Emanuel Oleś 1896 - 1941

Born 9.7.1896 in Gotartowice
Died 18.8.1941 in Hartheim

Biography

Thanks to my aunt, the last surviving daughter of my great-grandfather Emanuel, I was able to learn something about the history of my family. Keeping the memory of our deceased family members alive is very important to us, which is why we are really glad to take part in this project. We would like to share with you a short biography of my great-grandfather written by him in 1936. It was found after war along with his documents and military awards as one of the few mementos we have of him. Publishing this biography is a great way to pay tribute to him, because it mentions the things that he found important in his life.

‘I, the undersigned, was born on 9 July 1896 in Gotartowice, near to Rybnik. I am the son of Robert and Zofia (maiden name Gamoń), Catholic, married, working as a firefighter in a mine. In 1910 I graduated from primary school in my hometown. I started working at the Silesia-Paruszowiec ironworks in 1912. I took part in World War I from 1915 and during this time I was wounded twice. After my return from war I worked in the Bluecher mine (currently the Jankowice mineshaft in Boguszowice). As a Pole I felt obligated to join the Polish Military Organisation of Upper Silesia in February 1919. I was involved in its activities until its disbandment on 28 August 1921. I actively took part in all Silesian Uprisings. In the first uprising I led an outpost and fighting in Gotartowice and Boguszowice. During the second uprising I took part in operations to reclaim Żory and the surrounding areas. In the third uprising from 2 May 1921 I was deputy leader of Backup Battalion No.5 in Żory. After the uprisings ended I was released from my duties as a sergeant major. For my courage I was awarded the Medal Niepodległości (Medal of Independence), the Krzyż na Śląskiej Wstędze Waleczności i Zasługi (Cross of the Silesian Ribbon of Valour and Merit), the Medal Pamiątkowy Za Wojnę 1918–1921 (Commemorative Medal for the War of 1918–1921) and the Upper Silesian Star. On 21 September 1931 I was called up for military exercises with the 75th Infantry Regiment. Currently I am a member of the Związek Powstańców Śląskich (Union of Silesian Insurgents), of the Liga Obrony Powietrznej i Przeciwgazowej (Airborne and Anti-gas Defence League) in Boguszowice and am chief of the Polish Military Organisation outpost in Gotartowice.

Boguszowice, 4 August 1936

 

Oleś Emanuel’

Translation into English: Joanna White

Location In room