“In the Footsteps of General Sosabowski” – a history told through artefacts. Heroes of Market Garden - Dariusz Bohatkiewicz.

A special conversation takes place within the walls of the Kraków Museum of Parachuting and Airborne Forces – a profound history lesson and a tribute to one of the most underappreciated Polish military commanders of the 20th century. Dariusz Bohatkiewicz meets with Senior Warrant Officer Jacek Dziedzic to trace the story of General Stanisław Sosabowski and his soldiers – men of courage, loyalty, and dedication.

The conversation unfolds in the museum halls dedicated to the 1st Independent Parachute Brigade – a unique unit, as it was directly subordinated to the Commander-in-Chief, to conduct an airdrop into occupied Warsaw. Although this objective was never realised, the brigade played a key role in Operation Market Garden, participating in the drop near Driel. The local Dutch population remembered the heroism of Polish soldiers, although their involvement was distorted for decades, with the blame for the operation's failure being placed on General Sosabowski.

The artefacts displayed in the museum are not a random collection of military items. Each piece tells its own story. One of the most personal artefacts is General Sosabowski’s writing desk, crafted for him by his former soldiers after the war, when he worked in a factory in the United Kingdom. This item symbolises the respect and bonds endured through the years and borders. It is accompanied by the story of the general’s postwar life – stripped of Polish citizenship, refusing British nationality, living in difficult conditions, surrounded by the loyalty of his former comrades-in-arms.

Among the many items is a weapon that belonged to a soldier who died in Driel. It was kept illegally in an attic in the Netherlands for years before being transferred to the museum. Visitors can also see letters written by the general himself, his original uniform, documents, decorations, and wartime artefacts—including a typewriter with a German keyboard, taken from the enemy during the war.

The conversation also recalls the last living soldier of the brigade – Bolesław Ostrowski, who passed away in Canada. He was honoured with King Charles's coronation medal, and his memory is kept alive through continued contact with his family.

Particular attention is given to the political and military context of Operation Market Garden. General Sosabowski and his staff were aware of the strong German defences in advance, but their warnings were ignored. Despite tragic losses – 97 soldiers killed – his men carried out their mission with the utmost dedication, often without armoured support. It is also worth noting that the general participated in crossings over the Rhine and led British tanks into battle.

Later in the discussion, efforts to restore General Sosabowski’s honour are presented. A key moment came in 2006: Queen Beatrix decorated the brigade’s standard with the Military Order of William – the highest Dutch military distinction. Alongside the Virtuti Militari awarded for the capture of the Pomeranian Wall, these are the two highest military decorations from different countries placed on a single standard – a unique distinction in the history of the Polish Armed Forces.

The museum also houses the Order of the White Eagle, posthumously awarded to General Sosabowski in 2018. Donated by the general’s great-grandson, this artefact allows young people to experience history literally and symbolically.

This place also preserves memorabilia from later military operations, from the Balkans to Afghanistan. The Memorial Room honours all fallen soldiers since 1957. Special emphasis is placed on the names of those who died in peacekeeping and combat missions, many of whom were personally known to the interviewees.

The Museum of Parachuting in Kraków, although located on a military base, remains accessible to all interested visitors, both from Poland and abroad, with prior arrangement with the command. It is a place that pays tribute to the past and educates and strengthens a modern sense of responsibility for historical memory.

Editor Maria Anna Furman