The contributor's mother, Natalia, was born in Poland, in Godina (on the coast). Her father was an academic, a Doctor of Philosophy in Physics, vice-President of the Meteorological Society.
Her whole family was in the country residence in Vilnius (Lithuania) when the Russian invasion began. Her brother and mother evidently were separated from her father - they were taken because her father was an intellectual.
The contributor's father, Boleslaw Cynk, his family were taken to Kazakhstan where they spent many years - Boleslaw searched for them in Russia during this time.
Natalia worked in an orphanage for Polish children separated from their parents [during the invasion].
Boleslaw found his family with the help of the Polish Embassy and the family then moved to Iran (Tehran) in 1940s (1942?).
They stayed for two years until they moved from Iran to London to help set up a Polish University in London in 1945. Boleslaw was to be Head of Physics [in this university].
Boleslaw stayed in London, but the family went to Scotland.
Natalia was 7, and her brother was 10. She got a job as a secretary in Glasgow. They eventually moved to Edinburgh before they all returned to London. By this time, other Polish immigrants began to arrive [in the UK in 1947].
Item list and details
1. 18.VI.44
Krysia i Elżunia Kasińskie i nasi na wycieczce z Teheranu
18.VI.44 Krysia and Elżunia Kasińskie and ours on a trip from Tehran.
2. „najmłodsi” sierocińca aszchabadzkiego.
Aszchabad, luty 1943 r.
The 'youngest' of the Ashgabat orphanage. Ashgabat, February 1943."
3. Na pamiątkę Kochanej małej Wandzi ofiaruje Jadzia Trześniowska
Aszchabad, luty 1943 r.
Jadzia Trześniowska, najbardziej oddana mi uczennica.
Aszchabad.dnia 17.V.1943
In memory of dear little Wandzia, given by Jadzia Trześniowska. Ashgabat, February 1943. Jadzia Trześniowska, my most devoted student. Ashgabat, dated 17.V.1943."
4. Kair, XII. 1944
W drodze z Teheranu do Londynu
Cairo, XII. 1944 On the way from Tehran to London
5. Schronisko b. Urzędników Ambasady R.P. w ZSRR. Teheran, ul. Butrani-Saltane (or Saltawe)
VII. 1943
p. Nowosad b. magazynier w Czimkencie udaje, że lubi dzieci
Shelter of former Officials of the Polish Embassy in the USSR. Tehran, Butrani-Saltane (or Saltawe) Street. VII. 1943 Mr. Nowosad, former storekeeper in Chimkent, pretends to like children (humorous caption)Person the story/items relate to
Boleslaw Cynk - father
Natalia Cynk - motherPerson who shared the story/items
Wanda NowosielskaRelationship between the subject of the story and its contributor
Daughter, wifeType of submission
Shared at the Polish Social and Cultural Association, London on 1-2 November 2023.Record ID
106849 | POL013
