War hero who survived Nazi occupation and prisoner of war camps turns 100

12 May 2024 , 15:05

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George Durkal who survived Nazi occupation and internment camps during World War Two has now turned 100 (Image: Argentum Lodge/George Durkal/SWNS)

A man who survived Nazi occupation and camps as a teenager has reflected on his harrowing start in life as he turns 100.

George Durkal, who was held captive in an internment camp in Germany during World War Two marked his milestone with a celebration at his care home. George was born as one of six siblings in Poland in 1925 but emigrated to the UK after the war. Speaking from the Argentum Lodge Care Home in Nailsea, in Somerset, he said the outbreak of the Second World War and Germany's invasion of Poland in 1939 had shattered his happy childhood.

Aged 15 he returned from school one day to find his house burnt to the ground, surrounded by German soldiers. Living in occupied Poland was extremely tough and in 1945 the Gestapo demanded one member of his family was to go to work in Germany. George, who was only 21 at the time, volunteered and he was sent by cattle truck across the border to work as a carpenter fixing farmers' carts.

George Durkal in younger years (Argentum Lodge/George Durkal/SWNS)

Later he was sent to an internment camp where he was forced to labour building underground bunkers. George, who said his birthday card from King Charles and The Queen Consort took pride of place during his party, said: "I've certainly led an eventful life, which is perhaps the secret to a long life."

"I was blessed with a wonderful marriage of over 68 years to my soulmate Joyce, which brought me great joy. "I had a really lovely birthday and the staff at Argentum Lodge have gone out of their way to help me celebrate my century." Following the war, George joined the Polish Army and was stationed in Italy for two years."

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As Poland was now under Russian occupation, George emigrated to England where he swiftly learnt English and used his carpentry skills to find work making furniture. He later worked for British Cellophane in Bridgwater for many years. George married his wife Joyce in 1955 and they had a son, Neil. After Joyce's death in 2023, George moved to Argentum Lodge in Nailsea to be near his Great Nieces and Nephews.

George Durkal and his wife Joyce on their wedding day in 1955 (Argentum Lodge/George Durkal/SWNS)

Jessica Hawker, care home manager, Argentum Lodge said: "It has been a privilege for us to join George in marking this incredible milestone. As the country marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Landings this year, the remarkable first-hand stories of people like George, who lived through that terrible conflict, become increasingly rare and therefore all the more important to hear. George is a much-loved member of our Argentum Lodge family and he still manages to take a full and active part in life at the home."

Rom Preston-Ellis