MILITARY SETTLEMENTS IN THE EASTERN BORDERLANDS


Introduction


The history of the military settlements on the Eastern Borders [Ed note: known in Polish as Kresy and used throughout the translation] during the 2nd Polish Republic covers the period between two dates: 17 December 1920 when the Polish parliament unanimously decided to give land to Polish soldiers and 10 February 1940 the day of tragedy when they and their families were forcefully re-settled to Siberia by Soviet occupiers. 

Nineteen years on, Kresy were the most productive years in the life of the settlers who as young soldiers, full of enthusiasm, started building their settlements on empty lands, and left them as fathers with families, fully productive economically and socially. Their lives were hard and difficult but full of the soldier's verve and fantasy. Their presence in Kresy was evidenced principally in the economic development, which became a bridge to successful, neighbourly relations with the local population. The settlers’ aim was to advance farming and culture on these borderlands sometimes described as "Poland B", and by example and neighbourly help foster a Polish spirit.



1. Origins
2.  Economy
3.  Lifestyle
4. Young Generation
5. Settlers' Union and its Political Leaning
6. Engagement with the Indigenous Population
7. September 17, 1939

Janina Stobniak-Smogorzewska Obituary 




















Click image to enlarge

​​​​​​​​​​​​T H E   H I S T O R Y    O F   K R E S Y
Osady - Military Settlements 1921-1940​​​


Translation from the book  
Z Kresów Wschodnich R.P. Wspomnienia z Osad Wojskowych 1921-1940 
(From: The Eastern Borderlands of Poland, Memories of Military Settlements 1921-1940)
Pub: Ognisko Rodzin Osadników Kresowych (OROK)

         (Association of the Families of the Borderland Settlers) 
London, UK. 1992 and 1998 (out of print)
ISBN 1 872286 33 X 

Province (Województwo) WOŁYŃ

JANINA STOBNIAK-SMOGORZEWSKA
OSADA KRZECHOWIEC
KA