A Memoir of a Terrible War and Experiences of 1945 by Emanuel Pietyra. Residents of Zarzecze, Podlesie and Kostuchna in the face of the tragic events of the end of World War II

Abstract

Emanuel Pietyra's Memoir of a Terrible War and Experience of 1945 is a record of the events that took place
in the first months of 1945 in the areas of Zarzecze, Podlesie and Kostuchna. These areas have been part
of Katowice since 1975. Their inhabitants, faced with the Red Army troops advancing into Upper Silesia,
experienced many traumatic experiences. In 1945, the Soviets carried out arrests, thefts, arson and rape
throughout the region. They behaved similarly in Zarzecze, Podlesie and Kostuchna. In addition to noting
the Red Army's behaviour, which was symptomatic for many areas of the post-war Poland, the Memoir
also contains information about battles between the Soviets and the Germans fought between January and
March 1945 in the regions of Mikołów, Tychy, Żory and Rybnik, as well as the news about various everyday
events. E. Pietyra’s notes also provide a glimpse of the emotions that the local population felt in the then
uncertain and chaotic times. His memoirs therefore detail some aspects of the 'Upper Silesian tragedy'
in relation to the now southern part of Katowice. They also provide an insight into the emotions prevailing
among the local community