Memory, resilience and forgotten histories at the National Memorial Site in Łambinowice
This spring, the National Memorial Site in Łambinowice, Poland, hosted two events dedicated to preserving the memory of prisoners of war and exploring lesser-known stories connected to Europe’s wartime past. Through poetry, public history and cultural reflection, both initiatives highlighted the role of remembrance in shaping contemporary European consciousness.
Exploring the stories of soldiers from the Antipodes
On 6 May 2026, the Museum hosted a new edition of the Łambinowice Museum Meetings (Łambinowickie Spotkania Muzealne – ŁSM) under the theme “To the Beat of the Haki. Residents of the Antipodes in Lamsdorf and Petersweiler.”
The event focused on a little-known chapter of regional and European history: the experiences of Australian and New Zealand prisoners of war held in Silesian camps during the Second World War. Participants explored the history of the Arbeitskommando E 303 Petersweiler labour unit, which was initially administratively subordinate to Stalag VIII B Lamsdorf and later to Stalag VIII C Sagan.
The guest speaker, historian and local heritage advocate Sebastian Kotlarz, guided participants through the wartime realities faced by soldiers from the Antipodes, shedding light on their daily struggles, resilience and efforts to preserve cultural identity during captivity. Particular attention was given to the role of Maori traditions and culture in maintaining morale and a sense of belonging under extremely difficult conditions.
The event also highlighted ongoing efforts to commemorate this shared history, including the organisation of ANZAC Day celebrations and the production of a documentary film currently in development.
Open to scholars, regionalists and the wider public, the meeting created a space for dialogue around overlooked histories and the importance of safeguarding diverse wartime narratives within Europe’s collective memory.
“Let’s Not Forget”: Poetry as an act of remembrance
Earlier this year, on 17 April 2026, the Museum in Łambinowice became the stage for the final of the 33rd Annual Provincial Prisoner-of-War Poetry Recitation Contest “Let’s Not Forget.”
The long-running competition brought together 77 students from educational institutions across the Opole Voivodeship, each presenting a self-selected literary work centred on the experiences of prisoners held in Nazi and Stalinist camps.
Through poetry and performance, participants engaged with themes of suffering, memory, resilience and human dignity. Their interpretations were evaluated by a jury composed of actors, educators, poets and literary critics, who recognised the emotional depth and narrative strength of the performances.
This year’s edition particularly stood out for the inclusion of poems from Ocalone (The Saved), a publication by the Museum dedicated to preserving testimonies and literary reflections connected to wartime imprisonment. The repertoire combined well-known classics with contemporary and lesser-known works, creating a powerful intergenerational dialogue around remembrance.
More than a competition, the event reaffirmed the importance of culture and education in transmitting memory to younger generations and ensuring that the stories of prisoners of war are not forgotten.
Together, these initiatives demonstrate how the National Memorial Site in Łambinowice continues to foster reflection on Europe’s difficult past while promoting dialogue, education and remembrance as essential components of a shared European heritage.