INFORMATION PORTAL OF THE MARSHAL'S OFFICE OF THE KUJAWSKO-POMORSKIE Region IN TORUŃ

Having survived the Second World War, forced labour in Germany and the building of a family home near Kołobrzeg, Stanisław Śmiałkowski of Włocławek marked his centenary by receiving the Marshal’s Medal Unitas Durat Palatinatus Cuiaviano-Pomeraniensis.

He was born on 5 June 1926 in the village of Motyl (Wieluń County) into a large farming family. Eight children were raised in the household. Today, his brother, aged 106, and his sister, aged 82, are still alive. Both live in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship.

– May the kindness you have shown to others return to you strengthened by the care, warmth and attentiveness of your loved ones. May each day bring joy, love and support – wrote Marshal Piotr Całbecki in his congratulatory message.

The hardships of war came early. At the age of thirteen, Stanisław was deported to Germany for forced labour in the town of Schönwald, where he spent more than five years working on a farm. He carried out fieldwork, cared for livestock, performed various maintenance tasks, and cut timber for a sawmill. He regained his freedom only in 1945, when American troops liberated the area. After the war, he spent some time in a transit camp, where for the first time in many years he experienced more peaceful and dignified living conditions.

Upon returning to Poland, he completed his military service and, in 1949, married Józefa, with whom he shared more than fifty years of marriage. Together they raised seven children. In 1976, due to his wife’s health, the family moved to Włocławek, where Mr Śmiałkowski worked as a driver and procurement officer.

In his spare time, he enjoyed walking, do-it-yourself projects and household work. To this day, he follows events in Poland and around the world with great interest. His relatives emphasise his kindness, diligence and cheerful disposition, which he has maintained despite the many hardships he has endured.

He now lives in Włocławek under the loving care of his daughter Krystyna and her family. On the occasion of his jubilee, he was visited by Marek Wojtkowski, Member of the Regional Board.

The regional self-government has been honouring centenarian residents of the region since 2018. To date, more than 565 people have received the Unitas Durat Medal. Families of residents who are approaching their hundredth birthday, as well as those already over one hundred years old, are encouraged to contact the Marshal’s Office by telephone at +48 56 62 18 344 or by e-mail at stulatkowie@kujawsko-pomorskie.pl.

Interesting Stories about Centenarians from the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region

• Twin sisters from the Lubraniec municipality celebrated their 100th birthdays together, inheriting their longevity from their mother.
• People who fought for Poland’s freedom: 105 Years of Life for Poland – The Jubilee of Colonel Urszula Tauer.
• Centenarians who still read without glasses: Marshal of the Region Visits 100-Year-Old Zofia Gajewska.
• Centenarians express gratitude for the remembrance, medals and Easter gifts and greetings: Easter Gifts for Senior Citizens.

Beata Krzemińska
Press Spokesperson of the Marshal’s Office

11 June 2026