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Wanda Traczyk-Stawska: 'Let us not be divided.' Testament of a Warsaw Uprising veteran
๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ Poland /Culture & Society

Wanda Traczyk-Stawska: 'Let us not be divided.' Testament of a Warsaw Uprising veteran

From Rzeczpospolita · () Polish

Translated from Polish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Wanda Traczyk-Stawska, a veteran of the Warsaw Uprising, is remembered for her readiness to speak on important issues and her thoughtful consideration.
  • She joined the uprising at 17, seeking Polish independence and freedom from Soviet influence, fighting until severely wounded and captured.
  • Traczyk-Stawska advocated for German reparations for WWII and for a united front against Russia, while also working with special needs children and searching for insurgent graves.

Wanda Traczyk-Stawska, a veteran of the Warsaw Uprising, is remembered for her unwavering readiness and thoughtful approach to critical matters. Known as "Pฤ…czek," she joined the uprising at 17, driven by a desire for Polish independence and freedom from Soviet domination.

We didn't want to die on our knees.

โ€” Wanda Traczyk-StawskaExplaining her motivation for joining the Warsaw Uprising in 2018.

Traczyk-Stawska recounted her motivations for joining the Warsaw Uprising in 2018, stating, "We didn't want to die on our knees." She fought as a riflewoman and liaison officer for the Home Army's Information and Propaganda Bureau. Her combat in Warsaw lasted until September 6, 1944, when she was severely wounded by a grenade fragment. She was awarded the Cross of Valour for her bravery.

Despite experiencing the horrors of war and German captivity, Traczyk-Stawska harbored no hatred towards Germans but firmly believed Poland deserved reparations for World War II. She advocated for a strong stance against Russia, stating in a 2025 interview with "Rzeczpospolita," "I don't have hatred for Germans, but I remember what they did. Today's Germans are not the same as those from then. Germany should pay reparations. Together, we should be a barrier against Russia."

I wanted us to regain independence and to survive in Warsaw. I was aware of the situation, but I wanted us to be free in Warsaw. I wanted them to enter Warsaw as guests, not as our liberators.

โ€” Wanda Traczyk-StawskaExplaining her reasons for joining the uprising in a 2025 interview with 'Rzeczpospolita'.

Beyond her wartime experiences, Traczyk-Stawska pursued higher education, earning a degree in psychology from the University of Warsaw. She dedicated years to teaching special needs children and actively participated in searching for insurgent graves. She remained a vocal advocate for the vulnerable, supporting the 2018 disability protest in the Sejm and opposing the tightening of abortion laws in 2020. Her commitment to social justice and national memory defined her life.

I don't have hatred for Germans, but I remember what they did. Today's Germans are not the same as those from then. Germany should pay reparations. Together, we should be a barrier against Russia.

โ€” Wanda Traczyk-StawskaSpeaking about her views on Germany and Russia in a conversation with 'Rzeczpospolita'.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Rzeczpospolita in Polish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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