RETURN OF POLES FROM FRANCE AND BELGIUM AND THEIR ADAPTATION IN THE POST-WAR REALITY OF THE POLISH PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC IN THE MEMORY OF RETURNEES AND THEIR FAMILIES (1945 – 1975)

The return of Poles from France and Belgium was one of the most significant migratory movements in the post-war history of Poland. From the end of military operations in 1945, the communist authorities of Poland began to appeal to Poles residing in France and Belgium to return to their homeland. The aim of this article is to show, from the perspective of the Dąbek, Pawlik and Szotek families, how those returning from France and Belgium met with the realities of communist Poland. A common denominator among these three families is not only the longing for their home country, but also their decision to return under the influence of propaganda, and then a very perceptible feeling of “otherness” on their return to their home country. The feelings of “otherness” and “strangeness” through their stay on French and Belgian soil turned out to be strong enough upon their return to prevent their integration into the culture of their native country. In coming to Belgium or northern France they were called “Poles,” but upon their return, they were called “Frenchmen” by their compatriots.