically, his journey took a dark turn when he was imprisoned in a Siberian prison camp. However, fate intervened when John was deported to Scotland, where he reunited with his compatriots and underwent rigorous training as a paratrooper. In 1944, he played a pivotal role in the ill-fated WW2 Operation Market Garden, Arnhem.

Fifty years later, as John lay in a hospital bed, his life's experiences were recounted to his father, who had the foresight to record their conversation on a Dictaphone machine. John's father, known for his empathetic nature and personal experiences of witnessing the destruction of HMS Foylebank by German bomber planes in 1940, forged an unlikely friendship with John.

In 2020, the discovery of these recordings sparked a remarkable project called The Polish Voice. It is a fully researched historical record that delves into the lives of John and his father, providing a tribute to their resilience and sacrifice. The project serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of listening to one another and the enduring legacy of a recorded voice.

Through The Polish Voice, we gain a deeper understanding of the hardships endured by individuals during World War II and the profound impact that war has on the lives of those who survive. It is a testament to the human spirit and the power of storytelling to connect generations.

John and his father's friendship serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for reconciliation and understanding. Their story reminds us of the value of compassion, empathy, and the preservation of history for future generations.

As we reflect on the past and honor the sacrifices made by individuals like John and his father, let us also strive to build a world that is more inclusive, compassionate, and resilient. By listening to one another and preserving our shared history, we can create a better future for ourselves and future generations.

Weight: 236g
Dimension: 234 x 156 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839526152