THE HISTORY OF THE
MIŁOSZEWSKI AND RAFALĄT FAMILIES
1. Family Backgrounds
In 1795, the Third Partition of Poland between Germany, the Austro-Hungarian Empire and Russia wiped the country off the map of Europe. However, it would not wipe it from the minds and hearts of millions of patriotic Poles who found themselves in territories controlled by the three partitioning powers.
My grandfather Jan and father Franciszek were born in Galicia, which at the time was under Austro-Hungarian rule. Jan, very much a Polish patriot, from a young age was in the army and his military service contributed towards the regaining by Poland of its independence on 11th November 1918. But for Jan and Franciszek their country's freedom was short-lived. In 1945, at the end of the Second World War, Poland was yet again under the yoke of another oppressor. This time that of the Soviet Union.
We have been privileged to witness, and in some small way have been part of the rebirth of Poland as an independent nation after the events of 1989, which marked the end of Communism and the Polish People's Republic. Whilst this was a bloodless re-birth, it was underpinned by meaningful political and economic progress, which would ensure that Poland retain its rightful place in Europe. Our time spent in Russia and Poland has encouraged me to put pen to paper and attempt to paint a picture of our families' history in the very turbulent 20th century.
On 11 November 2018, Poland will be celebrating 100 years of independence; an event that I am sure will make all the members of the Miłoszewski and Rafalat families proud and thankful. We have been lucky to be able to retain our strong links to Poland and I hope that by reading this short history you will be encouraged to find out more about yourselves, your families and Poland.
Andrzej Rafaląt