T34 - 217

When you approach Wroclaw in Poland from the South (as the Russian Army did exactly 65 years ago) you will see 2 tanks on pedestals guarding a cemetery on the right side of the road. They are the famous Russian made T34 tanks that some say, won the war. They outclassed all other tanks made during WWII being relatively light, fast, maneuverable and most of all, simple to make. Like all tanks they were also vulnerable, especially in the city.

This particular one, with the number 217 on the turret came all the way from Kursk, fought many battles and made the gunner, sgt Niczajew famous. He was the only crew member who survived up to this point.

As the tank was engaged in heavy fighting along Gajowicka Str, it was hit by an anti-tank missile and immobilised forever. Sgt Niczajew died. It happened right in front of a church that survived the war unlike most of the buildings within 1 mile radius from it. The old greystone church still shows all the bullet holes and chips from shrapnel on its surface.

I walked by this church almost every day on the way to school, was baptised in it and took first communion there. As a kid, never really thought about what had happened in that city in 1945 till many years later. I guess at some point I had to relive that most dramatic time in history after seeing its evidence everywhere.

Sgt Niczajew... I know from published letters to your families that you guys used to think about the people who would live in Wroclaw after the war. I am one of them and, standing in front of your tank, I salute you all.

Someone once said that when a soul, who is by nature immortal and full of bliss enters a body (sort of like a man in a tank), an incompatible situation arises. Or you're kidding yourself...

I hope you know what I mean.