An unusual discovery was made during prospecting work in the Sochaczew district. Members of the Sochaczew Group of History Explorers found a rusty metal milk can among household scrap metal, in which a historic banner was hidden. After initial examination, it turned out that it belonged to the 68th Września Infantry Regiment, a formation that became famous for its heroism during the September 1939 campaign.
The September banner: a symbol of heroism and steadfastness
The finding of the banner is an event of great historical significance. 68. The infantry regiment, which originated in Września, played a key role in the defence of the homeland against German aggression. The banner was presented to the unit on 28 May 1928 by the President of the Republic of Poland Ignacy Mościcki and was a symbol of its identity and honour. The founders of the flag were the inhabitants of the Września, Konin, Kolski and Słupeckie districts, as well as the city of Września. Its petals bore the coats of arms of these localities, and the banner itself was made by the Zakład SS. Magdalenki factory in Warsaw.
The need for immediate conservation
The banner was probably hidden on 17 September 1939 and remained in hiding for decades. After it was found, the historical artefact was immediately handed over to the Museum of Sochaczew Land and the Battlefield of the Bzura River. Unfortunately, the passage of time and the conditions of storage have greatly strained its condition. The metal container in which the banner was hidden was corroded, which led to moisture penetration and serious damage to the fabric. In order to save this valuable relic, a decision was made to urgently transport it to the Textile Conservation Laboratory of the Polish Army Museum in Warsaw.
Photo: Museum of the Polish Army
Experts will try to save the banner
Specialists from the Warsaw studio, which has a track record of successful restorations of many historical objects, will face the difficult task of restoring the banner to its former glory. In 2009, a banner of the 6th Kaniowski Cavalry Regiment found in the Powązki cemetery was restored in the same place. Although the now-preserved object is in a worse condition, experts promise to make every effort to preserve it for future generations. The other part of the banner, i.e. the head with the eagle, was discovered in the late 1970s. It is now housed in the Sochaczew museum.
Return in glory after 86 years
Finding the banner after almost 86 years is an event of great significance. It is an important material trace of history, but above all a symbol of the courage and patriotism of Polish soldiers. As Witold Głębowicz, Deputy Director of the Museum of the Polish Army for Programme Affairs, emphasises, the banner was the most precious sign for every soldier and Pole, and its return is a kind of culmination of the fate of the 68th Infantry Regiment.
Source: Museum of the Polish Army, e-sochaczew.pl
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