Conversation between Dariusz Bohatkiewicz and Professor Andrzej Suchcitz, Head of Archives

This is a fascinating and multi-layered account of the General Władysław Sikorski Institute and Museum in London — an institution that, for decades, has preserved, processed, and promoted the heritage of the Second Polish Republic in exile, as well as the history of the Polish Armed Forces in the West. The conversation was recorded in one of the Institute’s historic rooms, near Hyde Park — a place which, according to the interlocutors, should be a must-visit for every Pole coming to London.

The Institute was founded in 1945 by Polish émigré circles who foresaw the impending loss of international recognition for the legal Polish government-in-exile. Its primary aim was to protect collections, documents, and archives from potentially being taken over by the communist authorities in Warsaw. British advisors suggested that the institution be a trust foundation, independent of governmental structures, safeguarding it from political pressure by the new communist regime.

From the outset, the Institute operated in two key areas: as a museum open to the public and as a historical archive. The archives include military unit journals, frontline reports, post-battle summaries (such as Monte Cassino and Arnhem), and legacies left by individuals and Polish diaspora organisations.

The collections are systematically digitised — over 2 million pages have been digitised, with parts available online.

The Institute holds unique artefacts such as:

* The white-and-red Polish flag was raised after the victory at Monte Cassino,

* decorations and uniform of General Władysław Anders, including boots gifted to him by Stalin,

* banners of pre-war Polish Army regiments and units that fought in exile during WWII,

* The presidential nomination of Bolesław Wieniawa-Długoszowski, signed by President Ignacy Mościcki,

* memorabilia of General Maczek and his soldiers, including the flag from his car and trophies captured in Wilhelmshaven,

* The eagle from the Fleet Command in Oksywie, recovered by the 1st Armoured Division,

* the Chief of State’s perfume flacon, Saxon porcelain, and documents from the Napoleonic era,

* the escape map of ORP Orzeł from Tallinn,

* The chronicle of the 303 Squadron and other mementoes from Polish airmen in the RAF.

In 1988, the Institute incorporated the Polish Underground Movement (1939–1945) Study Trust, a previously independent unit documenting the Home Army and the Polish Underground State. Despite the merger, the Study Trust retained internal autonomy and a separate archive.

The Institute plays an important educational role, offering online lectures, history classes for Polish Saturday schools abroad, and guided tours. It functions primarily thanks to dedicated volunteers and a small team of salaried staff. Among them is Izabela Wolff, who volunteered at the Institute for 29 years.

Although it never received regular government funding, the Institute has survived thanks to the dedication and support of the Polish diaspora. In recent years, it has also benefited from funds the Ministry of Culture granted through digitisation projects.

The interviewees emphasise that the Institute also serves as a “cultural embassy” and a guardian of the Second Polish Republic's constitutional continuity. Its premises have hosted key political events in exile, such as the swearing-in of the executive body of the National Unity Council.

Historical figures and visits were also recalled, including Winston Churchill and post-1990 Polish presidents, who regarded the Institute as a symbol of authentic, sovereign Poland.

Toward the end of the conversation, the question is raised about the institution's future — should the collections be returned to Poland? The answer is unequivocal: the Institute belongs in London. Its presence here serves international education and reminds the world of Poland’s dramatic 20th-century history.

The conversation concludes with a reflection on the enduring value of archives and artefacts. Each document, even seemingly insignificant, may one day become the key to uncovering a new historical truth. That is why the Institute’s mission is to preserve and make these treasures accessible to future generations, both Polish and international.

Editor Maria Anna Furman