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Polish refugees in Africa

During World War Two, close to 20,000 Polish people found refuge in African countries. Witness History speaks to one of them.

During World War Two, close to 20,000 Polish people found refuge in Africa. They arrived after surviving imprisonment in Soviet labour camps and a harrowing journey across the Soviet Union to freedom. Casimir Szczepanik arrived as a child in a refugee camp in Zimbabwe (then Southern Rhodesia). He talks to Rob Walker about his life there and the impact the war still has on him.

Photo:Casimir Szczepanik and his mother in the refugee camp. Credit:Casimir Szczepanik

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9 minutes

Last on

Thu 21 Oct 202102:50GMT
BBC World Service

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Broadcasts

  • Wed 20 Oct 202107:50GMT
    BBC World Service
  • Wed 20 Oct 202111:50GMT
    BBC World Service
  • Wed 20 Oct 202117:50GMT
    BBC World Service except East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa
  • Thu 21 Oct 202102:50GMT
    BBC World Service

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