“Cossack grave” – a cemetery of Ukrainian soldiers from 1921 (erroneously referred to as the “cemetery of Russian soldiers from World War I” in the decision)

History

After the ceasefire ending the Polish–Soviet war in 1920, soldiers of the Ukrainian People’s Republic who had fought on the side of Poland were interned. Among those sent to internment camp no. 6 in Aleksandrów Kujawski, there were soldiers from the 4th Kiev Division and 6th Riflemen Division. While in the camp, they carried out cultural and educational activities. The deceased were buried in the nearby cemetery called the „Cossack grave”, which was consecrated on 18 September 1921. After World War II, the cemetery fell into disrepair. It was renovated in the years 1991-1993.

Description

The cemetery is located at Narutowicza Street, at the border of the town. It is set on a quadrilateral, almost square floor plan. In its centre, there is a small barrow, at the top of which there is a stone cross with the coats of arms of Ukraine (the Tryzub) and a plaque in Ukrainian. Around the burial mound, there are graves covered with slabs with crosses with all arms of equal length. The cemetery is surrounded by a fence and features information boards in Polish and Ukrainian at the entrance.

The site is open to visitors.

Prepared by Adam Paczuski, National Heritage Board of Poland, Regional Branch in Toruń 17-02-2014

Bibliography

• Aleksandrów Kujawski. Zarys dziejów, A. Cieśla (ed.), Aleksandrów Kujawski 2009