Delegate from the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare of the Polish Govt in Exile in London
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Facts
Over half the 33,000 Polish refugees transferred around the world, that is 18,000, went to Africa in 1942 and 1943. Travelling on British ships to ports in Kenya, Tanganyika and Mozambique, the refugees were…
Over half the 33,000 Polish refugees transferred around the world, that is 18,000, went to Africa in 1942 and 1943.
Travelling on British ships to ports in Kenya, Tanganyika and Mozambique, the refugees were dispersed to settlements in the British colonies of Uganda, Kenya and Tanganyika, also to South Africa, North and South Rhodesia.
The majority of civilians in Africa were women, children and teenage girls.
There were 19 camps in total: Uganda – Masindi and Koya on Lake Victoria; Kenya – Rongai, Manira, Makindu, Nairobi and Nyali near Mombassa; Tanganyika – Tengeru (with 4,000 refugees) plus several smaller camps in other locations; South Africa – Oudtshoorn, as well as camps in North and South Rhodesia.
Former prisoner of war buildings or specially built settlements now house the refugees throughout Africa.
In all of the settlements Polish schools, churches, hospitals, culture, community centres and co-operatives were established. .
Scouting was an important part of life. General Anders 2nd Corps sent instructors out to the camps.