Surname: Markwart ... born in Izbica, Kujawska

I am an Australian living in Zory, Poland for the next year or so and would like any advice upon how to find out more information about my father who was born in 1925 in Izbica Kujawska. He was displaced during the second world war, his sisters and motehr sent to Germany. His father died.

All advice appreciated.

Many thanks
Echidna

Hi there,

Well, maybe you could contact (in person) the local hospital where he was born. At that time I imagine it was difficult if not impossible to keep any records of babies, but who knows? Or find the local church. You would be surprised how much you can find out. The church keeps their "books" or whatever it's called. The name of the baby, date of birth, christening date, names of parents and god parents etc. During the war the church was quite often an asylum for people, you know. Also, you may ask about the cemetery registry. Maybe you will find out where your dad's grave is (I'm assuming he passed away). Do you know his last name/DOB? If so, go to the city council/hall. They should have some data there.

Stay positive! It won't be an easy task considering the circumstances. Good luck!

Thanks ... he died in Australia. I am hoping to find out something about his earlier life, he didn't discuss of the war or before. I can understand why.

My biggest problem is not speaking Polish, or reading it. The town has a web site but I have been unsucessful in finding anyone who speaks English.

I will visit the town in summer holidays and see what I can find out.

Many thanks.

You know what, I'll ask my mom if by any chance she knows anybody from this town, some distant family of ours maybe, a friend, whoever. I'll ask her tomorrow :) My family is mostly form around Warsaw and Lodz :) Who knows...

Hi,

I asked my mom about it, but she doesn't know anybody from Izbica. Good luck anyway :)

Izbica where the concentration camp was?

The web site for the town is http://www.izbica-kujawska.com/informacje/historia.php

I believe there was a camp very close, Chelmno (Kulmhof). And I understand all men over 14 years of age were sent to work camps or to the army, women sent to various places and many died.

I would be interested to learn of his early life, even of his parents. I think he ended up in "Ander's Army".

All assistance appreciated.

Many thanks Echidna

Well, maybe you can try to contact Anders Army living members. Or some veterans' organizations. Try to google it.

:)