Interview with Mr. Tadeusz Korowaj
HISTORY
-Good morning. We are pleased to have the opportunity to conduct this interview with you.
-Good morning. Shall we begin?
– What changes took place after World War II and how did they affect the lives of the residents?
– After World War II, the Kętrzyn county, which before the war was within the borders of Germany as part of East Prussia, underwent profound changes. Following the Potsdam Conference in 1945, the region became part of Poland. A complete population exchange occurred where Germans were replaced by Polish people displaced from the eastern territories of the Second Polish Republic, which became part of the Soviet Union after the war. New settlers often came here into the unknown, without preparation, with limited resources, which made it difficult for them to adapt. The war impacted the region, resulting in many buildings requiring reconstruction and basic infrastructure being in poor condition, although it was not as severely affected as some other areas of Poland. The inhabitants had to organize their daily life on their own and rebuild the towns from scratch. During that period, land reform was implemented, resulting in the nationalization and division of large estates. State Agricultural Farms were established, in which many people found employment, although their functioning was not always effective. New residents, often without agricultural experience, had to learn how to run farms in difficult conditions.
– And what will you tell us about the German and Prussian influences that were present in the Kętrzyn
County before the war?
– German influence was visible primarily in administration, language, and education. The official language was German, as was the language of instruction in schools. The residents of the region primarily associated themselves with the German state and culture. However, there were also groups with Masurian or Polish backgrounds that underwent gradual Germanization over time. Everyday culture, customs, and the organization of social and urban life were typically German in character – from religious traditions (Protestantism) to the legal system. On the other hand, Prussian influences, dating back to the times of the Teutonic Knights and the later Kingdom of Prussia, were visible in spatial organization, architecture and in the spirit of administration and discipline. The Prussian military tradition was significant, with garrisons in the area. During World War II, Hitler’s headquarters, Wolf’s Lair was established in the surrounding forests. Rastenburg was a key strategic location.
– What myths, legends or stories related to Kętrzyn and its history are known to you?
– One of the most famous stories related to Kętrzyn is the story of the Wolf’s Lair – Adolf Hitler’s secret headquarters, located in nearby Gierłoż. It was there that in July 1944 an unsuccessful assassination attempts on Hitler, conducted by Claus von Stauffenberg, took place. Reports suggest that hiding places, tunnels, and chests containing documents or valuables left by the Germans during the evacuation may still exist in the ruins of the quarters. Despite many explorations, not all the mysteries of this place have been solved, which attracts historical enthusiasts and treasure hunters from all over the world.
– Do you remember any events that united different ethnic groups or national minorities in the region?
– After 1945, a new population appeared in Kętrzyn: Poles resettled from the Eastern Borderlands, Ukrainians resettled as part of the “Vistula” operation, as well as Mazurians and Warmians who remained in the area, even though they had lived in the shadow of Germanization for centuries.
Although initially there were linguistic, religious, and cultural differences between them, difficult living conditions, the need to rebuild homes, schools, roads and workplaces meant that people had to cooperate across divisions. The shared experiences of this period often brought different communities
closer together.
