80th anniversary of 1944 Warsaw Uprising marked at Newark Cemetery during annual Air Bridge Remebrance Service
One of the second world war’s most defining moments of the second world has been remembered on its 80th anniversary.
On Sunday (September 29), a large crowd gathered in Newark Cemetery for the annual Air Bridge Remembrance Ceremony in remembrance of the casualties of the 1944 Warsaw Uprising and the servicemen that supported resistance fighters from the air.
Poles from across the Newark and further afield came to pay their respects at the Air Bridge Memorial, a stones throw from the Polish War Graves section of the cemetery.
There were also many representatives from group and organisation from Poland and Britain, including Polish Scouts, Newark Air Cadets, veterans, and civil dignitaries.
The Last Post was sounded and the cemetery fell silent before wreaths of red and white flowers were laid against the memorial.
The Warsaw Uprising, which took place from August to October in 1944, saw Polish underground resistance attempt to liberate the Polish capital and seize back control from Nazi occupation.
They were supported by the RAF, who dropped supplies in an operation known as the Warsaw Airlift, and ultimately saw 250 airmen lose their lives.
It was also an opportunity to remember Jim Auton MBE, founder of the Newark service, 35 years after it was first held in 1989.
Jim himself had served during the operation and flew 37 missions with 178 Squadron, and lost sight in his right eye after being badly injured by piece of shrapnel. He is now buried in Newark Cemetery near the memorial he helped establish.
The importance of these events was best summed up by Secretary of the Polish Social and Cultural Association, Jaroslaw Klys, who said: “A nation without its history is nothing — that is why we must remember.
“We must remember the incredibly sacrifice and heroic help that Britain and our allies provided, and the Polish citizens who rose up.
“They gave their blood and their lives to fight against evil. We must not forget what happened and the friendship shared by our two countries remains strong today.”
