"I realise now, that at 18, I was too young to understand just how dangerous this was." Danuta (Mączka) Gradosielska was 18 years old when she saw active service at Monte Cassino and the Italian Campaign as a driver with 316th POMOCNICZA SŁUŻBA KOBIET, WOMEN'S AUXILIARY SERVICES Drugi Korpus 2nd Corps.

The 316th PWSK Transport Company was an all-female unit, driving 3-ton Dodge trucks and armed with rifles for self-defence they serviced the supply columns of the 2nd Polish Corps and British Units. The 316th Transport Company's unique composition, roles, and contributions during World War II highlight the important and often under appreciated role of women in the military during this period.

In this episode of Monte Cassino 80, with thanks to Pani Gradosielska’s family, the Kresy Family Polish WWII History Group and actress and presenter, Rula Lenska we hear the testimony of Pani Gradosielka who during the 365 days in Italy (5 May 1944 - 3 May 1945), was one of 324 women took part in the 316th Company 31,129 supply operations.

316 company covered 1,978,108 miles, supplied 6,626 tons of ammunition; 77, 902 tons of provisions; 30,410 tons of fuel; and 23,320 tons of equipment. The involvement of women in the 316th Transport Company challenged the traditional gender norms of the time. It demonstrated women's capability to handle demanding and often dangerous tasks, paving the way for greater gender integration in the military.

While women were not typically in combat roles, those in the 316th Transport Company often operated close to the front lines. They faced many of the same dangers as their male counterparts, including the threat of enemy attacks and the challenges of wartime conditions.

The experiences and contributions of the women in the 316th Transport Company during World War II had a lasting impact. Their service helped to shift public perceptions about women's roles in the military and society, leading to greater acceptance and integration of women in various fields post-war.

Rula Lenska, daughter of Major Count Ludwik Lubienski, Italian Campaign aide de camp of General Wladyslaw Anders during the Italian Campaign, reads from Pani Gradosielska’s testimony.

"We have fulfilled our duty. As Polish women-soldiers, wives-mothers, patriots-social activists, and now as grandmothers, we try to pass something of Polish culture and language to our grandchildren."

To read more about Pani Gradosielka's life click here:

https://www.kresyfamily.com/danuta-intro.html

To read her diaries in full click here:

https://www.kresyfamily.com/sec-048-krechowiecka-maczka.html

Translation from the book

Z Kresów Wschodnich R.P. Wspomnienia z Osad Wojskowych 1921-1940

(From The Eastern Borderlands of Poland, Memories of Military Settlements 1921-1940)

Pub: Ognisko Rodzin Osadników Kresowych (OROK) (Association of the Families of the Borderland Settlers)

London, UK. 1992 and 1998

CLICK HERE: https://www.kresyfamily.com/wow-078-krechowiecka-maczka.html

In memory of Pani Porucznik DANUTA (MĄCZKA) GRADOSIELSKA

1925 - 2024

She leaves a legacy of gaining recognition of the PWSK for their service and contributions in World War 2.

Her military honours

Polish army medal

Monte Cassino Cross

British 1939/45 Star

Italy Star

The Defence Medal

War Medal 1939/45

And numerous Civilian honours

Ognisko Polskie’s Monte Cassino 80 podcast is presented by Jola Piesakowska

Supported by the Polish Cultural Institute

Produced by Salt and Pepper Productions in association with #MyLondyn

© Ognisko Polskie

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