It’s Polish Heritage Constitution Day

Today, Sunday 3 May, marks Polish Heritage Constitution Day.

Polish Heritage Day is driven by the Polish Embassy and highlights the shared history and close cultural ties between both our nations.

It is now in its fourth year. Sadly, because of Covid-19, many commemorative events across the UK and Lincolnshire, including a planned event in Lincoln, have been cancelled and so celebrations must now take place in line with the governments COVID19 guidelines.

In 1920 the Polish army defeated the forces of communist Russia as they approached Warsaw. The Soviet Union’s drive to expand the communist revolution, with its secret police, show trials, executions and labour camps , into western Europe, had been thwarted. Furthermore, in 1940, a mere 80 years ago, Polish fighter pilots flew alongside their RAF colleagues in the Battle of Britain thus preventing Hitler’s planned invasion of the UK.

Lincolnshire’s Polish connections go back to the Second World War, with Polish bomber squadrons operating from different bases near Lincoln – Swinderby, Ingham, Hemswell and Faldingworth, during the conflict.

Two thousand Polish paratroopers were based in and around Stamford, and after the war ended, many Polish servicemen and women passed into civilian life from Lincolnshire camps with some marrying and settling locally.

Assistant Chief Constable Kerrin Wilson said: “We would like to wish our many Polish colleagues and communities a happy Constitution Day. We recognise the importance of this day for Polish colleagues and our communities.

“The Polish Heritage Day recalls and highlights the courageous and vital contribution of the Polish Armed Forces during the Second World War at the Battle of Britain, the capture of Monte Cassino in 1944 and the closure of the Falaise Gap during the breakout from Normandy in 1944. This paved the way in Europe for other nations to develop their constitutions.

“We remember all those who have lost their lives on active service in all conflicts, from the beginning of the First World War right up to the present day. We also remember all those who have served and their families.”