New centre to tell story of Polish World War Two dead who are buried in Notts
THERE is a corner of Newark Cemetery that will forever be part of Poland.
More than 420 Polish airmen from bases near Newark were killed during the Second World War and are buried in the town.
A memorial, unveiled in 1941 by President Raczkiewicz, ex-President of the Polish Republic and head of the wartime Polish government in London, supported by General Sikorski, commander-in-chief of the Polish forces and wartime Polish prime minister, stands guard over the site.
The remarkable story is about to be told in full at an interpretation centre developed by the Friends of Newark Cemetery, which will be opened tomorrow by Newark mayor Coun Tony Roberts.
The centre is housed in the former east cemetery chapel, which has stood neglected since 1977.
Thanks to a £50,000 Heritage Lottery Fund grant, the Chapel Interpretation Centre has been fitted with audio visual and information boards, displays and DVD presentations based on text and ideas from the Friends of Newark Cemetery.
The display boards will show information and images on the history of the cemetery, which dates back to 1856, as well as the origins of the practice of burials and cremations, famous people buried in or associated with the cemetery, and its flora and fauna.
It also looks at the Polish connections, Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the travelling community and the memorial to the fallen.
Friends of Newark Cemetery will also open the centre on Air Bridge memorial day, September 26, at noon, and for All Souls Day memorial service on October 31, at 1pm.
For more information, visit the website http://newark cemeteryuk.wordpress.com.
2 Comments
by Laurence Goff, Newark-On-Trent
Friday, September 10 2010, 4:40PM
“These 19th Century Newark Cemetery is full of history. It was first opened when the Church of England portion of the Newark cemetery was consecrated by the Bishop of Lincoln on Thursday 30th October 1856. Soon after the ceremony took place, was the first interment was of Charles John, son of W.N. Nicholson, Ironmonger of Market place, Newark. At the further end of the ground, a small piece is reserved for the use of Roman Catholics.
Memorial In Memory To Our Heroes And The Fallen. Among the many graves are memorials to many of Newark¿s greatest benefactors who have helped shape Newark-On-Trent. and are buried in Newark Cemetery. Next year we will remember the 70 anniversary when that Friday afternoon on the 7th March 1941, 41 were killed and 165 injured from the Ransome and Marles bombing by enemy action during the 2nd world war. Not Enough Credit Is Given to the people that¿s have been buried since 1856. These Website has been set up as a personal tribute.
http://newarkcemeteryuk.wordpress.com/”
by Laurence Goff, Newark-On-Trent
Friday, September 10 2010, 3:05PM
“Let¿s also Remember the many Polish Airmen that were flying Spitfires fighters with the Royal Air Force during the Battle of Britain. Let¿s paid tribute to the contribution made by Polish Airmen. By the end of the 2nd world war, 17,000 Polish pilots and ground crew members had formed 14 squadron in RAF 2.000 were killed with 423 that were buried in Newark Cemetery plus 6 ARAF- Australian, 44 British Servicemen, 17 CRAF- Canadian and 3 RNZAF- New Zealand are also buried in Newark Cemetery. The history of Polish heroism and support for the British people is long and glorious. During our darkest hours in World War Two, when the Battle of Britain hung in the balance, the contribution of Polish airmen helped tip the balance in the Allies¿ favour. Eight Polish fighter squadrons formed within the RAF shot down 629 Axis aircraft by May 1945, with the Polish 303 Fighter Squadron claiming more kills than any other squadron during the war.
I have put these Website site together as a fitting tribute to the people who resting place is Newark cemetery.
http://newarkcemeteryuk.wordpress.com/”