POLONICA IN SCOTLAND

A Register of Polonica of the physical manifestations of the Polish presence in Scotland

WORLD WAR TWO

 

PERTH

COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE

& TRUMPET BANNERS

Gen. Kukiel żegna Szkocję na uroczystościach w Perth.

 

„ Perth, które przez półtora roku było ośrodkiem polskiego ży­cia wojskowego, zaroiło się znów w ubiegłą sobotę od mun­durów polskich.

Na pamiątkę okresu, gdy od­działy stacjonowały w Perth i okolicy, armia polska ofiarowa­ła miastu tablicę pamiątkową.  Miasto ze swej strony ofiarowa­ło płomienie do trąb dla tręba­czy pułku rozpoznawczego, któ­ry przez długie miesiące miał swoje m. p. w Perth. „

Dziennik Żołnierza 12.10.1942

 

The plaque, which. was accepted on behalf of the city by Lord Provost Nimmo, was designed in bronze, and bears the following inscription:

 

"Presented by the General Commanding, Officers and Men

of the 1st Polish Army Corps, in grateful appreciation of the friendship extended to them in the City and County of Perth, where the Polish troops, after undergoing trials and hardships, were able to rally and continue with their Allies the fight for freedom and liberty."

 

 

 

 

 

      Photo Copyright © R Ostrycharz 2000

Symbols Of Scotland's Alliance With Poland

“ Standing on the historic assembly ground of the North Inch on Satur­day afternoon, near the very spot where the Battle of the Clans was fought 546 years ago, Polish soldiers watched the forging of yet another link in the chain of mutual understanding and alliance between their country and Scotland.

 

This latest symbol of unity took the form of a set of trumpet ban­ners which was presented to our allies by the City of Perth.  In the presence of the magistrates and high officers of the Polish Army, Mrs Nimmo, wife of the Lord Provost. tied the banners to the trumpets, and the six heralds sounded a fanfare.

This presentation followed a ceremony in the City Chambers at which a commemorative tablet, pre­sented to the City and County of Perth by the Polish Army, was un­veiled by General Marian Kukiel, Officer Commanding the Polish Forces in Scotland.“

 

The six trumpet banners were a gift to 1st Corps Recce Regiment, which since October 1940 up to early April 1942 had been stationed in Perth.

 

Speaking later at the presentation of banners on the North Inch, the Lord Provost asked our Allies to remember " that this gift associates you for all time with one of the oldest cities in Europe, which has never failed to play its part in his­tory, and whose citizens were always renowned for their stead­fastness and courage. You will. I am sure, most worthily play your part in upholding in the days to come the great traditions of your army and people, and you will bear with you these gifts of the citizens of Perth, who will be with you in spirit and whose thoughts and hopes will be for your safety and well-being. I present them to you with our good wishes, not only for your regiment, but for Poland restored—a nation free again. Guard them well.  “Perthshire Advertiser 14.10.1942

 

Fanfare platoon of the 1st Corps Recce Regiment with their new trumpet banners

BRIEF OUTLINE OF THE POLISH ARMY IN PERTH

1940-1942

1st Corps Recce Group

 

 

 

 

 

TO COMPLETE

The Lord Provost’s wife tieing the banners to the trumpets.  The banners were made by the Glasgow School of Art.  The banners were embroidered on one side with the Polish Eagle and on the other with the Coat of Arms of Perth.

Created 27 April 2013

PolonicaPerth.htm

© Copyright R M Ostrycharz 2013