Gloucester History Festival Special #3 - Forgotten Fronts: The Polish Resistance with Clare Mulley

History Rage - A podcast by Paul Bavill

Welcome back, ragers, to day four of the Gloucester History Festival! Today, host Paul Bavill is joined by author and historian Clare Mulley for a riveting discussion about the often-overlooked Polish resistance during World War II. Clare, known for her work on women in the resistance, delves into the remarkable life of Elzbieta Zawacka, the subject of her book "Agent Zo." Join us as we rage against the historical neglect of Eastern European resistance and celebrate the extraordinary achievements of women like Elżbieta.


Spotlight on Polish Resistance:

  • Clare Mulley shares the incredible story of Elzbieta Zawacka, the only woman to serve as an emissary of an Allied army and the sole female courier to traverse nearly a thousand miles of occupied territory during WWII.
  • Uncover the harsh realities and heroics of the Polish Home Army, the largest underground resistance movement in Nazi-occupied Europe.
  • Examine the strategic importance of the Warsaw Uprising and the continued struggle against Soviet-imposed communism post-WWII.


Raging Against Historical Neglect:

  • Clare's frustration with the Western focus on the French resistance while Eastern European efforts, particularly in Poland, remain underappreciated.
  • The critical role of Polish women in the resistance, from intelligence gathering to frontline combat, and the systemic erasure of their contributions.


Elzbieta Zawacka's Legacy:

  • Elżbieta's daring missions, including her parachute jump into Nazi-occupied Poland and her relentless fight within the Warsaw Uprising.
  • Her post-war imprisonment and torture under the Soviet regime, and her continued resistance, educating young women and supporting the Solidarity movement.


Guest Information:


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