Letter from 10 Downing Street (18/06/03)

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Our thanks to Michael Moszynski who has given permission for the following articles and photographs to be reproduced.

A formal letter from 10 Downing Street dated 18 June 2003 discussing Polish representation in VE Day commemorations, signed by Matthew Rycroft.

10 DOWNING STREET
LONDON SW1A 2AA

From the Private Secretary
18 June 2003

Dear Mr Moszynski,

Thank you for your letter which you passed to Fiona Millar concerning Polish representation in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of VE Day.

The Polish units serving in the British Armed Forces played a distinguished and gallant part in the Second World War and it is fitting that their contribution should be remembered and honoured. We very much regret that Polish contingents did not take part in the victory parade.

Because of the age of the veterans of the War, we do not intend to hold a marching parade in 2005. There will be a suitable commemoration of the anniversary of the end of the war for veterans to take part in, but we have still to consider the precise details. We will ensure that veterans from Polish forces that fought with the Allies will be represented in these events.

Yours sincerely,
(signature)
MATTHEW RYCROFT

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Hand-drawn military map titled "Operation Viersen, Germany 18-24 Mar '45," showing troop movements, attacks, and defences near the Rhine River during WWII.

Operation BARDSEA – Special

Operation Bardsea (Special) saw Polish SOE forces unite Maquis resistance fighters in southern France in 1944 to disrupt German retreats after the Allied landings.

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