Remembering General Sikorski in Newark

Take a look at the fascinating historical connections between Britain's WWII ally, General Sikorski and the town of Newark, as we count down to the unveiling of a statue to the general on the 4th of July at Newark Cemetery on the 80th anniversary of his tragic death.
Hear from the statue's sculptor, from the Mayor of Newark and others from Newark involved in the upcoming commemoration events as they talk about Sikorski's significant connection with the town.
General Władysław Sikorski (1881-1943) was the Commander-in-Chief of the Polish Armed Forces and Head of the Polish Government-in-Exile, (1939-1943), formed in the aftermath of the 1939 German and Soviet invasion of Poland.
He was recognised by the Allies as a legitimate representative of the Polish people and successfully lead the Polish military in its substantial contribution to the Allied cause.
Following the fall of France, with the help of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, he evacuated at least 17,000 of his soldiers to England in June 1940, soldiers who would later fight, under British command, as the Polish I Corps. Of this transfer, Sikorski said to a British Army general: "I am handing over to you the most precious thing left to Poland-her Army."
A vigorous advocate of the Polish cause, who negotiated a pragmatic wartime partnership with other Allied powers, it is testimony to his statesmanship that he achieved the best possible results in very difficult circumstances.
General Sikorski was laid to rest in Newark with his fallen comrades at the foot of the Polish memorial that was unveiled 2 years earlier in his presence and he was repatriated 50 years later in 1993 to his final resting place in an independent Poland.
Video recorded and edited by Marcin Urban (urbanrec.eu)
#wwii #militaryhistory #sikorski #churchill #winstonchurchill #newark #polish #easterneurope #poland

[@rlenik4488]

It's all fabulous: Video; Statue; Respect. In appreciation, thank you.

[@rjgonzalez6322]

The propeller is here in gibraltar 🇬🇮 at the sirkoski memorial.

[@iceman7975]

General Władysław Sikorski (1881-1943) died as he was being flown out of Gibraltar ,during WW2.the Liberator aircraft crashed into the sea very shortly after take off. The Royal Air force for may years kept one of the Liberator engine propellers retrieved from the wreck site in display ,along with a plaque. The Gibraltar Government then relocated and greatly improve the memorial by commissioning a brand new memorial made in Poland with the original aircraft propeller,both sited in a new location at Gibraltars Europa point adjacent to the Trinity house lighthouse,in honour of this great human being. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikorski_Memorial

[@rjgonzalez6322]

Gibraltar 🇬🇮 ❤