Stanislaw Lis Archived Documents
Polish Military Archives
Warsaw University Records
Sejm Papers
Papers from France
M.O.D. Papers
Government-in-Exile, London.
Stanislaw Lis was a prominent figure in the Polish émigré community, particularly in the United Kingdom. He was deeply involved in supporting Polish refugees and maintaining Polish cultural and political identity abroad. His activities included advocacy and organization within the broader network of Polish émigrés, and he held leadership roles in initiatives connected to the Polish Government-in-Exile based in London.
This government, established during World War II and operational until 1991, coordinated with numerous organizations that Lis was involved in, such as the Federation of Poles in Great Britain and the World Council of Free Poles. These organizations were instrumental in rallying international support for Poland during its years under communist rule and promoting Polish independence and culture abroad. Lis played a role in these networks, working to unify and inspire the émigré community to preserve their heritage and support those affected by political upheaval in Poland.
Additionally, his work extended to international connections, leveraging relationships between Polish communities in different countries to create solidarity and political influence. Figures like Lis were essential in maintaining a strong sense of Polish identity among émigrés while advocating for Poland on the global stage.
(Photographs courtesy of the Polish Ex-Combatants Association Memorial Trust and the Jennie Milne family archives)
The Silent March, London 1956
“For four years (1954 -1959) he (Lis) stood at the head of the Movement for Polish Unity and it was at his particular insistence, that the famous 'silent march' took place, as a sign of protest at the Soviet occupation of Poland, during the visit of Bulganin and Khrushchev in London. This was the greatest and most successful effort of sp. Prezes Lis and of which he can be rightly proud”
- Dr Tadeusz Bielecki, Council of National Unity 6th May 1967
The Silent March in London on April 26, 1956, was a protest organized by Polish exiles and anti-communist activists, aimed at opposing the visit of Soviet leaders Nikita Khrushchev and Nikolai Bulganin to Britain. This silent demonstration was a powerful display by the Polish émigré community in the UK, protesting Soviet oppression and the impact of communism on Poland and Eastern Europe. Participants included Polish veterans, civilians, and community leaders who marched silently through the streets of London to convey their message without verbal protest, drawing attention to the oppressive nature of Soviet rule.
The organization of the march involved several Polish émigré groups, including the Polish Ex-Combatants Association and the Federation of Poles in Great Britain, both of which were actively engaged in anti-communist activities and advocacy for Polish independence. Major Stanislaw Lis, a key figure among Polish exiles, played an instrumental role in organizing and rallying support for such events. Figures like Lis used their connections within the Polish community and their standing as veterans and activists to mobilize support and keep the cause of Polish independence alive in Western consciousness.
The march and similar actions represented the resilience and unity of Polish émigrés, demonstrating against the political influence of the USSR and in favor of Poland's sovereignty. The silent nature of the protest was intended to underscore the repressive silence imposed on those within Poland under communist rule, making a potent statement in the heart of London.