Concrete Butterflies Media’s most challenging project drew thousands of visitors to the Scottish Borders town of Peebles, to witness the finest of tributes paid to Polish culture, and the unveiling of Scotland’s National Polish Memorial to its ex-combatant forces who fought and died alongside British WW2 forces.
An abridged story is told here in archive television coverage of the event, and in captioned photographic montage.
Watch ITV’s television news coverage of CBM’s award winning project – Scotland’s National Polish Tribute (1997)
The project took almost a year to organise from a standing start. For my efforts and dedication to the recognition of Polish culture and historic endeavour, the Polish Republic’s medal for Keeper Of The Monuments (KOTM) was awarded by the Polish government. The medal is categorised in Gold, Silver and Bronze. I am humbled and honoured to have been awarded the Gold medal.
Gallery
Two of the senior Royal Air Force F3 fighter pilots who took part in the dedicated flypast in tribute to Polish Forces.
Pride of Poland
Just one of hundreds of Polish ex-combatants who proudly joined in Scotland's National Polish Tribute.
Peebles shopkeepers dressed their windows as their tribute to those marching through the High Street.
The Polish Tribute’s Memorial Dedication Commemorative program.
Polish Ex-Combatants group around the tri-stone memorial graced with a bronze emblem of Poland's crowned eagle.
Three RAF F3 Tornado jet fighter aircraft fly in dedicated formation above the Polish Tribute's National flag.
‘My Words Are Cast In Deathless Bronze’
The tri-stone memorial's centrepiece bronze plaque cast with the words of British Writer and Journalist Malcolm R Fane.
(My Words Are Cast In Deathless Bronze - attributed to Elbert Hubbard 1899)
Peebles incumbent Hydropathic Hotel Director and General Manager Pieter Van Dijk (right), together with Scotland's Polish Consular General, lift a British Union Jack flag from the centrepiece memorial stone in preparation for a time capsule internment, and bronze plaque installation.
Incumbent Scottish Borders Convener Drew Tully interns a time capsule within the centrepiece National Polish memorial.
A packed gallery of the great and good looking on as ceremonial unveiling and dedication proceedings of the Polish memorial take place.
A lone Scottish piper plays out a touching lament to those lost to war.
Senior officers and members of the military's hierarchy enjoying the Polish Tribute.
Members of the Polish Tazca, dance group Rysy, set to entertain at the Polish Tribute.
Poland – Smiling Through The Tears
A Journalist's Odyssey
Writer & Journalist Malcolm R Fane's book. published 1997 - 10,000 first impression.
Sold Out.
The Polish Tribute's march commenced from Pebbles Tweed Green, through Peebles centre to take a Dais platform salute, and onward to the grounds of Peebles Hydropathic for the memorial's unveiling.
Remembrance Day – November 1997
Polish ex-combatants return to lay wreaths at their new National Memorial in Pebbles.
Scottish Pipers head the Polish Tribute march-past and parade.
Respectful silence during offered prayers.
Peebles school children waving Polish Flags.
Polish Tribute memorabilia on exhibition display within the Hydropathic.
Polish Tribute exhibition display of WW2 military uniforms on display within the Hydropathic.
Display compilation.
Civilians join in the Polish Tribute march-past.
The Salute Dias was prepared and dressed with flowers in Polish colours by the shopkeepers and tradesmen of Peebles.
Brothers In Arms
Polish and British ex-combatant flag Standard Bearers stand together.
Polish Tribute Committee (1997). Committee members' names to follow
Acknowledgements
The Polish Tribute Organising Committee Former Director Peebles Hydro Hotel Pieter Van Dyke Former Borders Regional Council Convenor Drew Tulley Ministry Of Defence London (Royal Air Force) Edinburgh Castle Historic Museum Historic Scotland
