The Loyal Escape: How Kazimierz Piechowski and His Companions Outsmarted the Nazis

On the 8th of January 2010, Kazimierz Piechowski, known as Kazik, passed away at the age of 98. His remarkable story of bravery and cunning during World War II was tucked away in the annals of history until it recently came to the public's attention. Kazik, along with his fellow Poles Stanislaw Jaster, Eugeniusz Bendera, and Józef Lempart, executed a daring plan that would change the course of their lives and perhaps even history.

Kazimierz Piechowski: The Escape and His Companions

Once dubbed Kazik, Kazimierz Piechowski was a Polish soldier whose exploits during World War II have fascinated historians and the public alike. Kazik, along with Stanislaw Jaster, Eugeniusz Bendera, and Józef Lempart, managed to escape from the Auschwitz concentration camp. Their journey involved meticulous planning, daring actions, and the exploitation of their language skills.

Escape from Auschwitz

With the help of Feliks Nowalski, another prisoner, and the coordination of Stanislaw Jaster, Kazik, Eugeniusz Bendera, and Józef Lempart forged documents to avoid airing their escape. They not only attempted to flee but also managed to steal a car, SS uniforms, and firearms, making their escape even more intricate and daring.

Surviving the War and Aftermath

While most of their comrades faced dire fates, Kazik, Bendera, and Lempart lived through the war. Jaster, however, faced a different fate. Post-war, Kazik was sentenced to ten years in prison by the communist regime for being a member of the Home Army, a resistance group. He was eventually released and completed his engineering studies. Kazik worked in the Gdańsk shipyard and spent his later years traveling, sharing his memories, and inspired a poetic song by Kathy Carr, titled The Commander's Car.

Apostate and Betrayal

Stanislaw Jaster, unfortunately, faced a different outcome. After his escape from Auschwitz, he likely became a pawn in the Polish Home Army Resistance. Jaster was seen as suspicious for his avoidance of Gestapo imprisonment, leading to false accusations of espionage. Despite the charges potentially being false, historical evidence suggests that he became a target for retribution. Some sources claim that he was killed by his own organization, while others suggest he was captured by the Germans.

Escaping Auschwitz: The Inside Story

During their time at Auschwitz, Kazik worked closely with Witold Pilecki, an officer of the Polish cavalry who managed to infiltrate the concentration camp as a prisoner. Pilecki started a resistance cell inside the camp to aid in the escape of more inmates. Eugeniusz Bendera, a mechanic by profession, played an essential role in providing the car that was eventually used for the escape. Bendera later passed away in 1988, while Józef Lempart, the fourth and least known of the escapees, met his end in a bus accident in 1947.

Post-War Trials and Recognition

Like many members of the Home Army, Kazik faced persecution and imprisonment after the war. The communist regime targeted individuals who were part of the resistance movement, labeling them as potential enemies. Kazik's sentence was reduced to seven years, allowing him to continue his studies and later work as an engineer in Gdańsk. His life afterward was filled with travels, retracing his steps, and sharing his story. Kazik's bravery and resilience serve as a testament to the struggles of resistance movements during the dark years of World War II.