Michael C. Bankiewicz

Peregrinus Michael C. Bankiewicz

Three generations ago Teutonic armor crushed our way of life in Eastern Europe. Thousands of us were scattered around the world like autumn leaves by the cruel winds of war. This book records our peregrinations. Hence its title PEREGRINUS in Roman times a wanderer. The invading armies trampled heavily on the heart of my mother's town. They murdered many because of their religion, race or wealth. They chased me and many others away. Some are still running. My wanderings, like the wanderings of many, led me across Germany to France, Spain and Portugal. In 1943 I reached Gibraltar and hence the British Isles Next it was the Army, the invasion of Normandy and our triumphal march through France, Belgium and Holland to the crumbling gates of the Third Reich. Ordered back to England I endured the Day of Victory - joy for most, but a day of sorrow for us Poles sold by the Western Powers to the Soviets. Then, we all, ex-combatants, scrambled for a better place in the sun. It was not easy, but most of us made it. Some even to that legendary haven guarded by the Statue of Liberty far across the wide ocean.