The document comes from a file about the General Policy for Polish Resettlement in Britain 1946-50. It gives information on accommodation for the 1st Polish Armoured Division and their dependents, 7 March 1947. Catalogue ref: AST 18/1
- What government department is going to support the Polish resettlement scheme?
- Where were the Polish settlements?
- Can you find out the reason behind Polish resettlement?
Transcript
… British Advisory Staff,
Polish Resettlement Corps,
Southern Command,
Syrencot House,
Figheldean,
Nr. Salisbury. Wilts.
7 Mar. 47
Reference your letter No. E 10059 dated 27 Feb 47 addressed to the command Welfare Office.
We were informed some time ago that the Assistance Board is to take over the responsibility for looking after Polish Dependents in Great Britain. But no comprehensive instructions on the subject have yet been received from the War Office.
It is noted that you propose to take over the responsibilities enumerated in your letter with effect from 1 April 47, at HILTINGBURY and STOCKBRIDGE Camps.
These camps do not, however, represent our total commitments in Southern Command.
We have a certain number of dependants in unit camps, and we are expecting a large influx with 1st Polish Armoured Division, which will begin arriving from Germany about the middle of this month.
The dependants of 1st Armoured Div. are being accepted into Gr. Britain progressively as accommodation becomes available for them. The first 500 are to arrive in March.
In our first lay-out for families and dependents of Polish Land and Naval Forces in this Command, we are planning to accommodate the bulk in four main family and dependant camps.
i.e HILTINGBURY Near Chandersford Hants
STOWELL PARK Near NORTHLEACH Glos.
HAYDON PARK Near SHERBORNE Dorset
PLASTERDOWN Near TAVISTOCK S. Devon
The remainder, mostly close relatives, will be with soldier relatives in Unit Camps.
STOCKBRIDGE CAMP, you should note, is being closed on 12 Mar. 47, and the dependants associated there are being transferred to STOWELL PARK.
It seems essential that there should be a conference between myself and a senior representative of the Assistance Board, so that we may give you a full picture, and that you may afford us full information as to your plans for the future. I suggest that your representative should come to this H.Q. where all the facts and figures are available.
In the meantime, Camp Commandants of Hiltingbury and Stockbridge have been instructed to afford representatives all the facilities you asked for.
To:
The Assistance Board Brigadier
Vicarage House Commander
Soho Square British Advisory Staff
London W.1. Polish Resettlement Corps
Southern Command.
…