Gallery – Polish refugees in New Zealand

Father Michał Wilniewczyc with Zofia Mroczek (on left facing camera) and Jadwiga Haptaś (in centre of group facing camera) at Pahiatua camp. Disk 34442 - Reference No.: F- 1386-1/4 Photographer: John Dobree Pascoe From the John Pascoe Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, N.Z. Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library must be obtained before any reuse of this image.

Disk 34442 - Reference No.: F- 1393-1/4 Photographer: John Dobree Pascoe From the John Pascoe Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, N.Z. Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library must be obtained before any reuse of this image.

Children playing a game at the Polish refugee camp in Pahiatua. Original caption reads: "Boys playing Housey-housey, which needs a quick eye and a loud voice. Americans call this game 'lotto'." Disk 34442 - Reference No.: F- 1379-1/4 Photographer: John Dobree Pascoe From the John Pascoe Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, N.Z. Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library must be obtained before any reuse of this image.

(l-r): Stefania Kamińska, Wanda Szczawińska, ? Disk 34442 - Reference No.: F- 1375-1/4 Photographer: John Dobree Pascoe From the John Pascoe Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, N.Z. Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library must be obtained before any reuse of this image.

Mrs Ludwika Styglan (nee Bazgier) taking part in a Catholic mass in the Sala Odczytowa (auditorium) at the Polish refugee camp in Paihiatua. Disk 34442 - Reference No.: F- 1392-1/4 Photographer: John Dobree Pascoe From the John Pascoe Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, N.Z. Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library must be obtained before any reuse of this image.

7th February 1945 (l-r): ?, Jan Lepionka, ?, Genowefa Magierowska, Wiera Ławreńczuk, Anna Lewkowicz, Maria Pytlos, Maria Mokrzecka, Krystyna Dygas Children in background unknown. Disk 34442 - Reference No.: F- 1365-1/4 Photographer: John Dobree Pascoe From the John Pascoe Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, N.Z. Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library must be obtained before any reuse of this image.

The Kindergarten Group in dormitory watching something - 1945. Ladies standing at back (l-r): Anna Rubisz, Jadwiga Tietze, Helena Nawalaniec, ?, Maria Bednarska. Disk 34442 - Reference No.: F- 1367-1/4 Photographer: John Dobree Pascoe From the John Pascoe Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, N.Z. Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library must be obtained before any reuse of this image.

A group of children at the Polish refugee camp in Pahiatua. Original caption reads: "A supply of toys and a comfortable bedroom in the background." - 1945 Disk 34442 - Reference No.: F- 1368-1/4 Photographer: John Dobree Pascoe From the John Pascoe Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, N.Z. Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library must be obtained before any reuse of this image.

Original caption: Some of the bigger boys. They are clothed with the help of the Polish Children's Hospitality Committee, a channel for offers of assistance by the Public through various public bodies. 7 February 1945 Far left: Bolesław Wojtowicz, Czesław Pelc Far right: Stanisław Prędki (Kennedy), Stanisław Skiba, Kazimierz Rzepka Disk 34442 - Reference No.: F- 1391-1/4 Photographer: John Dobree Pascoe From the John Pascoe Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, N.Z. Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library must be obtained before any reuse of this image.

A soldier holding two of the Polish children on board the US General Randall, Wellington, New Zealand (l-r): Zofia Dobrońska, Unknown Soldier, Lech Dobroński, Helena Pilarska Disk 34442 - Reference No.: F- 3629-1/2 Photographer: John Dobree Pascoe From the John Pascoe Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, N.Z. Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library must be obtained before any reuse of this image.

Polish children and Adults arriving in New Zealand on board US General Randall, 31 October 1944 Top left: Mieczysław Sadowski, (3rd from left) Maria Sawicka, (centre top, 12th from left) Maria Herman Bottom right hand corner: Gizela Sawlewicz Centre photo, standing holding door: Janina Świerczyńska, (2nd lady in from her, smiling and wearing headband) Salomea Surynt, (next to her on left) Emilia Czerny-Hołownia Disk 34442 - Reference No.: F- 3625-1/2 Photographer: John Dobree Pascoe From the John Pascoe Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, N.Z. Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library must be obtained before any reuse of this image.

Polish children and adults on board US General Randall, Wellington, NZ - 31 October 1944. (l-r): Janina Nawrocka, Zofia Czochańska, Jadwiga Jarka, ?, Czesława Jackowska, ?, Julia Rolińska, Zofia Kołodzińska, Krystyna Skwarko (snr) Little girl in front beside lady with back turned: Irena Wierzbicka Disk 34442 - Reference No.: F- 3624-1/2 Photographer: John Dobree Pascoe From the John Pascoe Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, N.Z. Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library must be obtained before any reuse of this image

Returning New Zealand Soldiers with Polish children on board the US General Randall, Wellington, NZ - 31 October 1944 Centre front on Soldiers knee: Halina Wenckiewicz, (just behind her, holding Soldiers hand) Stanisław Skwarko Far right, in front: Elżbieta Bednarska Far right, at back - little girl with clasped hands: Halina Woźniak Disk 34442 - Reference No.: F- 3626-1/2 Photographer: John Dobree Pascoe From the John Pascoe Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, N.Z. Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library must be obtained before any reuse of this image.

Polish children on board US General Randall getting ready to disembark in Wellington, NZ Far left at back: Waleria Merwid Left at back (1st boy, with hat by door): Jan Dawiec, (further back, beside door) Zofia Szysz Right, by stairs: Helena Białostocka, (in front of stairs) Danuta Kalińska In front, in middle, standing by himself: Mikołaj Bartniczak In front, little girl beside girl with plaster: Maria Woźniak Disk 34442 - Reference No.: F- 3627-1/2 Photographer: John Dobree Pascoe From the John Pascoe Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, N.Z. Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library must be obtained before any reuse of this image.

Polish children on board US General Randall getting ready to disembark in Wellington, NZ Far left at back: Waleria Merwid Left at back (1st boy, with hat by door): Jan Dawiec, (further back, beside door) Zofia Szysz Right, by stairs: Helena Białostocka, (in front of stairs) Danuta Kalińska In front, in middle, standing by himself: Mikołaj Bartniczak In front, little girl beside girl with plaster: Maria Woźniak Disk 34442 - Reference No.: F- 3627-1/2 Photographer: John Dobree Pascoe From the John Pascoe Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, N.Z. Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library must be obtained before any reuse of this image.

Polish children and adults on board US General Randall, Wellington, NZ - 31 October 1944. (l-r): Janina Nawrocka, Zofia Czochańska, Jadwiga Jarka, ?, Czesława Jackowska, ?, Julia Rolińska, Zofia Kołodzińska, Krystyna Skwarko (snr) Little girl in front beside lady with back turned: Irena Wierzbicka Disk 34442 - Reference No.: F- 3624-1/2 Photographer: John Dobree Pascoe From the John Pascoe Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, N.Z. Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library must be obtained before any reuse of this image.

Returning New Zealand Soldiers with Polish children on board the US General Randall, Wellington, NZ - 31 October 1944 Centre front on Soldiers knee: Halina Wenckiewicz, (just behind her, holding Soldiers hand) Stanisław Skwarko Far right, in front: Elżbieta Bednarska Far right, at back - little girl with clasped hands: Halina Woźniak Disk 34442 - Reference No.: F- 3626-1/2 Photographer: John Dobree Pascoe From the John Pascoe Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, N.Z. Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library must be obtained before any reuse of this image.

Returning New Zealand Soldiers with Polish children on board the US General Randall, Wellington, NZ - 31 October 1944 Centre front on Soldiers knee: Halina Wenckiewicz, (just behind her, holding Soldiers hand) Stanisław Skwarko Far right, in front: Elżbieta Bednarska Far right, at back - little girl with clasped hands: Halina Woźniak Disk 34442 - Reference No.: F- 3626-1/2 Photographer: John Dobree Pascoe From the John Pascoe Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, N.Z. Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library must be obtained before any reuse of this image.

Polish children on board US General Randall getting ready to disembark in Wellington, NZ Far left at back: Waleria Merwid Left at back (1st boy, with hat by door): Jan Dawiec, (further back, beside door) Zofia Szysz Right, by stairs: Helena Białostocka, (in front of stairs) Danuta Kalińska In front, in middle, standing by himself: Mikołaj Bartniczak In front, little girl beside girl with plaster: Maria Woźniak Disk 34442 - Reference No.: F- 3627-1/2 Photographer: John Dobree Pascoe From the John Pascoe Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, N.Z. Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library must be obtained before any reuse of this image.

Polish children on board US General Randall getting ready to disembark in Wellington, NZ Far left at back: Waleria Merwid Left at back (1st boy, with hat by door): Jan Dawiec, (further back, beside door) Zofia Szysz Right, by stairs: Helena Białostocka, (in front of stairs) Danuta Kalińska In front, in middle, standing by himself: Mikołaj Bartniczak In front, little girl beside girl with plaster: Maria Woźniak Disk 34442 - Reference No.: F- 3627-1/2 Photographer: John Dobree Pascoe From the John Pascoe Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, N.Z. Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library must be obtained before any reuse of this image.

Polish children and adults arriving in Wellington, NZ on board the US General Randall At top of photo, seated - wearing scarf, beside lady in tartan coat: Helena Białostocka Far left: Zofia Kołodzińska, (2nd from left) Maria Nowakowska, (4th from left) Stefania Zysk Disk 34442 - Reference No.: F- 3628-1/2 Photographer: John Dobree Pascoe From the John Pascoe Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, N.Z. Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library must be obtained before any reuse of this image.

Official welcome for the Polish children and adults arriving in Wellington on board the ship 'General Randall'. Top, Centre of Photo: Apolonia Głowacz 2nd Left from Gentleman in suit, wearing hat: Maria Kozyniak In front of Microphone: Irena Wożniak, (just above her) Olga Sumicz 3rd from right, in front row: Stefania Kozera Disk 34442 - Reference No.: F- 3631-1/2 Photographer: John Dobree Pascoe From the John Pascoe Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, N.Z. Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library must be obtained before any reuse of this image.

Official welcome for the Polish children and adults arriving in Wellington on board the ship 'General Randall'. Top, Centre of Photo: Apolonia Głowacz 2nd Left from Gentleman in suit, wearing hat: Maria Kozyniak In front of Microphone: Irena Wożniak, (just above her) Olga Sumicz 3rd from right, in front row: Stefania Kozera Disk 34442 - Reference No.: F- 3631-1/2 Photographer: John Dobree Pascoe From the John Pascoe Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, N.Z. Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library must be obtained before any reuse of this image.

Stanisław Krejcisz drinks milk outside the school building, Pahiatua Camp. Disk 34442 - Reference No.: F- 1370-1/4 Photographer: John Dobree Pascoe From the John Pascoe Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, N.Z. Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library must be obtained before any reuse of this image.

Stanisław Krejcisz drinks milk outside the school building, Pahiatua Camp. Disk 34442 - Reference No.: F- 1370-1/4 Photographer: John Dobree Pascoe From the John Pascoe Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, N.Z. Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library must be obtained before any reuse of this image.

NZ Prime Minister Peter Fraser with Countess Maria Wodzicka (wife of Polish Consul General in NZ) welcome the Polish children and adults on the board the ship the US General Randall disembarking in Wellington on 1st November 1944. Countess Maria Wodzicka, Prime Minister Peter Fraser, Piotr Zyza (centre at back under Soldier), (next to him) Tadeusz Burak, Stanisław Cieślik At back starting 4th from Right: Władysław Miliszewski, (2nd from right) Zdzisław Kaczorowski, (last in top right hand corner) Edmund Jabloński 3rd down from top, 2nd from right: Artur Gawlik With Countess Wodzicka, stripey hat and tartan coat: Irena Iwan Standing beside Prime Minister in woolen hat and coat: Stefania Krawczyszyn, (next - boy in tartan coat with hood) Ryszard Tymicki, (next) Jan Holender Disk 34442 - Reference No.: F- 3634-1/2 Photographer: John Dobree Pascoe From the John Pascoe Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, NZ Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library must be obtained before any reuse of this image.

A New Zealand Soldier finds a moment to play with a child (Julian Ośko) at the Polish Children's Camp, Pahiatua, NZ Disk 34442 - Reference No.: F- 1366-1/4 Photographer: John Dobree Pascoe From the John Pascoe Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, N.Z. Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library must be obtained before any reuse of this image.

Polish Childrens' Camp Pahiatua, New Zealand, 1944. My mother (Eleonora/Lonia) is second on left in the front row.

My Mother, Lonia Gazdowicz (nee Prusinska), is on on the right, and her older sister Kazia is on the left. This photo was taken in 1945 at the Polish Camp Pahiatua in New Zealand.

Stefania Sondej, one of the Polish children who came to New Zealand in 1944 wrote this obituary for Sister Monica Alexandrowicz, a nun who had accompanied the children from Isfahan to New Zealand. She died in 1992 aged 89.