Handing over souvenirs of soldier Antoni Firlej
On Friday, October 17, 2025, a press conference was held at the Museum on the occasion of the ceremonial handover of the legacy of Antoni Firlej – a soldier of the 1st Armored Division of General Stanisław Maczek.
Antoni Firlej (1914 – 2000), was born in Czacz. In the interwar period, he worked as a locksmith in the Kielce Branch of the Polish Railways. In September 1939, he fought as a soldier of the 6th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Squadron. After crossing the border with Romania, he was interned. From 1940 he served in the Polish Army, first in France, then in Great Britain. In the years 1944-45 he took part in the fighting: in France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. At that time, he served as a corporal in the 1st Light Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment, which was part of the 1st Armoured Division, commanded by General Stanisław Maczek. During his military service, he was awarded, among others, the Bronze Cross of Merit with Swords, 1939-1945 Star, France-Germany Star, Defence Medal.
Our collections have been enriched with extremely valuable memorabilia, including:
- Polish, French and British military decorations,
- documents and photos from World War II,
- the original uniform of a soldier of the Polish Armed Forces in the West,
- motorcyclist's coat,
- identity disc
- a handmade album with photos of Breda residents from the period of the liberation of the city.
During the meeting, Antoni Firlej's grandson – Wojciech Firlej, councillor of the Wielkopolska Voivodeship Assembly, addressed a few touching words to the gathering.
We would like to thank the family of Antoni Firlej for donating these unique gifts, which will become a valuable addition to our military collection. We would also like to thank the media representatives for their presence and coverage of this important event.
Antoni Firlej (1914 – 2000), was born in Czacz. In the interwar period, he worked as a locksmith in the Kielce Branch of the Polish Railways. In September 1939, he fought as a soldier of the 6th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Squadron. After crossing the border with Romania, he was interned. From 1940 he served in the Polish Army, first in France, then in Great Britain. In the years 1944-45 he took part in the fighting: in France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. At that time, he served as a corporal in the 1st Light Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment, which was part of the 1st Armoured Division, commanded by General Stanisław Maczek. During his military service, he was awarded, among others, the Bronze Cross of Merit with Swords, 1939-1945 Star, France-Germany Star, Defence Medal.
Our collections have been enriched with extremely valuable memorabilia, including:
- Polish, French and British military decorations,
- documents and photos from World War II,
- the original uniform of a soldier of the Polish Armed Forces in the West,
- motorcyclist's coat,
- identity disc
- a handmade album with photos of Breda residents from the period of the liberation of the city.
During the meeting, Antoni Firlej's grandson – Wojciech Firlej, councillor of the Wielkopolska Voivodeship Assembly, addressed a few touching words to the gathering.
We would like to thank the family of Antoni Firlej for donating these unique gifts, which will become a valuable addition to our military collection. We would also like to thank the media representatives for their presence and coverage of this important event.
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