French prisoners of war in 1870-1871 in Bydgoszcz and in other places of today’s Poland

Abstract

The article is an attempt to bring attention to the history of prisoners of the Franco-Prussian War imprisoned in Poland, which at that time was annexed by Prussia. The author points out the bloody character of the conflict between France and Prussia, its long-term aspect and importance in the scope of emotions of both participating nations. It presents the terms of captivity of prisoners of war based on literary memoirs. It also describes the history of soldiers-prisoners of war, who stayed in Bydgoszcz (in the military lazaret) and those who died here from wounds they suffered. The author writes about their section - grave in Bydgoszcz and several other cemeteries in other places across Poland. He also describes the issue related to protection of graves of the French soldiers who died in German captivity. He highlights educational importance of the process of restoring respect for cemeteries, graves and monuments dedicated to prisoners of wars.