The Netherlands
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The Maczek Memorial Breda tells the story of the soldiers of the 1st Polish Armoured Division who fought to liberate the Netherlands. You will hear personal stories of their journey across Europe to join the Allied Forces and about their actions during the liberation of Breda, among others. Specific attention is paid to General Stanisław Maczek, commander of the 1st Polish Armoured Division, who liberated Breda with as few civilian casualties as was possible.
There is an exhibition as well as an auditorium where the Polish deployment in the Second World War is further elaborated on in a contemporary way. The personal stories of some Polish liberators are projected on an interactive wall. You can also view a collection of military objects from the war, with the original garments of General Maczek being one of the highlights. The “Chambre de Réflection” offers a quiet place for contemplation. There is also an information and documentation centre for those who would like to learn more about the Polish military operations.
Next to the Maczek Memorial is the Polish Military Cemetery, the largest Polish burial ground of the Netherlands. This is the final resting place of more than 160 fallen Polish soldiers, including General Maczek himself. He passed away in 1994 at the age of 102 and it had always been his wish to be buried near his men in Breda.